Christina Vernon Sanborn
Christina Vernon Sanborn, AIA, CDP, LEED AP, is a registered architect and sustainability leader with more than 20 years of experience guiding healthcare and higher education organizations on their carbon and sustainability journeys. As Principal and Sustainability Practice Leader at Mazzetti, Christina partners with clients to create actionable strategies that advance decarbonization, improve operational efficiency, and foster healthier, more resilient communities. She recently served as Interim Senior Director of Sustainability at Stanford Health Care and held senior leadership roles at Cleveland Clinic, Atrium Health, Northwestern University, and Williams College, bringing a unique combination of strategic insight and hands-on operational experience.
Christina attributes her success to her passion for sustainability and her dedication to making a meaningful impact. She thrives on connecting with people, fostering collaboration, and inspiring change through innovation and forward-thinking solutions. Her approach has been shaped by the invaluable advice she’s received: to embrace constructive criticism as a tool for growth—a philosophy she applies in mentoring teams and leading complex initiatives.
Committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, Christina encourages young women entering the field to find their people, network intentionally, and speak up. She believes that building strong relationships and advocating for oneself are essential to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Among the greatest challenges in her work are navigating budget constraints and resource limitations, which demand creativity, strategic prioritization, and collaboration to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes.
Guided by values of integrity, equity, and inclusion, Christina leads with curiosity and a focus on positive leadership. Whether helping clients progress their decarbonization goals or fostering inclusive, high-performing teams, she strives to create environments where people feel empowered to contribute their best. Outside of work, she practices sustainability at home, enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, and pursues creative projects that reflect her commitment to a healthier and more connected world.
• Certified Decarbonization Professional - 2024
• Appreciative Inquiry - 2010
• Registered Architect - 2004
• LEED AP - 2004
• Certified Allovance Decision Coach - 2019
• Miami University - Bachelors
• Columbia University - Masters
• Case Western Reserve University - Masters (In Progress)
• ASHRAE
• American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
• American Institute of Architects
• Women in Sustainability Leadership Award Alumna
• The Center for Health Design Built Environment Network
• Women in Healthcare
What do you attribute your success to?
My success is grounded in innovation, tenacity and commitment. I approach every challenge with creativity and persistence, and I stay focused on seeing projects through from conception to completion. These qualities have allowed me to navigate complex environments and deliver meaningful results throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering this industry, I would say: it’s not about the achievement. It’s the impact you create. Focus on how your work influences people, communities, and the environment. Make decisions that leave a lasting and positive mark, and don’t get caught up in accolades alone.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in my field is finding new ways to address climate change. The urgency of environmental issues requires constant innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies to create meaningful solutions that truly make a difference.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are authenticity and compassion. I strive to lead with integrity, treat people with respect, and create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and nurtured. These principles shape how I interact with colleagues, clients, and the communities I serve.