Linda Derhak

Linda Derhak develops educational programming to help communities navigate the energy transition and build climate resilience. She coordinates the Resilient Communities webinar series in partnership with Prairie Rivers Network, covering topics such as capacity building, funding opportunities, clean energy, and nature-based solutions. Linda also writes for the Energy Education Council, helping to create educational content that highlights the latest developments in renewable energy and promotes best practices in energy efficiency and safety. Her work also involves staying current on energy and climate policies in Illinois. As part of this, she works on projects that support coal transition communities.

Previously, Linda managed the Illinois Extension component of the Great Lakes Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center through the Thriving Communities program. She collaborated with rural and urban communities statewide to identify grant opportunities that improved infrastructure and community well-being. 

She has a Bachelor's degree in Health, Society, and Policy with a minor in Spanish from University of Utah, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a concentration in Land Use and Climate Adaptation.