Ben Jealous on Leave: Tensions Rise at the Sierra Club

Amid increasing tensions within the Sierra Club, Ben Jealous has taken a leave from his position as executive director, less than three years into his tenure, amid criticism regarding his leadership and strategy during a challenging political climate.

Ben Jealous, the executive director of the Sierra Club, has been placed on leave as of Friday, July 11, 2025, amidst swirling controversy and unrest within the organization. His tenure, which began in 2023, has included significant layoffs and escalating dissatisfaction among employees regarding leadership direction.

Following a steep rise in discontent, over 100 Sierra Club employees rallied to send an alarming letter to the board of directors, expressing concerns that Jealous was inadequately prepared for leadership amid the political upheavals presented by the Trump administration. They emphasized his inability to provide a "concrete strategy" or effective methods to combat the erosion of environmental protections established over the decades. The discontented staff also raised issues about a loss of trust among funding sources, which they claimed had left the organization on a "downward spiral."

In light of Jealous's leave, Loren Blackford has been appointed as the interim executive director. The Sierra Club has opted not to comment on specific personnel issues, and inquiries about the context of Jealous's leave have gone unanswered.

This dynamic underscores the challenges faced by environmental organizations as they navigate politically hostile environments while trying to meet the demands of their constituents and upholding vital climate advocacy.