News | Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation

April 26, 2011

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY and UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Press Release

April 26, 2011

Bonnie Nixon Named Executive Director of The Sustainability Consortium

The Sustainability Consortium has announced Bonnie Nixon, formerly Hewlett Packard’s Director of Environmental Sustainability, as Executive Director. Nixon will be responsible for developing and implementing short- and long-term strategies and growing the organization to include international representation, additional non–governmental organizations (NGO’s), toy and apparel sectors, and the world’s leading life cycle scientists and research institutions.

"It is really exciting to be involved in the science behind improving product footprints and empowering more sustainable production, buying and consumption patterns. The Sustainability Consortium represents an enormous opportunity to make systemic change for social equity, the environment and the economy,” said Nixon.

The Sustainability Consortium (http://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org) develops transparent methodologies, tools and strategies to drive a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social and economic imperatives.

Throughout the field of sustainability, Bonnie Nixon is often described as dynamic, goal-oriented, motivating, passionate and a change agent. She is known for her ability to inspire and serve as a catalyst for transformation in the field of sustainability. As Director of Ethical Sourcing at HP for 10 years, she has demonstrated expertise in complex supply chains. Ms. Nixon is also respected within the non-governmental organization (NGO) community due to her long standing commitment to inclusion, transparency, no-nonsense negotiations and collaborative engagement.

Academic Directors of The Sustainability Consortium, Kevin Dooley (professor, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University) and Jon Johnson (professor, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas) stated that Nixon’s appointment represents a natural next step in strengthening the organization and developing plans to scale The Consortium efforts for global reach and impact.

“As a proven leader in global sustainability and stakeholder engagement, Bonnie brings a vast set of leadership skills and experience to her role and this organization at a critical time. She is known for a solution-oriented approach which recognizes and respects the many stakeholder voices important to solving complex issues. The entire Consortium community looks forward to working closely with Bonnie to achieve our ambitious goals,” said Mark Spears, a sustainability executive of The Walt Disney Company and Sustainability Consortium Lead Director.

The Consortium’s Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from Arizona State University, the University of Arkansas, The Walt Disney Company, Walmart, Pepsico, Proctor & Gamble and Dell. With the expected addition of several international universities and NGOs this year; voices from an increasingly broad range of stakeholders will be represented.

About The Sustainability Consortium

The Sustainability Consortium is an independent organization of diverse global participants that work collaboratively to build a scientific foundation that drives innovation to improve consumer product sustainability. It develops transparent methodologies, tools and strategies to drive a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social, and economic imperatives. The Sustainability Consortium advocates for a transparent process and system, not individuals or organizations. Arizona State University and the University of Arkansas jointly administer The Sustainability Consortium. Learn more at www.sustainabilityconsortium.org / Twitter: follow@TSC_News

The Sustainability Consortium is a part of the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University and the Applied Sustainability Center at the University of Arkansas.

The Global Institute of Sustainability is the hub of ASU’s sustainability initiatives and home to the first of its kind School of Sustainability; it works to advance research, education, and business practices for an urbanizing world; visit: http://sustainability.asu.edu / Twitter: follow@asugreen

The Applied Sustainability Center at the University of Arkansas leads organizations in the retail and consumer goods industries toward sustainable practices that support an economy built around people, planet, and profit. The center is part of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and serves multiple disciplines across campus; visit: asc.uark.edu

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Media Contacts:

Patrice Bettison-Clark, Manager, Marketing and Communications

The Sustainability Consortium

Arizona State University

pbclark@asu.edu /480-965-2135

Karen Leland, Director, Communications

Global Institute of Sustainability/School of Sustainability

Arizona State University

karen.leland@asu.edu / 480-965-0013

Danielle Strickland, Director of Development Communications

University of Arkansas