St. Pete’s sustainability and resilience director resigns

Allison Mihalich, director of St. Petersburg’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience, will step down from her post to pursue a new role with the federal government.

Mihalich submitted her resignation July 11 in an email addressed to her supervisor, Public Works Administrator Claude Tankersley, and Human Resources Director Chris Guella. Her last day with the city is Friday.

In her email, Mihalich expressed pride in the city’s progress toward meeting its “ambitious” climate goals and appreciation for Tankersley’s leadership and support for increasing environmental resiliency efforts. She called the decision to leave the city after 17 months “bittersweet.”

“I am writing to let you know that an opportunity presented itself to continue supporting sustainability at the national level with the federal government, and I have accepted,” Mihalich wrote. “The decision was incredibly difficult for me to make as I have greatly enjoyed the strides we have made and intended to stay for much longer to help advance the important work ahead.”

Her departure will come a day after the city council votes on the most consequential project in St. Petersburg’s history – the Historic Gas Plant District’s $6.7 billion redevelopment. Promoting environmental resiliency throughout the reimagined mixed-use community and a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark was an oft-discussed topic in recent workshops.

Councilmember Brandi Gabbard has pushed to ensure the stadium can withstand a Category 4 hurricane and house evacuees. Councilmember Gina Driscoll has credited the Rays and Hines development team for its plans to implement flood mitigation systems and create biological habitats around a revitalized Booker Creek.

In November 2023, Mihalich was part of a seven-person evaluation committee that selected Populous to complete architectural and engineering services on a new $1.37 billion ballpark. She said representatives assuaged any environmental concerns.

“We are definitely going to miss Allison, but I am excited for her new career opportunity,” Tankersley told the Catalyst. “She has built a great team who will continue her legacy work with the city into the future.”

Mihalich was ubiquitous at city meetings as her office incorporates sustainable environmental practices into nearly every municipal policy and program. She led efforts to increase St. Petersburg’s tree canopy, expand urban agriculture, mitigate pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change on a peninsula on a peninsula.

Mihalich also oversaw the city’s ongoing attempt to utilize “100% clean energy” by 2035.”I am optimistic that the city will find a new leader to support these endeavors, and that the fresh eye and expertise will be extremely helpful,” she wrote.

“Thank you for the support you have provided me and the professional development,” Mihalich added. “I will remain local and will only be a call away.”

Mihalich is no stranger to federal roles. She served as a program analyst for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before joining the city in February 2023.

Alizza Punzalan-Randle, St. Petersburg’s managing director of communications, called Mihalich an “integral part of the city team” in a prepared statement. She credited Mihalich for contributing to local environmental progress and “working towards integrating sustainable practices at every level of our government.”

“We’re grateful for the time she spent with us and wish her the best in her future endeavors,” Punzalan-Randle said. “The city continues to make progress on its sustainability and resilience planning efforts and will be actively searching for a suitable replacement.”