Chris Wheat, a proven coalition builder with experience in local government, academia, and the private sector, will lead the coalition at a critical moment for U.S. climate ambition 

(Washington D.C. – April 23, 2026) — America Is All In today announced the appointment of Chris Wheat as its first Executive Director at a moment when U.S. climate leadership has never been more important. Wheat brings experience across local government, academia, and the private sector. He has spent his career working with city and state leaders to build coalitions that expand economic opportunity, improve quality of life, and deliver clean energy and climate solutions.

“I am thrilled Chris is taking on this role. He is a strong leader with unique expertise and deep relationships, who has dedicated his career to making life more affordable and communities safer,” said Gina McCarthy, America Is All In Chair, 13th U.S. EPA Administrator and former White House National Climate Advisor. “He knows that to protect families from rising costs and to give our kids the future they deserve, we must accelerate the transition to clean, homegrown energy and ensure that our states, cities, and the private sector have a voice in global climate discussions.”

America Is All In represents three-quarters of the U.S. GDP and two-thirds of the U.S. population. Under Wheat’s leadership, McCarthy and Co-Chairs California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb will highlight the benefits of clean, homegrown energy and deepen collaboration between U.S. states, cities, businesses, and international partners to strengthen climate action.

“I am honored to join this coalition and eager to highlight the innovative work that's happening in city halls to lower energy bills, in state capitals to strengthen our grids, and in the private sector to deliver on the promises we made to the American people and our international colleagues,” said Chris Wheat, America Is All In Executive Director. “My job is to identify those stories, amplify that progress, and show the world that millions of Americans are still in and committed to delivering U.S. climate action." 

As Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Policy Advisor for the City of Chicago, Wheat led the city's environmental agenda and secured a Mayoral Executive Order committing Chicago to reduce its emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. He served as the Executive Director of the Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and advised mayors and city officials on their climate strategies at the  Natural Resources Defense Council. Most recently, Wheat served as Managing Director of Policy & Government Affairs at Sustainable Cities Fund.

America Is All In is increasing its visibility and influence at international dialogues throughout the year to ensure that the world sees and hears from U.S. subnational leaders. Last November, the organization sent a delegation of more than 100 U.S. leaders to Brazil for COP30 with one clear message: the U.S. is still in. In total, three U.S. governors and more than 35 mayors and 50 city officials from 26 states participated in the Local Leaders Forum and COP30 in Brazil. In Belém, Governor Newsom highlighted how California and other states are cutting emissions and energy costs, while growing their economies. 

About America Is All In

America Is All In is the most expansive coalition of leaders ever assembled in support of climate action in the United States. Mobilizing thousands of U.S. cities, states, tribal nations, businesses, schools, and faith, health, and cultural institutions, the coalition is focused on developing and delivering an ambitious, all-in national climate strategy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis; scaling climate action around the country to accelerate the transition to a 100 percent clean energy economy; and promoting the leadership of non-federal actors on the world stage. America Is All In champions a whole-of-society mobilization to deliver the transformational change that science demands, with the goal of a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future. To learn more or get involved, visit www.americaisallin.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.