Super South Summit 2027
Atlanta, Georgia
March 22, 23 and 24, 2027
Meet Our 2026 Speakers

Maiya May
PBS Host, Weatherd
Maiya May is a science communicator, storyteller and host focused on climate science, extreme weather and humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
She hosts Weathered, a PBS digital series exploring climate change and natural disasters through a research-driven, human-centered lens, advancing environmental literacy and public understanding.

Andy Marshall, PhD
Executive Director, Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub
Andy is Executive Director of the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub, driving climate tech innovation in Georgia and the Southeast. With over a decade of experience spanning battery storage, solar, smart grid and refrigerants, he connects entrepreneurs with resources to accelerate sustainable solutions. Andy’s work combines expertise in growth strategy and alliance building to support the region’s transition to a sustainable future.

Tim Lieuwen, PhD
Executive Vice President of Research, Georgia Institute of Technology
Tim Lieuwen, PhD
Executive Vice President of Research, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Tim Lieuwen, Executive VP for Research and Regents’ Professor at Georgia Tech, is a leading expert in clean energy, propulsion and combustion.
A National Academy of Engineering member, he has authored 400+ publications, founded TurbineLogic, advises DOE labs and advances innovations in sustainable energy and alternative fuels.

Lisa Sachs
Director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment & Columbia Climate School
Lisa Sachs
Director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment & Columbia Climate School
Lisa is a leading voice on sustainable finance and investment policy, she works globally to align investment practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Lisa holds a BA in Economics from Harvard University, a Masters Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.

Dena Kimball
Former Executive Director, Kendeda Fund
Dena Kimball is a former executive director of The Kendeda Fund and currently a social sector consultant and adjunct lecturer at Emory University and the University of Georgia. She previously held leadership roles at Teach For All, Teach For America and GirlVentures. Dena holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Emory.

John Lanier
Executive Director, Ray C. Anderson Foundation
John Lanier is the executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, where he champions environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. Inspired by his grandfather, sustainability pioneer Ray Anderson, John leads the Foundation’s efforts to advance climate solutions and circular economy innovation. A passionate advocate and author, he works to create a thriving, regenerative world for future generations.

Amy Keister
Global Director of Sustainability, Compass Group
Amy Keister is Global Director of Sustainability at Compass Group, leading enterprise-wide strategy across operations, culinary and supply chain for the world’s largest food and support services company. She is known for translating sustainability strategy into scalable, data-driven action that drives efficiency, resilience and long-term growth. In 2022, she was named to Business Insider’s inaugural Top 30 Climate Action Leaders worldwide.

Meredith Lindvall
AVP - Waste, Water and Nature-Biodiversity, Cox Enterprises
Meredith Lindvall is Assistant Vice President of Waste, Water, Nature & Biodiversity at Cox Enterprises, leading enterprise-wide sustainability and zero-waste initiatives.
An Atlanta native, she holds a BS in Environmental Science and an MPH in Environmental Health from Emory University and serves on sustainability boards and champions environmental health, circularity and community engagement.

Caroline Golin, PhD
Founder and CEO, Envision Energy Advisors
Caroline Golin, Ph.D. advances innovation across the energy ecosystem to address complex grid challenges through innovative capital structuring, procurement and strategic partnerships. Formerly Global Head of Energy Market Development and Innovation at Google, she led multi-billion-dollar clean energy strategies supporting Google’s 2030 decarbonization goal.
Caroline holds both a master’s degree and a doctorate from Georgia Tech.

Majda Dabaghi
Chief Sustainability Officer, ekko
Majda Dabaghi is Chief Sustainability Officer at ekko, a multi award winning sustainability platform transforming how banks and payment providers deliver purpose driven services. Built by experienced fintech leaders, ekko partners with global brands to embed climate action into everyday transactions helping institutions meet business goals while empowering customers to create measurable environmental impact.

John Picard
Founder, John Picard & Associates
For more than three decades, John has pioneered sustainable design and regenerative systems.
From helping transform Interface into a carbon-negative global leader to shaping landmark green developments and seeding the U.S. Green Building Council, John’s work has quietly defined what sustainable living looks like today and what it can become tomorrow.

Kai-Uwe Bergmann, FAIA
Partner, BIG
Kai-Uwe is a Partner at BIG, leading global business development and major urban and landscape projects across 40+ countries. He helped shape Manhattan’s BIG U coastal resiliency plan and key initiatives including Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge and the Smithsonian and Pittsburgh Master Plans. A licensed architect in the U.S. and Canada, he lectures internationally and has taught at Georgia Tech, UPenn, IE Madrid and UVA.

Chuck Mattera
President and CEO, Avalanche Thinking, Inc
Chuck Mattera is the former Chair and CEO of Coherent Corp. with nearly 40 years of leadership in semiconductor materials and device technologies. Over two decades he guided the company’s diversification global expansion and acquisition strategy strengthening its technology portfolio and market position.
An award winning executive he previously held leadership roles at Bell Labs Lucent and Agere Systems.

Alison Davis
Managing Director, Bank of America Private Bank
Alison Davis is a Managing Director at Bank of America Private Bank serving clients with complex financial needs. The firm provides institutional level capabilities and personalized strategies to help individuals families and institutions manage preserve and transfer wealth. Guided by a fiduciary standard Bank of America Private Bank combines global scale with a boutique client experience.

Tosha Perkins, Ph.D.
Chief Administrative Officer, Archer
Tosha Perkins is an executive leader with experience spanning early-stage ventures to complex public companies. After a decade in strategy and sales consulting, she moved into enterprise leadership across human capital, technology and operations.
She partners with executive teams and boards to build scalable, accountable, people-centered organizations.

Bill Nussey
Partner, Tech Square Ventures and Engage
Bill is a career tech CEO with several exits, including a billion-dollar IPO. He is now a partner at Tech Square Ventures and Engage. At TSV, he leads the firm's enterprise accelerator and corporate innovation platform, Engage.
Bill is passionate about climate tech and clean energy, giving a TED talk on startups disrupting the industry. This grew into a podcast and later a book called Freeing Energy.

Josh Raglin
Chief Sustainability Officer, Norfolk Southern
As Chief Sustainability Officer at Norfolk Southern, Josh Raglin leads efforts to transform the company’s sustainability strategy.
He serves on advisory boards for Auburn and Georgia Tech and is a board member of the US Endowment for Forestry and The Longleaf Alliance. He is also a founding member and active advisor to Drawdown Georgia and Sustain SC which bring together commerce and conservation solutions.

Gary Walia
Director - Grid of the Future, Southwire
Gary Walia is a power & energy executive at Southwire with over 20 years leading energy infrastructure, grid modernization and data center initiatives.
Currently leading Southwire’s Grid of the Future, Walia’s work is disrupting the global energy transition toward a smarter, more sustainable and resilient Grid of the Future.

Ben Jordan
Senior Advisor, Clear Strategy
Dr. Ben R. Jordan is a sustainability leader with 30 years of experience advancing environmental and social impact. He has guided organizations through shifting geopolitical landscapes across more than 50 countries.
As an adjunct professor, Ben equips emerging leaders with the strategies, skills and capabilities needed to drive meaningful change.

Tiffany Rogers Bussey, PhD
Morehouse College, Executive Director
Dr. Bussey is an experienced director in higher education with expertise in international business federal grants management organizational leadership program development and project management. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration in Strategic Management from Heriot Watt University.
Recognized for advancing initiatives, she strengthens institutions through strategic leadership and operational excellence.

Andrew Capezzuto
Director of Corporate Affairs, Rivian
Andrew Capezzuto is Director of Corporate Affairs of Rivian where he leads efforts to secure financial and tax incentives oversee licensing for service centers and guide community engagement and thought leadership initiatives.
Known for aligning business objectives with public partnerships he helps advance strategic growth while strengthening relationships with communities and key stakeholders.

