Natural Capitalism CEO Shares Vision

Jeff Hohensee, newly appointed CEO of Natural Capitalism Inc., visited two Presidio classes last month. Jeff, who has more than 25 years experience as a change management expert, has worked in business, education and sustainability. He spoke about leadership tactics in the Business, Government and Civil Society course, as well as paradigm and pitfalls in making lasting change.

Interface Executive Visits Presidio

During the October residency, Dave Gustashaw, VP of Engineering at Interface, Inc., guest lectured in two Presidio MBA classes. He also spoke to Presidio students during an evening session. In his role at Interface, a worldwide leader in design, production and sales of modular carpet, Dave has designed and developed many of the processes the company uses to avoid waste as well as the metrics they use to measure the company's level of sustainability.

Students Represent Presidio at National Net Impact Conference

Net Impact, an international network of sustainability business professionals, held its national conference in early November. More than 20 Presidio students headed to Nashville, with 1,800 attendees overall. Presidio student, Lina Constantinovici, attended the annual event for the first time. "The conference was an incredible opportunity to recognize the value of the Presidio program," she said.

Presidio Student Researches Biomass, Helps Craft Policy

Presidio student, Bret Walburg, is assisting on a project for the U.S. Department of Energy's Biomass Program. As part of a year-long internship working for a consultant contracted by the government agency, he will develop an industry report, policy, and program recommendations around biomass as well as research the U.S. biofuels industry to collect revenue, business model and technology information. The report will address the industry structure and investment environment as well as offer federal policy recommendations to encourage the development of a sustainable biofuels industry.

Student Launches Bay Area Carpet Recycling Business

Presidio MBA student Ellen Raynor recently launched SF Carpet Recycling, the first Bay Area carpet recycling facility. As an owner of a retail carpet store in the Lake Tahoe area, Raynor recognized that she could bridge a missing link in the local carpet industry. "Carpet currently makes up between three percent and five percent of the waste in the landfill," Raynor says, "and it remains there for a very long time."

MBA Grad Spotlight: Dedee DeLongpre'

Since earning her MBA in Sustainable Management, Dedee DeLongpre' has returned to higher education in an effort to move the sustainability agenda forward. Currently, the Director of the Office of Sustainability at the University of Florida, Dedee oversees sustainability initiatives for a 2,000-acre campus that serves 50,000 students. In addition to her administrative work, Dedee also teaches classes and consults with the university's corporate partners. "I'm in a unique and privileged position here in the Office of Sustainability. I have the support of the president, which is shored up through policy," Dedee says of her work.

As part of her duties, Dedee oversees internal marketing to three distinct university populations -- students, staff and faculty. She says her MBA studies at Presidio have helped to prepare her for the work she is doing now. She points, in particular, to the human dimension courses -- Effective Management, Communication & Action and Strategic Management, for example. "It's no surprise that it's all about the human dimension of sustainability," says Dedee. "It takes public presence, humility and good communication skills to get your message across. Walking your talk is important as well as making space at the table for every audience, including those with different political ideologies."

Where There's a Will, There's a Way

Led by Presidio graduate Kim Fox, nonprofit Goodwill is launching a repurposed clothing line called William Good. Kim is currently the Director of Environmental Business for Goodwill Industries of San Franciscio, San Mateo and Marin Counties and is managing the start-up operations. She is also co-managing the business development. Four Presidio students -- Ruth Katz, Julie Benabente, Jules Macaluso and Stephanie Chenard -- have supported Kim's effort by working on a marketing plan for the new clothing line. The initiative has gained significant media coverage in the last month. For recent press in the San Francisco Chronicle, visit here.

» Back to News