SUGGEST A KEYNOTE/PLENARY OR WORKSHOP SPEAKER(S) for 2027

Secretary Patterson was appointed by Gov. Meyer in January 2025 to lead the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), which protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. He has served 

Secretary Patterson was appointed by Gov. Meyer in January 2025 to lead the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), which protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. He has served in Delaware state government for more than 25 years, including working for three governors.

From 2022 to 2025, he was the state’s coordinator of clean water, energy, resilience, electric vehicle, broadband, transportation and other projects under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, while also working on permitting reform, federal affairs and the state’s new offshore wind procurement law for Gov. John Carney.

He managed the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control as chief of staff from 2020 to 2022, and was legislative liaison and deputy chief of staff for Gov. Jack Markell, where he helped pass Delaware’s universal recycling law.

He has also worked as chief of staff for Attorneys General Kathy Jennings and Matt Denn at the state Department of Justice, for Commissioner Denn at the state Department of Insurance and as communications director for Gov. Ruth Ann Minner.

Environmental Justice Associate Organizer, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter

Marissa McClenton works with local community members, advocacy groups, volunteers, and elected officials to bring environmental justice and clean, affordable energy to Delaware. She believes in a future where everyone has the tools and support to build a world they can

Environmental Justice Associate Organizer, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter

Marissa McClenton works with local community members, advocacy groups, volunteers, and elected officials to bring environmental justice and clean, affordable energy to Delaware. She believes in a future where everyone has the tools and support to build a world they can thrive in.  She enjoys exploring the outdoors with the Chapter's Outings Program and loves turtles in all of their kinds.