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David Kotok is being recognized for his sustained contributions to climate adaptation, which have helped drive real change and inspire action. Helping bring the CAC’s work to the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, particularly the Atlanta Federal Reserve, ensuring critical climate insights reach key decision-makers. David’s tireless efforts exemplify what it means to be a Climate Champion.
His achievements include:
- Being the first member of the CAC and making the inaugural donations to the Florida and Rocky Mountain CACs.
- Shaping our conferences and speaker lineups, even during the CAC’s early test phase in 2018.
- Spreading the CAC’s message through Camp Kotok and beyond, setting the stage for impactful conversations.
- Advancing climate finance through work on catastrophe bonds, as well as examining the financial and societal impacts of climate warming.
- Collaborating with the Global Interdependence Center (GIC) to bring the CAC message to the College of Bankers.
- Building international connections addressing Florida’s hurricane risks in the Caribbean region AND
- Organizing a trip to Cuba where the CAC met with Cuban scientists, doctors, and officials to share insights on climate adaptation.
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Our second nominee for the 2025 Climate Champion Award is Dr. Karen Holbrook
Karen is the Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Karen has played a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between CAC and Florida’s academic community. Her notable contributions include:
- Shaping CAC’s Role in Florida’s University Community: Instrumental in integrating CAC into the academic framework of the region.
- Hosting All CAC Conferences: Providing unwavering support by hosting CAC conferences at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.
- Fostering Faculty Collaboration: Facilitating the involvement of USF System-wide faculty in joint participation at CAC conferences.
- Advancing Sustainability: Connecting CAC with the USF Patel School of Global Sustainability, enabling collaboration with Patel’s science and social experts on sustainable solutions and insights.
- Envisioning a STEM Center: Laying the groundwork for a future STEM Center at USF Sarasota-Manatee that could include physical sciences and deeper collaborations with the CAC.
Our third nominee for the 2025 Climate Champion Award is AG Lafley
AG Lafley is a renowned business leader, mentor, and philanthropist, celebrated for his transformative leadership as CEO and Chairman of Procter & Gamble. As the Founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy in Sarasota, FL, he has spearheaded the creation of a thriving, inclusive public park that exemplifies environmental and climate resilience. Under his guidance, The Bay has become a beacon for innovation and adaptation, inspiring communities to embrace sustainable solutions. AG's accomplishment also include:
Transformative Leadership: AG Lafley is renowned for his role as CEO and Chairman of Procter & Gamble, where he more than doubled sales, revolutionized the brand portfolio, and positioned the company as one of the most valuable in the world.
Author and Strategist: Lafley co-authored Playing to Win and The Game Changer, providing practical insights into innovation, leadership, and strategy.
Civic Contributions: He founded and led Cincinnati’s Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) and currently serves as the Founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy in Sarasota, FL.
Environmental Resilience at The Bay: Under his leadership, The Bay filters millions of gallons of water annually, mitigates storm surges through elevated design, and demonstrates the protective benefits of soft shorelines against hurricanes.
Visionary Collaborator: As a Climate Champion Nominee, Lafley exemplifies a commitment to climate adaptation through his work at The Bay, which serves as a "Living Laboratory" to inspire communities to adopt sustainable and resilient practices.
Our fourth nominee for the 2025 Climate Champion Award is Tracie Troxler
Tracie is the founder and executive director of Sunshine Community Compost, a Sarasota-based nonprofit dedicated to educating and inspiring individuals across all walks of life to embrace composting.Tracie believes that composting is a simple yet transformative daily practice that fosters a reciprocal relationship with nature and strengthens both local and global communities. Her efforts have laid the foundation for a growing culture of composting in Sarasota, empowering residents and businesses to make impactful environmental changes.
A proud Manatee County native, Tracie brings a wealth of experience from her diverse professional background, which includes community-based pediatric and mental health services, accessible community solar installation projects, closed-loop mini-farming, and community gardening initiatives. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University.
Tracie's Accomplishments
- Current member of the National Community Composter Coalition
- Recipient of the 2024 Unity Award
- Member of the UF/IFAS Waste Agent's Advisory Council
- Member of the Science and Environment Council
- Founder of Sarasota's first composting nonprofit, fostering partnerships with the City of Sarasota, local residents, businesses, and nonprofits to deliver composting education and services
- Former Organizing Committee Member for the Compost Research and Education
Foundation's International Compost Awareness Week Initiative
You'll also support the CAC MISSION:
The Climate Champion Awards Ceremony is one of the most important local events of the year. Your support of this event will help the CAC with our mission, which is to translate science into information to educate and inform decision making. To speed climate adaptation to lower the risks from climate enhanced disruptions and spur the emergence of Climate Economy.
 The Beacon Award.
You're sure to be inspired and entertained:
These champions don't just talk about climate issues, they take action. They also bring inspiration and hope to our community! You'll also be educated and entertained by our hosts Bob Bunting and Elizabeth Moore.
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(From left to right) CAC, CEO Bob Bunting, 2024 Climate Champion Award winners, Marshall Gobuty, Jennifer Rominiecki, Steve Newborn, Jessica Meszaros, David Tomasko and CAC Founding Director Elizabeth Moore.