Joyelle Harris, PhD
Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute, GSU
Joyelle Harris is an experienced faculty member and higher education leader skilled in data analysis, electrical engineering, strategic planning program design and nonprofit management. She holds a PhD from Princeton University and an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
She is committed to advancing academic innovation and developing programs that support student and institutional success.

Suganthi Simon
Vice President, Mid-South Region, JPMorgan Chase & Co
Suganthi Simon is Vice President for the Mid-South Region at JPMorganChase Global Philanthropy, leading grantmaking strategies across GA, TN and NC.
Suganthi previously managed community development initiatives at The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and spent 14 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Her work focuses on inclusive economic growth, community development and cross-sector collaboration.

Jim Kelleher
President and CEO, Georgia Association of Manufacturers
Jim Kelleher was named President and CEO of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers in January. Jim became a GAM member during his time as VP of Manufacturing for Mitsubishi Power Systems, where he advocated for manufacturing and the energy sector, while also serving on GAM’s Board.
His career has focused on optimizing production, enhancing efficiency, and preparing organizations for complex challenges.

Donnie Beamer Jr.
Senior Technology Advisor, City of Atlanta
Donnie Beamer Jr., CFA is the Senior Technology Advisor for the City of Atlanta, serving as the mayor’s chief liaison to the tech sector and shaping strategy to grow the city’s innovation ecosystem.
A Wharton MBA and Georgia Tech alum, he previously led product strategy at Cox2M and founded a tech startup. Beamer is active in Atlanta’s startup and public-tech communities, driving initiatives to foster inclusive economic growth.

Dr. Marilyn Brown, PhD
Regents' Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Marilyn Brown directs the Climate and Energy Policy Laboratory and previously co-led a seminal low-carbon scenario report at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She’s authored hundreds of publications, advised policymakers, worked with the IPCC, co-founded the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance and currently leads Drawdown Georgia advancing practical sustainable energy policies.

Patricia Yager, PhD
Professor, University of Georgia
Dr. Patricia L. Yager leads the Georgia Climate Project and is a climate scientist and Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia. She investigates how marine ecosystems interact with and respond to climate change, integrating fieldwork, laboratory analysis and modeling.
Her work focuses on polar regions and tropical oceans, examining impacts of melting ice, nutrient fluxes and circulation shifts on marine productivity and carbon cycling.

Dr. Bruce Hungate
Professor, Northern Arizona University and Director of ECOSS
Bruce Hungate is a Regents’ professor at Northern Arizona University and Director of the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society.
He is renowned for his research on interactions among soil microbes, carbon cycles and global change. With a passion for sustainability, Hungate’s work reveals how ecosystems respond to climate change, informing stewardship of our planet and bridging science and policy.

Jennifer Chirico
Associate Vice President of Sustainability, Georgia Institute of Technology
Jennifer Chirico
Associate Vice President of Sustainability, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Jennifer Chirico is an executive leader with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, energy, circular economy, supply chains, waste, stakeholder engagement and finance. She develops and executes enterprise-level strategies for private sector partners, higher education and government. A published author, keynote speaker and educator, she brings global experience and measurable impact worldwide.

Iesha Baldwin
Sustainability Coordinator, Spelman College
Iesha Baldwin, an award-winning environmentalist and author, brings 10+ years of experience in climate communications, research and fundraising. As Spelman College's first Sustainability Coordinator, she has driven impactful change by launching the Sustainable Spelman Office, the Green Workforce Development Program and the innovative Food Waste to Energy initiative, advancing sustainability across campus and within the local community.

John Fluker
President and CEO, Grenzebach Corporation
John Fluker is President and CEO of the Grenzebach Group a global provider of industrial automation and high tech production solutions. The company designs manufacturing systems for glass building materials and advanced industries.
With operations across Europe Asia and the United States Grenzebach is known for reliability efficiency and strong customer partnerships.

Christian Rishel
Founder, Circudyne
Christian is dedicated to the proposition that the road to circularity runs through brands and looks forward to a future that is aspirational and delightful for everyone. He has held leadership positions at Google, JetBlue, McKinsey and a number of technology startups. Christian holds an MBA from Duke University, an MSFS in International Business Diplomacy from Georgetown University and an AB in Philosophy from Colgate University.

Scott Boylston
Professor | Design for Sustainability Program, SCAD
Scott is a professor and graduate coordinator of the SCAD Design for Sustainability with more than two decades of experience spanning education, nonprofit leadership and professional practice.
A co-author of graduate degrees in sustainability design and founder of multiple initiatives, he bridges systems thinking, impact design and ethical practice through teaching, writing and international conference leadership.

Jeff DeLong
Head of Product Partnerships, Global Payments
Jeff DeLong is Head of Product Partnerships at Global Payments where drives strategic partnerships across enterprise SMB and platform segments.
He has advanced many of the company’s most impactful partner relationships and serves on the board of Enable supporting disability awareness and accessibility. He holds an MBA from Emory University and a management degree from Tulane University.

Jacob Morris
Managing Director, New Ventures, Southern Company
Jacob Morris drives innovation across the evolving power landscape. He brings experience spanning the utility industry, corporate venture capital and commercialization.
Jacob has led cross-functional teams and delivered results in financial analysis, project management and engineering design, advancing strategic growth and operational performance across complex energy initiatives.

Tia Robinson
Founder & CEO, Vertical Activewear
Tia Robinson is a Sustainability Expert, TEDx Speaker, and the CEO & Founder of Vertical Activewear, the first B Corp-certified apparel manufacturer in Georgia. She leads the charge in on-demand, waste-free production and travels nationwide educating others on the hidden complexity of fashion supply chains and how rethinking fashion choices can transform the industry.

Miguel Granier
Managing Director, Cox Cleantech Accelerator by gener8tor
Miguel Granier is the Managing Director of Cox Cleantech Accelerator by gener8tor, a 12-week program supporting early-stage climate innovation startups.
With nearly two decades of experience financing businesses from startup to growth stage, he has led investments across nine countries and three continents. Miguel has also served on the boards of several non-profits, including Greentown Labs, Village Capital and Global Growers Network.

Robin Lanier
Director, Grid Strategy and Solutions, Georgia Power Company
Robin is Director of Grid Strategy and Solutions for Georgia Power Company focusing on advancing emerging solutions to better plan, optimize and operate the grid. Her work is driven by a passion for shaping the future of energy.
Prior to current role, Lanier lead New Ventures and Environmental Regulatory & Strategy at Georgia Power Company.

Amol Naik
Principal, Resurgens Strategies
Amol Naik is a seasoned government affairs executive and attorney with 20 years of experience at the intersection of public policy, technology, and social impact. As Principal of Resurgens Strategies, he specializes in regulatory solutions that drive both profitability and societal change. A former Chief Resilience Officer for Atlanta, Amol has led key initiatives at Google, served in public and private sectors, and holds leadership roles on several boards.

Ania Lackey
Executive Director, FinTech Atlanta
Ania Lackey is Executive Director of FinTech Atlanta where she leads partnerships and programs that unite founders enterprise leaders and civic partners to expand the region’s fintech ecosystem. A longtime ecosystem builder she has held leadership roles at Atlanta Tech Village the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Georgia Department of Economic Development and brings a global connector’s mindset to advancing innovation.

Erin Lincoln
Director, Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business
Erin Lincoln leads the Harley Langdale, Jr. Center for Forest Business at the University of Georgia, integrating pioneering academic research and sound financial methods to provide education and service to forest industry, investors and landowners throughout the world.
Previously, she held a variety of roles in environmental science, working as a Hydrologist for the USDA, the US Geological Survey and Tetra Tech.

