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.

Nicole Toole is the CEO and founder of ECGO, a recycling solutions company that helps universities, municipalities and corporate offices reach their waste-zero goals.

With expertise on consumer behavior around recycling and sustainability practices, her work centers around leveraging her research for innovative solutions and effectively pitching these concepts to investors, organizations and institutions.

Mark Z. Jacobson proposes electrifying buildings, transport and industry with 100% renewable wind, water, sunlight and storage. This roadmap reduces pollution, cuts global warming, stabilizes prices and creates jobs—without relying on “miracle” tech.

Jacobson, Stanford professor and Atmosphere/Energy Program director, has shaped global energy policies, published extensively, and co-founded The Solutions Project.

Latanza leads the organization to transform how customers experience and interact with the company. She is responsible for orchestrating seamless interactions across physical and digital channels which enhance the customer experience for the entire customer base. The organization effectively measures customer happiness and provides robust insights into the drivers of customer satisfaction to build customer loyalty, revenue growth and cost reduction.

Will Harris is a fourth generation land steward and stockman of White Oak Pastures, the same land that his great-grandfather settled in 1866.

After 20 years of farming with with industrialized methods, Will successfully returned to the farming methods used by his great-grandfather. He has since been recognized all over the world as a leader in animal welfare and land regeneration, and rural community enrichment.

Stephanie Stuckey is the CEO of Stuckey's Corporation, the home of the original pecan log roll and maker of delicious pecan snacks and treats.

Stephanie has served in various public sector roles, including State Representative, Chief Resilience Officer and Director of Sustainability. Additionally, she has been an adjunct law professor and a board member of several organizations.

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.

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.

Andy Berke has spent two decades improving American lives through impactful policies and projects. As Mayor of Chattanooga, he spearheaded initiatives like universal broadband and economic growth with Volkswagen. Now in the federal government, he focuses on bringing high-quality infrastructure to rural America, leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund clean energy and broadband projects.

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.

Tim Echols is Commissioner of Georgia’s Public Service Commission, championing clean energy, transportation alternatives and consumer advocacy in his work. When Tim took office, Georgia was 34th in solar power. Now, the state is 7th in the nation, earning his dubbing as the "Solar Architect of Georgia.” Tim also created the Clean Energy Roadshow, traveling the state every summer to help commuters, businesses and municipal governments evaluate alternative fuel.

Dr. Susan Hubbard is the Deputy Laboratory Director for Science and Technology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Executive VP for S&T of UT-Battelle. She guides one of the nation’s most extensive research portfolios, spanning computing & computational sciences, environmental & biological research and fission & fusion energy, among others. Hubbard is ORNL’s chief research liaison with the University of Tennessee, other national laboratories and institutional partners. She serves on many regional and national boards.

Michael Oxman serves as Professor and Managing Director of the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business. He teaches business sustainability and oversees industry outreach, partnerships and educational initiatives. He is also part of Drawdown Georgia, a partnership of 60+ companies focused on Goergia's transition to net zero emissions.

Previously, Michael held leadership roles in CSR strategy, including Director of Energy and Extractive Advisory Services at BSR and Partner at Acorn International.

Gracy Wingkono leads Coca-Cola’s sustainable materials strategy as Director of Corporate R&D, driving innovation, supply chain management and sustainability initiatives.

With a PhD & MS in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and an MS in Sustainable Energy & Environmental Management, her expertise spans sustainability science and policy. She oversees technology development and global collaborations to advance climate, water, agriculture and materials circularity goals.

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.

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.

Jennifer Walsh is a pioneering innovator bridging beauty, nature and neuroscience. Founder of Beauty Bar (acquired by Amazon), she introduced transformative retail concepts and open-sell environments.

She created Wellness Walks, exploring nature’s profound impact on brain health and advises on biophillic design for organizations. Jennifer’s mission is to inspire thriving environments that heal and connect people with nature.

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.

Wilson Mallard is the Director of Renewable Development at Georgia Power, overseeing the expansion of the company's renewable energy portfolio. He has led initiatives like the Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI), resulting in significant solar energy growth across Georgia.

In his fifteen years with Georgia Power, he has held a variety of leadership roles focusing on green and renewable energy strategy.

As Chief Policy Officer for Mayor Andre Dickens, Courtney English’s policy portfolio includes housing, economic development and equity issues.

English was the youngest city-wide elected official, joining the Atlanta Board of Education at 24. He boosted teacher pay, raised graduation rates and expanded college access. Later, he helped develop thousands of affordable housing units and raised $11M to prevent evictions.

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.

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.

Becca Timms is Director of ESG at Jamestown, leading sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives through the Jamestown Green program and the Jamestown Charitable Foundation.

Becca's background includes a Masters in Sustainable Development and various roles advancing sustainability strategy for a variety of actors in municipal and community development.

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 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.

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is an internationally recognized expert in weather, climate, and atmospheric sciences. He is an Associate Dean at the University of Georgia, Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program and a former NASA-GSFC Research Meteorologist. A Fellow of the American Meteorological Society, Dr. Shepherd has received numerous honors, including the 2023 Environmental Law Institute Award and election to the National Academy of Sciences. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers and serves on several prestigious advisory boards.

Chris Kaiser is President of Plugin with 17 years of experience delivering clean energy solutions, including LED lighting, solar and energy monitoring. Chris is focused on EV charging for multifamily, retail, fleet and public DCFC.

A recognized LinkedIn expert, he publishes Amped about EV Charging. Chris holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech.

Dr. Milewski is a Professor of Hydrogeology & Remote Sensing and Head of Geology at the UGA. He is also President of Geospatial & Hydrologic Services, LLC (GHS).

Currently, Milewski serves on the Board of Directors of the US Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists and is Past-President of the US Early Career Hydrogeologists’ Network. He is also Associate Editor for three leading journals in his field.

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.

As Consul General, Rachel Galloway is the senior UK official in the Atlanta Consulate General, representing the UK Government in consular, trade and visa activities in the region.

Galloway came to Atlanta following three years as Ambassador to the Republic Macedonia. She supported projects to develop youthful talents in information technology and to reduce pollution, lending a hand herself in cleaning the streets.

Mr. Mio Maeda is the Consul General of Japan in Atlanta, serving as Head of Mission in the Southeast U.S. A career diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, he has held key positions in Japan and abroad, including postings in Italy, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Switzerland. Most recently, he served as Chamberlain to the Emperor of Japan before his current role.

Jim Durrett is President and CEO of The Buckhead Coalition and Executive Director of the Buckhead Community Improvement District. He previously led the Livable Communities Coalition and ULI Atlanta. Jim also held leadership roles at the Metro Atlanta Chamber and The Georgia Conservancy. A former hydrogeologist, he serves on multiple boards, including MARTA, HUB404 Conservancy and ULI’s Responsible Property Investment Council.

