Bloomington sustainability commission elects 2026 officers, unanimously approves slate

The Bloomington Commission on Sustainability and Resilience elected its 2026 officers in unanimous roll‑call votes at its March meeting.

Justin Vassel was elected chair; the commission then chose Zack Emer as vice chair, Tara Dunderdale as secretary and Christopher Miles as treasurer. Commissioners conducted nominations by voice and completed each election with a roll‑call vote; attendees approved each candidate with no recorded opposition and one absence noted for Shanghai Shu.

The newly elected leaders will assume the administrative roles described in the commission’s bylaws. Commissioners discussed that the treasurer’s duties historically have included facilitating annual budget preparation and identifying outside funding, but that the commission has operated with a near‑zero budget in recent years. Several members said they hope the new leadership will prioritize grant identification and small‑scale fundraising to support programs and events.

“I’ve had a lot of fun being chair,” Justin Vassel said after his election, and he encouraged the commission to begin planning for a leadership transition next year.

The commission adjourned the elections and resumed its regular agenda.