Meet the 2030 or Bust Team
Meet the 2030 or Bust Team
The Team
Laughlin Artz
Executive Director
Joep Meijer
Chief Scientist
Jeff Bonar, Ph.D.
Chief Technical Officer
Ann Campbell
Art Director
David Wilborn
Information Technology
Director
Eddie Bradbrook
World On Wheels Global Ambassador
Advisory Board
Laura Segafredo
Advisor
Prof. Dr. Niklas Hohne
Advisor
Allan Cohen
Advisor
Board of Directors
Joe Rojas
Chairperson
Jackie Gonzalez
Board Member/Leadership
Tony Smith
Board Member/Outreach
Nadia Rahali
Board Member/ Fundraising
Heather Snookal
Board Member/Education
Mark Overton
Board Member/Community
Laughlin Artz – Pumping Climate Change from Boardroom to Longboard
Laughlin Artz is a climate crusader, a radical thinker, and an unapologetic rule-breaker. With over three decades on the frontlines of social change, Artz has worn many hats – transformational educator, management consultant, performance artist, filmmaker, entrepreneur, journalist, and crazy-ass activist. He’s as comfortable strategizing global initiatives as he is cruising skateparks from Denver to Dubai.
Art’z work hinges on the principle that profound change begins with a shift in perspective. This philosophy has steered successful partnerships with organizations like the Hunger Project and clients ranging from the International Red Cross and Head Start to the Field Robotics Center at Carnegie Mellon University. Laughlin’s strategic insights have consistently fostered environments that enhance performance and enrich lives.
Yet it’s his role as the Executive Director of 2030orBust.org that Artz considers his most pivotal. For over seven years, every facet of his diverse skill set has been laser-focused on one audacious goal: ending the global climate crisis through citizen engagement and collective action. He’s Challenging humanity to end what he terms “our most urgent issue” by empowering ordinary people to take extraordinary action. His approach is anything but theoretical; it’s about making the complex comprehensible and the insurmountable achievable.
As a filmmaker and author, Laughlin doesn’t just inform; he inspires. His book, Extinction is Not Our Worst Alternative; his brainchild contextnews.org; and the game-changing app 2030orBust – The 2030 Game; are testaments to his ability to meld thought-provoking content with transformative, results-oriented action.
So, who is Laughlin Artz? He’s the socially charged, creatively unhinged mastermind you want in your corner when the future of the planet is on the line. Because, with Laughlin, change isn’t just possible; it’s and inevitable adventure in the making.
Joep Meijer
Joep Meijer is a recognized industrial ecologist using life cycle thinking and life cycle assessment to quantify sustainable performance. His consulting firm, The Right Environment, operates on an international scale with local and international players in exploration, processing, manufacturing, construction and policy making. He holds a degree in life sciences from the university of Nijmegen, with a focus on environmental chemistry. He is one of the leading experts on environmental product declarations (EPDs) and implementing Buy Celan policies for state and federal government, focusing on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
He is a founding advisory board member of the Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance, TxETRA. He is working with the City of Austin to get to NET-ZERO greenhouse gas emissions city-wide by 2040. His personal carbon footprint is negative 17,300 metric tons as opposed to the average US citizen of over 10 metric tons.
Jeff Bonar
Jeffrey Bonar works at the cutting edge of delivering human value with advanced software technologies. He combines strong business sense, visionary leadership, deep understanding of advanced technology, and passionate commitment to results. He takes raw technologies and finds practical and effective applications that generate human value. He has delivered sophisticated software systems leveraging mobile software, artificial intelligence, customer relationship management, training, and software tools.
Jeff received his doctorate, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, at the Computer and Information Science department of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1985.
Ann Campbell
Ann is a pro’s pro: a marketing and design mind with an impressive track record of success. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Cincinnati helped launch Ann’s career. While a student, she studied in Switzerland and earned a Vorkurs Certifikat for completing a comprehensive Bauhaus-based curriculum.
Before Ann joined us, she already had over 40 years experience in the fields of marketing and communications as well as over 30 years leading programs in personal and professional training and development. Ann provides graphic direction for 2030 Or Bust website and collateral.
David Wilborn
David has over 30 years of experience in graphic design, website design and development, and enterprise-level application development and support. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Houston.
Additionally, he has over 25 years experience in the field of personal and professional training and development. David manages web design and maintenance as well as IT infrastructure support for 2030 or Bust and context News.
Eddie Bradbrook
Eddie Bradbrook first raced on roller skates aged 14 at Alexandra Palace Roller Rink, London. Eddie went on to skate internationally and has supported Roller Skating ever since.
He has lives in the United Arab Emirates for almost 15 years working as a Sustainable Water/drainage Engineer and Business Development Manager while promoting Roller Skating in his free time.
