You’re invited to join Arizona Forward for the 2025 Statewide Sustainability Summit Climate Action Thrive in 2035, taking place Friday, October 10, 2025, at the SRP PERA Club, 1 E Continental Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281.

This half-day event will bring together leaders and changemakers from across Arizona to explore bold solutions for a more sustainable future. With the theme Creating Arizona’s Sustainable Tomorrow: Inspiring Change, Building Hope, the summit will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and community action. 

Summit Agenda

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM
Welcome Remarks
10:05 AM – 10:35 AM
Keynote Address
“Hope in the Data: Why Sustainability Still Matters”

Sustainability often gets caught in the crossfire of politics and market debates. But beneath the noise, the data tells a different story — one of alignment, optimism, and opportunity. Consumers increasingly favor brands that communicate their sustainability commitments. Employees are drawn to companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. And business buyers? They’re not just looking for sustainable suppliers — they’re willing to pay more for them.

Keynote Speaker: Kris Hesson, VP of Market Engagement at ERM Shelton
10:35 AM – 11:30 AM
Climate & Policy
“Navigating federal shifts and seizing opportunities amid changing realities”

This panel will examine the evolving climate policy landscape and its implications for Arizona. Experts will provide updates, highlight opportunities for funding and innovation, and discuss proactive local and regional responses.

Speakers: Nicholas Glover (Vice President, Build to Zero, Environmental Defense Fund), Daniel Stellar (Arizona State Director, TNC), Maren Mahoney (Director, Arizona Office of Resiliency)
Moderator: Colin Tetreault, Managing Director, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, ASU
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Arizona’s Clean Energy Future
“How the state is advancing clean energy despite financial pressures”

Amid economic constraints and rising energy demands, Arizona continues to push forward on its path to a cleaner energy future. This panel will highlight recent progress, funding models, and strategic decisions shaping a more sustainable energy landscape.

Speakers: Bobby Olsen (SRP), Erik Bakken (TEP), Ellen Kennedy (RMI), Ted Geisler (APS)
Moderator: Kelly Barr, Associate VP & Chief Alliance Officer, Global Futures Laboratory, ASU
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Lunch & Networking
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Advancing Water Resilience in Arizona
“Innovative Solutions and Collaborative Approaches for Ensuring Water Security”

As Arizona faces mounting pressures on its water resources, this panel will explore bold, forward-thinking strategies to enhance long-term water resilience through innovative technologies, policy solutions, and cross-sector partnerships.

Speakers: Jay Famiglietti (ASU), Chelsea McGuire (Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of AZ), Paul Brierley (AZ Dept. of Agriculture)
Moderator: Rob Anderson, Natural Resources & Environmental Attorney, Fennemore
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Sustainability in Transition: What Keeps Leaders Up at Night?

A candid conversation with sustainability leaders as they share challenges, uncertainties, and strategies for resilience while driving change amid shifting policies and pressures.

Speakers: Nick Poetsch (Discount Tire), Lisa Fewins (HDR), John Golightly (ASM), Erik Nielsen (NAU)
Moderator: Jake Swanson, Project Manager, ASU Global Futures Laboratory
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Table Chat
“What Keeps You Up at Night?”
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Circular Economy
“Talk’n Trash: Building Arizona’s Local Circular Economy”

Featuring USGBC’s TRUE Zero Waste framework, local scholarship initiatives, and the joint Arizona Forward & USGBC Construction & Demolition toolkit. This panel reinforces that there is no “trash” — only materials.

Speakers: Kyleigh Brown (TRUE Advisor), Tim Whitney (TRUE Advisor), Celia Hoag (DPR Construction)
Moderator: Stephanie Barger, Director, Market Transformation & Development – TRUE , a zero waste program, U.S. Green Building Council
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Closing Call to Action

Mobilizing Change: Topics From Past Summits

2018

Reshaping the Rio Reimagine Project

2019

Statewide Sustainability Roadmap

2021

Climate Action For Arizona

2022

Clean Transportation for Arizona

2023

Ensuring A Clean Energy Future For Arizona