Celeste Connors is a recognized leader in sustainability with more than 20 years of experience designing and implementing economic, climate, and energy policies in government, nongovernmental organizations, academia, and the private sector.

Ms. Connors is the CEO of Hawaiʻi Green Growth, a United Nations Local2030 Hub that catalyzes action across government, the private sector, and civil society to achieve Hawaiʻi's 2030 sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She is also Co-Founder of c.dots development LLC, which works with investors, developers, governments, and philanthropy to mobilize investments in resilient infrastructure systems and services.

Ms. Connors previously served as Professorial Lecturer and Practitioner in Residence with the Energy Resources, and Environment Program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Director for Environment and Climate Change in the White House National Security Council and National Economic Council.

Ms. Connors served as a diplomat in Germany, Greece and Saudi Arabia, as well as the US Mission to the United Nations and as the Climate and Energy Advisor to the Under Secretary for Global Affairs at the US Department of State.

Ms. Connors is a Senior Adjunct Fellow at the East-West Center, Affiliate Faculty at the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, and was a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in the Energy, Resources and Environment Program. She holds an MSc in Development Studies from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and a BA in International Relations from Tufts University.

Ms. Connors has served on numerous boards including her current service as an Independent Director of Hawaiian Electric Industries and the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA). She previously served on the Board of America’s Service Commissions, the IUCN World Conservation Congress National Host Committee, and was a Term Member on the Council on Foreign Relations. Ms. Connors grew up in Kailua, O‘ahu.