Outdoor Alliance Welcomes Angela Barranco to the Board of Directors
Photo courtesy of Angela Barranco
Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to welcome Angela Barranco to our Board of Directors. Angela currently serves as the Executive Director for North America at Climate Group. She brings over two decades of political and policy management experience, including several years in problem-solving, campaign-driven, solutions-focused work on climate, clean energy, clean cars and protecting natural resources, most recently as Undersecretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. Prior to CNRA, Angela served as Chief Executive for River LA, Deputy Chief of Staff at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and led climate and environment outreach for the Obama White House as Associate Director for Public Engagement of the White House Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ).
Angela’s extensive climate, policy and strategic management skills help Climate Group to strengthen partnerships and networks across sectors to drive impact at this urgent moment. Her strong leadership experience helps focus Climate Group North America on accountability and comprehensive emissions reductions that create a more prosperous future for all. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in Environmental & Conservation Biology and is based out of Washington, D.C. with her husband and two children.
Where do you live and what do you like to do outdoors?
I live in Washington, D.C., and I love getting outside with my kids, going to the park or just a walk around the neighborhood. Fall is my favorite season; there’s nothing better than being outdoors when the air is crisp and the leaves are falling. It’s such a beautiful time to connect with nature.
What outdoor policy issues are most important to you?
Ensuring that everyone has access to the outdoors in a way that’s meaningful to them is a top priority for me - whether that’s a neighborhood park, a state picnic area, or one of our national parks. During my time as Undersecretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, I was proud to launch the nation’s first Outdoors for All initiative, which invested $1 billion to expand park access for all Californians. That kind of bold, inclusive policy is what I believe we need more of across the country.
What inspired you to join the Outdoor Alliance board, and what do you hope to contribute?
I was really inspired by Outdoor Alliance’s commitment to ensuring that everyone who wants to be part of the conversation around access and recreation has a seat at the table. I’m especially drawn to how they’re bringing climate into that conversation and highlighting the intersection between the climate crisis and equitable access to the outdoors. I’ve been so impressed by their advocacy work, and I hope to lend my support by connecting the dots across different fields and helping amplify the voices and stories that matter most.
What is your current favorite place to go outside?
My favorite place is wherever I can get to with just my sneakers - local parks and public spaces are my go-to. But who doesn’t love a trip to a big, iconic park? I especially love collecting stamps in my National Parks Passport. Two of my favorites so far are the Coral Reef Underwater Reef Trail in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho.