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Jamaica Gayle, the visionary Director of Sustainability & Environmental Affairs at the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) and the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), stands as a leader in the field, earning her well-deserved nomination for the Sustainability: Climate Hero of the Year at the Stevie Awards. Since 2022, Jamaica has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, making contributions to the advancement of sustainability and environmental initiatives across sectors.
Managing sustainability and environmental affairs portfolios in both PBPC and CRA, she expertly navigates efforts across food, agriculture, and plant-based product value chains. Jamaica's strategic mindset positions PBPC and CRA as pioneers guiding the agriculture industry toward sustainable solutions in an ever-evolving global economy.
A standout accomplishment is Jamaica's influential role in shaping federal policies. She played a pivotal role in developing industry comments on federal biomanufacturing policy, presenting insightful perspectives during White House Listening Sessions and Department of Commerce engagements. She has cultivated regular and impactful engagements with senior government officials at the EPA, USDA, DOE, and the White House's CEQ. In a critical Farm Bill year, her advocacy materials, messaging, and talking points emphasized the biobased products industry's vital role in American innovation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Jamaica's impact extends beyond national borders as she actively engages in international sustainability venues. Her instrumental role in elevating PBPC's global profile during the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in 2023 (COP28) solidifies her status as a Climate Hero. Notably, this historic event marked the first time "Food & Ag" had a dedicated day in the thematic program, underscoring the crucial intersection of climate change, food, and agricultural production systems. Jamaica actively contributed to shaping outcomes, particularly the commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, showcasing her global impact. She also spearheaded and showcased the U.S. plant based product industry’s commitment to addressing global sustainability challenges during PBPC’s participation in last year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai.
She has provided timely commentary and analysis on the geopolitical, sustainability, and economic challenges of the changing global energy landscape as a Women Leader in Energy & Climate Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center. Her involvement in the Education & Outreach Committee of Field to Market’s Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, and participation leading engagements with Farmers for Monarchs and the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance to bolster cross-sector outcomes, further underscores her dedication to promoting sustainable practices.
Jamaica's leadership is further highlighted by her role as a speaker during PBPC’s inaugural annual conference in March 2023, where her insights positioned her as one of the most talked-about speakers, showcasing her ability to inspire and influence the sustainability community.
Jamaica's commitment to producing top-tier, accessible research and materials is evident in her role as the lead on CRA’s latest life cycle analysis project.
Additionally, she coordinated the re-establishment of the corn refining industry’s energy performance indicators within the EPA's ENERGY STAR program, solidifying her commitment to advancing sustainable practices within her industry.
Her recognition as an Emerging Leader at Circularity 23 in June 2023, hosted by GreenBiz Group, further underscores her commitment to diversity and supporting the next generation of BIPOC leaders in the climate community. Beyond her roles at PBPC and CRA, Jamaica's dedication to inclusive policies is exemplified by her Section of the Year award for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Section from the Association of Women in International Trade.
Jamaica Gayle's journey from 2022 to the present showcases her as a true Climate Hero. Her strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to sustainability make her an exceptional nominee for the Sustainability: Climate Hero of the Year at the Stevie Awards. Jamaica's recognition would not only celebrate her tireless efforts but also acknowledge her pivotal role in steering the industry towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Nomination Title: Jamaica Gayle - Leader, Contributor, and Trailblazer