Jonathan advises and assists in integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation into planning, project development and management. His expertise spans sustainability, hazard risk reduction, environmental policy, project management and community engagement.

Jonathan excels at communicating technical subjects to varied audiences and building capacity, ultimately creating positive outcomes for climate, communities and the environment.

As Head of Sustainability Investment Banking at Truist Securities, Julie Bennett Bunuan leads ESG-focused advisory across industry sectors to support clients navigating the strategic and financing challenges in the transition to a low-carbon economy and also supporting companies enabling a more sustainable economy.

Dr. Tuwanda Green, licensed architect and founder of human., PLLC, brings 30+ years of expertise with a portfolio spanning national and international project work.

As adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, her self-developed course translates research and nature-based principles into performance-optimizing design solutions - while partnering with interdisciplinary global experts.

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.

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.

Dr. Sharma is a researcher, designer and Professor in Industrial Design and Design for Sustainability, specializing in user-centered innovation, gamification and behavior-focused design.

His professional portfolio includes designing products for global corporations like Philips, Electrolux, BMW and Samsung investigating consumption practices, shaping sustainable behaviors and fostering systemic solutions for meaningful real-world impact.

Daniel Blackman is the Founder of Renaissance24, advancing climate resilience and a just transition to a sustainable future for all.

Daniel served as President Biden's EPA’s Southeast Region Administrator, advancing EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment. He has dedicated his career to equalizing outcomes, addressing food and broadband deserts and supporting the clean energy economy.

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.

Lisel Morris' experience spans commercial real estate development and capital markets, plus nonprofit work and farming across Europe.

She co-founded Meter Haus, a creative consulting agency and champions agritourism as a bridge between real estate, regenerative food production and community. Her mission is to develop a financially sustainable, replicable hospitality model empowering small- to mid-scale regenerative farmers.

Kyle Stapleton is Head of Global Firm Engagement for McKinsey Sustainability, which aims to help all industry sectors reach net zero carbon emissions and the world reach the goals aligned with the Paris Agreement.

As an Atlanta native, he also advises and champions organizations working at the intersection of Atlanta’s cultural impact and civil rights legacy, including The 404 Fund, Atlanta Influences Everything, RE:IMAGINE and more.

Emily Morris, CEO & Founder of Emrgy, is an award-winning female entrepreneur that has raised over $30MM in capital to bring Emrgy’s distributed hydropower solution to market. Emily has spent almost 15 years in emerging hard tech development and came to Emrgy from AMT, Inc., where she managed multi-million dollar Federal contracts bringing innovative technologies from ideation to commercialization.

Roderick is a leader at Croft, pioneering hydrogen technology to build zero-carbon trucks without compromise. Passionate about innovation, he helps drive the hydrogen rebellion—creating Fuel Grit-powered solutions for accessible, high-performance hydrogen fueling. With a deep respect for hardworking machines and the people who rely on them, he’s dedicated to reshaping the future of energy while preserving the power and independence of traditional trucks.

Shane Totten has 30+ years of experience in architecture, sustainable design, urban planning, interior design, historic preservation and building systems consulting. His career has included a wide range of responsibility, including VP of Programs, Strategy + Impact at Southface and Associate Chair of Interior Design at SCAD.

In all of Shane’s work, he prioritizes regenerative design as a unique opportunity for innovation, conservation and profitability.

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.

David Paull is co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at CompostNow Inc., a residential and commercial food scraps collection service that collaborates with local composting operations (including community gardens, urban farms and a regional composter).

David was named to Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 and was part of LEAD Atlanta ‘23, a Leadership Atlanta initiative for emerging leaders.

Savannah Seydel is Vice President of Sustainability at Better Earth, an Atlanta-based B Corp providing compostable foodservice packaging. She is passionate about building regenerative circular systems through advocacy, innovation, and community engagement. Savannah furthers this mission at the industry- and local-level through board roles with BPI, the Georgia Compost Council, and Southface, and as founder of Atlanta Women in Sustainability.

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.

Elizabeth Calabrese is an architect, educator and advocate for connecting built environments with nature, who has practiced biophilic design for over 30 years. She has led hundreds of projects integrating principles of ecology and well-being. Co-author of The Practice of Biophilic Design, Elizabeth advances sustainable, holistic approaches through teaching, workshops and consulting, fostering human and environmental health in all of her work.

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.

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.

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.

Katie Fitzhugh offers environmentally-friendly structural removal services with historic research and documentation. She champions reclaiming and preserving materials from Savannah’s heritage, making them available for purchase at a scenic marsh-front lumber yard.

Katie’s passion for sustainable preservation drives her mission to revitalize local architecture.

Nathan Stuck is the founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting, specializing in culture, impact and B Corp consultancy. He chairs B Local Georgia and serves on the board of B Academics. As Executive Director of BLD Southeast, he organizes an annual B Corp conference.

Nathan teaches an MBA course on B Corps at the University of Georgia, speaks globally, and hosts the B The Change Georgia podcast.

Lauren Gloster, LEED AP is an accomplished professional in the fields of sustainable production & program management, and corporate sustainability. As Director of Client Accounts at Earth Angel by TheGreenShot, she leads a team of sustainable production professionals focusing on decarbonization, material recovery, sourcing, and zero waste strategies. Lauren oversees sustainable policy development and implementation on a studio-wide level, and conducts extensive research studies regarding sustainability strategies in the production field.

Dr. Venayagamoorthy is the Duke Energy Distinguished Professor of Power Engineering as well as Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Clemson University.

In addition to a variety of other teaching positions, he is also Founder and Director of the Real-Time Power and Intelligent Systems Laboratory, a pioneer and frontier lab for advancing, developing, and implementing artificial intelligence-based algorithms for power systems and smart grids.

Katherine Zitsch is a Water Policy Expert partnering with the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center to address Georgia's specific water challenges. Her work centers solutions accounting for interconnectedness, including water, energy, agriculture and forestry.

Previously, she served as Head of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Natural Resources program and Director of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.

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.

As the Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics, Enrique Alvarez is changing the world through supply chain operations.

Before co-founding Vector, Enrique held various roles focused on re-imagining and optimizing operations, sales and supply chain processes: consulting at Boston Consulting Group and Logistics Management at Grupo Vitro. Additionally, he sits on the board for Coaniquem, a non-profit providing treatment for children throughout Latin America suffering severe burns.

Frederick Griffin is Co-Founder at Ebony Tree Council and CEO at Ebony Tree Farms. His work centers around community empowerment through sustainability, access to healthy food, education and youth programming for black children ascending towards future generations.

Frederick is also a Certified Life Coach & Habits and Wellness Coach.

Architect Shannon Goodman is the Executive Director of the Lifecycle Building Center. After a firm-wide sustainability initiative in her previous role at Perkins&Will, Shannon began focusing on the life-cycle of construction materials, leading to the founding of LBC in 2011. Since then, LBC has kept over 12 million pounds of building materials out of landfills, redirecting them back into the community through reuse.

