Nader Afzalan, Ph.D. serves as the Senior Advisor for Community and Economic Resilience at California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. He is currently appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsome to connect the State’s climate policy, community resilience, and economic development through research and innovation.

Nader’s 20+ years of professional experience have resulted in leading and implementing policies and programs in the U.S., China, Central America, and the Middle East intersecting planning, community development, climate resilience, and technology. He is the author of over thirty articles and policy briefs published in peer-reviewed journals and professional mediums. Nader has earned a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Design at the University of Colorado.