Executive Director

(617) 540-5650 x 1087 | enorton@crwa.org | she/her

Emily has served as Executive Director since August 2018.  She previously served as Massachusetts Chapter Director for the Sierra Club where she focused on advocating for stronger renewable energy policies at the state and local level.  Prior to that, she spent ten years as a research and communications consultant to groups such as Conservation Law Foundation, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Environmental Defense Fund, and the US EPA ENERGY STAR Program. Emily also spent several years working in politics as a fundraiser for the Democratic Leadership Council in Washington, D.C., and as Finance Director for a Congressional campaign on Cape Cod.

Emily served as an elected City Councilor in her hometown of Newton from 2014 to 2024. Some of her local victories include a citywide ban on plastic bags and miniature nip bottles, the introduction of the clean energy “Newton Power Choice” program, banning the application of rodenticides that kill raptors and other wildlife, and changing the name from the outdated and sexist term “Alderman” to “City Councilor." 

Emily holds a BA in philosophy from the University of Vermont and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.