Staff

John Gill, Chief Sustainability Officer

I began my career at East Carolina University in 1999 when I moved from Colorado to serve as ECU’s Landscape Architect. What started as an opportunity to help shape the physical beauty and functionality of campus has grown into a rewarding career dedicated to supporting the university’s mission and long-term success.

Today, I serve as a Director of Facilities Services, overseeing Landscape Services, Automotive Services, Moving Services, Recycling/Waste Reduction, and the Sustainability Office. In this role, I work closely with a talented team to ensure that the university’s infrastructure and support services operate efficiently while enhancing the campus experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is sustainability. Sustainability is critical to the long-term health and resilience of our campus, but it also serves a larger educational purpose. Universities have a unique responsibility to model sustainable practices and help students understand how their choices impact the environment. By integrating sustainability into campus operations, we provide students with real-world examples they can carry with them long after they leave ECU.

I am especially proud of our Sustainability Office and the dedicated team behind it. While we may be small in size, we are incredibly effective and passionate about our work. Our team takes great pride in advancing sustainability initiatives across campus, and we believe the work we do today helps create a stronger, healthier future for both ECU and the broader community.

Kim Fox, Sustainability Outreach Specialist

I’m very excited to get to work here at ECU as the new Sustainability Outreach Specialist! My main goal is to help with sustainability programs and to help get the word out about the wonderful work we’re doing. If you have any new ideas for sustainability activities or want to connect with clubs, faculty, or staff and need a helping hand, I’m here for you.

I’ve been passionate about the outdoors and nature for as long as I can remember, always playing in the woods as a kid and going hiking whenever I got the chance. In 2016, I took this hobby to a new level and spent just over 5 months hiking the Appalachian Trail. Spending time in nature has always given me peace of mind, and I am very passionate about preserving the nature I love for future generations to enjoy.

I also love reading everything from non-fiction to fantasy and science fiction, and enjoy chatting about books. When you see me around, let me know what you’ve been reading! 

Contact Kim via email at foxki23@ecu.edu or phone at 252-328-6652.

Charles Suggs, Recycling and Waste Reduction Coordinator

As the Recycling and Waste Reduction Coordinator at East Carolina University, it is my responsibility to help reduce the amount of waste generated on campus and find ways to divert more materials from the landfill through recycling, reuse, and composting programs. I consider myself fortunate to work in a field that allows me to make a positive impact on both the university and the environment.

Growing up, I often heard phrases like, “Don’t throw that away, someone can use it,” and “Waste not, want not.” Those lessons stayed with me and helped shape my appreciation for responsible resource management. Today, that same mindset guides the work I do at ECU.

I have dedicated more than 22 years of service to East Carolina University and currently oversee the university’s recycling and waste reduction programs. Working alongside a talented team, I strive to improve campus sustainability, increase recycling participation, and identify opportunities to reduce waste while supporting ECU’s environmental goals.

As a lifelong resident of Eastern North Carolina, I care deeply about protecting our natural resources for future generations. I am committed to helping ECU build a more sustainable campus and leaving a cleaner, healthier environment that our children and grandchildren can be proud to inherit.

Contact Charles via email at suggsas@ecu.edu or phone at 252-328-2892

Sammy Snead, Energy Manager

As the University Energy Manager of East Carolina University, it is my responsibility to track the university’s energy use and find ways to reduce it. I consider myself an expert in this position, as my training and education started at a young age. I have heard “Close the door, we can’t cool the neighborhood!”  “Turn the lights off, you are wasting money!” “You are letting the heat out, close the door!” You are using too much hot water!”… Most of us heard the same things growing up, so saving energy should be easy. As a father and grandfather, I am motivated to do my part in leaving as good an Earth as I can for my children and grandchildren. I have lived in Eastern North Carolina my entire life with the exception of my time as a US Marine.  I started with ECU in 2005 as a Controls Technician, which allowed me to work with many of the systems that use a majority of the energy at ECU. I hope to use my experiences to help ECU reach energy goals, which will help us pass on an Earth that we can be proud of.

Contact Sammy via email to sneads@ecu.edu or phone at 252-744-1627.

Xylona Wangila, Sustainability Intern

Hi everyone! I’m one of the interns for ECU Sustainability. I work under Kim to help promote sustainability on campus, whether that’s through giving presentations, managing our social media, or tabling at different events. Feel free to stop by if you see me around!

I first came to East Carolina as a physics major, but as I progressed through my coursework, I realized that I had more of an affinity for the environment, earth sciences, and advocating for the things I believe in. Soon after that, I switched my major to Environmental Studies and then I applied for the position I’m in right now. It’s been a year now and I’m still going strong, grateful for all the opportunities and challenges my internship has given me.

As a young person, the burden of keeping our planet intact has unfortunately been placed on my generation. Though that’s not fair, what we decide to do about it right now will most definitely affect our tomorrow. I try to let my peers know that sustainability is for everybody; you don’t have to be a climate scientist or activist to care about it, you just have to care about the future.