Transformation City: Annual State of Sustainable Chicago

Begin the year better informed and empowered to help create a more sustainable Chicago! Come to this popular annual event to gain a broad perspective from local leaders. Leave inspired with ideas about how you can get involved in issues that will influence Chicago in the coming year.

Panelists

Mark Burger, President
Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA)
Since 1975, the ISEA has educated and advocated for the widespread application of solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy technologies to the people of Illinois. Mark has over 25 years experience in renewable energy and building energy applications, including as Principal Consultant on renewable energy policy, technology and market development at Kestrel Development Company; Sales and Marketing Manager at Spire Solar, a firm manufacturing solar electric panels; and head of the Strategic Assistance Team for the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Mike Johnson, Senior Analyst
Greenpeace
Mike develops national strategy and intelligence for Greenpeace’s US Quit Coal Campaign and related renewable energy efforts. Johnson supports two corporate campaigns and plant opposition work across the nation, as well as Greenpeace’s international coal supply efforts. Prior to joining Greenpeace, Johnson served as the first Executive Director the Illinois Solar Energy Association, lead project manager for the Chicago Climate Action Plan and author of the City of Highland Park’s (Illinois) sustainability plan.

Tom Shepherd, Board Member
Southeast Environmental Task Force
The Task Force is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to serving Chicago's southeast side and south suburbs by promoting environmental education, pollution prevention, and sustainable development. Tom has been an organizer and has led many of the Task Force events and projects. He has been the principal guide for the well-known Toxics to Treasures Eco-Tour that takes visitors through the gritty region where heavy industry has flourished and, in many cases, left environmental challenges in their wake.

Killian Walsh, Committee Member
Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project
The EESP is a one of a kind initiative to bring a Chicago neighborhood into compliance with the Chicago Climate Action Plan. Developed by a coalition of voluntary community members, and in partnership with Loyola University, the plan is a 10 year blueprint for energy efficiency, improved transportation options, water conservation, and public awareness campaigns. In addition to her role with the EESP, Killian is the president of the Edgewater Beach Neighbors Association. She has an MS degree concentrating in urban geology and years of experience in environmental enforcement and compliance of federal, state and local public agencies. Killiian is presently researching and presenting EESP's first city wide push for legislation of phone directories delivery and distribution unto the residents of Chicago.

David Wise, Associate Director
Institute for Environmental Science and Policy (IESP), UIC
IESP is a university-wide environmental institute that advances cooperative research, scholarship, and service that support a sustainable environment at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Wise is also Professor of Ecology and Evolution in the Department of Biological Sciences and serves as Co-Chair of the Chancellor’s Committee on Sustainability and Energy. Prof. Wise is heavily involved in collaborative research on human-nature interactions across Chicagoland in his role as Co-Chair of the Science Team of the Chicago Wilderness conservation alliance.

Schedule
5:30-8:30pm Socializing/Networking
5:45-6:15pm Power Networking (optional)
6:45-7:45pm Discussion
7:45-8:30pm Socializing/Networking

Power Networking (optional 5:45-6:15pm)
By popular request! Every month, we include a period of time for you to meet a number of other like-minded people in a structured, fast-paced format. Bring your elevator speech and business cards! Not in the mood? Spectators welcome as well.

***Cancellation Policy***

All Foresight tickets and/or event registrations are non-refundable. If an event is canceled or postponed by Foresight, participants will be offered a full refund. Please contact us if a personal emergency keeps you from attending an event. At Foresight's discretion, a refund may be offered in these cases.