UNH Alumni Sustainability Webinar Series

Can Corporate Supply Chains Change the World?

Thursday, March 13, 12-1 p.m.
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For most companies, much of their environmental and social impact occurs within their supply chain. When making purchases, have you ever considered where the raw materials come from? Or who was involved in harvesting, assembling or processing those materials? Join this conversation to learn how companies can engage with the people and places in their supply chains for positive impact for people and planet, and how you can personally support this work by rethinking how and from where you purchase.

Speakers include:

• Theresa McKenney ’14, ‘15G, Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs, Nemo Equipment
• Josh Austin ‘05​​​​, Sr. Manager, Sustainability, High Liner Foods
• Topher Mallory ‘02, CEO, Mexicali Blues Inc.

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Policy for Future Generations

Tuesday, January 7
Watch or listen to the recording

As we kick off the 2025 UNH Sustainability Alumni Webinar Series, we are delighted to bring you a timely event that will discuss the policy we need for a sustainable future – a future that ensures a prosperous economy, resilient infrastructure, and the healthy, thriving ecosystems on which we all depend. We are delighted to introduce Dr. Stephen Bird, the new Director of the Carsey School of Public Policy to the UNH Sustainability Alumni Community. Dr. Bird will be in discussion with Dr. Fiona Wilson, UNH’s Chief Sustainability Officer, as well as leading UNH alumni with expertise at the intersection of sustainability and public policy. Speakers include:

Dr. Stephen Bird, Director of the UNH Carsey School of Public Policy

Stephen Bird is the Director of Carsey School of Public Policy and a professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire. He is also a research professor (courtesy) at the Institute for Sustainable Environment at Clarkson University where he was formerly a full professor of political science. In addition, he's a faculty Research Affiliate with the Positive Energy Project at the University of Ottawa.

Stephen's work examines all aspects of energy policy and regulation broadly, with a deep focus on impacting the energy transition. Engagements and research awards have included New York’s Energy Research Authority, the U.S. State Department, the European Commission, National Resources Canada, a 2016 Fulbright Research Chair, and the National Science Foundation. Corporate partnerships have included the NY Power Authority, GE, National Grid, AMD, the US Green Building Council, and IBM.

His current research and engagements focus on energy conflict & polarization, drivers of energy acceptance (fracking, solar, wind), split incentives and smart housing, and energy technology governance & implementation (microgrids, green data centers).

Stephen completed his PhD at Boston University and his Masters at Harvard University.

Corley Kenna ‘00, Head of Communications and Policy, Patagonia

Corley Kenna serves as Patagonia’s Chief Impact and Communications Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in public affairs and strategic communications.

Corley began her career in government and politics. She got her start with Congressman John Lewis (GA) and Senator Zell Miller (GA) and later worked for Senator Tom Carper (DE). Corley is also a seasoned campaign operative, having spent election cycles with the New Hampshire Democratic Party, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Hillary for New York and Hillary for President. She rounded out her time in government in the Obama administration, serving as a Senior Advisor in the US State Department in the office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

As Managing Director and Chief of Staff to the CEO of Burson-Marsteller (WPP plc), Corley built and maintained global client and media relationships at one of the world’s leading communication agencies. As Vice President for Public Affairs and Corporate Communications at Ralph Lauren, she led media response and strategy for corporate affairs and crisis situations.  

At Patagonia, Corley leads the teams responsible for developing and implementing Patagonia’s global impact strategy by advancing environmental and business initiatives. She led the rollout strategy for Patagonia’s ownership change in 2022, established the company’s internal communications and engagement team, co-founded the Time to Vote movement, and has spearheaded numerous communications initiatives and environmental campaigns for the company.

Corley is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and she currently resides in Santa Barbara, California. She is a member of the Seminar, serves on the advisory board of the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire and is a board member of Civil Rights Tours Atlanta.

Jennifer C. Jenkins, '98 Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Rubicon Carbon

Dr. Jennifer Jenkins is the Chief Science Officer at Rubicon Carbon, leading the development and approval of carbon offset methodologies and new approaches to ensure quality and reliability. In 2007, she was part of the IPCC team of scientists that won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on climate, along with former Vice President Al Gore. Dr. Jenkins led the work that culminated in the “Jenkins Equations,” the widely accepted method for estimating tree biomass from diameter in the US. She has a technical background in carbon cycling and ecosystem science and over 25 years of experience across government, academia, and the private sector. She holds degrees from the University of New Hampshire, the University of Maryland, Yale University, and Dartmouth College.