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Wednesday April 22, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Join neighbors, local leaders, and newcomers alike for an energizing evening focused on practical climate solutions—plus take in views of the Charlottesville skyline from Level 10. As national climate efforts stall, local action, and courage has never mattered more. This event, hosted by Citizens' Climate Lobby-Charlottesville and supported by Pyxera Global, spotlights local leaders and the real work happening right here to advance cleaner energy, smarter development, and healthier neighborhoods. Whether you’re already involved or just beginning to engage, this event is designed for you. You’ll have space to connect with others, exchange ideas, and contribute to the next chapter of our community’s climate progress.
Why attend:
  • Hear a keynote from Mike Tidwell, Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and author of ‘The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate and Hope on One American Street’
  • Learn from a panel of local leaders, including Rob McGinnis, Senior Land Use Field Representative for the Piedmont Environmental Council, Cathy Boyd, Executive Director of ReLeaf, and John Oprandy, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Charlottesville
  • Join interactive small-group breakout discussions—bring your ideas, questions, and a collaborative mindset
  • Meet people working on climate, land use, health, and energy across the region
Breakout discussion tracks:
  • Track 1: Data Centers & Clean Energy – Addressing the growing energy demand of data infrastructure through sustainable solutions

  • Track 2: Climate Resilience – Reducing local climate risks, improving emergency preparedness, and protecting vulnerable communities from heat, flooding, and other impacts

  • Track 3: Urban Forestry & Health – Protecting green spaces and improving air quality for community well-being
Snacks will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle to help reduce waste.


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To register for this event: Click HERE

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If you would like to build your Tom Tom schedule here on Sched, please visit our ticket page and select the free “Create Your Personal Schedule” ticket. Once complete, you’ll receive an email from Sched prompting you to get started!

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A special thank you to the presenting sponsors of the 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival: the University of Virginia, Virginia Tourism, R.L. Beyer Custom Homes, Ludwig Kuttner, and The City of Charlottesville
Speakers
avatar for Mike Tidwell

Mike Tidwell

Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Mike Tidwell is a journalist, author, and climate activist living in Takoma Park, MD. His most recent book is an exploration of global warming’s impact in his own front yard, called The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A story of Climate and Hope on One American Street (St. Martin’s... Read More →
avatar for Rob McGinnis

Rob McGinnis

Senior Land Use Field Representative Albemarle & Greene counties, Piedmont Environmental Council
Rob McGinnis is the Piedmont Environmental Council’s Senior Land Use Field Representative in Albemarle and Greene Counties. He brings 30 years of landscape architecture experience advocating for land use issues like smart growth in urban areas, protection of rural communities and... Read More →
avatar for John Oprandy

John Oprandy

Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Charlottesville
John Oprandy is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, with more than three decades of experience in fire, rescue, and emergency management. His career began in 1992 with the Charlottesville Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter... Read More →
avatar for Cathy Boyd

Cathy Boyd

Executive Director, ReLeaf Cville
Cathy began working with ReLeaf Cville in March 2025. Cathy oversees ReLeaf’s programs, serves as an ambassador for the organization, and strengthens the foundation for ReLeaf to implement its mission.

Prior to working with ReLeaf Cville, Cathy was the Donor Relations Manager at the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, where she worked with the staff advancement team and volunteers to raise operating and capital funds to build this new public garden in the heart of Charlottesville... Read More →
avatar for Marieka Walsh

Marieka Walsh

Associate Director of Client Success, Pyxera Global
Marieka Walsh is the Associate Director of Client Success at Pyxera Global, where she leads the Client Success Unit and designs corporate employee engagement strategies that advance corporate social priorities—ranging from environmental sustainability to financial inclusion and... Read More →
Collaborator
avatar for Citizens’ Climate Lobby - Charlottesville Chapter

Citizens’ Climate Lobby - Charlottesville Chapter

CCL empowers everyday people to work together on climate policy. Our supporters are organized in 420+ chapters across the United States building support in Congress for a national bipartisan solution to climate change. Globally, we also support 150+ international chapters on six... Read More →
avatar for Pyxera Global

Pyxera Global

Pyxera Global is a nonprofit organization with 35+ years of experience connecting businesses, philanthropies, and community leaders to solve challenges at the intersection of economy, environment, and equity. We have worked in over 110 countries to reshape systems so they are equitable... Read More →
Wednesday April 22, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Level 10 323 2nd St SE

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