Kashi Sehgal
Founder & CEO, Retaaza
Kashi Sehgal is Founder and CEO of Retaaza, a social impact food solutions company rethinking the local supply chain. She is also Managing Partner at Forethica, CEO of Gigabark and Advisory Board Member of Purpose Group.
Across her work, Kashi centers education, sustainability, ethics and technology. She advises startups and nonprofits, mentors entrepreneurs, and has led strategies for Fortune 100s, emphasizing compassionate, impactful solutions.

Richard Gruber
Senior Fellow, Strategic Energy Institute, Georgia Tech
Richard is a Principal at Quadrant-i, catalyzing new energy/cleantech companies anchored in Georgia Tech IP, and a Senior Fellow at the Strategic Energy Institute. He co-founded Merit SI, partnered with Turner Enterprises on two successful cleantech companies, served as V.P. Project Development at First Solar, and in leadership at ERCOT ISO.

Steve Nygren
Founder & CEO, Serenbe
Steve Nygren is Founder and CEO of Serenbe, a wellness community that demonstrates 70% of green space interlaced with agriculture, housing and retail is not only economically viable but the future of community wellbeing.
Steve currently serves on multiple national boards dealing with children, agriculture and environmental issues including The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, Children & Nature Network, Chattahoochee NOW, The Biophilic Institute and Wholesome Wave.

Brandy Hall
Mayor, Pine Lake and Founder & CEO, Shades of Green Permaculture
Brandy Hall is Mayor of Pine Lake, GA and Founder & CEO of Shades of Green. Since founding Shades of Green in 2008, she has grown it into a team of 25+ that has guided over a thousand clients in applying permaculture principles.
With nearly two decades of experience in off-grid water systems, landscape construction and integrated farming, she is passionate about creating a healthier, sustainable world.

Gabrielle Pierre
Director of Strategy and Partnerships/ Editor-in-Chief, Georgia Network for Electric Mobility
Gabrielle Pierre
Director of Strategy and Partnerships/ Editor-in-Chief, Georgia Network for Electric Mobility
Gabrielle Pierre is Director of Strategy and Partnerships and Editor-in-Chief at the Georgia Network for Electric Mobility, a public-private consortium housed at the University of Georgia. She brings more than 10 years of experience across urban planning, infrastructure, renewable energy and mobility strategy. Previously at McKinsey and Company, she advised public sector clients on fleet management, long-range planning, mobility innovation and resilient infrastructure initiatives.

Grayson Eady
Founder & CEO, EVision
Grayson Eady is the Founder and CEO of EVision Solutions, a boutique consulting firm advising EV charging companies, municipalities, and small businesses. He holds a master’s from Georgia Tech, where he researched climate policy, and previously worked as a Charging Interoperability Engineer at Rivian.

Glenn Halliday
Electric Transportation Solutions Manager, Georgia Power
Glenn is responsible for the development, design and implementation of Georgia Power's new Make Ready program created to assist customers with the installation of Electric Transportation Infrastructure to help customers plan and prepare for the transition to electrification of vehicle fleets.

Nathaniel Smith
Chief Equity Officer, Partnership for Southern Equity
Nathaniel Smith is founder and Chief Equity Officer of the Partnership for Southern Equity. A child of Southern Freedom Movement Activists, Smith works to create the conditions that enable just and fair inclusion into a society in which all people can participate and prosper. Under his leadership, PSE launched the South’s first equity-mapping tool, expanded MARTA transit and supported equity-focused initiatives like the COVID-19 Rapid Relief Fund and Justice40 Accelerator.

Michael Chanin
CEO, Cherry Street Energy
Michael is the founder and CEO of Cherry Street Energy, a leading solar energy provider across the Super South. With a background in finance and a passion for sustainability, he drives innovative solutions that enable businesses and communities to adopt clean energy.
His dedication to renewable resources fosters positive growth, economic impact and environmental responsibility across the region.

Anthony Clark
VC | Emerging Technologies | Siemens Financial Services
Anthony Clark is Vice Chair of Emerging Technologies at Siemens, supporting a global technology leader spanning industry infrastructure mobility and healthcare. He helps advance Siemens mission to combine the real and digital worlds enabling customers to accelerate digitalization and sustainability while making factories more efficient cities more livable and transportation more sustainable worldwide.

Lindsey Benefield
CEO & Founder, Cobridge Ventures
Lindsey Benefield is Founder and CEO of CoBridge Ventures a consultancy supporting venture and innovation ecosystems. She operates SSBCI backed initiatives across Mississippi and Louisiana helping scale early stage funds activate investor networks and build capital readiness pipelines.
Known for embedding with partners she brings structure execution and stakeholder alignment to complex programs.

Peter J. Hubbard
Georgia Public Service Commissioner, District 3
Peter Hubbard is a Georgia Public Service Commissioner representing District 3. An energy expert with more than 15 years of experience, he previously founded the Georgia Center for Energy Solutions, advocating for lower power bills and cleaner, more reliable energy.
Hubbard’s work focuses on strengthening grid reliability, modernizing energy policy and ensuring affordable electricity for Georgia households and businesses.

Hamed Soroush, PhD
Founder and CEO, Teverra
Hamed is an accomplished leader, entrepreneur and expert in subsurface engineering with extensive experience across the O&G, geothermal, CCS and energy storage sectors with over 350 global projects, blending technical expertise with strategic business development. Hamed has taught industry-focused courses, delivered SPE and EAGE short courses and served as an SPE Distinguished Lecturer in 2012, 2017 and 2020.

James Marlow
President, Southface Institute
James Marlow, President of Southface Institute, is an innovator in sustainable building, solar energy, cleantech and digital solutions. He actively advances sustainability through collaboration, guiding strategies for startups to multinational corporations and leading-edge nonprofits.
With deep expertise bridging technology, policy and public engagement, he communicates complex ideas to technical experts, business leaders and communities alike.

Jennifer Singh
Sustainability Catalyst, ATDC
Jen serves as Sustainability Catalyst for ATDC, supporting early-stage sustainable innovation companies. With over 15 years of experience, she coaches startups and connects them with the resources they need to thrive.
An inventor, author and featured speaker, she is an expert in innovation strategy and disruptive technologies. She also serves on the Boards of Startup Atlanta and TAG Smart Communities & Sustainability Society.

Cristina Long Paredes
Executive Director, SC Nexus
Cristina is Executive Director of SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy, South Carolina’s TechHub with 20+ years in economic development, she has led nationally recognized growth initiatives, major industrial expansions and inclusive business programs.
Formerly leading Tallahassee-Leon County’s economic development, she delivered thousands of jobs and impact, while advancing energy resiliency through cross-sector collaboration nationwide.

Jonathan Shieber
Senior Strategist, LaunchSquad
Jonathan Shieber is Senior Strategist and climate tech storyteller at LaunchSquad.
He was previously Chief Editor and a Venture Partner at Robert Downey Junior’s FootPrint Coalition and was Climate Editor, Contributors Editor and a Senior Editor and writer at TechCrunch. Before TC he covered venture investment in the U.S. and China at Dow Jones & Co. with work published in Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

David Stone Eady
Director-Industry Engagement, Drawdown Georgia Business Compact
David Stone Eady is Director of Industry Engagement at the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business in the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Institute of Technology and Drawdown Georgia Business Compact.
David leverages 30+ years of experience and expertise in sustainability management, stakeholder engagement and community development to accelerate the deployment of sustainable solutions across various sectors and industries.

Rob Phocas
Executive Director, Southeast Sustainability Directors Network
Rob Phocas is Executive Director of the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network, advancing climate action through collaboration with local governments and cross-sector partners.
He has led clean energy and resilience initiatives across public and private sectors, aligning strategy, resources, and partnerships to deliver scalable community impact.

