NIKE. As an outside consultant, helped design Nike's internal communications campaign to help employees understand the mix of environmental and labor rights issues facing the company. Because the campaign closely matched the company's cultural focus on innovation, it helped employees see opportunities instead of only obstacles. Lead writer on Nike's highly-acclaimed 2004 Corporate Responsibility Report. (In 2006, that report received the Ceres-ACCA award for Best Sustainability Report in North America.) Helped Nike navigate relationships with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Drafted marketing materials for Nike products that reflected the company's approach to sustainability.
PATAGONIA. As a long-time exec at Patagonia, led the company's environmental efforts as it became one of the world’s greenest companies . Commissioned the first ever life-cycle assessment for apparel — leading to an examination of cotton, wool, nylon and polyester. Led a team that rolled out the company's all-organic cotton sportswear line. Led a major convening of more than 150 suppliers — a key step in Patagonia's efforts to green its supply chain. At the request of President Clinton, represented the company on the White House Apparel Industry Partnership — which ultimately formed the Fair Labor Association. Supervised all marketing efforts for the company. Served on the company's five-person management team.
MIDWESTERN BIOAG. Originally sat on the company's Board of Directors but stepped down to serve as interim VP of Marketing, leading a full rebranding process, launching a new website, and helping the company close a $21 million capital raise. The company helps farmers reduce use of harmful chemicals, instead relying on techniques to build healthy soils. The result for farmers is increased yields and profits; the result for society involves significant reductions in a farm’s carbon footprint.
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Lead writer on Agriculture Capital’s 2019 Impact Report, a mechanism to engage employees, ag partners, investors, and other stakeholders on environmental, labor, and financial issues associated with owning and managing farmlands.
Business and brand development support for two ag-tech companies — Terramera and Trace Genomics. Both were introducing highly technical new concepts into very traditional agricultural marketplaces.
At Regeneration Ranchland, was part of a small start-up building an operating plan to bring adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing to a large number of acres in the American Southeast. AMP grazing increases ranch productivity, builds soil health, and offers significant climate benefits. Led development of the company’s marketing and engagement materials.
Advised senior executives at Ford Motor Company as the company began engaging with environmentalists on the issue of climate change. Played a lead role in developing the company's initial Global Citizenship Reports.
Helped Chiquita write and release its first Corporate Responsibility Report — a groundbreaking document that played a significant role in changing the company's culture and public image. The company's commitment to transparency — evident in the report — helped build faith with many stakeholders.
Co-writer on HP's 2004 Global Citizenship Report. (In 2005, it received the Ceres-ACCA award for Best Sustainability Report in North America.)
Lead writer on Brown-Forman's 2006 Sustainability Report.
Lead writer on brand relaunch for Bon Ami — a century-old company. The challenge was to shift to a contemporary sustainability message while still holding the company’s loyal customers. The project involved new product labeling, display ads, and a new company website.
KS Photo: Cliffs of Moher, County Claire, from the ferry to Inis Oírr