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.

Rena Ann Peck is the Executive Director of Georgia Rivers and founder of Watershed Sustainability LLC, leading river conservation in Georgia.

Previously, Rena Ann was the contract ecologist at The Coca-Cola Company, ecologist with The Nature Conservancy and Director of Science and Development for the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust. She has also served on various boards, including the Ellis School, Southeast Watershed Forum and Wilderness Works.

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.

Anna Zelcer is the Sustainability Coordinator at Angelini Pharma and Climate Fresk Local Ambassador for Georgia. She has facilitated and trained more than 250 people in the Climate Fresk workshop since 2020, collaborating with corporations (Dior, Exotec, ISA), universities (Georgia Tech, Emory, Georgia State) and schools (Atlanta International School, Morningside Elementary, Marist School) to implement the workshop globally.

Bob Keefe is the executive director of E2, overseeing its national work and staff. A frequent speaker on the clean energy economy, Bob has testified before Congress and appeared in major media outlets. He authored Climatenomics (2022) and Clean Economy NOW (2024), and co-authored several business books. Prior to E2, Bob spent over 20 years as a journalist covering business and environmental issues.

Nick Fragnito is a Founding Partner of Shorewind Capital, an early stage venture capital firm that invests in sea-changing technologies built by relentless entrepreneurs.

Prior to Shorewind, Nick led Ventures strategy at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), BCG Digital Ventures and Mark Cuban Companies.

As Senior Director at Nuveen Green Capital, Ryan Doyle leads strategy for financing sustainable real estate solutions.

Prior to Nuveen, Ryan held a variety of leadership roles across sectors, including for PIMCO Real Estate and New York Life.

Pier is the co-founder and CEO of Sparkfund, which helps utilities deploy DERs to enhance grid affordability, reliability, and resilience. He serves as a Trustee at The Nature Conservancy’s Maryland and DC chapter and a member of Fidelity Charitable’s Next Gen Strategy Committee. Previously, he co-founded an energy efficiency finance service at ICF International and founded Race to Replace, a clean energy voter registration campaign in Vermont.

As Principal of Investments at Trailhead Capital, Nick Schroer leads investments into companies using innovation and technology to address the myriad externalities and inefficiencies in our global agricultural system to improve human, soil and planetary health today.

Ginger Scoggins is a mechanical engineer and Founding Partner of Engineered Designs, Inc. In addition to running her firm, Ginger is heavily involved in ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning engineers), becoming the first female president of the chapter, the first female Regional Vice-chair, and the first female Director & Regional Chair for the Region. Ginger is a Presidential Member of ASHRAE.

Dan Matisoff is a Professor and Director of the Sustainable Energy & Environmental Management masters' program at Georgia Tech. His research focuses on energy and environmental policy, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

Matisoff’s current work on sustainable aviation fuels and the transition to a net-zero economy builds on previous roles focusing on the built environment sector investigating 'green market transformation.'

Patricia Stathatou, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at Georgia Tech. Her research, which focuses on developing and assessing sustainable water and energy systems, has been featured in news outlets such as Forbes and WSB-TV.

In parallel, she is engaged in bioremediation using microbial cells to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water and recover critical materials.

Christos Athanasiou is a mechanician, physicist, educator and inventor who envisions the massive production and wide-spread adoption of sustainable structures. Currently, he is an assistant professor at Georgia Tech directing the Daedalus Lab.

Christos works on designing sustainable structures using renewably sourced and recycled materials in order to decarbonize construction and future communities.

Laura Calandrella is a Sustainability Strategy who has worked for the past 20 years to drive environmental impact through collaborative innovation.

Calandrella’s partners range from communities in the Brazilian Amazon to executives in a corporate boardroom, addressing the wildfire crisis, using urban agriculture to overcome food insecurity, addressing climate change and conserving forests by growing markets for the private landowners who steward them.

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.

Dr. Jenna Jambeck is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering at the University of Georgia, a MacArthur Fellow, Founder of the Circularity Informatics Lab and a National Geographic Explorer.

Her research on solid waste issues and marine debris/plastic pollution has been translated into policy discussions by the High-Level Panel for the Ocean, testimony to Congress, in G7 and G20 Declarations, and the UN Environment program.

UJ Jatar is visionary leader transforming consumer health, wellbeing and sustainability across large corporations, startups and nonprofits.

Currently, UJ is Chair of the Smart Mobility Office for Panasonic North America. He has also co-founded a biotech startup and been instrumental in giving life to a variety of ventures at Coca-Cola, including its first water brand, the Coca-Cola-Nestle joint venture and Coke Freestyle.

As Co-Founder & CEO of CIRT, Katherine Shayne leads the development of a proprietary AI and geospatial data platform that helps companies navigate product recovery, EPR compliance and sustainable procurement.

Before founding CIRT, Katherine partnered with organizations like Parley for the Oceans, Think Beyond Plastic, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. She was also a World Economic Forum Top Innovator and OneYoungWorld Lead2030 Awardee.

Rishi is the head of the SmartLabel program at the Consumer Brands Association, the leading digital disclosure platform connecting consumers to product data that goes beyond the on pack label.

Prior to CBA, Rishi led food safety regulatory and industry affairs at Amazon, communications and knowledge mobilization for EatSafe at GAIN and public affairs for the Global Food Safety Initiative.

Partner at Barnes & Thornburg, Rich Glaze provides environmental enforcement defense and advice for civil and criminal matters across environmental media.

His experience includes numerous enforcement cases with US EPA and the Department of Justice, focusing on defense of environmental claims and white collar crimes prosecutions, plus regulatory matters involving the water and wetlands issues, hazardous wastes, remediation of pollutants and other environmental law matters.

Gregory Walker has practiced architecture for the past 15 years. Prior to the formation of Houser Walker Architecture, he worked in collaboration with Lord Aeck Sargent Architecture and Smith Dalia Architects and with Perry Dean Rogers & Partners.

Gregory has taught at the University of Arkansas and Georgia Tech. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Museum of Design Atlanta.

Melody Dawkins is Partner and Head of Business Development and Finance at KMS Interior Design, an interior design-build construction firm based in Georgia that crafts innovative and sustainable solutions for healthcare, industrial, hospitality and commercial interiors.

Melody leverages her PMP certification and real estate development background to guide complex projects from conception to completion.

Melanie Moltmann is Germany’s Consul General in Altanta. Moltmann arrived in the Southeast U.S. from Berlin, where she served as Deputy Head of Division, Division for Immigration Law, Visa and Immigration Policy.

Ms. Moltmann also has served Deputy Head of Mission in the German embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Desk Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin.

