Full Breakdown
Notable Leaders in Sustainability for 2025
8/26/2025, 6:06:39 PM
Overview of the Notable Leaders in Sustainability
Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability for 2025 highlights individuals across various sectors who have made significant contributions to environmental initiatives. This list includes leaders from manufacturing, education, energy, architecture, and more, all recognized for their measurable impact on sustainability efforts at local, state, and national levels.
Selection Methodology
The selection process for Crain's Notable Leaders in Sustainability involves a nomination and review system. Only individuals nominated and accepted by the editorial team are included. To qualify, nominees must hold senior leadership roles or lead sustainability initiatives within their organizations, demonstrating a tangible impact on the environment. The profiles of honorees are derived from the nomination materials submitted, and inclusion does not require any payment.
Key Figures in Sustainability
Kari Bliss - Sustainability Principal, Padnos
Kari Bliss has been with Padnos since 2010 and became sustainability principal in 2021. She has developed and executed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, achieving a significant waste reduction of 1.5 million pounds in 2024 through her initiative, Realcycle.
Matthew VanSweden - Sustainability Lead, Progressive Companies
Matthew VanSweden directs regenerative strategies at a 350-person architecture firm, focusing on equity-centered design. His leadership in establishing a regenerative community of practice has garnered both local and international recognition.
Andrew Queenan - Director of Sustainability, Pure Architects
Andrew Queenan manages sustainability practices at Pure Architects, ensuring compliance with Green Building Rating Systems. He has been instrumental in positioning the firm as a leader in sustainability through advocacy for the AIA 2030 Commitment.
Daniel Schoonmaker - Executive Director, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
Daniel Schoonmaker leads Michigan’s premier sustainability organization, managing initiatives that support 2,500 professionals annually. His work includes authoring foundational resources for recycling and food waste reduction statewide.
Kelsey Groesbeck - Director of Building Science, TowerPinkster
Kelsey Groesbeck founded the Building Science team at TowerPinkster, focusing on occupant health and sustainable strategies. She achieved LEED Silver and WELL Platinum certifications for a major research facility.
Katie Chapman - Lead Sustainability Specialist, Haworth
Katie Chapman leads circular economy initiatives at Haworth, notably establishing a closed-loop manufacturing process that significantly reduces waste and carbon emissions.
Natalie Kollig - Associate VP, Resilience & Sustainability Operations Lead, AECOM
Natalie Kollig advances sustainability across AECOM’s U.S. West region, developing tools to integrate sustainability into projects and supporting Net Zero goals.
Keith Winn - President Emeritus, Catalyst Partners
Keith Winn leads a consortium of sustainability professionals, influencing national green building standards and local initiatives through strategic visioning and operations.
Gayle DeBruyn - Professor, Sustainability Officer, Ferris State University
Gayle DeBruyn chairs collaborative design programs and leads campus-wide waste management efforts, securing significant grants to expand sustainability competitions.
Ryan Johnston - Project Director, Barton Malow
Ryan Johnston oversees renewable energy construction projects, contributing to over 2 gigawatts of renewable energy projects nationwide, including Michigan’s first utility-scale solar project.
Jesse Douglas - Vice President/General Manager, Vicinity Energy
Jesse Douglas leads efforts to reduce Grand Rapids’ carbon footprint through innovative energy projects, including the introduction of electric-powered steam generation.
Conclusion
The Notable Leaders in Sustainability for 2025 exemplify a commitment to advancing environmental initiatives across various sectors. Their leadership and innovative approaches contribute significantly to sustainability efforts, setting a benchmark for future endeavors in this critical field.
