Our Mission
At Great Plains Sustainability Strategies, we offer value-protecting and value-creating approaches to help you navigate evolving market dynamics, engagement opportunities and complex regulatory landscapes. We develop fit-for-purpose strategies, we host targeted discussions and we provide expert input into your work to enhance your mission.
Who We are
With 40+ years of combined professional experience in domestic and international climate and energy policy, we offer objective, experience-based perspectives and tailored strategies. We come at these issues having worked on them from a variety of perspectives, having led international climate and energy engagements and negotiations, led large climate coalitions, regulated energy markets, analyzed energy and climate trends, and overseen large portions of the federal budget. We will be a true partner to determine your needs.
Elizabeth Lien, Co-Founder
Elizabeth Lien is a recognized climate policy and international development thought leader with over 20 years of experience specializing in climate finance, coalition building, and strategic policy. Elizabeth oversaw the largest coalition of climate leaders in the United States while managing climate policy at a large environmental non-profit. Prior to that, Elizabeth served for twelve years in the U.S. Treasury Department. She advanced global climate finance initiatives for financial institutions, co-led major negotiations with emerging markets on coal transition and led a team that represented the United States at multilateral climate institutions. She led delegations to UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties and designed and spoke at many New York and London Climate Week events. Elizabeth obtained her BA from The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a MA from The University of Texas at Austin. Outside of work, her energy is spent running on nearby trails, cheering loudly at her children’s sporting events, and weeding her wildflower garden.
Fernando Rodriguez, Co-Founder
Fernando Rodriguez, Co-Founder
Fernando Rodriguez has two decades of domestic and international energy affairs advisory experience. Most recently, Fernando advised senior leadership at the U.S. Departments of State and Energy on energy geopolitics and national security. Prior to that, Fernando worked for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a regulator for over 10 years where he provided strategic policy recommendations to promote competitive energy markets. Fernando obtained his BA and MA at The University of Texas at Austin. Fernando’s hobbies include traveling, discovering new cuisine, and riding his bikes through all four seasons.