2024 ESG Summit

08:30 AM - 08:45 AM ET

Opening Remarks

Jeff Hoffman, Institute Leader, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy, The Conference Board

08:45 AM - 09:30 AM ET

Embracing a New Era of Collaboration in Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship

No single company or entity can act alone in building a more sustainable, civil, and inclusive future. During our opening panel, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering effective partnerships across public, private, and non-profit sectors that are fit for purpose in today’s environment amidst geopolitical unrest, regulatory shifts, and ESG and DEI backlash.

Millicent Ruffin, Senior Director, Community Impact & Investment, Corning Incorporated

John Brothers, President, T. Rowe Price Foundation, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Carter Roberts, President and CEO, World Wildlife Fund

09:35 AM - 10:20 AM ET

Local Roots, Global Reach: Balancing Hyper-local Initiatives with Multinational Programs

This session will delve into the interplay between hyper-local initiatives and multinational programs. Corporate and non-profit representatives will discuss how to maintain local relevance while achieving a global impact. The session will address the challenges in aligning local initiatives with overarching global goals, provide insights into successful strategies, and share valuable lessons learned in navigating these complexities to drive meaningful change.

Alicia Procello, President, Avery Dennison Foundation & Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Avery Dennison

Jessie Krafft, President & CEO, CAF America

10:35 AM - 11:20 AM ET

Legal and Regulatory Considerations in a New Era of Collaborations

In this session, we will explore the legal principles and regulations that govern effective partnerships in today's dynamic landscape. Our panel will delve into anticipated changes in privacy regulations, procurement laws, and international trade agreements that could impact future collaborations. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal risks in ESG partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that initiatives are both compliant and impactful.

11:25 AM - 11:50 AM ET

Fireside Chat: Competitive Collaboration: Joint Efforts in Driving Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship

In the realm of sustainability and corporate citizenship, competition among companies is increasingly giving way to collaboration for the greater good. This fireside chat will explore how organizations are coming together to drive impactful initiatives, sharing resources and innovations to tackle global and local challenges. Learn about successful partnerships that balance competitive advantage with collective progress, fostering a more sustainable and socially responsible business landscape.

Brandon Tidwell, Communications Principal, Global Citizenship, FedEx Corporation

11:55 AM - 12:20 PM ET

Fireside Chat: The Non-Profit Perspective on Enhancing Partnerships

Non-profits bring a unique and essential perspective, often rooted in deep community connections and an intimate understanding of local needs. Their voice is vital in ensuring that partnerships are not only effective but also equitable and inclusive. We’ll address how non-profits can influence and shape these collaborations to address community needs more effectively while aligning with governmental and corporate objectives. Speakers will share insights on the unique contributions of non-profits, strategies for fostering stronger partnerships, and examples of successful initiatives that demonstrate the power of these alliances in driving social impact.

Michael D. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, AmeriCorps

Anita Whitehead, President & Chair, KPMG Foundation, KPMG LLP

01:20 PM - 02:00 PM ET

Unlocking the Power of Leadership Development to Drive Social Impact

Nonprofit leaders are essential for driving positive social change. However, many lack the resources needed to fully develop their leadership skills and maximize their impact. This session will explore how strategic partnerships between corporations and nonprofits can bridge this gap. We will delve into the powerful connection between leadership development and community outcomes, drawing on insights from the Center for Creative Leadership’s research and real-world examples. Discover how corporate philanthropy can foster a new generation of nonprofit leaders ready to tackle society’s most urgent challenges. Learn how investing in leadership development can be a high-return strategy for social change.

Lynn Fick-Cooper, Chief Equity & Societal Impact Officer, Center for Creative Leadership

Lissette Rodriguez, Managing Director, Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Blue Meridian Partners

Timothy J. McClimon, Former President, American Express Foundation and SVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, American Express

Jamie Williams, Senior Director of Scholarships and Enrichment Programs, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Afternoon Roundtables / Breakouts

Engage in small peer-led discussions focused on areas where companies commonly collaborate with other businesses, government, community groups, and non-profits. Each roundtable will cover specific themes, sharing insights and strategies for effective partnerships. Topics include:

• Disaster Relief: Leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of private sector entities and public agencies to enhance preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience against natural and man-made disasters.
• Education: Explore how private companies contribute to school infrastructure, provide digital learning tools, and offer management services, while public entities focus on curriculum development and educational standards.
• Environmental Initiatives: Discover how private companies bring expertise, capital, and innovation to environmental projects, with public agencies offering subsidies, regulatory support, and long-term agreements to drive sustainability. Discuss how nonprofits can engage employees in addressing key environmental challenges.
• Health Equity / Healthcare: Learn how health service providers, insurance companies, and local governments collaborate to create programs that improve access to quality healthcare for all.
• Racial Equality: Examine joint efforts by private corporations and non-profits aimed at addressing inequities and fostering inclusive environments that promote racial equality.

03:25 PM - 03:55 PM ET

The Governance of External Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Strategic Alliances

This session will explore the importance of governance structures in establishing and maintaining successful partnerships. We’ll address the critical role of the Board in navigating external collaborations and how visionary board oversight can align partnership goals with organizational strategy, manage emerging risks, and uphold ethical compliance and accountability. Additionally, the discussion will delve into the evolving role of ESG Steering Committees or similar Steering Committees in this process. These committees are increasingly pivotal in driving sustainability and social responsibility initiatives, providing strategic direction, and ensuring that partnerships adhere to high ethical and environmental standards.

Gail Lione, ESG Center Fellow, The Conference Board

Natalye Paquin, Chief Operating Officer, The Rockefeller Foundation

Jennifer Kim Field, VP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Henry Schein Inc.

04:00 PM - 04:45 PM ET

Enhancing Partnership Outcomes through AI, Emerging Technologies, and Real-Time Data

Discover how artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and real-time data are revolutionizing partnership outcomes. This session will explore the capabilities of these cutting-edge tools to analyze vast amounts of shared data, uncover actionable insights, predict trends, and optimize operations. Panelists will delve into the latest technological advancements, the challenges of implementation, and the exciting future possibilities. Learn how leveraging AI, innovative technologies, and real-time data access can drive innovation, efficiency, and success in partnerships across various sectors.

Ivan Pollard, Center Leader, Marketing and Communications, The Conference Board

04:45 PM - 05:00 PM ET

Reflections and Closing Remarks

Jeff Hoffman, Institute Leader, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy, The Conference Board