Vanessa Ibarra is the Founder & Impact Facilitator at TheSharedWorld, a strategic advisory firm driving social progress in poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, gender equality and environmental sustainability.

Formerly at The Office of the Mayor-City of Atlanta, Vanessa held positions as Deputy Director & Global Engagement Officer and Director of International Affairs and Executive Director of the merged International & Immigrant Affairs Department.

Sarah Milligan-Toffler serves as the CEO & President of the Children & Nature Network, working to improve equitable access to the benefits of nature across the U.S.

Prior to her work with C&NN, Sarah served as the Associate Executive Director at Wilderness Inquiry for 23 years. Sarah is the recipient of the 2017 George B. Hartzog, Jr. Environmental Awards Program, Fran P. Mainella Award.

Born in Minnesota to a musical family, Trent Patten began trumpet at age 10 and found his passion for jazz at 17 through the Hilton Head Jazz Camp. He’s performed with greats like Kevin Bales, Joe Gransden, and opened for Arturo Sandoval and Monty Alexander.

Now studying at Georgia State, Trent stays active in the Southeast music scene, inspiring audiences with his dynamic trumpet performances.

Lydia Dean Pilcher is a flimmaker and founder of Cine Mosaic. Pilcher is a two time Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee, having produced over 40 feature films.

She is Founder of PGA Women's Impact Network and Co-Founder of PGA Green for sustainable production. She also co-chairs the DGA’s Sustainable Future Committee and teaches at Columbia University’s Climate School and School of the Arts.

Max Zampieri is a Latino filmmaker, Director and Creative DIrector at Myriad Origins working in documentary, branded content and advertising.

Recent projects include "Roots of Renewal," an original film demonstrating how farmers are combating environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change.

Nathan Havey is a storyteller focused on elevating companies of consequence, solving the great challenges we face. His films, podcasts, articles and training are being used to spur team ambition, innovation and engagement worldwide.

Rachel Palopoli is EVP and Sustainability Director at Tarkett, driving effective business and sustainability solutions through strategic planning and efficiencies that deliver cost savings, revenue growth and expansion. A proven leader, she scales sales and operations, identifies supply chain trends, expands customer bases and advises C-Suite leaders on M&A, gaining new market share.

Dr. Esposito is an experienced program manager with a demonstrated history of working in the electrical utility industry related to research, development, and deployment in the area of energy transition. He has experience in the areas of CCUS, bulk energy storage, geothermal power, hydrogen storage, deep borehole isolation, and associated permitting and regulations.

Dr. Greenberg is a scientist, strategic advisor, and engagement specialist with over 30 years of experience in environmental and energy geosciences. She has led diverse teams on groundbreaking carbon management projects, including FutureGen and the world’s first bioenergy carbon capture and storage project. She combines her scientific research foundation with a deep understanding of societal impacts to provide strategic advising, thought leadership and research in the energy transition and carbon management fields.

Ben is a seasoned CCUS professional with a strong track record in research, development and project leadership. He specializes in bridging theory and application, having led teams on pioneering projects that showcase CCUS technologies.

With expertise in securing funding and navigating regulations, he consistently delivers tangible results, driving innovation and advancing the deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage solutions.

Krisztian is the Director of the Farms Fund at The Conservation Fund, where he supports the transition of threatened farmland to next-generation farmers in metropolitan areas. With over a decade of experience in conservation real estate, USDA programs, and watershed restoration, Krisztian previously served as Conservation Director for Athens Land Trust.

Justin is the Georgia Farms Fund Services Specialist, helping farm businesses transition to larger production scales and land ownership. He focuses on enhancing farm sustainability, overseeing property management, and fostering partnerships for technical assistance, training, and funding. With a background in urban agriculture, program design, and community engagement, Justin brings expertise in policy, grants, and local food systems. His passion for sustainability and community outreach drives his work and service.

CEO & Founder of The Gaia Box, James Highsmith is leading the charge at a company redefining the relationship between renewable energy and agriculture.

His background includes building consumer bases for multinational brands, focusing on how those brands connected with communities.

Jahn Kahn is the Founder & CEO of 4Earth and Co-founder & President of Twistient, creating technologies for humanity in the next generation. 4Earth is building technology to solve industrial and critical infrastructure water problems and Twistient is building neuromorphic chips for edge AI.
<
Previously, he was an MMA fighter, Georgia Tech scientist/research engineer, tech lead and worked on industrial projects around water and energy.

Aby is the Principal and CEO of Spark Novus—an advisory and consulting firm that specializes in AI-driven marketing services and the strategic, responsible adoption of AI technologies.

As an AI optimist, speaker and podcaster, Varma's works at the intersection of artificial intelligence and marketing is deep. He evangelizes the strategic use of AI through "The Marketing AI SparkCast," a podcast he hosts.

Gareth is the Founder & CEO of VECKTA, leading Energy Transition platform.

Previously Gareth lead Worley’s Global Distributed Energy Systems strategy and Power Networks & Systems team, helping the company and its clients successfully navigate energy transition, leading to VECKTA.

As Senior Sustainability Specialist for CBRE, Tommy Bledsoe leads client services delivery for the Eastern U.S. as part of the property management sustainability program. His work is centered around advancing sustainability from a business lens.

Prior to his work at CBRE, Tommy led corporate sustainability for Aderant and completed his MBA in Innovating for Sustainability at Georgia Tech.

George Dusenbury serves as the Vice President Southern Region at Trust for Public Land. Dusenbury, leading work to improve access to the Chattahoochee River and to develop coalitions and partnerships to change how communities interact with the outdoors.

In 2022, Dusenbury was named one of the 100 most influential Georgians by Georgia Trend. Previously, he served as commissioner of the Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department.

Tanjuria Willis is the Founder and creative force behind Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week (ATSFW) and Owner of eKlozet Luxury Consignment Boutique.

She has styled Emmy Award winners, actors, actresses and business executives. Her work with eKlozet motivated her to give the issue of landfill waste a platform via fashion and in 2021 founded Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week.

Karina Guardia-Schoenfeld is a diplomat who joined the Costa Rican foreign service in 2005.

Before her role as Consul General in Atlanta, she was coordinator in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica. She also held positions in the Embassies of Costa Rica in Washington DC and in Honduras and has worked in the Diplomatic Department of the Directorate of Foreign Service.

Lauren Richardson is the Sustainability Manager at Green Badger, providing cloud-based solutions that streamline LEED and ESG reporting. She holds credentials as a LEED Green Associate, WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) and SITES Accredited Professional (SITES AP).

Before joining Green Badger, she spent a decade as a commercial interior designer and project manager in the design-build sector.

With over 12 years in construction, Shepherd is passionate about tackling industry waste through sustainable solutions. As leader of Belter Tech, he drives projects that transform waste into valuable materials, helping companies meet sustainability goals. Shepherd also co-founded the Synthetic Aggregate Association to advocate for synthetic aggregates and support American manufacturing. Dedicated to innovation and collaboration, he aims to build a circular economy in construction.

