Policy Experts

Lois Marie Gibbs

Leadership Training Academy

Lois started her organizing career as a volunteer, grassroots leader.  She founded the Love Canal Homeowners’ Association in 1978 with her neighbors.  They won relocation and their efforts led to the start of Superfund under President Carter. She founded CHEJ in 1981. Her vision has guided our efforts to provide critical organizing and technical assistance to communities engaged in their own environmental struggles. Lois sits on numerous boards and advisory committees. She has received honorary doctorates from SUNY at Cortland, Haverford College, Green Mountain College, Medaille College and Tufts University. Lois has also received the Goldman Environmental Prize, the Heinz Award, and the John Gardner Leadership Award and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.  Lois has authored several books including Love Canal and Dying from Dioxin.

Known to many as the Mother of the Superfund, Lois Gibbs’ experience at Love Canal woke up the nation to the seriousness of chemical pollution.  She was the Executive Director of CHEJ for more than 30 years and is now the Director of CHEJ’s Leadership Academy.

Areas of expertise:

• Community Organizing
• Superfund
• Toxics
• PCBs
• Air Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Child Health
• Child Safety