CAG Welcomes Ryan Kirkpatrick

By Ryan Kirkpatrick, West Virginia Citizen Action Group Climate and Energy Organizer

My name is Ryan Kirkpatrick, and I have lived in Charleston, West Virginia my entire life. West Virginia is more than my home; it’s the foundation of who I am and why I do this work. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dogs, exploring small towns across the state, thrifting, kayaking, and cars. Staying rooted in our communities keeps me connected to the people we serve.

I am currently attending West Virginia State University, where I study Business Administration and Business Agriculture. My interest in climate and energy justice began when I learned more about the long-term impacts of the coal industry, an industry that helped build our state, but has also left lasting environmental, health, and economic challenges for many West Virginians.

That understanding led me to organizing around environmental and public health issues. I served for two years organizing around chemical safety, regulations, and risk management planning, particularly surrounding chemical facilities and ethylene oxide. I currently serve as the Environmental Chair for the Charleston NAACP and as Program Manager for People Concerned About Chemical Safety, where I work to advance protections for communities most impacted by pollution and industrial risk.

I am beyond excited to join West Virginia Citizen Action as the new Climate and Energy Organizer. I am passionate about organizing alongside fellow West Virginians to address the issues that impact us most, protecting our health, strengthening our communities, and building a safer, more sustainable future for our state.

I look forward to working together to create meaningful change for West Virginia. You can reach me at ryan@wcag.org.