We Put People & Planet First
Working together to build equitable and resilient solutions to the climate crisis.
About Cambium Carbon
Cambium Carbon is a people-centric, forward-focused company transforming the way communities and organizations approach the climate crisis. We believe in actions that drive results, and we are unapologetically committed to sharing the stories of our results with the world. Our stories are about impact and we believe impact inspires others to action.
We are a platform that enables circular economies through Carbon-Smart material reuse, by unlocking the power of local suppliers. We save fallen trees from landfill and decomposition, transforming them into valuable products with place-based impact. Our Carbon Smart Wood is locally sourced, locally salvaged, and reinvests in local tree planting. This circular economy model creates new green jobs and funding to support urban canopy restoration in the communities that need it most.
Meet the Climate Super Team
BEN CHRISTENSEN | CEO, CO-FOUNDER
Ben has spent his career building teams—believing deeply in the power of people, listening, and acting for others. He started Cambium Carbon to create a new people-first way to address climate change at scale in the US. Ben earned his Masters of Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
Previously Ben worked on federal policy at the World Resource Institute, led backcountry trips across California, and researched hydrolysis nano-chemistry at Sandia National Lab.
MARISA REPKA | CFO, CO-FOUNDER
Marisa leads our city-based consulting work: she connects the pieces of the urban wood system to facilitate relationship building and community impact. She also ensures that our books are managed and that the lights at HQ stay on.
Marisa holds a Masters of Environmental Management with a specialization in Business from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Her work as a writer and student program manager for the Conservation Finance Network has developed her interest in building new financing models for environmental impact.
THEO HOOKER | COO, CO-FOUNDER
Theo wears many hats at Cambium-from managing workflows to building lasting relationships with all of our partners. His energy helps make this well-oiled team work as seamlessly as possible.
Theo’s background in mathematical economics allows him to view potential climate change solutions through a market lens. As a 2018 Thomas Watson fellow, he traveled the world exploring sustainable food systems building valuable skills that translate to a start-up environment,
SOFIA REITSMA | OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Sofia’s background is in computational pathology, cultivating a skill set for systems-analysis and process improvement. This combination of skills pairs perfectly with her passion for environmental sustainability. Sofia shares her collaborative and adaptive mindset with the Cambium Carbon team and our partners. She holds a B.S. in biology.
JEFF COHEN | VP OF SALES
Jeff leads Cambium Carbon’s mission to make Carbon-Smart™ Wood a household name. His sales acumen, ability to build and foster relationships, and passion for leaving the world a better place for his children make him the perfect person to lead this initiative. Jeff holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management.
JOE McDONALD | VP OF TECHNOLOGY, INTERIM CTO
Joe joins Cambium Carbon with over a decade of experience working for startup and growth-stage technology companies, as well as a brief stint in academia. Joe believes in using technology to solve complex business problems, to empower people to focus on the things that matter, and to take way too many pictures of his daughter, wife, and dogs. Joe holds a BA from Hobart College and is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Dartmouth College.
NAJIA LUPSON | VP OF MARKETING
Najia’s fascination with human behavior has driven a career spanning brand strategy, marketing, talent development and organizational culture. She believes in the power people have to create visions of the world in which ALL can collectively thrive. Najia leads brand strategy and storytelling at Cambium Carbon and seeks to use it to drive greater harmony between people and the planet. Najia’s love of learning (or inherent nerdiness!) led her to earn a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, an MBA in Marketing from the NYU Stern School of Business and a Master in Educational Leadership from The Broad Center at Yale School of Management.
