It is with profound sadness that ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability mourns the passing of our dear colleague, Nancy Metayer.
Nancy served as Senior Equity Officer at ICLEI USA and as Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida. Elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024 to the Coral Springs City Commission, she was the first Black and Haitian American woman to serve in this role. In this capacity, she advanced local climate action, strengthened sustainability initiatives, and championed inclusive governance.
In 2025, Nancy served on the Board of Directors of ICLEI USA before transitioning to the role of Senior Equity Officer, where she further advanced ICLEI’s mission. She was a strong advocate for centering those most affected by climate change in policy and action, and a committed supporter of the Malmö Commitment.
“As a fellow local leader, Nancy embodied what it means to serve with purpose. Her impact on her city, on ICLEI and on our global community of local governments is profound and enduring,” said ICLEI President Mayor Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh.
“Those who had the privilege of meeting Vice Mayor Metayer know that she was more than a public servant; she was a pillar of her community and a dedicated advocate for those too often unheard. Our thoughts are with her family, our colleagues across ICLEI USA, and her community during this difficult time,” said ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin.
“Nancy’s passing is a profound loss for the ICLEI network, yet her legacy is one of hope and momentum. She taught us that no challenge was too great for a committed local community. As we move forward, we carry her passion with us as our North Star,” said ICLEI USA Executive Director Saharnaz Mirzazad.
Nancy held a Bachelor of Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master of Health Science from Johns Hopkins University. As an environmental scientist, she contributed to critical work on water quality, public health, and climate disaster response. Across Florida and beyond, she led equity-centered climate action, advancing environmental justice and resilience while consistently centering communities most impacted by climate change.
Her joy and passion touched everyone who worked with her. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy will live on through the work she championed with such heart and conviction.
Read ICLEI USA’s message here.
In Nancy’s own words
Nancy authored the December editorial of ICLEI’s Equitable Development newsletter. Here was her message to our community:
Equity is not an accessory to climate work
In an era of shifting geopolitical landscapes, it is even more essential that climate equity does not get sidelined. Global tensions, economic uncertainty, and political polarization can make climate goals feel secondary, but the reality is that inequities grow during instability. If we abandon or dilute the equity lens now, we risk widening existing gaps and undermining long-term resilience. Effective climate governance requires fairness, fair access to resources, fair decision-making structures, and fair distribution of benefits. This is how we build systems that withstand political cycles and international pressures.
Read the full editorial here.
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