James is an experienced strategy, M&A, and venture advisor serving early-stage ventures, middle market and large enterprises. As Principal at 19Y Advisors, he helps clients navigate growth, venture projects and capital raises. With expertise in buy- and sell-side acquisitions, divestitures and turnaround situations, James has guided private and public firms across various industries, including fractional venture consulting.

Cindy Kaufman has crafted experiences for a wide range of brands — the Olympic Games, Red Bull Energy Drink, Kellogg’s, Turner Broadcasting — always focused on establishing long-term emotional connections to drive brand equity, at the international and grassroots levels.

Trained as an interior designer, Kaufman now leads marketing for Mannington Commercial.

As Gensler's Sustainability Director, Benjamin Holsinger advises design teams and manufacturers on sustainable practices to minimize environmental and human impacts. He also consults on sustainability and wellbeing strategies.

Holsinger holds M.Arch and M.S. degrees in Sustainable Design and has worked in Sustainability Consulting as well as Product Development in his 10+ years with Gensler.

Abby Glackin leads Customer Success at Crux, working to change the way clean energy projects are financed.

Prior to her work at Crux, Abby worked at Pachama, a climate tech company, and served as Director of Strategic Partnerships at Made in Network. She holds a degree in Public Policy from Duke University.

Wayne is an experienced business leader specializing in Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS), project finance, and equipment finance. He is passionate about empowering companies to achieve their sustainability goals through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships. With a proven track record of driving growth, optimizing asset management, and fostering long-term success, Wayne helps businesses navigate the complexities of sustainable development while ensuring financial efficiency and profitability. He is dedicated to making impactful, sustainable changes in every project.

Adam is a program builder and innovator who believes in the power of network effects. He leads a clean tech startup incubator and accelerator supporting Virginia's energy transition. He collaborates with local entrepreneurs and startups nationwide focused on renewables, grid modernization, EVs, carbon storage, and IoT. Through mentoring, education, and networking, Adam helps entrepreneurs advance to the next stage of growth, fostering a cleaner, more reliable grid.

Clyde Higgs is the President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine Inc., leading a $5B redevelopment project connecting neighborhoods with parks, trails, and transit. With expertise in technology-led economic development, urbanization, real estate, and strategy, Clyde previously served as EVP for a major revitalization project in North Carolina. He is committed to equitable redevelopment and serves on the Boards of Trees Atlanta and the City’s Affordable Housing Commission.

Andrew has extensive sustainability expertise, with experience in both private industry and higher education. He previously served as sustainability manager at Milliken & Company, focusing on ESG reporting, life cycle assessment, and climate strategy. As University Director of Sustainability at Indiana University, he advanced sustainability education, waste management, greenhouse gas accounting, and a climate-focused internship program across seven campuses.

With a background in commercial real estate development, engineering, and construction, Ramtin identified inefficiencies in the industry leading to high energy costs and carbon emissions in commercial buildings. To address these challenges, he founded Joulea, a software platform that improves energy efficiency and reduces operating costs. Joulea redefines energy practices within commercial real estate, creating a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to building operations.

George Ayres is the Managing Director of AutoMobility Advisors, a boutique automotive consulting practice.

Prior to founding AMA, George was EVP of Partnerships at Vinli, a connected vehicle services provider for large enterprise fleets. Ayres also served as a Client Partner for Automotive IoT at IBM and VP Global Sales of Verizon Telematics (Verizon Connect). He also held leadership roles at Ford Motor Company and Jaguar Cars.

J.R. Reed is the Founder & Principal Consultant at Arrow Growth Consulting, working with clients developing strategy around product innovation, digital transformation and business creation de-risking transformation.

Previously, he held leadership roles in a variety of consulting firms, including Senior Director of Global Financial Services at Launch Consulting Group, and work with Republic National Distributing Company and Deloitte.

Sergio Grullón is the CEO of Kultif, a technology disrupting the traditional cocoa industry by developing a high capacity, high quality, data driven, automated drying process.

Sergio is also Managing Partner at ARA Trading Company and a Georgia Tech Alumni with over 10 years of experience in the cocoa industry.

​Lisa Wardlaw is an executive global leader focused on creating sustainable revenue streams by reinventing business strategy through technology and abstract thinking. She has held leadership roles at Farmers New World Life and Munich Re and currently serves as President and Founder of 360 Digital Immersion and COO of Irys Insurtech.

Chip Starns is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President at Reveam, Inc., where he also serves as Chief Regulatory Officer. With a background in nuclear and radiological engineering, he has extensive experience in developing and operating radiation-based systems.

Previously, Chip held executive roles at ScanTech Sciences and the Council on Ionizing Radiation Measurements and Standards. His career also includes experience in nuclear operations with the U.S. Navy and Southern Company.

Nathan Bessette is the Vice President of Technical Services at Southface, where he drives innovation and growth through professional services and technical assistance. With a background in manufacturing, consulting, and operations, he ensures high-value outcomes for clients. Nathan leverages his Mechanical Engineering and MBA degrees to support strategy, innovation, marketing, and entrepreneurship, launching programs that promote sustainability in the built environment.

Taffy Jo Mayers is a visionary leader in insurtech and commercial insurance, with over 25 years of experience driving digital transformation, underwriting innovation, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Head of Commercial at Neuron Digital Trading by WTW, she leads revenue growth and market expansion. Taffy Jo is a recognized industry speaker and serves on multiple boards, advocating for equity, inclusion, and social responsibility. She’s been honored with several industry awards for her leadership and innovation.

Zach Marchlik is the Vice President of Sustainability at UPS, where he works to meet the company’s sustainability targets and commitments and develops green products that enable UPS customers to achieve their sustainability goals.

In the decade he has spent at UPS, he has worked in roles across procurement, treasury and corporate strategy teams.

Raymond Shelton is a global business leader with over two decades of experience in strategic communications, sustainability, finance and investor relations across the United States, Japan and beyond. He currently serves as Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer at architectural products firm YKK AP America Inc. He oversees ESG strategy, corporate communications and civic engagement to support the company’s ambitious growth and sustainability goals.

​Kim Karris serves as the Managing Director, Growth at Elemental Impact, a nonprofit investing platform focused on scaling climate technologies with deep community impact. In this role, she cultivates relationships with philanthropic partners to direct catalytic capital to Elemental's programs.

Previously, Kim held positions at Food System 6 and Food Well Alliance, focusing on strategic development and community capital management.

Pari Kumar assists in scaling manufacturing and conducting due diligence for portfolio companies, and a Technical Advisor at Roam.

