From Workshop Coordinator to Director: Celebrating Haley Mountain’s 10-Year Journey
From Workshop Coordinator to Director: Celebrating Haley Mountain’s 10-Year Journey
August 5, 2026 Staff
Over the past decade, Haley Mountain has helped shape Community Energy Project’s education and engagement programs through periods of growth, innovation, and change. From coordinating workshops to leading a growing department, her career reflects CEP’s commitment to meeting community needs.
Haley joined CEP after leading a K-8 environmental education program in Bellingham, Washington. She began as a workshop coordinator and found opportunities to grow alongside the organization.
“I was fortunate enough to join CEP during a time of tremendous growth and opportunity, meaning my job has evolved and changed almost every year but in ways that both challenge and excite me,” said Haley.
In 2019, she stepped into a new leadership role as CEP’s Engagement Manager. Haley helped steer the organization through the challenges of COVID as programs shifted online.
“I'm extremely lucky we came out the other side of the virtual-only world with even stronger programming after learning how to adapt, connect online, and overcome quite a few barriers with the digital divide,” said Haley.
In 2025, Haley became Education and Engagement Program Director, as CEP’s Community Engagement and Education team expanded to deliver the client navigation component of the PCEF Energy Friendly Homes Program.
“Our heart and soul and mission have been maintained; we just get to share that with more people in more areas now,” explained Haley.
Throughout the past ten years, Haley has adapted not only to new roles but also an evolving field of environmental education. Under her leadership, CEP’s workshops have expanded to include topics such as indoor air quality, helping community members better understand the connections between their homes, health, and the environment.
Her approach to leadership begins with a willingness to keep learning.
“I firmly believe that you have to be a lifelong learner to be an effective educator,” shared Haley. “I never stop asking questions and being humbled by the sheer amount of things I don't know anything about. At 15 years into my career, I'm much more interested in asking questions, challenging what I think I know, and finding staff or partners to grow and strengthen everything we do.”
This mindset also shapes how she leads her team.
“I carry this approach into how I manage and lead the education and engagement team. I am so very lucky to work with a group of people that have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that I don't have. My team is constantly challenging what I know and how I approach our work. It's a privilege to get out of the way of the amazing work they do day in and day out.”
Like CEP’s values, Haley’s philosophy has stayed consistent throughout her career. She believes community education is most effective when it empowers people rather than simply delivering information.
“Community education is about empowerment,” said Haley. “We are simply here as connectors, conduits, interpreters, guides (or whatever other word you want to use) between the information and resources that our clients want, need, and deserve access to.”
That same philosophy informs her advice for others interested in environmental education and environmental justice. Meaningful change, she says, comes from working alongside communities rather than for them.
“It's worth reminding yourself that environmental justice and environmental education is not something you do for the community, but something you do with the community,” said Haley. “Our work doesn't exist, or at least it doesn't exist effectively, if it isn't shaped and changed and guided by those it is meant to reach and support. If you are looking for a career where you optimize efficiency and follow set standards, this is not the career for you. But if you are looking for a career where you collaborate and adapt and learn constantly, even from the epic failures, perhaps this work is just what you're looking for!”
Haley’s journey mirrors CEP’s own evolution. Through growth, new partnerships, and changing community needs, she has helped ensure CEP remains grounded in its mission while expanding its impact. The entire team is deeply grateful for Haley’s leadership, curiosity, and commitment to our community.
