Join the Sustainable Business Symposium

8:30-9 a.m.

 9-9:15 a.m.

• Naomi Boyd, Dean, Daniels College of Business
• Melissa Akaka, Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives, Daniels College of Business

 9:15-9:30 a.m.

Bruce Klaw, Assistant Dean for Societal Impactand Chair of Business Ethics and Legal Studies, Daniels College of Business

 9:30-9:45 a.m.

  9:45-10:45 a.m. Housing affordability in Colorado sits at the intersection of community well-being, capital markets, land-use policy and construction economics. This panel will explore how innovative public-private models can unlock attainable housing across income bands. It will confront the social dimensions of housing—equity, regional workforce stability, rural-urban divides and long-term resilience—highlighting how cross-sector collaboration can create housing systems that are both economically viable and socially sustainable.

Panelists:

• Kelly Jean Brough, CEO, Fitzsimons Innovation Community
• Thomas Bryan, CEO, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
• Blaise Rastello, Vice President and Colorado Market Leader, Ulysses Development
• Kate Watkins, State Demographer, Colorado Department of Local Affairs

Moderators:

• Vivek Sah, Director, Burns School of Real Estate Construction Management
• Susan Daggett, Director, Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute

10:45-11 a.m.

This panel brings together leaders from business and policy to discuss how Colorado can cultivate a resilient, future-ready workforce to meet the demands of the clean economy. Panelists will explore emerging opportunities, key skill needs and strategies for upskilling and collaboration that can sustain innovation and economic competitiveness.

Panelists:

• Kyle Santos, Director of Sustainability, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
• Ken Arellano, Jr., Green Workforce Administrator, City and County of Denver 
• Waverly Klaw, Sustainability and Resiliency Manager, HDR Inc. 

Moderator:

• Kathleen Novak, Teaching Professor, Daniels College of Business Department of Management 

Noon-1:30 p.m., Joy Burns Center

Enjoy a fireside chat with Colorado Senator Michael Bennet during a meal in our Tuscan Ballroom.

 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Colorado is rapidly evolving into a leading destination for data center investment. This growth offers major economic potential but also raises challenges in managing the resource demands of such an energy- and water-intensive industry. This panel will discuss innovative solutions in sustainable design and operation of data centers that ensure our digital future remains both prosperous and responsible.

Panelists:

• Sarah Martinez, Vice President, Prime Data Centers
• Tony Lenoir, Associate Director, Data Centers Services and Infrastructure, 451 Research From S&P Global Energy Horizon
• James Lester, Senior Policy Lead, Transmission, Climate and Energy, Colorado Energy Office

Moderator:

• Chris Hughen, Associate Professor, Reiman School of Finance

 2:30-2:45 p.m. 

 2:45-3:45 p.m. 

Colorado’s breweries are doing more than crafting great beer—they’re crafting positive change. This engaging panel brings together business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the state’s vibrant brewing community to explore how the industry is advancing environmental stewardship, community and social responsibility. From water conservation and renewable energy to local sourcing and inclusive workplace practices, our panelists will share how sustainability is becoming both a business imperative and a shared community value. Join us for a spirited conversation about what it takes to build a more sustainable future one pint at a time.

Panelists:

• Anne Abrahamson, Director of Operations, Cerebral Brewing
• Eli Kolodny, Technical Director, Odell Brewing Company
• Campbell Morrissy, Director of Brewery Operations, pFriem Family Brewers
• Zach Gaines, Commercial Director, Proximity Malt

Moderator:

• John Sebesta, Director of Entrepreneurship, Daniels College of Business

 4-5 p.m.

Network with attendees and enjoy drinks provided by our craft beer partners.