News

City's first sustainability manager wants to promote 'balanced growth'

Caitlyn Gendusa

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 24, 2023

Caitlyn Gendusa this week started work as the first sustainability manager for the city of Hendersonville, a position in the Public Works Department responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring city sustainability strategies. She will also include serving as the staff liaison to the City’s Environmental Sustainability Board.

“I have always had a strong interest in sustainability,” Gendusa said. “Through my professional experience, I worked with various community members and organizations to advance their environmental practices. As someone who calls Hendersonville my home, I couldn’t think of a better position or city to be working in.”

Gendusa joined the Hendersonville team after serving as land conservation manager with Upstate Forever in Greenville, S.C. She  also worked as a sustainability consulting and metrics intern for the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. She serves on the board of the Hendersonville Community Co-op and on the Land Trust Network’s Outreach Committee. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and is certified in sustainability.

“Something that stands out to me is how imperative it is that we have balanced growth," Gendusa said when asked to describe the most important aspects of the sustainability. "Especially as the city of Hendersonville is expected to grow tremendously over the next years, it is more important now than ever to align growth with sustainable practices to ensure the vitality of Hendersonville and future generations.”