Elysia Shanks, certifications manager at STV, has been appointed to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Texas Gulf Coast Regional Council. The Regional Council brings together practitioners advancing high‑performance building, policy innovation and community-focused sustainability efforts across the Houston region. 

“This appointment represents a full-circle moment,” Shanks said. “USGBC Texas played a meaningful role in my professional growth, and I’m grateful to carry STV’s values into a space so deeply connected to our industry and the communities we serve.” 

Shanks first became involved with USGBC Texas while completing her undergraduate degree, volunteering across regional initiatives including energy summits, Earth Day events, LEED education, emerging professional programming and local green building advocacy. She later served as an honorary Regional Council member, chairing the memberships and communications committees.  

In her new role as Secretary, Shanks aims to contribute to LEED and technical programming, develop accessible education for broad audiences, support policy conversations and help strengthen the Council’s organizational capacity.  

She is especially motivated to help support the next generation of sustainability leaders in the region.  

“This council is full of people who care deeply about the future of our communities,” Shanks said. “It’s an honor to work alongside them to advance meaningful, real‑world sustainability outcomes.”