This webinar took place on Dec. 2, 2020 as part of the launch of Ever-Green’s 2019 Impact Report.

Learn about upcoming Ever-Green webinars and other communications.

The case for socially responsible business has never been stronger. The market is looking to companies to provide leadership in environmental stewardship, clean energy, community partnership, and developing a future workforce that is representative of our diverse nation.

Minnesota continues to prove itself as a national leader in sustainable business leadership, with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses stepping up to model sustainable and community-centered business choices. This is particularly evident in the growth of the clean energy economy in Minnesota, supported by strong state and local policy making and corporate commitments to decarbonization and renewable energy. We are also collectively learning that sustainability and resilience must support a triple bottom line that prioritizes our environment, economics, and equity.

Learn more about the organizations and companies committed to advancing corporate social responsibility in Minnesota and nationally.

Speakers:

• Peter Frosch, CEO, GREATER MSP
• Holly Lahd, Lead Energy Program Manager, Target Corporation
• Ken Smith, CEO and President, Ever-Green Energy
• Laura Tierney, Director, International Programs, Business Council for Sustainable Energy
• Joffrey Wilson, Director of Inclusion and Diversity, Mortenson

About the Panelists

Peter Frosch

Peter Frosch became chief executive officer of GREATER MSP in March 2019. As CEO, Mr. Frosch is responsible for leading the global strategy for economic development and job creation for the greater Minneapolis- Saint Paul region. Mr. Frosch is responsible for creating the organization’s MSP Regional Indicators Dashboard, a regional performance measurement now being replicated across the US, and Make it. MSP., a widely-recognized talent retention and attraction initiative. Before joining GREATER MSP, Mr. Frosch served as legislative director for Congresswoman Betty McCollum in Washington, D.C. and also previously served as director of environmental policy at Environmental Initiative. Mr. Frosch earned a BA in history and American studies from Northwestern University and earned a MA in international relations from Dublin City University in Ireland.

Holly Lahd

Holly Lahd is an Energy Program Manager at Target Corporation, where she analyzes utility rates, regulatory policy, and emerging energy trends to advance Target’s clean energy goals across the country. She gained experience in clean energy rate design and policy development through her previous work directing the energy markets program at the nonprofit Fresh Energy and as a utility rate analyst with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. She has a BS in corporate environmental management and a MS in applied economics from the University of Minnesota.

Ken Smith

Ken Smith is the president and CEO of Ever-Green Energy and its parent company District Energy St. Paul. A recognized leader in community and campus scale energy systems, Mr. Smith is actively engaged in industry, policy, and academic forums addressing a low carbon energy future and has led Ever-Green Energy’s planning and design initiatives with numerous U.S. communities and organizations, with the goal of creating integrated energy infrastructures. Prior to joining Ever-Green Energy in 2006, he worked globally in the engineering and construction industry for over 20 years planning, designing and implementing mission critical projects, including central plants, microgrids, datacenters, and facilities for advanced tech industries, campuses, international airports, and U.S. Department of Defense. Mr. Smith has a BS in electrical engineering from North Dakota State University and a MBA from the University of St. Thomas.

Laura Tierney

Laura Tierney is the director of international programs for the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) and also manages the Council’s external communications. Ms. Tierney holds a masters of international environmental policy and China from the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of California, San Diego and an BS in Asian Studies from Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.

Joffrey Wilson

Joffrey Wilson is director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Mortenson, leading strategy and implementation efforts across the organization, including recruitment, talent development, and retention. He also leads the development of key external strategic partnerships and initiatives. Mr. Wilson previously served as strategy and business development director for Mortenson’s energy storage and solution business, which focuses on battery storage and electrification. This includes incorporating electrified transportation systems, microgrids, distributed energy resources and utility grid modernization. Prior to joining Mortenson, Mr. Wilson worked for Ford Motor Company in sales, marketing, and franchising. He also worked for General Mills in marketing and corporate strategy. He has experience in product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning. Mr. Wilson graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with a BS in marketing and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business with an MBA.