Meet David Roberts, Principal Climate and Sustainability Specialist

In 2024, Maul Foster & Alongi acquired Peak Sustainability Group—a partnership grounded in shared values, a commitment to the Pacific Northwest, and a vision for a more sustainable future. Read the full acquisition announcement here.

One of the incredible minds behind Peak is David Roberts, who now serves as Principal Climate and Sustainability Specialist at MFA. We sat down with David to hear about his winding path through public service, his passion for climate resilience, and how a deep love of learning (plus a touch of music and poetry) has shaped his work and life.

What’s your background and career path?

I've spent over 40 years in public service, working in air and water quality, stormwater, wetlands, forests, and watershed policy. For 17 years at Ecology, I tackled statewide policy change. In 2002, I took a new job as Assistant Division Manager for the Aquatic Lands Program at DNR, where I oversaw 1.6 million acres of state land covered by a tide. This move brought my family to Bellingham. After a health scare in 2009, I realized that time wouldn’t wait for my dream. So, I started Kulshan Environmental Services in January 2011, which rebranded to Peak Sustainability Group in 2020. 

What does the MFA acquisition of Peak Sustainability mean to you?

Now, in my late 60s, I’ve realized I am in the fourth chapter of my life. My wife, Allison, and I wanted Peak’s work to live on and to take care of our employees. We were impressed by the solid, Pacific Northwest-based, employee-owned consulting firm at MFA. From the beginning, it felt like the perfect fit­­­—right-size, employee- and client-focused culture, reputation for quality, and a Bellingham office where our team could seamlessly transfer. 

This was never just about a company—it was about a legacy of impact, a team I care deeply about, and finding the right partner to carry that forward.

Today, as Principal Climate and Sustainability Specialist, I’m focused on enhancing MFA’s reputation in climate change, resilience, and sustainability. I love sparking conversations, exploring synergies, and driving business development efforts with MFA clients and my fellow team members. 

Can you describe a couple of memorable projects? 

That is a tough question because I’ve worked on so many! The most gratifying project I ever worked on was the City of Bellingham’s Climate Action Task Force. Over 18 months, we dove deep into the complex challenges cities face around climate change. The hardest-ever project was in the South Fork Nooksack Valley, where our community engagement became politicized with misinformation. This was hard to combat, but we did manage to adjust our engagement strategies to allow diverse voices to have their say while minimizing the level of discourse that wasn’t civil or respectful. 

Can you tell us about a person who inspires you?

I admire futurist Tony Seba, who profoundly influenced my thinking about technology disruption, sustainability, the future of industries, and the convergence of technologies into rapid innovation. As a geologist (and government employee – ha!), I saw change as incremental and slow, but innovation is rapid and catalytic! His visionary approach inspires me to shape strategies for addressing climate change and foster innovation in critical sectors. 

You’ve had a lot of international influences in your life. Tell us about that.

International travel first pulled me out of small-town Enumclaw when I became a Rotary Exchange student—and I never looked back. In my 20s and 30s, I had the chance to live in Sweden and Switzerland, which opened my eyes to new cultures and ways of thinking. When I met my wife, Allison, we quickly discovered a shared passion for global experiences. She spent years organizing international educational exchanges, and together, we took our young family to Australia for a job exchange—an adventure we’ll never forget. Over the past 30 years, we’ve welcomed 25 international students from 11 different countries into our home, with stays ranging from three months to two years. Each one left a mark, and these connections have made the world feel a little smaller and a lot more meaningful.

What would you say was the most memorable experience in your life?

My most memorable experience happened in late 2019 when I was invited to travel with a small group to China as a speaker on grassroots community engagement. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was surprised by the people’s genuine interest in engaging more with their government. I was surprised by local officials who expressed such sincere commitment to making life better for their people. My wife, Allison, also participated and made several presentations to inspire leaders and parents to love and protect nature by getting outside. This eye-opening trip left a lasting impression on us and occurred just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Could you share something others might not know about you?

I have a personal drive to capture moments in time through poetry, music, and photography. I've been keeping a personal diary for over 20 years. This practice of reflection has helped me to make sense of the world and seek ways to improve and innovate. My poetic inclinations manifest most in my songwriting. I have an online photography collection featuring photos of people and places I care about and my delight in capturing light. 

Everyone has a secret power. What is yours? 

I’ve been told that my optimism and enthusiasm for lifelong learning are my “secret sauce.” I particularly enjoy conversations with people on a wide range of topics and read widely to bring new ideas to the conversation.

Learn More About David