Pari has held various technical and leadership roles at ChargePoint, Apple and Deloitte, managing technical operations and leading cross-functional teams. Pari holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Ed Akins is a dedicated Registered Architect and former Tenured Associate Professor, focused on advancing sustainability in architectural practice and education. With expertise in urban planning, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, and sustainable design, Ed has held leadership roles in architectural firms, the AIA, and academia. He earned a Master of Architecture from Georgia Tech and is the first recipient of the John Busby Award for education and service to the AIA (Atlanta).

Ed Smith is the former Chief Opportunity Zones Officer for the City of Atlanta’s Economic Development Authority (Invest Atlanta), where he connected investors to entrepreneurs in distressed communities. He secured over $1 million in funding for the Opportunity Zones initiative. In 2023, Ed joined JTC as US Director of Sustainability Services, expanding the company’s impact and sustainability offerings for fund, corporate, and private clients.

Brittany Pinkerton is a seasoned financial executive with expertise in management, financial markets, and relationship building. Currently a Managing Director at Eagle Point Credit, she brings extensive experience from her previous roles at ForeStar Credit, ECP, Forsight Sustainable Capital, and Mizuho. Brittany has a strong background in sustainable investing, M&A, and the clean energy sector.

Jenn Graham is the founder and CEO of Inclusivv, a company focused on fostering trust, inclusion, and meaningful dialogue. As a social innovation designer, former TEDxAtlanta organizer, and thought leader, Jenn helps organizations build cultures of respect and belonging. Her work has been featured in Forbes and TED.com. Jenn is a 2020 "World-Changing Woman in Conscious Business" and author of Conversations for a Change, releasing in 2025.

Michelle Fitzpatrick is a senior sustainability leader with over 10 years of experience guiding corporate sustainability programs to align business needs with environmental and social priorities. Known for driving results and leading global, cross-functional teams, Michelle excels in strategy development, ESG governance, and C-suite engagement. Passionate about addressing climate change, she helps companies embed sustainability into business strategies, leaving a positive impact on both the planet and society.

Sandeep Ahuja is the co-founder and CEO of cove, a leading Vertical AI Services company focused on sustainable architecture. With over a decade of experience, she’s revolutionized design and construction through collaboration and accountability. Named to Inc.'s Top 100 Women CEOs and Forbes 30 Under 30, Sandeep has spoken at the UN and SXSW, and co-authored Build Like It’s the End of the World on decarbonizing AEC.

Shonodeep Modak is the Chief Marketing Officer of Schneider Electric’s Energy Management Business, focusing on elevating marketing performance and driving business growth globally. Previously CMO for Schneider Electric North America, he has over 20 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies. Shonodeep combines analytics and creativity to enhance the digital customer experience, thought leadership, and market position, driving profitable growth throughout his career.

Dr. Realff's research focuses on process design, simulation, and scheduling, with an emphasis on minimizing waste and recovering useful products from waste streams. He is particularly interested in carbon capture processes from flue gas and air, as well as the design of biomass-based processes. His work explores sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, including waste reduction and the utilization of biomass inputs for process optimization.

David is an experienced policy researcher with focus on sustainability, climate action, and equity. He is a graduate of Emory University with degrees in Environmental Science and Community Building and Social Change.

Kimberly Reeves is an experienced Director specializing in sustainability, climate action, and justice within higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, assessment, educational campaigns, and event coordination, she supports grant committees and leads recycling/composting initiatives. Holding a Master's degree in Environmental Planning and Design from The University of Georgia, Kimberly is passionate about community engagement and social services, driving impactful environmental change through education and collaboration.

Zac started Fresh Harvest over 10 years ago after a cross country motorcycle trip landed him on an organic farm. Today, Fresh Harvest supplies Georgia grown food and produce to over 3300 households every week through their sourcing and operations.

​Dr. Emily Burchfield is an Assistant Professor in Emory University's Department of Environmental Sciences. She leads the FACES Lab, integrating social and environmental data to promote sustainable, resilient, and equitable agricultural systems. Her research includes modeling land use impacts on agroecological outcomes and projecting climate-driven shifts in U.S. cultivation patterns. Dr. Burchfield earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 2017. ​

Henk Both lead Anzu Partners' energy investment vertical, focusing on early-stage hardware and software companies in high-growth industries like energy, aerospace and life sciences.

Previously, he earned a PhD in Chemistry from Stanford and worked in Boston Consulting Group’s Energy practice, specializing in energy storage, power generation and business operations.

Taylor Chance is the Director of Corporate Innovation at Engage, the collaborative innovation and corporate venture platform comprised of category-leading corporations in the Southeast that have joined forces to support startups building the future of enterprise technology.

Prior to Engage, she held a variety of strategy and consulting roles for companies such as GXG, Marriott International and Gartner.

Brooke Perez is the Regional Economic Development Manager for Metro North at Georgia Power, supporting the success of her communities through leadership development, strategic planning, job creation strategy and assisting companies with expansion efforts.

Brooke is also a UGA graduate and actively serves on multiple boards supporting education, workforce development and leadership initiatives.

As Global Sustainability Manager for Climate and Carbon at AGCO, Anne leads decarbonization across the enterprise. Her focus in strategic planning, risk management, data governance and sustainability programming supports AGCO's mission of “developing farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed our world.”

Before joining AGCO, Anne established operational sustainability hub at Georgia Tech and integrated high-performance standards across prototype building delivery processes for clients at Southface Institute.

Charlotte has more than 20 years of experience in EHS consulting. She is an ISO 14001 lead auditor and focuses on management systems (EMS and EHSMS) implementation and optimization; compliance auditing; EHS training programs and improving corrective action programs.

Katie Ottenweller joined Google in June 2023, where she leads efforts to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy in the Southeast. Previously, she served as Southeast Policy Director at the Energy Foundation, supporting equitable decarbonization across 13 states. With a passion for sustainability, Katie contributes to Google's mission of making information universally accessible and useful, impacting billions through platforms like Search, Gmail, Android, and YouTube.

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.

John Asbell is an experienced customer operations & external affairs professional with a demonstrated history of successful business results in the utilities industry. John has leadership experience in sales, customer service and public relations including Call Center, Key Account Management, Human Resources as well as Economic Development, Government & Community Affairs.

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.

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.

Sonia "Sypher" Tyler is a relationship manager, content creator, and media personality with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Passionate about social causes, she excels in video production, editing, and social networking. As a relationship manager at Fruitful Community Foundation and Roots Down, Sypher builds partnerships and leads community outreach efforts. She also produces and hosts shows like The Sypher360 and The Scottlite Show, celebrating diverse communities.

Amanda Densmore is the Director of Community Engagement at Georgia Public Broadcasting. She helps connect communities across Georgia to educational and entertaining GPB content to help foster lifelong learning. Before joining the GPB team, Amanda worked in adult information services, children’s services, branch management and outreach at public libraries around Georgia and Ohio.

