Nancy Sutley to Headline Conference for EHS&S Women Leaders
April 18, 2019 — Nancy Sutley, one of the chief architects of the 2013 Climate Action Plan, will reflect on her path to leadership during a keynote presentation at NAEM’s 2019 Women’s Leadership Roundtable, the association announced today.
The biannual conference is designed to develop a talent pipeline of women leaders in environment, health and safety, and sustainability (EHS&S) management through career coaching, business acumen workshops and executive training sessions.
NAEM Executive Director Carol Singer Neuvelt said Ms. Sutley’s experience as a visionary leader on the national stage will set the tone for the event, which has become a marquee opportunity for women to learn from those advancing change within companies.
“We are honored to be joined by someone who understands what it takes to be effective as an advocate for bold new ideas,” Ms. Neuvelt said. “Nancy’s achievements attest to the importance of having a passion for your work that transcends circumstances.”
Ms. Sutley served as Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Under her leadership, the Council played a central role in shepherding the Obama Administration's signature environmental projects, including the 2013 Climate Action Plan.
She is now the Chief Sustainability Officer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. In this role, Ms. Sutley oversees the Department's energy efficiency goals, environmental affairs, sustainability initiatives and the electrification of transportation network.
Her keynote address will kick off the two-day Women’s Leadership agenda, which was designed by a peer committee to develop the skills leaders need to make the business case for EHS&S management across silos and at different levels of an organization.
The program includes seminars on business acumen, executive presence, communication skills and change management.
Drena Howard, Director of Global Retail Environmental Affairs and Safety with The Estee-Lauder Cos., helped lead the planning committee. She said the peer investment in the conference results in strong engagement among attendees.
“[There] was the feeling of immediate inclusion. No matter their level or expertise, it was just an opportunity for women to share their experiences. Since then, I have just kept coming back,” she said.
Since its 2013 launch, the event has focused on the unique needs of EHS&S managers, directors and vice presidents.
Fawn Bergen, Global Sustainability Program Manager with Intel Corp., who co-chaired the planning committee, said it has become a touchstone for her own career advancement.
“I walk away each time feeling inspired, empowered, supported and connected to an amazing group of leaders — who happen to be women,” she said.
To learn more about the workshops and sessions on this year’s agenda, visit womensleadership.naem.org.
