Press Release: Green Transition Initiative establishes Advisory Board strengthening its position with insights and know-how in transport, energy and buildings

April 7, 2025

Green Transition Initiative establishes Advisory Board strengthening its position with insights and know-how in transport, energy and buildings

To accelerate the green transition and strengthen collaboration between Sweden and the U.S., Green Transition Initiative (GTI) is further reinforcing its position by establishing an Advisory Board.

“We are very proud to have this board in place, as it provides a strategic asset for GTI—guiding and supporting our journey with expertise and insights,” says Linda Andrén, Executive Director of GTI. The Advisory Board brings together carefully selected members with deep expertise and strategic roles in technology and innovation, with a focus on mobility, energy, and buildings. The board will strengthen knowledge sharing and expand stakeholder engagement across both Sweden and the U.S. around new technologies.

The following members have been appointed to the Advisory Board:

Leila Yim Surratt, Director of Strategic Partnerships, World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Center for Sustainable Cities Leila is an international development and environmental policy expert specializing in sustainable cities and low-carbon strategies. At WRI Ross Center, she leads global collaborations to help cities address climate change, improve public health, and promote green growth.

Eric Vettel, Ph.D., President, American Energy Society With 25+ years of experience in high-level management and operations, Eric is dedicated to solving global challenges. He is a skilled at building collaborative relationships across diverse sectors, including entrepreneurs, elected officials, academics, corporate executives, students, and media.

Angela Churie Kallhauge, Executive Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund Angela brings more than 25 years of experience in climate change, energy, and development policies. She has held key roles at the World Bank, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

For more information: Linda Andrén, linda.andren@gti-sweden.se

ABOUT THE GREEN TRANSITION INITIATIVE

The objective of the Green Transition Initiative (GTI) is to position Sweden as a key partner to U.S. cities and states in their urban transformation, connect Swedish and U.S. stakeholders, and leverage opportunities in sectors such as mobility, energy, and buildings. The initiative aims to strengthen innovation collaboration, trade, and investments between Sweden and the United States.

GTI is a joint initiative between the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C., Business Sweden, the Swedish Energy Agency, and Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova.