Ian started Latent Engineering in 2018. He provides technical consulting for C&I building solutions including HVAC&R, envelope systems, distributed generation, thermal storage, and battery storage. He has worked with NREL, Turntide, and AES Distributed Energy. Previously, he led the R&D efforts at Transformative Wave (TW) for three years, lab testing and field demonstrating ways to augment TW’s product stack with building-to-grid services (load shedding/shifting), data analytics, and model-predictive controls. Prior to TW, Ian worked at NREL for eight years, conducting laboratory testing and field demonstration and modeling of advanced HVAC&R systems, battery storage, and envelope technologies. Prior to NREL, Ian worked at Arup for three years, designing mechanical and façade systems for hospitals, laboratories, museums, offices, and colleges. He has an MS from Virginia Tech and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University.

Kate Whitbeck has most recently been the director of sustainability for Harmons Grocery, a family-owned, locally operated, 20-store grocery business based in Utah. As the first individual to hold this position in the company, she was responsible for conducting a baseline assessment of key environmental indicators related to store operations, as well as establishing goals, and evaluating progress on metrics related to emissions, waste, water, energy, sustainable sourcing, and packaging. Prior to Harmons, Kate spent ten years focused on sustainable materials management as a founder and managing partner of Momentum Recycling, a zero-waste company providing recycling collection services, waste consulting and glass processing services. Her subsequent position at the University of Utah’s Sustainability Office allowed her to broaden her experience and knowledge in areas outside of waste. Before moving to Utah, Kate spent ten years working overseas in the field of civil society development. She holds a master’s degree in International Sustainable Development from the School for International Training.

Laura Thompson is the Director of the RMS Program at GreenBlue and led the development and implementation of the Recycled Material Standard. Laura also serves as a technical expert for the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and has been focused on plastics recycling. Laura also operates an independent sustainability consultancy, 4Minutes LLC, and has worked for non-profits including The Recycling Partnership, The Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Sustainable Biomass Program. She also advises corporate clients on sustainability policy and strategy. Prior to establishing 4Minutes, Laura served as the Director of Sustainable Development for Sappi, a multinational paper company. Laura has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire as well as an MS and PhD in Paper Science from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Lydia Covert is the Corporate Sustainability Manager at Unum Group, where she drives strategies for long-term environmental, social, and governance issues. Her passion lies in helping companies understand that sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand. In her time with Unum, she has led cross-disciplinary teams in completing the first materiality assessment for the company, increasing sustainability disclosures through the 2019 ESG report, and developing strategic sustainability frameworks. Prior to Unum, Lydia worked on sustainability topics within the food retail sector, including seafood supply chains, internal reporting processes, target-setting and database management, internal and external stakeholder engagement, and issuance of a €600 million sustainability bond.

Mike is a retired cooperative wholesale president and chief executive officer and a well-known food industry leader with over forty-five years of hands-on experience in retail, wholesale, and independent business ownership. He has served as a board director for many years on seven national and regional industry organizations and was inducted into the 2010 Griffin Report Industry Hall of Fame. He received the Massachusetts Food Association’s 2016 Person of the Year, Milton W. Segal Distinguished Service Award. Mike currently serves as the managing partner of BHR&T Consulting and Sustainable Solutions, LLC.

Oren’s professional career includes over 20 years’ experience in corporate social responsibility, supply chain compliance, carbon accounting, sustainability consulting, sales, and strategic partnership development. Oren supports companies to establish their GHG emissions baseline via corporate or product level carbon footprints, lifecycle assessments, EPDs, build responsible supply chains, implement social compliance programs, understand legal/regulatory compliance issues, supply chain security programs, and supplier risk assessments. Oren has worked with third party certification and standards organizations, management consulting, technology/cloud/SaaS solutions, and employee wellness organizations. Previous career highlights include working in professional sports, producing live music events, and founding an outdoor aerial advertising agency. Oren lives in the Bay Area with his wife, two children, and dog.

Paul Delaney has been an energy and energy-efficiency professional for forty-two years, most recently serving as a technology lead supporting the food industry at Southern California Edison. Paul is also a former vice president for the American Utility Network and national account manager for Edison Source.

A strategy consultant since 1993, Scot Case helps for-profit, not-for-profit, and government organizations develop winning strategies and successful solutions for complex global challenges. He makes it possible for individuals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly changing future. Throughout Scot’s career as a strategist, consultant, and sustainability expert, he has worked with organizations such as the White House; World Bank; Walmart; Johnson & Johnson; Disney; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and federal, state, and local governments around the world. He currently leads the National Retail Federation’s sustainability initiatives. NRF is the world’s largest trade association for retailers.

Tristam Coffin is the Co-Founder and COO at Effecterra. He has worked in the sustainability field for over 14 years across multiple disciplines including transportation, corporate sustainability, packaging and supply chain, and green building. Prior to entering the consulting world, Tristam spent the majority of his career leading sustainability initiatives for Whole Foods Market. Most recently, he was a Director of Sustainability & Facilities where he led a team that oversaw the implementation of environmentally responsible programs, sustainable engineering initiatives, and facility management. Tristam is a LEED AP, sustainability leader and holds a broad array of environmental expertise in areas including high performance buildings, refrigeration systems, renewable energy, and waste diversion.