The Greenlining Institute Welcomes Kirin Kumar as Vice President of Policy
Media Contact
Danielle Bell
Associate Director of Narrative Strategy
media@greenlining.org danielle.bell@greenlining.org(Oakland) Thursday, February 26, 2026 — Today, The Greenlining Institute announced Kirin Kumar will join the organization to serve as Vice President of Policy, effective March 5, 2026. In this role, Kumar will lead Greenlining’s policy strategy to advance racial, economic, and climate equity, transforming how public and private institutions protect communities from climate-driven disasters and build long-term community wealth.
Kumar most recently served as the Director of Climate and Disaster Resilience at Northern California Grantmakers, where he worked to redirect philanthropic resources toward community-driven climate solutions and return wealth to communities historically harmed by extractive systems. His previous leadership roles include serving as Deputy Director of Equity and Government Transformation at the California Strategic Growth Council and Executive Director of WALKSacramento (now CivicThread). Kumar’s career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing structural change in how institutions serve communities. He is a cross-sector leader advancing systems-level innovation to expand economic opportunity and dismantle structural inequities that disproportionately impact communities of color.
Statement from The Greenlining Institute’s President and CEO Max Vargas:
“I am thrilled to welcome Kirin Kumar to The Greenlining Institute. Across a range of sectors, with teams large and small, and in communities across California and beyond, Kirin has proven himself as an equity-centered leader that brings community and stakeholders together to shape policies and change systems. This is the leadership we need now more than ever, to create policy with community and to build the civic institutions and opportunities that our communities so rightfully deserve.”
Statement from Kirin Kumar incoming Vice President of Policy at The Greenlining Institute:
“I’m humbled to be joining The Greenlining Institute at this pivotal moment in our country’s trajectory, grounded in the belief that community power is the foundation of true resilience and racial justice. Together, with this incredible team and our deeply community-rooted partners, I’m energized to advance a bold vision where climate and economic equity move in concert and our collective efforts build a future where communities of color not only thrive, but lead.”
