Ben Jealous, the Sierra Club’s executive director, is stepping away from his role after a turbulent stint marked by internal tensions. Since joining the prominent environmental group in 2023, Jealous reportedly butted heads with staff and the organization’s union, leading to this abrupt leave. It’s unclear whether this is a temporary pause or the beginning of a permanent exit.

Editor’s Note: The Sierra Club is one of the most influential environmental organizations in the U.S., so any leadership shake-up is a big deal—especially when it’s messy. Jealous, a former NAACP leader, was supposed to bring fresh energy to the group, but internal conflicts have derailed that vision. This could signal deeper issues within the organization or just a bad fit. Either way, it’s a setback for a group that’s trying to stay relevant in a crowded activist landscape.