Please Welcome Michael Richardson As Third Act’s New Campaigns Director

We're thrilled that this longtime advocate for climate, democracy, and public power will be joining our organization at such a critical time.

Starting on January 12, Third Act will welcome a new Campaigns Director to the staff: Michael Richardson!

Many Third Actors already know Michael: He co-founded the Third Act Working Group in Upstate New York and has been a key leader within New York’s climate movement, serving on the steering committee of NY Renews—the coalition responsible for passing the landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

For those of you who don’t know Michael, here’s some of his many accolades:

A lifelong activist, Richardson’s movement work stretches back to war-resistance and social justice campaigns of the early 1970s and continues today through climate, environmental justice, and democracy organizing.

Michael was the lead convener of the Climate Change Superfund three-day teach-in at the capitol in Albany that secured Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature on a long-awaited “polluters pay” bill to hold big-oil responsible for damages wrought by climate change. Richardson also served as co-chair of Public Power NY, the coalition that helped secure passage of the Build Public Renewables Act, a groundbreaking law mandating the buildout of publicly owned renewable energy in New York State.

“Change begins when grassroots leaders inspire everyday people to rise together—to find the courage to stand across differences and move toward justice and love,” said Third Act President Vanessa Arcara. “Michael is the right leader for this moment and for our movement; we’re thrilled he’s joining the team.”

In addition to his U.S.-based organizing, Richardson has extensive international experience advancing regenerative agriculture. From 2010 to 2017, he co-founded and directed an agroecology training and demonstration center in Nicaragua, supporting small-scale growers in sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

Across a wide-ranging career—including roles as an organic farmer, solar heating contractor, labor economist, county legislator, and municipal consultant—Richardson has consistently applied his skills to strengthening democracy, protecting the climate, and advancing community-led solutions.

“Over the past three years, it has been a highpoint in my ‘third act’ to join in with other volunteer elders across the nation on climate finance, accelerating the buildout of solar energy, and uplifting democracy,” said Michael Richardson. “Now, I am beyond enthusiastic about this new position at Third Act as it offers a powerful opportunity to enhance our collective innovation and collaboration across different sectors—intergenerational, intercultural, and interfaith. We know that everyone has a role—that is what a movement means, and that is how a movement works.”

Please join us in welcoming Michael to the Third Act team!