Chandra Farley
Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Atlanta
Chandra Farley is an environmental justice advocate focused on advancing equitable climate resilience and strengthening communities.
With a foundation in the design and construction industry, she brings a practical perspective to sustainability giving solutions that connect environmental action, justice, and everyday lived experience.

Cynthia Curry
Senior Director, Cleantech Ecosystem Expansion, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Cynthia Curry
Senior Director, Cleantech Ecosystem Expansion, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Cynthia Curry is Senior Director of Cleantech Ecosystem Expansion at Metro Atlanta Chamber, driving job creation and investment across Metro Atlanta. She connects business, government, civic and educational leaders to advance sustainable communities and attract Cleantech companies to the region.
Cynthia also launched the ATL Cleantech Coalition and serves on multiple advisory boards, including Georgia Tech’s Strategic Energy Institute.

Marianne Faloni
Founder & CEO, BoldImpact ATL
Marianna Faloni is Founder and CEO of BoldImpact ATL and BoldImpact VENTURES, leveraging major sports and entertainment events like the 2026 World Cup to drive sustainable innovation, resilient housing, mobility, workforce development and community activation. A futurist and ecosystem builder, Faloni turns visionary ideas into actionable strategies that advance inclusive, resilient cities.

Suzan Satterfield
Managing Partner, Picture Window Productions
Suzan Satterfield, Managing Director of Picture Window Productions and Cofounder of Women in Production Summit. She is a documentary and television series creator, producer and writer, specializing in unique ways to tell stories about environmental and social issues.
Picture Window Productions has produced over 100 episodes of doc-style eco programs that air on Turner Broadcasting and PBS.

Michael Levy
Partner, Baringa
Michael is a partner at Baringa, serving as US Utilities Lead and Global Head of Asset Resilience. He advises utilities, energy companies and infrastructure funds on the energy transition, focusing on climate resilience, regulatory innovation, grid analytics and operational due diligence. He also serves on the Georgia Tech Executive Round Table alumni board.

Christopher Ratti
Senior ESG Credit Strategist, Bloomberg LP
Christopher Ratti is a Portfolio Analyst with over 20 years of experience in investment management, now focused on sustainable finance.
He specializes in green and sustainable bond research, greenium analysis, blended finance structures, and capital allocation strategies, partnering with issuers and asset managers to scale climate and impact-driven investment solutions globally.

Ward Broom
Chairman and Co-Founder, RoboGeorgia
Ward Broom is a seasoned startup executive and investor with expertise in high-tech, healthcare, and robotics. Co-founder of IPA and EnOPrep, he has led product innovation, scaling and exits, and now mentors early-stage startups as a lead Catalyst at Georgia Tech’s ATDC and an active angel investor.

Kimberly Shoff Allred
Manager - Aerospace and Cybersecurity, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Kimberly Allred is an economic development professional advancing the growth of Metro Atlanta’s $79 billion aerospace and defense sectors. She helps companies land expand and thrive by building partnerships strengthening supply chains and unlocking innovation and investment to position Metro Atlanta as a national industry leader.

Sam White
Co-founder, Greentown Labs
Sam White turns climate tech ideas into scalable businesses. A co-founder of Greentown Labs, he has scaled thermal battery, cooling, and recycling ventures across global markets. Now leading GreenLabs Recycling, he drives circular manufacturing through problem-led innovation, strong partnerships, anchor customers, and teams built for durable growth.

Stan Cross
Electric Transportation Director, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Stan Cross is a leader in sustainable transportation with 15+ years advancing clean mobility. A co-founder of Brightfield Transportation Solutions, he helped pioneer solar-integrated EV charging. He has advised cities, nonprofits, and the U.S. DOE, and now leads electric transportation initiatives at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy across the Southeast.

Jake Elder
Senior Vice President, Research and Innovation, Energy Impact Partners
Jake Elder leads Energy Impact Partners’ research and innovation program for data centers, commercial real estate and utility customer solutions. With 15 years of experience at the intersection of energy, technology, data and the built environment, he has advised cities, startups and infrastructure leaders on climate strategy, infrastructure innovation and technology adoption across public and private sectors.

Grant Wainscott
Founder & Managing Partner, ABF Cross Border Advisors
Grant Wainscott is Founder and Managing Partner of ABF Cross Border Advisors, a consulting firm helping companies, communities and ecosystems grow.
A global thought leader and speaker, Wainscott previously served as VP of Ecosystem Expansion at the Metro Atlanta Chamber and has led international initiatives, fostering innovation and investment across Fintech, AI, SportsTech, Aviation and the Creative Industries.

Jude Davies
CEO & Co-Founder, RevaTerra
Jude Davies is CEO and Co-Founder of RevaTerra, the world’s first AI-powered bioenergy company. After two decades in the semiconductor industry, she builds intelligent energy systems for data centers and industry. A proven leader of global teams, she brings creative thinking, clear communication and a bias for action. She excels where new industries are forming and clarity must be created.

Clement Solomon
Division Director, Georgia Department of Transportation
Clement Solomon is a visionary transportation and sustainability leader with interdisciplinary training in engineering and natural resource economics. He has led multimillion-dollar programs across transit, parking and mobility systems, developed innovative multimodal road maps and pioneered the Decentralized Mobility District concept. He brings systems thinking, strategic leadership and data driven decision making to complex infrastructure challenges.

Stephanie Gossman
Planning & Policy General Manager, Georgia Power Company
Stephanie Gossman is Planning and Policy General Manager at Georgia Power, where she leads efforts to prepare the future grid through customer growth planning, generation interconnection and grid standards. With deep experience in transmission engineering, grid transformation and electric transportation, she drives reliable infrastructure solutions that support evolving customer needs and long-term system resilience across Georgia.

Erika Kirkland
Chief Operations Manager, 2Oceans
Erika Kirkland is the Chief Operations Manager of 2Oceans, a strategic connector operating at the intersection of land, power, capital and digital infrastructure. She connects developers, landowners, operators and institutional capital to enable financeable, buyer-ready data center projects. Erika focuses on land analysis, data center finance, buyouts and tax-advantaged capital deployment with disciplined structure and neutral execution globally.

Charles Hua
Founder and Executive Director, Powerlines
Charles Hua is Founder and Executive Director of PowerLines, a nonprofit modernizing utility regulation to lower bills and grow the economy. He previously served as Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy and at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he focused on grid modernization and energy policy. Hua has been recognized by the White House as a U.S. Presidential Scholar and by the Aspen Institute as a Fellow.

Jared Leader
Senior Director, Smart Electric Power Alliance
Jared Leader is Senior Director of Resilience at SEPA, advising utilities, policymakers, developers NGOs and end-use consumers on flexible, resilient and clean energy strategies. He previously worked with utility, municipal and industry stakeholders across the energy and water sectors. Jared holds an MS from Johns Hopkins University and a BS from the University of Virginia and was named to PUF’s Fortnightly Under Forty.

Michael Carter Jr.
Executive Director, Africulture / Unionville
Michael Carter Jr is an 11th generation farmer and agricultural equity leader committed to sustainable practices rooted in cultural heritage. He leads Africulture, a nonprofit educating communities on the global contributions of African descended people to agriculture.
Through teaching and consulting partnerships his work advances food security economic parity and climate resilience while expanding opportunity for farmers across diverse communities.

Bill Thomson
VP, Product and Marketing Management, DCBlox
Bill Thomson is a marketing, product and strategy leader with deep experience launching and scaling software, cloud services and technology infrastructure. He specializes in helping growing tech companies sharpen strategy, commercialize products and execute effective go-to-market plans. Bill has led teams across enterprise software, telecommunications and data center solutions, building high-quality end-to-end customer experiences.

