Agenda

Climate Action: Thrive in 2035

This year’s Summit will take place at the PERA Conference Center in Tempe. Purchase your tickets today by clicking on the below link. Member pricing is $175; Non-Member is $200 (includes access to all sessions, a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and social hour). Half day pricing is also available. Contact us at info@arizonaforward.org with any questions.

Electric Vehicle Showcase

9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Join us in the morning for an Electric Vehicle Showcase, bringing together local businesses and EV companies to explore the latest electrification solutions.

Featuring:

Climate Action 2035: What We Need to Do Today to Thrive in 2035

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Moderator
Wellington “Duke” Reiter, FAIA
Senior Advisor to the President, Office of University Affairs, Arizona State University

Duke Reiter is the founder and Executive Director at Ten Across (10X), which seeks to highlight the urgent issues facing the U.S. regarding water, energy, and equity. Reiter also serves as the Special Advisor to the President of Arizona State University (ASU) and Executive Director of the University City Exchange at ASU.

Daniel Stellar
State Director, Arizona, The Nature Conservancy

Dan Stellar is state director for the Arizona Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Stellar has spent his career in the nonprofit conservation sector across North America, and globally. He previously served in positions with the Center for ReSource Conservation and The Earth Institute at Columbia University where he oversaw international water policy and conservation work.

Kate Bailey
Policy & Research Director, Eco-Cycle

Kate Bailey is a founding member of AMBR, the Alliance for Mission-Based Recyclers, which works at the national level to improve recycling and reduce plastic waste. Bailey is also the Policy and Research Director for Eco-Cycle, based in Colorado, and has over 15 years of experience working on Zero Waste policies at the local and state level.

Shalini Vajjhala, PhD
Founder & CEO, re:focus partners

At re:focus partners, Shalini Vajjhala helps to develop infrastructure solutions and public-private partnerships for vulnerable communities. Vajjhala also co-founded The Atlas, an online platform for local governments. She has held multiple positions in the Obama Administration, including with the US EPA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Previously, she worked for Resources for the Future, where she was awarded a patent for her adaptation mapping work.

Toby Short
Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund

With more than 20 years of regulatory and legislative policy experience, including as a former Director of Federal Governmental Affairs for Duke Energy Company, Toby Short has a proven track record of accomplishments, successes and leadership using conventional, and creative problem-solving skills and expertise. Toby joined Environmental Defense Fund in 2019, serving as Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs in Washington, DC.

William Cobb
Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, Freeport-McMoRan

Bill Cobb has more than 40 years of experience as an environmental professional. In his role at Freeport, he responsible for environmental compliance, environmental emergency management system implementation, permitting and impact assessment, community and investor engagement, corporate-wide sustainability reporting, discontinued operations management, mine closure and reclamation, and remediation of historic environmental liabilities at Freeport.

Climate Action: Mayoral Panel

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Moderator
Wellington “Duke” Reiter, FAIA
Senior Advisor to the President, Office of University Affairs, Arizona State University

Duke Reiter is the founder and Executive Director at Ten Across (10X), which seeks to highlight the urgent issues facing the U.S. regarding water, energy, and equity. Reiter also serves as the Special Advisor to the President of Arizona State University (ASU) and Executive Director of the University City Exchange at ASU.

Mayor Kate Gallego
City of Phoenix

Mayor Gallego is the second elected female Mayor in Phoenix history and one of the youngest big city Mayors in the United States. She graduated from Harvard University and earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Before being elected to Phoenix City Council, Mayor Gallego worked on Economic Development for local utility company, Salt River Project.

Mayor John Giles
City of Mesa

John Giles was elected Mayor of Mesa in 2014 and began his second full term in January 2021. Prior to being elected mayor in 2014, Giles was a missionary in Seoul, Korea, earned degrees from both Brigham Young University and Arizona State University, was President of the East Valley Bar Association, and served on Mesa’s city council. Mayor Giles also manages his own law firm, Giles & Dickson PC.

Mayor David Ortega
City of Scottsdale

Mayor David Ortega began his term of office in January 2021. Mayor Ortega is a registered Arizona architect and designed many landmark buildings in Old Town. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona and was an apprentice architect to Bennie Gonzales FAIA, the award-winning designer of Scottsdale City Hall, Civic Center Library and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Mayor Corey Woods
City of Tempe

Mayor Corey Woods has served as mayor to the City of Tempe since March 2020. Mayor Woods is also the Executive Director of Community Relations at ASU Preparatory Academy. He previously served as the chief operating officer for the Greater Phoenix Urban League, director of college and career articulation for the Phoenix Union High School District and director of government relations for the American Lung Association of Arizona.

Keynote & Luncheon

12:30 - 1:30 pm

Mitch Landrieu
Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator, The White House

Brenda Mallory
Chair, Council on Environmental Quality, Executive Office of the President of the United States

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

1:30 - 3:00 PM

Click to view speakers and bios for each breakout session.

Envisioning a Circular Economy

Envisioning a Circular Economy

What will it take to transform Arizona’s economy into one where waste is eliminated, resources are circulated, and nature is regenerated? Hear how we are planning to achieve this vision.

Today’s Challenges & Tomorrow’s Solutions for Arizona’s Forests

Today’s Challenges & Tomorrow’s Solutions for Arizona’s Forests

Arizona's forests are challenged by unhealthy conditions and a longer and hotter fire season. Hear solutions including policy change, partnerships, and monetizing carbon offsets.

How All Arizonans Will Benefit from Cleaner Air

How All Arizonans Will Benefit from Cleaner Air

Warmer temperatures are increasing pollution levels. Hear about innovative solutions to improve air quality and how they can also benefit our health, economy, and environment.

The Future of Water: Science & Technology Solutions

The Future of Water: Science & Technology Solutions

Science, technology, and research play a critical role in Arizona’s ability to meet future water demands. Learn about solutions being implemented today, as well as those on the horizon.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

3:30 - 5:00 PM

Click to view speakers and bios for each breakout session.

How Can Entrepreneurs Enable Arizona’s Transition to a Circular Economy?

How Can Entrepreneurs Enable Arizona’s Transition to a Circular Economy?

Learn how entrepreneurs are leading the way to a circular economy future, and hear how they are tackling some of the state’s biggest waste issues.

Arizona’s Transportation Future

Arizona’s Transportation Future

Learn how Arizona can maximize the Inflation Reduction Act funding to reinvigorate the automotive industry, support good-paying jobs, and expand clean transportation.

The Supply & Demand for Water in Arizona: What Does It Mean for 2035?

The Supply & Demand for Water in Arizona: What Does It Mean for 2035?

Hear from water experts representing statewide perspectives regarding the balance between the supply and demand needed to ensure that Arizona continues to thrive in 2035.

Ensuring Healthy Rivers & Habitat in Arizona

Ensuring Healthy Rivers & Habitat in Arizona

Riparian forests occupy only 0.4% of our state but are critical for ecological health. Learn how organizations throughout Arizona are working to protect our rivers and restore habitat.

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