Allison Agsten is the inaugural director of USC Annenberg’s Center for Climate Journalism and Communication. In her role, she develops strategic priorities and conceptualizes initiatives to bolster public understanding of climate change. She is also executive producer of the energy transition podcast series, Electric Futures, and the author of a range of reports addressing climate change and the media, corporate sustainability practices, and policy-related issues.
In addition to her appointment at the Annenberg School, Agsten serves as the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability’s first curator. In that position, she facilitates expression at the intersection of art and climate with artists at all stages of their careers.
Previously, Agsten has worked in the fields of journalism, communications, and public engagement, including as a producer at CNN, Director of Communications at LACMA, and Curator of Public Engagement at the Hammer Museum. Her work has been recognized by the city and the county of Los Angeles, 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, a range of philanthropic organizations, and local, national, and international media.
Agsten holds a BA from UCLA and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School.
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