Michael Casas first served the California Green Academy's as its first Student Board Member.  Upon his graduate school commencement, Casas was elected to the Board of Directors as the Vice Chair.  Within a year of office, the Board elected Casas as Chair.

 

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Jose State University ("SJSU"), as a Pi Sigma Alpha Honors graduate.  Casas’ advocacy and leadership started while serving as Student Body President and Student Trustee at San Jose City College, where he also advocated for such legislation in Sacramento.

 

Casas just graduated from the Urban and Regional Planning graduate program at SJSU, earning a Master in Urban Planning, with a focus in Real Estate Development and Community Design and Development.  He works as a research assistant with the Mineta Transportation Institute, conducting research work for Transit-Oriented Development.

 

Casas has worked with various organizations in the public and private sectors, conducting work in economic development, advocating for housing and education policies in Sacramento, as well as, healthcare and sustainable transportation - like high-speed rail. 

 

His approach to helping make the world a better place for all is by focusing on sustainable development, including transportation, housing, and employment; this is a unique strength that makes him stand out as CalGreen's first SBM.  He takes a proactive stance on promoting bike share programs and is an ambassador for the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.  This past year, Casas served on "TRANSITion" and as President for SJSU's Urban Planning Coalition, where his team helped register over 1,000 students for the 'Bike Share for All' program.  In addition, his approach to balancing work requirements with his graduate studies has allowed him to work collaboratively with members of the community, as well as, organizations he is a part of.

 

CalGreen feels Casas' strengths will help further the institution's mission and values.