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Commission names new members to Environmental Sustainability Board and Board of Review
Summary
The commission appointed Jessica Newman, Joseph Mercurio, Deborah Horner and Harvey Bell to staggered terms on the new Environmental Sustainability Board and appointed Michael Killeali to the Board of Review after candidate presentations and nominations.
The Birmingham City Commission on Dec. 16 appointed four members to the newly permanent Environmental Sustainability Board and filled a vacancy on the Board of Review.
Jessica Newman, who chaired the ad hoc sustainability committee and led development of the city’s Green Healthy Climate Plan, was nominated and confirmed for a three‑year term. Engineers Joseph Mercurio and Harvey Bell and researcher Deborah Horner were also appointed to staggered terms; commissioners said the slate reflected a mix of technical expertise, implementation experience and community ties.
Joseph Mercurio described simulation work and engineering experience related to hydrogen and fuel‑cell systems; Deborah Horner noted years of research on local government energy policy and collaboration with state agencies; Harvey Bell emphasized net‑positive residential energy work and photovoltaic opportunities. “We had a unanimous approval of the plan,” Newman said of the ad hoc committee that produced the sustainability report.
Separately, Michael Killeali introduced his background in property valuation and long corporate experience and was appointed to the Board of Review to serve through Dec. 31, 2027.
Why it matters: The permanent sustainability board is responsible for moving the city’s climate and resilience recommendations from planning to implementation, including coordination with city staff, grant applications and public engagement. The board’s technical mix of engineering and policy expertise will shape early implementation decisions.
What’s next: Newly appointed members were sworn in; staff will finalize staggered term dates and onboarding. Commissioners encouraged applicants who were not chosen to remain engaged with other boards and volunteer opportunities.