Dajawn Williams is a conservationist and Sustainability Specialist at Kennesaw State University, with six years of experience in environmental restoration and invasive species removal. He leads projects for EcoAddendum and serves as the Atlanta Volunteer Leader for Outdoor Afro, reconnecting Black communities with nature. Dajawn has previously worked with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Zoo Atlanta, holding a B.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Science and various certifications in conservation and emergency management.

Chad Livsey, an artist, entrepreneur, and founder of the Chad Livsey Project, is dedicated to reducing litter and blight in Atlanta, Georgia, through community clean-up events. Inspired by his grandfather, Chad believes in leading by example and taking ownership in his hometown. With a mission to fight for underserved neighborhoods, Chad works to create positive change, one street at a time, believing that small actions are more impactful than words.

Bill Green, Executive Director of The Common Market, promotes regional food systems and supports local farmers. With a background in community development, he connects sustainable agriculture to underserved communities, increasing access to healthy, locally-sourced food. Passionate about food justice, Bill empowers farmers, strengthens regional economies, and fosters collaborations to build a more equitable food system.

Adrian Purtill, originally from South Africa, has made the USA his home over the past few decades. With extensive experience in logistics, including business development, key account management, and operations, he has worked with both large and small freight forwarders and 3PLs. Adrian prides himself on being a trusted adviser, ensuring customer satisfaction at every stage of the supply chain, and delivering tailored solutions to meet client needs.

David Saporta Luse is a sustainability advocate, creative location scout, and logistics expert specializing in film, TV, and commercial productions. While his roles as Location Manager and Associate Producer reflect his expertise, his true passion lies in making a meaningful impact. He is committed to improving communities, fostering kindness, and sharing the transformative power of filmmaking, all while working toward a more sustainable and positive future.

Dan Rosenfelt is the co-founder of Electric Owl Studios, a creative hub specializing in music production, sound design, and multimedia content. With a background in audio engineering and digital media, Dan combines technical expertise with artistic vision to produce innovative, high-quality projects. His passion for fostering creativity and collaboration has helped establish Electric Owl Studios as a leading force in the entertainment industry, providing exceptional soundscapes for diverse projects.

English is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Climate Film Festival NYC. She is an art historian, programmer, and curator, and has worked on exhibitions at the Whitney, Venice Biennale, MoMA, and more. She recently completed her PhD in Art History with a focus on film and architecture at NYU

Grayson Stuart is a Georgia Tech alum and TRUE Certified Advisor who helps organizations achieve holistic application of sustainability across their operations as well as assisting clients in realizing their sustainability goals in a measurable, practical way.

Julie Stuart is a consultant and facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate change and create innovative solutions. Using human-centered, immersive experiences like visual mapping and deep dialogue, she guides clients like Mastercard and NOAA to clarity and alignment. Julie designs impactful strategies that inspire creativity and foster collaboration, both globally and locally.

Jason Rubottom is an experienced CEO with a strong track record in growing software, climate tech, eCommerce, and tech-enabled services companies. He led Ally Commerce to the Inc. 5000’s #338 fastest-growing company ranking. With expertise in leadership, strategy, sales, digital transformation, and building high-performance teams, Jason has driven success across multiple industries, including eCommerce, SaaS, and enterprise software.

Trenton Spindler is in charge of all things Growth, Marketing, Communications, Account Services, Partnerships, and Investment Solutions at Puro.earth - the world’s leading crediting platform for engineered carbon removal.

Dr. Julie Willoughby is a seasoned chemical and biomolecular engineer, polymer scientist and entrepreneur. Currently, she serves as Chief Technology Officer for TerraSafe Materials, Inc and founder of Blue Hummingbird LLC., is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Longleaf Studios and advises early-stage startups.
Previously, Julie was the Chief Scientific and Commercialization Officer at Circ, Inc., and held roles at Nike, North Carolina State University and Dow Corning.

​Andrew Dagnan serves as the Director of Safety and Sustainability at Wicked Weed Brewing, where he champions environmental initiatives. Under his leadership, the brewery achieved a 99.3% waste diversion rate, earning GOLD certification under the TRUE rating system in 2024.

Previously, Dagnan managed Environmental, Health and Safety for Breckenridge Brewery and Craft Brew Alliance.

Pam Knox an applied climatologist and meteorologist who has worked since 1983 in positions relating weather and climate to agriculture, industry, urban design, media outreach and education. Her current position is at the University of Georgia as a Senior Public Service Associate and as the Director of the Georgia Weather Network. As a Certified Consulting Meteorologist, Knox provides expert testimony on weather-related cases.

Abby Bower manages the Climate Action Plan and Living Campus Fellows Program at Georgia Tech’s Office of Sustainability. She holds a BS in Journalism from the University of Tennessee and an MSEEM from Georgia Tech. Abby previously worked in science communications at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and coordinated recycling efforts at UT.

Steve Place manages Zero Waste programs at Georgia Tech's Office of Sustainability. He holds degrees in Human and Natural Ecology, Political Science, and Global Media and Culture from Emory University and Georgia Tech. Steve won the 2022 Georgia Tech Campus Sustainability Award and is the staff advisor for Students Organizing for Sustainability.

Delphine Jeroudi is the Communications and Press Attaché at the Consulate General of France in Atlanta, fostering French-American partnerships. With a master's in management, she began her career in brand management at Dannon, leading the relaunch of Danonino in France. A mother of three, Delphine is committed to preserving the planet for future generations.

Yassine Ben Zineb is a PhD student in astrophysics working on future space missions for black hole imaging at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Trained as a Facilitator in February 2024, he leverages the diverse education he acquired through multiple master's degrees in Mechanical, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering as well as his physics knowledge to better explain climate sciences in a broad palette of industrial and research scenarios.

Guillaume Marieu is a Senior Sales Engineer at EXOTEC. Trained as a Facilitator in 2023 and working with his company to bring awareness on climate to all the employees. 70% of the US operations have been trained to the workshop.

Vanessa Suarez is the Sustainability Coordinator in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. She manages the office’s social media, prepares utility reports, supports efforts in food procurement and data, waste diversion, and stakeholder engagement. Vanessa holds a Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation & Management from Unity College and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Florida State University.

With a Masters of Engineering in Telecommunications, and having spent time in Slovakia, France, UK, and Mexico, Sophie become the COO of a Managed Service Provider at an early age. Sophie is passionate about process improvement, communication, and teamwork, and applies these skills to all the roles she occupies, as TEDxAtlanta co-organizer, Expatease co-founder and Climate Fresk facilitator.

Florence Reed founded Sustainable Harvest International in 1997 after her Peace Corps work in Panama. SHI has helped 4,000+ farms regenerate 30,000 acres and plant five million trees. Now aiming to restore 8 million acres, Flo champions global partnerships and climate solutions. She’s received multiple honors and proudly represents SHI in international coalitions and on inspiring field visits.