Giri Iyer
Sr Program Leader, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Giri Iyer is a technology and business leader with more than 30 years of experience across the energy and healthcare sectors. He leverages expertise in electrical engineering, global strategy and AI to drive innovation, M&A and ecosystem development. A four-time GE Innovation Award winner, Giri has generated over $2B in revenue growth while advancing grid reliability, resiliency and renewable integration.

Kristofor Anderson
Director of Energy Resources, Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
Kristofor Anderson
Director of Energy Resources, Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
Kristofor Anderson is an experienced government leader overseeing diverse energy programs spanning residential efficiency, electric grid resiliency, renewable energy, workforce development, performance contracting, emergency response, energy policy, fuel storage and related state priorities. He brings deep expertise in program development, implementation, oversight, federal grant writing and stakeholder relations across complex public sector environments nationwide today.

Stanton Lanham
Meteorologist, Duke Energy Corporation
Stanton Lanham is a meteorologist at Duke Energy providing forecasting and weather intelligence across service territories in the Carolinas Midwest and Florida. He supports forecast product development data analysis and air dispersion modeling for the company’s nuclear sites helping strengthen operational readiness safety and informed decision making.

Catherine Lovett
Manager, Local Policy & Community Affairs, Wing
Catherine Lovett is a cross functional leader passionate about connecting people to brands through innovative experiences and partnerships. She is known for influencing stakeholders and driving strategic initiatives through collaboration and clear execution.
Her expertise spans corporate philanthropy, strategic planning, program management, marketing and communications with a driven collaborative approach.

Jenni Brandon
CEO, Science and Sustainability Consultant, Wild Beacon Consulting
Jenni Brandon holds a PhD in Biological Oceanography from Scripps Institution and is a leading expert in marine microplastics. She pioneered methods to track their distribution and history including the first temporal sediment record.
A dedicated science communicator she has delivered hundreds of talks and trained students to translate complex research for diverse audiences.

Jeff Pratt
Vice President of Emerging Technologies, Oglethorpe Power Corporation
Jeff Pratt is Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Oglethorpe Power, one of the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives and a leading energy producer in Georgia. He supports a diverse resource portfolio delivering reliable, affordable, safe and environmentally responsible power to 38 consumer-owned EMCs serving approximately 4.7 million Georgians statewide through innovation and emerging leadership.

Damon Nix
Group Manager of Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Georgia Tech
Damon Nix
Group Manager of Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Georgia Tech
Damon Nix is Group Manager of the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech, a program within the national MEP network. GaMEP supports manufacturers through education training and technical assistance that drive growth and reduce costs.
With regional offices across Georgia the program delivers expertise in leadership strategy technology quality energy and process improvement.

Brian Bollinger
Co-Owner & President, Waste2Zero & Green Building Holdings
Brian Bollinger is a co-founder, equity partner, and operator across ventures at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and building performance, he leads strategy, growth, and brand for mission-driven companies.
His work spans business strategy, certification and waste audit operations, investor storytelling, and AI applications—building scalable, high-trust services that deliver measurable impact.

Dr. Quinta Warren
Airport Senior Director of Sustainability, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Dr. Quinta Warren
Airport Senior Director of Sustainability, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Dr. Quinta Warren is a Ph.D. chemical engineer, energy and sustainability expert, consultant, and business owner. She is the author of Energy and Sustainable Development and specializes in energy policy, power generation, data analysis, science communication, and advancing sustainable solutions, with deep experience across Africa.

Kelly Lauber
GM Global Sustainability, Delta Air Lines
Kelly Lauber is a respected executive leading global team in fast-paced, innovation-forward organizations. She is an industry thought leader focused on transforming business models to advance environmental stewardship, community well-being, and long-term profitability.
She brings strategic and tactical executive grant management expertise, partnering with governments, NGOs, and has led large organizations.

Milton Walker
Director of Business Development, NexCOBOT
Milton Walker is Director of Business Development at NexCOBOT, helping organizations across North America navigate robotics, automation and AI-enabled systems. With nearly three decades in the computer industry, he bridges technical complexity with practical outcomes. He also supports innovation in the robotics ecosystem as a Venture Partner at Renew VC and through boards like Decatur Makers and RoboGeorgia.

Charlie Cichetti
CEO + Co-Founder, Skema.AI
Charlie Cichetti is CEO and Co-founder of Skema, Inc. and a serial entrepreneur in real estate, sustainability, and technology.
He previously built and scaled SIG and GBES, both acquired by TÜV SÜD, and now leads Skema in driving digital transformation and long-term value across the built environment.

Erica Tuggle
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Livin
Erica Tuggle is a marketing and business leader with a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, creating value for $1B+ global brands and leading CPG companies.
Passionate about family and food, she thrives on helping others unleash their potential while expanding access to nutritious, homemade meals and meaningful opportunity for families and food-driven professionals alike.

Tim R. Holcomb Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Embarc Collective
Tim R. Holcomb is CEO of Embarc Collective, a 501(c)(3) tech startup platform supporting Florida founders. A four-time founder with two exits, he previously built and sold Telcom Global Solutions and led global divisions at Flex.
An investor, board director, and former entrepreneurship professor, Tim is committed to accelerating founder success and strengthening Florida’s innovation ecosystem.

Ryan Rutledge
Executive Director, Joules Accelerator
Ryan Rutledge is Executive Director of Joules, a nonprofit supporting early-stage climate tech startups across the Southeast and beyond.
He leads efforts to create strategic connections with regional stakeholders and unlock revenue-generating pilots and commercialization opportunities, while ensuring Joules takes no fees to participating founders.

Mabby Amouie
Chief Data Scientist, Norfolk Southern
Mabby Amouie leads enterprise-wide Data & Analytics at Norfolk Southern, overseeing a team of professionals driving AI, architecture, and data strategy from ingestion through insight.
He delivers advanced analytics, optimization, and machine learning solutions that strengthen operations, accelerate decision-making, and power innovation across the enterprise.

Marcelo Bernal
Director of Design Process Lab, Perkins&Will
Marcelo Bernal holds a Ph.D. in Design Computing from Georgia Institute of Technology and has built his career across professional practice and academia. He is Director of the Design Process Lab at Perkins&Will, leading research in design automation, meta-modeling, and performance-based optimization.
Marcelo also serves on the Editorial Board of International Journal of Architectural Computing and contributes to leading international CAAD conferences.

Sandra Leyva Martinez
Head of Sustainability (Sr. Director) - Americas, CHEP
Sandra Leyva Martinez is a results-oriented Sustainability Director and former Product Management leader who drives transformative change through scalable, sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact.
She has led global sustainability strategy and decarbonization initiatives and builds high-performing teams that advance impact across operations and products.

Michelle Wiseman
Sustainability Consultant
Michelle Wiseman is a sustainability consultant who connects people to move impactful projects forward. She previously served as Director of Waste Diversion & Outreach for the City of Atlanta, advancing partnerships, policy, and programs aligned with the city’s resilience strategy.
She has led innovative recycling initiatives that reduced contamination and improved operational efficiency through technology-driven solutions.

Jennifer Wilson
Director, Sustainability Initiatives
Jennifer C. Wilson is a strategic professional based in Atlanta with a background in sustainability and higher education innovation. She holds degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has cultivated strong cross-sector experience in program development, stakeholder engagement and organizational leadership.
A committed connector and problem-solver, Wilson focuses on driving impact through collaborative initiatives that advance institutional goals and community outcomes.

Yasha Chaturvedi
Emerging Sustainability Leaders Council, The Conference Board
Yasha Chaturvedi is Director of Sustainability and Utilities at Cortland Investment Management, leading ESG strategy, decarbonization, and energy management initiatives aligned with UNPRI standards.
She oversees GHG reporting, energy procurement, and utilities performance, driving measurable carbon reduction and operational efficiency across a national real estate portfolio.

