Laurie Zelnio

Laurie Zelnio is Program Director for Sustainability Council I: Strategy and Implementation and Sustainability Council ll: Innovation & Growth. Laurie became familiar with the breadth of The Conference Board Member benefits, thought leadership, and peer networking as a Member and Executive Committee Chair of the Chiefs EHS Council. She was involved in the spin-off and development of the two Sustainability Councils from the Chiefs EHS Council in that role. 

Prior to her current Program Director role, Laurie provided global leadership, strategy, and governance as Global Director for John Deere’s Environment, Health, Safety, Standards and Sustainability functions. She led initiatives to assure the company’s products and operations were in compliance and focused on safeguarding John Deere’s customers, employees, and the environment, while also reducing the company’s “footprint.” Additionally, she held several positions in engineering, manufacturing, supply management, quality, and research and development. 

Laurie has a passion for developing others, providing leadership and alignment, and pursuing thoughtful process improvement. Laurie retired from Deere & Company after 38 years in the Company.  

She received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from University of Iowa and an MBA from St. Ambrose University, with Leadership Programs at Purdue and Dartmouth-Tuck School of Business. Laurie served in leadership and board activities with the US National Safety Council, United Way, University of Iowa Engineering & Public Health Advisory Boards, Quad City Convention Center, Deere Credit Union Board, Junior Achievement, Quad City Symphony Orchestra. She continues her engagement with several volunteer activities in her Wisconsin and Florida home locations.