Mark Thielking wins Climate Leader Award

Bedford 2030 has presented its annual Mary Beth Kass Climate Leader Award to Mark Thielking.

The award celebrates an individual for outstanding volunteerism and leadership that has advanced the group’s work to take action on the climate crisis and protect natural resources.

“Mark’s unwavering determination, depth of knowledge, and deep connections locally and throughout New York state have enabled Bedford 2030 and town to bring groundbreaking, impactful projects like EV2030 and the Building Health and Performance Initiative to fruition,” Bedford 2030 Program Director Mariah Okrongly said.

Thielking has worked to reduce greenhouse gas pollution for more than 20 years. He was a founding member and still sits on the Bedford 2030 board. He serves, on a volunteer basis, as the director of energy and sustainability for the town of Bedford.

A statement from Bedford 2030 said Thielking was instrumental in getting Bedford’s climate action movement started and was an author of Bedford’s original and 2030 Climate Action Plans.

“As the director of energy and sustainability, Mark has been an incredible resource to the town of Bedford for everything having to do with reducing energy waste and transitioning to fossil fuel-free operations — and all for the annual salary of $0,” Town Supervisor Ellen Calves said.

“With tight budgets and limited resources in town government, Mark’s volunteering has made all the difference in moving energy projects and town climate goals forward,” Calves said. “During the time I have worked with Mark, he has helped us adopt the Energy Stretch Code, benchmark energy in town buildings, subscribe town buildings to community solar, and de-fossilize the Bedford Hills Community House — among many other initiatives. I deeply appreciate Mark’s dedication and generosity in this role, which has helped to make the town of Bedford one of the most climate-forward communities in the state.”

“None of this would happen, and even my work that is so inspiring for me wouldn’t be happening without Bedford 2030 and the team you’ve assembled and all the constellation of support we see everyday,” Thielking said. “And I want to make that clear: This award should be given to everybody who has contributed so much to make Bedford 2030 the way that it is. There are some things I could never even think about possibly doing that some of your team and volunteers are doing every day.”

Bedford 2030 established its Climate Leader Award in honor of co-founder, 10-year co-president and community climate crusader, Mary Beth Kass.

“Mark exemplifies the spirit of this award every single day,” Bedford 2030 Executive Director Midge Iorio said. “We lost Mary Beth this past March, which was heartbreaking, so it’s particularly poignant this year to honor Mark, as he was Mary Beth’s partner in climate action and continues to be a passionate champion of her vision for a cleaner, healthier future.”

Last year’s winner, and the first recipient of the Mary Beth Kass Award was Cynthia Braun.

Bedford 2030 is a nonprofit organization with a mission to engage the community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural resources. For more information, visit bedford2030.org .