Sree Ratna Kancherla
Chief Growth Officer, HeneKom Group
Sree Ratna Kancherla is a global strategist with more than 20 years of experience advancing ESG, sustainability, and social impact initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits.
Currently Chief Growth Officer at Henekom Group, she previously served as Global Director of Sustainability at Kearney, leading transformative ESG strategy worldwide.

Lucas Clay
Research Faculty for Carbon Market Partnerships and Initiatives, Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business
Lucas Clay
Research Faculty for Carbon Market Partnerships and Initiatives, Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business
Lucas Clay works on carbon and climate solutions with the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business and the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact. He holds a Ph.D. in Forest Resources from Clemson University.
He develops greenhouse gas accounting methods and carbon market protocols, partnering with landowners to advance credible nature-based climate solutions.

Alex Butler
Director of Land Acquisitions, Chestnut Carbon
Alex leads strategic forestland and nature-based carbon project development to advance high-integrity carbon removal and afforestation efforts.
With education from The University of Georgia and experience managing timberland portfolios and land acquisition analytics, Alex drives sustainable land solutions that support climate goals and corporate decarbonization.

Trey Benincosa, PhD
Sr. Innovation and Energy Procurement Manager, Cox Enterprises
Trey leads technology innovation within Cox Conserves, the sustainability arm of Cox Enterprises, advancing ambitious goals of zero waste to landfill and carbon and water neutrality.
Trey identifies, pilots and scales emerging technologies while mentoring startups and guiding innovation through Techstars, Engage VC, Energy Impact Partners and DuraMAT’s Industry Advisory Board.

David Wicker
Poultry Business Advisor, Apelie Robotics
Dr. David Wicker is a poultry industry leader with more than five decades of experience in animal nutrition, live production and poultry operations. He serves as Vice President of Live Operations at Fieldale Farms and has contributed extensively to advancing broiler production efficiency, sustainability and industry collaboration.
In 2024 he received the Poultry Science Association’s Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award recognizing his long-standing leadership and innovation.

Ben Heininger
Senior Manager, Baringa
Ben Heininger is an energy and infrastructure specialist focused on data center strategy and energy users. He advises investors and corporates on interconnection, on-site generation, procurement, and decarbonization.
Based in New York, he works across North America and Europe on power, gas, and low carbon infrastructure strategy and transactions.

John Quinn, PhD
Professor of Biology, Furman University
John Quinn is a trained ecologist with experience in conservation and biodiversity assessment across diverse and managed ecosystems. He applies advanced quantitative tools to evaluate environmental sustainability.
A published researcher and trusted advisor, John provides data-driven solutions to nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations navigating complex land management challenges.

Lisa Lord
Vice President for Operations, The Longleaf Alliance
Lisa Lord serves as Vice President for Operations at The Longleaf Alliance, advancing its mission to ensure a sustainable future for the longleaf pine ecosystem.
She supports partnerships, landowner assistance, and science-based education to restore and conserve longleaf forests across the South, strengthening ecosystems, local economies, and communities for future generations.

Tom Marrero
President & CEO, Wakefield BioChar
Tom Marrero is an experienced co-owner in the renewables and environmental industry, with a strong background in leadership, science, and public speaking.
He holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Missouri–Columbia and brings deep technical expertise and business development experience to advancing innovative environmental solutions.

Ben Chambers
Vice President, External Affairs & Sustainability, RYAM
Ben Chambers is Vice President of External Affairs & Sustainability at RYAM, leading government relations, stakeholder engagement, and ESG strategy to protect the company’s license to operate and drive long-term value.
He also serves as President of RYAM’s U.S. Foundation, overseeing philanthropic and community investment efforts.

Matt Hestad
Senior Vice President, Georgia Forestry Association
Matt Hestad is Senior Vice President of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation, overseeing strategy, communications, and marketing. Since 2019, he has strengthened engagement between industry leaders and policymakers.
He previously worked at HL Strategy and is a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia.

Thomas Gruber
Head of Engineering, RevaTerra
Thomas Gruber leads engineering operations at RevaTerra, scaling AI-optimized biomass energy production. He holds engineering degrees from Auburn University and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Specializing in system optimization and sensor integration, Thomas builds fault-tolerant, real-time process controls that enable consistent, high-performance bio-coal production at commercial scale.

Jilea Hemmings
Founder, Nourish And Bloom Market
Jilea Hemmings is a visionary entrepreneur and SXSW Release It finalist pioneering autonomous grocery technology to combat food deserts and advance retail innovation.
Founder of I Am Kid Boss and the Nourish + Bloom Foundation, she champions STEM education, entrepreneurship, and diversity in technology while expanding opportunity for underserved communities.

Lewis Motion
Founder and CEO, WEAV3D Inc.
Lewis Motion is Founder and CEO of WEAV3D Inc., commercializing advanced composite forming technology developed at Georgia Institute of Technology.
WEAV3D’s automated, continuous process combines weaving and consolidation to reduce waste, cycle time, and costs—cutting composite part costs by up to 75% compared to traditional carbon fiber methods.

Seth Lytle
Founder & CEO
Seth Lytle is an entrepreneurial technology leader and Founder of VinoBarrel. He has led initiatives across enterprise technology and hospitality, partnering with global brands to drive innovation.
An inventor and patent holder, Seth built VinoBarrel’s IoT-enabled platform, raising pre-seed capital and scaling a connected system that enhances guest experience and profitability.

Jason Hanlin
President & Co-Founder, OneBus USA
Jason Hanlin is President and Co-Founder of OneBus, developing and commercializing next-generation transit solutions.
He is leading the design of a network-enabled, right-sized bus built to deliver clean, efficient, and optimized mobility—reimagining public transit to better serve diverse community needs across the United States.

Alex Edquist
Founder and CEO, Good Agriculture
Alex Edquist is Co-Founder and CEO of Good Agriculture, helping small and mid-sized farmers streamline back-office operations to save time and improve profitability.
Previously a consultant at McKinsey & Company, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from the University of Georgia—and jokes that she’s better at killing plants than growing them.

Allen Burnett
Quality Assurance Supervisor, SNF Holding Company
Allen Burnett is a Quality Assurance Supervisor at SNF, the world’s leading manufacturer of water-soluble polymers serving municipal and industrial water treatment markets.
He supports quality and operational excellence across a global manufacturing network, helping advance SNF’s mission to deliver reliable, sustainable water chemistry solutions worldwide.

Frances Bohn
Director of Development and Construction, Jamestown
Frances Bohn is Director of Development & Construction – North America at Jamestown, leading value-add and ground-up projects, capital improvements and tenant coordination across the U.S. portfolio.
Frances is a LEED Accredited Professional, serves on the Buckhead Community Improvement District board, participates in the Urban Land Institute, and holds BA and MS degrees in Building Construction from the University of Florida.

Joseph Mooney
Co-Founder & CEO, WattAir
Joseph Mooney is a Research Engineer at Georgia Institute of Technology and Co-Founder & CEO of WattAir, focused on commercializing water and energy technologies for global impact.
With experience spanning MIT fellowships, thermal management, water harvesting, and clean energy innovation, he bridges research and entrepreneurship to accelerate sustainable technology deployment.

Paula Gómez, Ph.D.
Principal Research Engineer, Georgia Tech Research Institute
Dr. Paula Gómez is a Principal Research Engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, leading systems modeling for resilient infrastructure. She founded the Buildings Next research line and advances spatiotemporal modeling initiatives.
he holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and serves as President of SIGraDi.

Craig Richards
Founder and Executive Chef, Elise Atlanta
Craig Richards is an Italian-trained chef and restaurateur known for refined, ingredient-driven cuisine. After training in northeast Italy and working in New York City, he opened Lyla Lila and later Elise, a seafood-forward restaurant inspired by art, architecture and music.
A husband and father, Craig is also an avid soccer and music fan.

