Welcome James Birr and Kristin Sako to CUB's team

CUB is excited to welcome the two newest members of our team: James Birr, Outreach and Communications Manager, and Kristin Sako, Outreach Intern.

James joined the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota in June 2023 as the organization's outreach and communications manager. Prior to joining CUB, he worked with various non-profit organizations focused on economic, racial, and gender justice advocacy in the Twin Cities. He has experience with both non-profit marketing as well as state regulatory administration.

James' variety of work experiences prepares him to be a strong advocate for consumers, and he is dedicated to advocating for Minnesotans both on the ground and at the Capitol. James graduated from Saint Paul College with an Associates in Arts. He lives on the border of Minneapolis and Saint Paul with his two cats, Louie and Pearl.

Kristin joined the Citizens Utility Board in June 2023 as an outreach intern. She is currently obtaining her Masters in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs with a focus on healthcare sustainability and energy efficiency. Additionally, she is working with the City of Minneapolis Department of Health's Sustainability Division on their Energy Benchmarking Program.

In 2021, Kristin earned a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota. Her work and academic experiences have allowed her to work alongside and communicate with a variety of individuals including youth, academic experts, ER patients, and individuals transitioning out of incarceration. Each experience taught her the importance of accessibility when communicating important, relevant information to an audience. She looks forward to expanding on this skill during her time at CUB!

Please say hello when you see James and Kristin at an event in your area!