Carianne Lee serves as the Climate Policy and Appropriations Director at Pioneer Public Affairs, where she leverages her extensive experience to develop impactful strategies for clients navigating the complexities of the federal government. Her primary focus is on advancing critical climate policies that are essential for decarbonizing the economy and safeguarding communities from the escalating threats of climate change.
Before joining Pioneer Public Affairs, Carianne honed her expertise as a senior legislative staffer for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). In this demanding role, she managed a diverse legislative portfolio encompassing energy, environment, natural resources, women’s issues, housing, and appropriations. Her time on Capitol Hill was marked by significant achievements, including successfully championing a United States Army Corps Flood Mitigation project within the district. This crucial initiative secured $496 million in funding following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida, demonstrating her effectiveness in securing vital resources for community resilience.
Carianne’s commitment to climate action extended to the forefront of climate resilience and environmental justice during her congressional service. She spearheaded multiple initiatives focused on addressing extreme heat, advocating strongly for enhanced heat emergency preparedness from both the Administration and Congressional leadership. Her dedication highlights a proactive approach to tackling the real-world impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
Beyond her legislative responsibilities, Carianne actively contributed to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association (CAPASA), culminating in her leadership as President. Following her departure from Capitol Hill, she further demonstrated her commitment to fostering inclusivity and collaboration within the clean energy sector by co-founding AAPIs in Clean Energy. This professional networking group provides a vital platform for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area who are working to advance clean energy and clean transportation solutions.
Carianne’s strong academic foundation underpins her practical experience. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Environmental Policy and International Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues within a global context. She further solidified her expertise with a Master of Science degree in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. Her commitment to service is also exemplified by her experience as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Burkina Faso, West Africa, enriching her perspective on community development and global challenges.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Carianne is now based in Washington, DC, where she continues to be a driving force in shaping climate policy and appropriations strategies at Pioneer Public Affairs, bringing her deep understanding of policy, advocacy, and community engagement to every client she serves.