Steven Satterfield
Chef and Author, Miller Union
Miller Union is located in a refurbished warehouse on the former site of Atlanta’s historic Miller Union Stockyards and has been an anchor in the neighborhood since opening in 2009.
The restaurant embraces a farm-driven approach, allowing seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients to guide the menu, with a wine program that highlights small producers committed to sustainable practices.

Forough Vakili
Chef and Founder, Le Bon Nosh
Forough Vakili is the chef and founder of Le Bon Nosh, a community-driven restaurant rooted in sustainability and thoughtful local sourcing.
Her work centers on responsible choices that honor people, place and the planet, creating food that reflects both care for the environment and a deep commitment to community.

Barton Seaver
Chef and Author, Seafood That Matters
Barton Seaver is a culinary visionary and leading advocate for sustainable seafood. An award-winning chef, National Geographic Explorer and former U.S. Culinary Ambassador, he works at the intersection of food, ocean health and public wellbeing.
Based in coastal Maine, Barton consults, speaks and educates globally, advancing seafood as a catalyst for resilient, equitable food systems.

Jamie Rosenthal
CEO, Roots Down
Jamie Rosenthal is the Founder and CEO of Roots Down, where he built the Regenerative OS: a platform designed to translate environmental research into actionable, scalable plans for sustainable land management and climate resilience projects.
With a background ranging from farming to photography to civil service, Jamie blends storytelling, data and ecological strategy to help municipalities regenerate public and private lands.

Roshan Martin
Executive Chef, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Roshan Martin joined Wolfgang Puck Catering in 2005 and has led the culinary team at Wolfgang Puck Catering Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium since 2014.
Originally from Bangalore, India, and trained at Christ University, Roshan brings 28+ years of experience shaped by the Taj group and inspiring culinary mentors.

Deborah Vantrece
Executive Chef, Twisted Soul
Chef Deborah Vantrece is an Atlanta-based chef and restaurateur inspiring a new generation of cuisine rooted in soul. She leads VanTrece Hospitality Group, including Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours and Oreatha’s, a tribute to global comfort food revitalizing Cascade Heights.
She also runs The Catering Company by Vantrece, one of Atlanta’s busiest chef-led catering brands.

Nicolas Bour
Executive Chef, Serenbe Farm House
Nicolas Bour returned to The Farmhouse in 2018 after serving as head chef in Serenbe’s early years. Dubbed a “versatile chef” by Atlanta Magazine, he brings 25+ years of experience, including pioneering Iris in East Atlanta.
His career includes cooking for two U.S. presidents, the French Olympic Sailing Team, the Kentucky Derby and competing on Beat Bobby Flay.

Lylie Mae
Entertainer
Lylie Mae
Entertainer
Alia Torres is a Savannah based singer songwriter whose music blends blues folk and vintage country into a sound both timeless and distinctive. Drawing from a lifetime of listening she crafts original songs that invite reflection and connection.
Known for her sultry voice expressive whistle and unique guitar style she creates an atmosphere where storytelling and melody meet at every performance.

Levi Moore
Entertainer
Levi Moore
Entertainer
Levi Moore is an award winning Country and Americana singer songwriter recognized for his smoothly honest baritone and authentic storytelling. Named the 2021 Georgia Country Awards Male Artist of the Year he has earned multiple nominations for both Artist and Vocalist honors.
He has opened for Frank Foster and Aaron Tippin while maintaining a full time performance schedule across the Georgia and South Carolina lowcountry.

Mark S. Brooks
Independent Corporate Development & Innovation Advisor
Mark S. Brooks builds enterprise growth engines that turn emerging science into EBITDA-linked new businesses through minority investments, partnerships, and selective M&A inside complex global organizations.
Fortune 500 investment leader and former climate scientist translating capital allocation, venture strategy, and science-to-market execution.

Dr. Kibibi Springs, ACC
Vice President of Workplace Experience, Hightower
Kibbi Springs designs leadership, culture, and people systems that make performance and well-being sustainable at scale. Her work blends behavioral science, systems thinking, and workplace psychology to improve clarity, relational health, and long-term effectiveness.
Grounded and systems-oriented, she help organizations move from strain to sustainable performance.

Peter Georgariou
Founder and CEO, karmadharma
Peter Georgariou is the founder of karmadharma, an agency helping organizations align strategy, culture, and brand so growth does not dilute what matters most.
He connects marketing to operational and leadership reality, crafts messaging that sounds human, and supports leaders in carrying the hidden load with more honesty and less loneliness.

Nancy Sagar
President, Brighter Investing PBLLC
Nancy Sagar is co-founder of Brighter Investing, specializing in sustainable and impact investing for individuals and families. She integrates rigorous financial analysis with ESG data to pursue competitive returns while advancing measurable positive change.
She aligns capital with purpose, performance, and long-term positive impact.

Hannah Ranieri
Design Strategist, Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc.
Hannah Ranieri is an Innovation Strategist at Orange Sparkle Ball, where she helps corporations and government organizations navigate emerging technologies through high-impact pilot programs.
She specializes in structuring startup collaborations, aligning pilot initiatives with strategic goals and facilitating stakeholder collaboration to accelerate meaningful innovation.

Salil Dokey
Lead - Business Strategy and Growth/ Project Management, OttonomyIO
Salil Dokey is a results-driven management consultant focused on solving complex challenges through data-driven insights at the intersection of business, strategy and technology.
With a background in engineering and business strategy, he helps organizations navigate transformation and achieve strategic objectives. Outside work, he enjoys playing and following soccer and other sports.

Jona Rowold
Director Consulting Services, GACC South
Jona Rowold is Director of Consulting Services at the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South), where he supports companies expanding trade and investment between Germany and the United States.
Based in Atlanta, he works with international firms to navigate market entry, strategy and cross-border business development across the Southern U.S.

Abdullahi Hashi
Deputy Consul-General / Head of Economic Affairs, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Atlanta
Abdullahi Hashi
Deputy Consul-General / Head of Economic Affairs, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Atlanta
Abdullahi Hashi is Deputy Consul General and Head of the Economic Department for the Netherlands in Atlanta, strengthening economic ties between the Netherlands and the Southeastern United States.
A seasoned diplomat with over 20 years of experience, he builds strategic partnerships across government, academia and industry focused on water, energy and food security.

Enda Trautt
Vice President, IDA Ireland
Enda Trautt is Vice President at IDA Ireland, the Irish government’s investment promotion agency, where he supports global companies expanding international operations in Ireland.
He works with multinational firms to navigate investment opportunities, providing strategic guidance and connections that help companies establish, grow and innovate within Ireland’s dynamic business ecosystem.

Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D.
Chief Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Dr. Jerry D. Parrish is Chief Economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, where he provides economic analysis and forecasting to support regional business growth.
A former faculty member at Florida State University, he previously led economic research organizations including Florida TaxWatch and the Florida Chamber Foundation.

Jimmy Mitchell
Director of Project Solutions, Skanska
Jimmy Mitchell is the Director of Project Solutions at Skansa. His current work includes rolling out the Carbon Leadership Forum’s EC3 tool to lower embodied carbon nationally.
Sustainability is Mitchell’s career passion: he was one of Georgia’s first LEED managers, creator of the Atlanta Mission urban garden and a founding board member of the construction material reuse nonprofit based in Atlanta, the Lifecycle Building Center.

Michael Hodge
Principal Design Lead - International Design, Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center
Michael Hodge
Principal Design Lead - International Design, Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center
Michael Hodge is an architecture and design professional with over 20 years of experience advancing digital practice tools across complex building projects.
He specializes in design visualization, BIM, and parametric and computational design, applying innovative techniques that enhance design quality, improve project efficiency, and support modern architectural delivery methods.

