Health Care Without Harm, a global nonprofit committed to transforming the health sector to reduce its environmental impact, become a community anchor for sustainability, and a leader in the global movement for environmental justice, announced the appointment of Emily Bancroft as its next chief executive officer, effective September 17.
With nearly 30 years of progress at the intersection of climate and health, the organization is entering a critical phase – one defined by greater urgency, bold new strategies, and a sharpened focus on global systems change. As Health Care Without Harm implements its new U.S. and international strategies, designed to meet today’s challenges and lead for the long term, Bancroft will lead the charge toward a zero-emissions, climate-resilient, and equitable health sector.
“This is a pivotal moment for public health, the environment, and global equity,” said Bancroft. “The climate crisis is no longer a future threat – it is a current reality, and one that disproportionately harms the most vulnerable. I’m honored to lead Health Care Without Harm as we work to ensure the health sector fully embodies the promise to ‘first, do no harm.’”
Bancroft joins the organization with over a decade of experience leading health systems innovation at VillageReach, where she advanced equitable access to primary care through government partnerships, sustainable supply chains, and digital health solutions. She has worked globally to strengthen health workforce capacity, improve health financing, and lead technology-driven initiatives for social impact, bringing a deep commitment to systems transformation and a proven ability to scale impact through cross-sector collaboration.
“Emily brings the clarity of vision and operational strengths we need to enact our bold strategy,” said Dr. Alice Chen, chair of Health Care Without Harm’s board of directors. “In clinics and hospitals around the world, we are seeing climate change affect more and more people’s health and deepen health disparities. Emily’s leadership will be imperative in our work to move the global health care sector to play a leadership role in integrating climate mitigation, resilience, and equity into the work of protecting people’s health.”
Bancroft’s appointment follows the planned departure of Paul Bogart, who has served as executive director since 2011 and led the organization through a period of transformational growth. During his tenure, Health Care Without Harm expanded its partner networks, developed the Greenhealth Approved seal for sustainable health care products, and elevated the role of climate in public health on global stages. The board of directors expresses its deep gratitude to Bogart for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to the movement for climate-smart health care.
“I am grateful to join the incredible legacy that Paul and the Health Care Without Harm community have built,” said Bancroft. “This next chapter is about more than responding to crisis – it’s about shaping a future where hospitals and health systems don’t just survive, but lead in healing people, communities, and the planet. With a clear strategy, strong partnerships, and a shared sense of purpose, we can build a healthier, more just, and sustainable future.”
Contact: Ella Schwotzer, Director of Public Relations, press@hcwh.org, 866-310-3320