Laura Segafredo
Laura is Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the’s Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project at Sustainable Development Solutions Network (a Global Initiative for the UN) and former lead author of the emissions Gap Report. She was also Lead Economist at the ClimateWorks Foundation. She has a PhD in Energy Studies from the University of Padova (Italy)
Prof. Dr. Niklas Hohne
Prof. Fr. Niklas Hohne is a founding partner of NewClimate Institute. He is also a Special Professor of “Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions” at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. He has followed the international climate negotiations since 1995. He led numerous studies related to international climate change negotiations and national climate policies, for example, several evaluations of countries’ performances in climate change.
Niklas Hohn is lead author for the IPCC Fourth and Fifth Assessment Report for the chapter on climate policies and international cooperation. He is also lead author of the UNEP Emissions Gap reports 2010 to 2015. He created the Climate Action Tracker that tracks commitments and actions of coutries on climate change. Niklas Hohne holds a Ph.D. from the University of Utrecht for his dissertation on “What is next after the Kyoto Protocol – Assessment of options for international climate policy post-2012”. His work on sharing the effort of reducing emissions between countries led to the IPCC statement that developed countries would need to reduce emissions by 25% to 40% in 2020 compared to 1990 to be compatible with limiting global temperature increase to 2°C.
Before co-founding NewClimate Institute, Niklas Hohn worked at Ecofys, a leading climate and energy consultancy (2001 to 2014), where he last was Director of Energy and Climate Policy. Previously he was a staff member of the UNFCCC secretariat (1998 to 2001), where he supported the negotiations on various issues, including reporting under the Kyoto Protocol, projections of greenhouse gas emissions, fluorinated greenhouse gases and emission from international transport.
Allan Cohen
For more than 20 years Allan Cohen has been an interdisciplinary management consultant, entrepreneur, and executive. In addition to his eight years in private practice, Mr. Cohen was a Senior Vice President at ZEFER Corporation (an eBusiness consultancy), a co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Waite & Company (a successful boutique strategy house), and a Principal and engagement leader at CSC Index (creators of reengineering).
Mr. Cohen earned his MBA at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and his B.S. at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has been an adjunct faculty member at California State University. He is a Trustee of Cambridge College, and a Member of its Executive Committee. He is a member of the Barbados Group, and international think tank focused on the sources of performance. Mr. Cohen is also a member of the Advisory Board of The Vanto Group, a Landmark Education Company. His pro-bono work includes delivery of leadership development, community building, and reconciliation workshops in such diverse places as Belfast, Tel Aviv, and the Mississippi Delta.
Joe Rojas
Joe Rojas is not just the Board Chair of 2030 or Bust; he is a fervent advocate for individual action in combating the climate crisis. With a deep-seated belief that the solution to this global challenge rests in the hands of each person, Joe’s leadership at 2030 or Bust has been transformative. His passion for climate change is rooted in a pragmatic yet optimistic vision that every individual holds the key to fostering significant environmental impact.
Outside the realm of environmental activism, Joe is a dynamic force in the entrepreneurial world. As the founder of Start Grow Manage, he has guided numerous entrepreneurs from the inception of million.dollar ideas to their explosive growth phases. Joe’s dedication to business building and the people behind these ventures is unwavering. He embodies the role of a coach and technology evangelist, committed to designing businesses that not only succeed but thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
At the heart of Joe’s endeavors lies a commitment to professionalizing organizations, driving growth and building leaders who are not just focused on profit but are genuinely invested in making a difference. His work with 2030 or Bust exemplifies this ethos, where he leverages his extensive experience to mobilize actions against the climate crisis, fostering a global community that believes in change, responsibility, and the power of collective action.
Jackie Gonzalez
Championing Leadership and Climate Action
Jackie Gonzalez, as the dynamic host of the 2030 or Bust podcast and the leader of leadership initiatives within the organization, is driving meaningful change in the climate action sphere. Her work with 2030 or Bust, particularly is spearheading its expansion in the Greater Austin area and Dripping Springs Texas, showcases her commitment to empowering communities and individuals to take decisive action against the climate crisis.
With a Stellar career as the CEO of J29 Associates, a strategy consulting firm based in Austin, Texas, Jackie brings over two decades of corporate sales, marketing, management, and business and organizational development experience to the table. Her journey from the ground up to VP/C-level positions is a testament to her leadership prowess and her skill in fostering environments where breakthrough performance is not just encouraged but expected.
Jackie’s influence extends beyond the corporate world. Her strategic acumen and innovative solutions have benefited Fortune 100 companies like American Express, Allergan, Marriott International and Pfizer, alongside pivotal government agencies and associations. Her educational background, with degrees from Boston College and Boston University, underpins her broad expertise.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jackie is deeply invested in community and global initiatives. Serving on the board of Kids Matter International and the Executive Committee of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, she dedicates her time to causes that impact lives beyond the boardroom. Her book “Creating Culture: Why Some Organizations Thrive while Others Survive,” reflects her insights into building resilient and thriving organizational environments.
