Staff
Noel Davis(he/him)
Director of Sustainability and Planning
Noel Davis has been with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University's Facilities Planning group since 2014, and currently serves as the Director of Sustainability and Planning. In this role, Noel oversees all sustainability efforts at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, with a key focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help the University minimize its impact on climate change.
From 2021 to 2023, Noel led the development of the University's Infrastructure Master Plan, collaborating with University and Facilities leadership and expert consultants. This strategic initiative aims to modernize and decarbonize the district energy system on the Evanston Campus, guiding ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ toward a more sustainable future.
Noel is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Design from MIT, a Master of Architecture degree from IIT, and a Master of Science degree in Building Technology from MIT, reflecting his deep expertise in the intersection of architectural design and engineering.
Noel's passion for sustainability stems from a lifelong appreciation for the environment, nurtured through his experiences in Boy Scouting and other outdoor pursuits. In his free time, Noel enjoys outdoor activities with his two children, including cycling and skiing, and dabbles in woodworking. He also dedicates time to serving as a Trustee for the Highland Park District 112 Education Foundation.
Julie Cahillane(she/her)
Associate Director, Sustainability
Julie Cahillane has been with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University since 1994. Julie supports the development and implementation of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s Strategic Sustainability Plan (SSP), including waste reduction and diversion efforts. She began her career at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ as the Recycling Coordinator and continued to expand environmental initiatives across the institution before the creation of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s sustainNU program.
Previously, Julie worked as an education coordinator for a national recycling company designing solid waste education programs addressing waste reduction, recycling, and recycled product procurement. Julie also served as Recycling Coordinator for the State of Illinois. In the position, she was responsible for the statewide office recycling program. She was appointed to the State of Illinois Task Force on Developing Markets for Recyclable Materials. Julie began her career in media relations, working in the Press Office of both the Illinois Governor and Secretary of State.
Under Julie’s guidance, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s recycling efforts have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Recycling Association, the IL Governor’s Pollution Prevention Awards, and the American Forest and Paper Association. Her interest in sustainability stems from an inherent sense of respect for the natural world and a desire to maintain balance and appreciation for all living things.
When she is not focusing on sustainability, she volunteers her time working with a no-kill, dog rescue organization in Chicago.
