ChemFORWARD Welcomes Rachel Simon as Senior Manager Safer Chemistry

October 9, 2024 – ChemFORWARD is pleased to announce that Rachel Simon has joined the team as our new Senior Manager, Safer Chemistry.

In this role, Rachel will play a key part in ChemFORWARD's mission to transform global supply chains by providing accessible and actionable chemical hazard data. Her key focus will be leading ChemFORWARD's Electronics Safer Chemistry Collaborative, driving initiatives to identify safer alternatives in the electronics sector. She will conduct research on PFAS hazards and alternatives as well as support the ongoing development of ChemFORWARD's data repository.

Rachel brings to ChemFORWARD over fifteen years of experience in sustainability, along with a deep understanding of chemical hazard assessment and safer alternatives, with particular expertise in the electronics sector. She has a proven track record of collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including brands, formulators, and chemical manufacturers, to drive the adoption of green chemistry principles. Rachel holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Sonoma State University.

Prior to joining ChemFORWARD, Rachel led projects aimed at reducing chemicals of concern and establishing responsible supply chains at the Global Electronics Council, where she refined criteria for the electronics sector's EPEAT ecolabel. She also held leadership positions at the Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3) and the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. Rachel's research at UC Berkeley focused on sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, including co-developing assessment tools for Google to evaluate the health and environmental impacts of materials in electronics.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to the ChemFORWARD team," said Stacy Glass, Executive Director at ChemFORWARD. "Her expertise and passion for safer chemistry, particularly in the electronics sector, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future in partnership with industry."