Jackie’s work with 2030 or Bust, particularly through the podcast, not only amplifies the message of climate responsibility but also engages and inspires listeners to visualize and embark on actionable pathways to mitigate climate change. Her leadership initiatives aim to cultivate a generation of leaders equipped to navigate and address the complexities of the climate crisis, proving once again that change, driven by informed and passionate individuals is within reach.
Tony Smith
Tony’s commitment to climate advocacy and transformational leadership empowers his leadership in the climate movement. As 2030orBust’s founding chair, he combines a thoughtful understanding of climate science with a passion for mobilizing the collective action that 2030orBust stands for: aiming to engage 500 million people worldwide in mitigating our human contribution to global warming. His contributions, both as a strategic thinker and a principal donor, have been vital to sustaining the organization’s mission and growth.
With the establishment of VSA Consulting Group in 1992, Tony has consulted and empowered leaders across our economy to achieve what matters most to them, beyond conventional expectations. Tony’s educational background includes a Harvard, B.A., Masters of Education degree in Counseling (Univer. of New Hampshire), and Boston University, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in advanced counseling studies.
Tony’s philanthropic endeavors reflect his commitment to empowerment, from significantly reducing recidivism of released inmates with Getting Out/Staying Out, to empowering impoverished women through the Hunger Project to end their own hunger, to creating a sustainable environment for all of us. His personal life is shared with 2 amazing women, his wife Rosa, a community leader and retired masterful social worker, and daughter Dr. Geneva Smith, a postdoctoral fellow at Dartmouth in Anthropology, mother of Ellie and Huey, terrific rugby player, and equestrian.
Through his work with 2030 or Bust, Tony is committed to the power of visionary leadership to not only confront the climate crisis effectively but to inspire and engage a global community for sustainable change.
Nadia Rahali
Emerges as a key figure in shaping the future of fundraising initiatives for “2030 or Bust.”
With her appointment to the board, she infuses the team with her vast experience and innovative thinking. Rahali, who has taken the reins of the fundraising committee, is set on revolutionizing the organization’s approach to securing funds. Her global perspective, honed from a rich background that spans continents from Casablanca, Morocco, to the United States, coupled with her educational pursuits in Political Science and African American Studies at Old Dominion University, positions her uniquely to spearhead expansive fundraising efforts.
Residing in the United States for the majority of her life, Rahali’s journey took a significant turn in Atlanta, where her passion for civil rights and history found a new direction. Her role as a sales manager and later as a general manager at the Loudermilk Center-a hub for Atlanta’s business and civic leaders to collaborate on the city’s future-showcases her ability to lead, innovate and inspire. Rahali’s commitment to expanding the fundraising committee with a dynamic team of out-of-the-box thinkers underlines her ambition to elevate “2030 or Bust” to new heights in its quest to address the climate crisis. Her leadership is a beacon of hope and action, signaling a robust future for the organization’s fundraising endeavors.
Heather Snookal
Shaping the Future Through Education and Environmental Advocacy
Heather Snookal stands at the forefront of educational innovation and environmental advocacy at 2030 or Bust, leading the charge in developing comprehensive educational initiatives designed to empower the next generation in owning the climate crisis. As the Principal of Phantom Lake Elementary in Bellevue, WA, Heather spearheaded a pioneering pilot program that engaged 150 students in a dynamic exploration of climate action, setting a precedent for schools nationwide.
With a robust background blending ecology and conservation with over two decades of experience in public education, Heather is dedicated to nurturing young minds to conceive novel solutions to humanity’s most pressing cries.
She believes that the ingenuity and creativity of youth are key to overcoming challenges like climate change, and through her work, she aims to unlock this potential.
Heather’s academic foundation is as impressive as her professional endeavors. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in science from Occidental College, followed by a Master’s degree from Seattle University. Further honoring her leadership and educational expertise, Heather is also a proud graduate of the University of Washington’s prestigious Danforth Program.
Residing in Seattle, Washington, Heather cherishes the opportunity to explore the vast beauty of the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children, Elliot and Penelope. Her commitment to 2030 or Bust and the educational community is a testament to her belief that informed, empowered individuals are the architects of a sustainable future. Through her leadership, she is not only shaping the minds of tomorrow but also crafting a legacy of environmental stewardship and proactive climate action.
Mark Overton
Mark Overton has been a champion for the environment from a very young age as his family was very active in the 60’s being very early recyclers and environmental ambassadors. During much of his youth, he spent his spare time camping, backpacking and volunteering at the Greenbrook sanctuary within the Palisades Interstate Park System.
He has spent most of his 47 career in the ever-demanding world of professional Broadway and touring theater dedicated to the backstage life of “The show must go on”.
In retirement, he has been committed to volunteering in the outdoors and to help protect the environment and to educate and help others to commit, respect, and care for our beautiful planet. He is presently volunteering with the NYNJ Trail Conference at the Welch Lake Educational Center as well as the Westchester Parks Foundation. He looks forward to making an impact with this organization closing this carbon gap by 2030.