New Staff Q&A: Ben Brint
OEC is excited to announce our new Senior Climate Program Director, Ben Brint!
Ben brings a deep knowledge of climate policy and a wealth of experience in a variety of sectors to the role. After working at various tech companies in the private sector—including at Lyft, where he supported a first-of-its-kind electric vehicle ride sharing program—he found his calling for climate advocacy, and returned to school to get his Masters of Public Policy from UC Berkeley. He is dedicated to propelling OEC’s climate initiatives forward, and protecting our state from environmental threats for generations to come.
Look out for Ben’s work on climate policy as we close out the 2025 legislative session, and be sure to say “Hi” when you see him out and about! (Hint: bring up soccer or the NBA to him in conversation, and he’ll probably want to be your friend!).
What was your dream job when you were a kid?
I have a very distinct memory of this, because I had to write an essay in fifth grade. I came up with this idea that I wanted to be a heart surgeon. I couldn’t tell you exactly why, because I’m not really drawn to being a doctor in any way. But I also wanted to be a professional soccer player—and that one has continued to be a throughline in my life, as I still play soccer to this day.
Do you play in a league, or just for fun?
I play in a co-ed soccer (futsal) league. We play weekend games at Rose City East. It’s very, very fun and fast-paced—and we all usually get a beer after. I also coached a 9-and-under boys soccer team in North Portland (where I live) recently, and that was fun too. Coaching was a great way to stay connected to the community and sport.
Is it hard coaching kids that young?
Turns out when you’re an eight- or nine-year-old boy, you just have a ton of energy and want to run around—so that was most of it. But it was also so fun to see their growth and development. We were losing games at the start of the season, and we won our final game! Not that it’s only about winning and losing… but it’s because they had good teamwork and communication.
Tell me about some of your earliest memories of nature. How did they influence where you are today in the career path you’ve taken?
I’m originally from Southern California—east of LA, halfway on your way to Joshua Tree. The desert landscapes have always been a core part of my experience growing up. We did a lot of hiking in Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego. So that arid landscape, spending time at the ocean, really expanded my mind. It showed me not just how beautiful nature can be, but how diverse it is, how many different ecosystems exist.
Another core experience was being a camp counselor for two summers near Yosemite (shoutout to Camp Tawonga!). Being outdoors with kids who would just light up and be their full, silly selves on hiking or backpacking trips was amazing. Getting to convene in nature is still one of my greatest joys personally, and seeing that in others is just awesome.
In your experience, how does Oregon compare to California?
I’d been living in Oregon for a bit when I met my now-wife, Becky. She’s from Portland, and when we started dating, she was pretty clear: it’s fine if we move away, but we’re gonna want to come back here eventually.
As I got to spend more time in Portland and explore more of Oregon, I saw a lot of parallels with California—but also a lot of differences. I increasingly felt more and more at home here. We moved to the San Francisco Bay area for three years. Coming back to Portland in 2024 has been so sweet, and I’m excited to be here for the longer-term.
Tell me about your experience in the private sector and working for tech startups. It’s obviously a very different world than what you’re in now. How did that experience impact the work you do today?
My first couple of roles in tech weren’t climate-related. They were in sales and advertising roles. In sales, I learned how to deliver a message and get people bought in. Later I was in client management, and we did some cool pro bono work for nonprofits. That taught me about managing a team and working collaboratively.
At Lyft, I had a very cross-functional role in business operations. We were launching new products and working with marketing, policy, product teams – you name it. It really showed me how all theses roles weave together to launch something, and the project management needed to be effective. I got re-engaged with policy and advocacy work at that time as well.
I also started working on EV initiatives there and got, as I like to say, “green-pilled” by climate podcasts. All those experiences led me back to grad school where I focused on policy. I think I picked up tools in all those roles: how to organize myself and teams, how to get things done—and now I get to apply that to pushing climate legislation and rulemaking forward.
What is your favorite place in Oregon?
I’ll give two answers. First, it’s cliché, but I really love Forest Park. It’s such a treasure for an urban environment. I have so many happy memories hiking, running, and just being there. We’re so lucky to have it in our backyard in Portland.
Second: Eastern Oregon. Growing up near deserts, I’ve really come to love it. Whether it’s hanging out on the Deschutes or going to the hot springs in Burns. And then there’s Joseph and the Wallowas — it’s literally like the Alps out there.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?Have you done much surfing in Oregon?
I’m a big sports person. I follow the NBA a little too closely. Also Premier League soccer. Outside of that, hiking, running, hanging out with friends. We have a big, loud orange cat named Angus. He’s the best. Also, I surf! Though that’s a little harder, and colder, now.
Have you done much surfing in Oregon?What kind of media have you been consuming lately — listening, reading, and watching?
A little bit, yeah. Another top spot on my list of favorite places in Oregon: Short Sands. You walk half a mile from the parking lot through beautiful forest, and then you pop out at this perfect little cove. Amazing surfing, but also just great for relaxing. The vibes are immaculate.
What kind of media have you been consuming lately — listening, reading, and watching?
For listening: I do a lot of podcasts. Some NBA stuff, some political ones like Ezra Klein. And then a lot of climate podcasts — “Volts” by Dave Roberts is probably my favorite. For music, I go through phases. But recently I joined a “music league” with friends. Each week has a new prompt, like “best Portland artist,” and we all submit songs, make a playlist, and vote. It’s been great to learn new music and bands, as well as revisit some older classics.
For reading: I was on a real tear earlier this year. Lately, I’ve been into murder mysteries. “The Snowman” by Jo Nesbø. The movie version was terrible, but the book’s great.
For watching: I’m watching “The Sopranos” for the first time and I’m obsessed. We also watched “The Pitt”—it was so good. I’ve also been watching more movies lately. I’m pretty active on Letterboxd, either reviewing or searching for the next flick.
What are your biggest hopes for the future of Oregon?
For me, a big draw to this work is the need for states like Oregon to step up—especially when there are threats to climate action at the federal level. I want Oregon to be a leader. That means not just reducing emissions, but doing so in a way that’s equitable and inclusive by bringing in communities that haven’t always had a seat at the table.
It also means electing and appointing people who are both supported and held accountable. It means tying climate to other key issues—healthcare, housing, you name it. Oregon needs to keep being strategic and bold in how we move forward.
OEC’s work to advance meaningful, lasting environmental progress is made possible by people across the state who care about safeguarding Oregon’s future.
Make a difference. Become a member of OEC today.
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