Larissa Johnson

Residential Energy Program Manager, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

2019 Government Award Winner

As the Residential Energy Program Manager for the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection in Rockville, Maryland, Larissa Johnson helps educate the over one million county residents about lowering their utility costs and switching to clean energy, all while keeping money in their pockets. In order to help the County accomplish its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035, she has established creative partnerships and innovative initiatives to meet residents where they are. Her programs include Energy Exploration, an interactive experience for all ages, and Energy Express, a partnership with the libraries’ summer reading program to introduce energy education into the libraries’ annual themes. She has partnered with congregations, grocery stores, senior centers, and breweries on light bulb exchanges to help lower people’s household energy costs. In addition, she supports Solar United Neighbors’ Solar Co-op and Community Solar programs. For the last 15 years, Johnson has dedicated her life to working with and for communities; helping people to create sustainable, walkable, bikeable healthy neighborhoods that invigorate the communities’ livelihoods. She began her career in the fields of nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention, and she grew to realize that the environment is at the center of everything we do in life. We need clean air to stay healthy and combat illness; clean water to grow nutritious, locally produced foods; and access to clean, renewable energy to remain productive without becoming destructive. Johnson received her MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.