Lucas Roberts
Director of Architecture and Design, South Downtown
Lucas Roberts is Director of Architecture and Design for South Downtown Atlanta, where he leads design across 11 continuous city blocks and sets the architectural vision for the district.
An architect focused on human-centered environments, he uses rapid sketching and iterative design to align stakeholders and translate vision into executable development strategies.

Margo Jamison
Senior Architect/Affordable Housing, Goode Van Slyke Architects (GVSA)
Margo Jamison
Senior Architect/Affordable Housing, Goode Van Slyke Architects (GVSA)
Margo Jamison is an Associate at GVSA Architects, contributing to the planning and design of projects across multiple sectors including municipal, corporate, educational, and mixed-use developments.
She works within GVSA’s collaborative, technology-driven practice to help deliver high-quality architectural solutions from concept through construction.

Dr. Katharine Wilkinson
Co-Founder + Executive Director, The All We Can Save Project
Dr. Katharine Wilkinson
Co-Founder + Executive Director, The All We Can Save Project
Dr. Katharine K. Wilkinson is a writer, teacher, and climate leader inspiring transformative journeys that reshape cultural narratives and mobilize engagement to renew our world.
She co-founded The All We Can Project, authored works, and teaches blending warmth and rigor to empower collective climate action.

Jacob Ruppel
Assistant Chief Engineer, Portman Holdings
Jacob Ruppel is Assistant Chief Engineer at Portman Management Group’s CODA Tech Square, overseeing hands-on maintenance to ensure safe, efficient building operations across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
A dependable, resourceful professional, he is known for his technical competence, and commitment to excellence in property performance.

Thad Oviatt
Founder & CEO, Parkent
Thad Oviatt is the Founder and CEO of Parkent, a company delivering universal, secure charging stations for e-bikes, cargo bikes, trikes, and pedicabs.
By leveraging second-life e-scooter batteries, Parkent provides sustainable, accessible power solutions that support micromobility growth and cleaner urban transportation infrastructure.

Usman Jamal
Founder, Reflex
Usman Jamal is a first-generation American and Atlanta-based technologist passionate about using innovation for social good, shaped by a unique multicultural perspective.
He is building Reflex, a medical drone delivery startup, growing Anomaly, and working as a software engineer at NCR Voyix while pursuing aviation and travel.

Alexander Olesen
CEO & Co-Founder, Buckstop - Urban Mining Intelligence
Alexander Olesen is CEO and Co-Founder of Buckstop, building the intelligence layer for managing end of life energy assets and unlocking value across the circular economy.
Drawing on manufacturing experience, he helps operators, lenders, and insurers reduce risk, recover value, and transform decommissioning from liability into opportunity.

Gillian Sowray
Co-Founder, Fordje
Gillian Sowray is Co-Founder of Fordje, a platform delivering real-time clarity on city codes to accelerate construction and clean tech deployment.
She helps developers and builders reduce permitting friction, eliminate costly rework, and confidently scale projects by surfacing critical regulatory requirements from the earliest planning stages.

Daryl Lu
Chief Executive Officer LCOE.ai, Inc.
Daryl Lu is CEO of LCOE.ai, building data platforms that drive financial and operational decisions for solar asset portfolios.
With 14+ years in startups and consulting, he translates complex data, systems, and customer workflows into scalable products, helping organizations move from ambiguity to clarity while aligning execution with growth.

Patty Ferreira
CEO, Founder, Silvis Materials Silvis Materials
Patty Ferreira is Founder and CEO of Silvis Materials, developing biobased alternatives to petroleum-based coatings, paints, and adhesives to reduce carbon impact.
An MIT-trained engineer and patented innovator, she brings experience from HP and Quantum, leading award-winning work backed by NSF, DOE, Techstars, and Plug and Play.

Hilary Taylor
Chief Executive Officer, WattsUp
Hilary Taylor is Chief Executive Officer of WattsUp, delivering AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions that improve EV charger reliability and performance.
She leads development of autonomous systems that detect issues, predict failures, order parts, and schedule repairs—helping operators reduce downtime and scale dependable electric vehicle infrastructure.

Erika Boeing
CEO and Founder, Accelerate Wind
Erika Boeing is CEO and founder of Accelerate Wind, an early-stage company helping commercial buildings reach renewable energy goals through innovative rooftop wind technology. Designed with scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and supported by leading federal and state agencies the system harnesses faster edge of roof wind speeds using advanced airfoil design and validated computational models.

Santiago Rios
Co-founder & Chief Designer, Stak | Mobility & Energy Hub
Santiago Rios specializes in helping developers, architects, and cities solve parking challenges through high-density automated and mechanical parking systems.
He enables projects to reduce costs, maximize space, and support sustainable urban growth empowering stakeholders to design, build, and scale without parking constraints limiting their vision.

Ivan Zou
Co-founder Racoon Eyes

Mya Griesbaum
Founder and CEO, Mycorrhiza Fashion
Mya Griesbaum is an emerging climate innovator focused on advancing sustainable materials through biofabrication. She is founder of Mycorrhiza Fashion a biomaterials startup transforming textile waste into fungi based leather alternatives.
By merging science design and circular principles her work reimagines fashion with biodegradable materials that reduce waste water use and toxic chemicals.

Joel Lee
Founder, CEO, Jexim
Joel Lee is Founder of Jexim, reimagining asphalt with proprietary technologies that deliver more durable, cost-efficient, and sustainable infrastructure materials.
He is advancing next-generation road solutions that outperform traditional asphalt, helping set a new global standard for building resilient, environmentally responsible transportation infrastructure.

Shawn Cutter
Founder/CEO, EnergiAcre
An Ohio-born energy entrepreneur, he brings over two decades of experience across AI, cloud, and energy systems, driven by a lifelong mission to transform how we produce and consume energy and food.
As Founder of EnergiAcres, he pioneers hybrid solutions integrating power and agriculture to advance sustainable, scalable infrastructure.

SaLisa Berrien
Member and Co-Chair of Executive Engagement & Networking, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering
SaLisa Berrien
Member and Co-Chair of Executive Engagement & Networking, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering
SaLisa Berrien is an energy industry leader with over 25 years of experience driving efficiency, grid reliability, and clean technology solutions that deliver measurable business and environmental impact.
Founder of STRIVE Inc., she is also dedicated to youth development, empowering future leaders while advancing sustainability and socially responsible practices.

Jack Semrau
Strategy and Investments, Cox Enterprises
Jack Semrau is a strategy and investment leader at Cox Enterprises, where he advances growth through venture partnerships and ecosystem development.
Jack focuses on scaling high-potential businesses and strengthening the Southeast’s innovation economy. Semrau also serves on multiple boards, including RenderATL and Parsel reflecting his active role in advancing entrepreneurship and cultural connectivity.

Mark Hillhouse
Executive Director, Sustainable Tech Practice Lead, Wells Fargo
Mark Hillhouse is Executive Director and Sustainable Tech Practice Lead at Wells Fargo, driving initiatives that integrate sustainability into technology solutions.
With a focus on innovation and responsible growth, he leverages extensive experience to advance environmental and financial goals, supporting both clients and Wells Fargo’s commitment to a sustainable future.

David Wynett
President & Chief Creative Officer, FutureVerse
David Wynett is Founder of FutureVerse and an innovation leader creating disruptive products for Fortune 500 companies.
With expertise in Health, Wellness, Pharma, and CPG, he turns insights into solutions and drives growth, outpaces competitors, and delivers impactful innovation.

Anton Van Zyl
Senior Director Sustainability, The Coca-Cola Company
Anton Director of Sustainable Packaging Strategy at The Coca-Cola Company, leading initiatives that advance circular packaging and reuse systems.
With extensive international experience across marketing, operations and business development, he focuses on scaling sustainable solutions, including reusable packaging pilots, while aligning commercial performance with environmental impact.
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