Jennifer Hirsch is an internationally recognized leader in sustainability, community development, and experiential education. She bridges institutions and grassroots action, fostering inclusive, community-driven change. A fellow at ICA-USA, Northwestern’s ABCD Institute, and The Field Museum, Jennifer also serves on multiple boards and networks, including EcoDistricts and ASU’s Urban Sustainability Network, driving impactful, equity-focused collaboration across sectors and communities.

Dawn Brown is a passionate environmental advocate transforming urban spaces through innovative urban agriculture, zero waste education, and sustainable practices in sports and entertainment. Committed to leading by example, she empowers communities to embrace sustainability in everyday life. Dawn’s mission is to inspire lasting change by integrating eco-conscious solutions into cities, culture, and daily experiences for a greener future.

Mike Scallan is the Senior Manager of Procurement and Supplier Management at Hapag-Lloyd AG, a global shipping and logistics company serving businesses worldwide with a focus on efficiency and sustainability in global trade. With over 30 years in shipping and logistics, Scallan has held various leadership roles in transport dispatch and customer service.

Kim Bednarek is the Executive Director of the Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures. She spearheaded the nomination of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to UNESCO to join the World Heritage Site list due to its global significance.

Prior to her current role, Kim served as Head of School for The Discovery School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

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.

With over 17-years of experience as a climate tech developer, Troy von Otnott is now leading geothermal energy development in his home state of Louisiana. Having started the solar industry in Louisiana circa 2008, he's now leading renewable energy development once again in the Pelican state with his new company, HotRok Energy.

Bem Joiner is a cultural strategist and community connector who has led impactful lifestyle and cultural projects for brands like Sprite, Nissan, and the National Black Arts Festival. A founder of CreativeCall.org, he’s booked early shows for Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and serves on boards including ChopArt and the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, driving creative engagement and social impact.

Sofi Armenakian is a sustainability pioneer who created the world’s first TRUE Platinum Zero Waste roadmap for sports venues and served as the NBA’s first Head of Sustainability. She launched the “Recycle & Win” fan engagement program at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, driving zero waste at major events like Super Bowl LIII. Sofi champions innovation as the key to a sustainable future.

J. Carter is a visionary brand marketing executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience driving brand growth, digital impact, and multicultural engagement. Founder of The One Venture Group, Red Creative, and Ice Pick, LLC, he’s also a dynamic live event producer and relationship builder known for blending entertainment, culture, and strategy to deliver unforgettable, results-driven experiences.

Bob Izlar is the Founding Director of the Langdale Center for Forest Business at the University of Georgia. A leader in forestry economics and policy, he has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable forest management and business practices. With decades of experience, Bob bridges academia, industry, and government to support responsible forest stewardship and economic development.

Tim Lowrimore is CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association, leading advocacy, education, and policy initiatives to support Georgia’s $42 billion forest industry. A registered forester with decades of experience in forestry, government, and business, Tim champions sustainable forest management and economic growth. He works to ensure forests remain a vital resource for Georgia’s environment, economy, and communities.

Jimmy Bullock is Senior Vice President of Forest Sustainability at RMS, leading environmental policy, forest certification, and global ESG initiatives. A Certified Wildlife Biologist and Registered Forester, he serves on multiple conservation boards. Honored with national awards, including the Forest Stewardship and Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Awards, Jimmy is a recognized leader in sustainable forestry and natural resource conservation.

Troy Harris is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in public and institutional investing, portfolio management, and land transactions across the U.S. and Brazil. A leader in sustainable forestry, he’s a passionate advocate for mass timber. He’s currently helping develop Atlanta’s first southern yellow pine mass timber building with the “Seedlings to Solutions” team.

Bethaney Wilkinson is a social entrepreneur, facilitator, and author of The Diversity Gap. As Executive Director of the Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention Network, she brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of community, racial wellbeing, and social change. She’s the founder of multiple initiatives and holds degrees from Emory and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Ongeleigh Underwood is Executive Director of the Appalachian Carbon Exchange, leading efforts to expand climate resilience and carbon market access in Central Appalachia. With a background in environmental justice and community development, she champions equitable, climate-smart solutions that empower rural communities and landowners while advancing sustainability and regional collaboration across the Appalachian landscape.

John Mulcahy is Vice President of Stewardship at Georgia-Pacific, leading company-wide sustainability efforts, including sustainable forestry and customer collaboration. Since joining GP in 1987, he has held key roles in business development and sustainability. John serves on several conservation boards and is passionate about environmental stewardship. He holds degrees from Lafayette College and Georgia State University.

Lavonya Jones is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic justice. An Atlanta native and third-generation Hampton University graduate, she brings 17 years of experience in the creative industry, extensive leadership training, and a deep commitment to empowering underserved communities. Lavonya equips socially conscious entrepreneurs through coaching, education, and innovation-driven ecosystem development.

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.

Liz Minné is a sustainability strategist with a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Georgia Tech, where her passion for Life Cycle Assessments began. At Interface, she leads strategic sustainability efforts, advancing climate goals through data-driven solutions and innovation. Liz thrives on solving complex challenges to create impactful outcomes for people, planet, and profit across the built environment and supply chain.

Dr. Jason Gordon is an Associate Professor of Community Forestry at the University of Georgia. With a focus on urban and community forestry, he conducts research and outreach on tree management, land-use planning, and public engagement. Jason is passionate about educating future natural resource professionals and helping communities make informed decisions to enhance urban forests and green infrastructure.

Seth Hawkins is a community forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission, serving within the Sustainable Community Forestry Program. A graduate of UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Seth gained hands-on experience through internships in Athens, GA and Chattanooga, TN. He is passionate about urban forestry and advancing healthy, sustainable tree canopy in Georgia’s communities.

Greg Levine is the executive director of Trees Atlanta, where he has dedicated over two decades to protecting and expanding Atlanta’s urban forest. With a background in horticulture and a passion for environmental conservation, Greg leads efforts in tree planting, education, and community engagement. His work helps build a greener, healthier, and more resilient city for future generations.

William Park is the Urban Forest Coordinator for the City of Sandy Springs, where he integrates forestry and conservation into urban planning. A certified arborist with a background in environmental science, he specializes in land-use policy, habitat restoration, and green infrastructure. William champions community engagement and cross-sector collaboration to advance resilient, sustainable development and enhance urban ecosystems.

Emily ensures The Common Market’s mission to strengthen sustainable regional food systems by coordinating procurement, logistics and partnerships. She fosters relationships between local family farms and community institutions, optimizing healthy food access for schools, hospitals, cities and businesses.

Alexander J. Bandza is an environmental and energy attorney with experience in litigation, regulatory counseling, and renewable energy project development. He advises manufacturers and trade associations on energy efficiency standards and rulemakings, and supports projects from community solar to carbon capture by securing environmental permits and regulatory approvals across federal and state levels.