When someone asks me what's great about the Sierra Club, I don't have to think twice. It's the people. What makes us the largest and most influential environmental organization in the United States are the tens of thousands of supporters, members, volunteers, and staff who represent the Club in every single state (and one commonwealth). So when I learned that Lone Star Chapter Director Ken Kramer would be retiring this summer after 30 years with the Sierra Club, it was a bittersweet reminder of how much a single Club leader can accomplish during a distinguished career.

Ken's a Texan, born and raised, and he understands the perspectives of farmers and ranchers (he counts both among his family). He also has a deep appreciation for the rich wilderness and natural resources of his state. To succeed as an environmental advocate in Texas, though, you need more than good intentions. Ken's intelligence, accuracy, and unfailingly polite demeanor have helped him to win battles on everything from defending Texas's state park system to protecting and responsibly managing its water resources. (The state's recent drought woes testify to the importance of the latter work.)

Under Ken's leadership the Sierra Club was the plaintiff in ...

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Coming Clean is the blog of Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune.