Erika Hughston grew up on the Gulf Coast and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from Texas A&M University and a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Texas, focusing on coastal issues. She spent five years advancing public shoreline development projects on South Padre Island and now serves as a Capital Improvements Project Coordinator for Maui County Parks and Recreation, where she supports the planning and construction of sustainable infrastructure for community spaces. Cole is a national leader in sustainability and the built environment. He has led climate risk assessments for major clients; worked with the cities of New York, Honolulu, and San Francisco on design and planning for future climate adaptation; and partnered with lead authors of the IPCC to bridge climate science and design practice. Through work in decarbonization, sustainability, and resilience, Cole has led teams to advance biodiversity and environmental performance, from biophilic buildings to ecological city enhancements to sustainable utility scale infrastructure - advancing renewable energy, material circularity; and coastal infrastructure. Cole has training from the University of New Mexico, Imperial College in London, and the Danish Center of Architecture in Copenhagen. He is a published author and keynote speaker and sits on the Board of the Business Council on Climate Change.