Climate First Bank names Chief Sustainability Officer

Climate First Bank has appointed Chris Castro as Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. 

Recognised as the fastest-growing new bank in the US since 2009, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. 

A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member and operationally net-zero since it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers standard banking services and also places a special emphasis on NGOs and businesses committed to sustainability. 

As Chief Sustainability Officer, Castro will play a pivotal role in advancing the bank's sustainability initiatives, innovative financing solutions, and driving positive environmental impact.

Castro's experience 'aligned with Climate First Bank's mission'

Lex Ford, CEO and President of Climate First Bank said Castro would help the bank drive generational investments into clean energy. "His extensive experience with, and passion for, sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission to combat the climate crisis.”  

Castro brings a wealth of experience to the bank's leadership team. Prior to this role, he worked since July 2022 with the Biden-Harris Administration as the inaugural Chief of Staff for the newly formed Office of State and Community Energy Programs and Senior Advisor for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the US Department of Energy.

He managed a portfolio of US$16bn in grants and technical assistance programmes to support states, tribes, local governments, and community institutions in transitioning towards a 100% carbon-free, clean energy future.

Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade at the City of Orlando, Florida, during which time he developed comprehensive policies, programmes, and partnerships that advanced the city's sustainability, climate action, and smart city goals.

'Catalysing sustainable and inclusive financing'

In 2008, he co-founded IDEAS For Us, a global UN-accredited non-profit advancing community-led sustainability action projects around the world, and also started Citizen Energy, a clean energy consulting firm that works to implement turnkey clean energy solutions for the small and mid-size real estate markets, specialising in commercial and multifamily buildings.

Castro said: "I'm truly honoured to rejoin Climate First Bank and continue to contribute to its mission of catalysing sustainable and inclusive financing to enable solutions to the climate crisis. I look forward to working with the team to lead our sustainability portfolio, develop innovative partnerships and new financing tools, and ultimately help scale our impact to new markets nationwide."