Aaron Bastain/City of Atlanta
Aaron Bastian is the Communications and Project Manager for the City of Atlanta in the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. Working to be a more sustainable city means reconciling the city’s developmental goals with its environmental limits over the long term. Aaron works as a part of the mayor’s press staff to ensure that consistent and effective messages around sustainability – including goals and successes – are delivered by the administration.
As part of the team that implemented the city’s first Sustainability Plan launched in October 2010, Aaron is an integral part in helping meet the mayor’s challenge of making Atlanta a top ten sustainable city. Meeting that goal means improving the programs and policies such as water and energy conservation, reducing solid waste and emissions and improving the rates of recycling. Additionally, Aaron serves as the city’s project manager for the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge – which aims to support President Obama’s goal of helping businesses save nearly $40 billion annually in energy costs, enabling them to grow, invest in new technology, and create American jobs.
Prior to his role at the city, Aaron worked for the Clean Air Campaign, which advocates for Georgians to take action to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. As Employer Program Manager, Aaron forged and maintained relationships with C-level executives of both private and public partners and provided marketing and communications developmental support for the organization. Aaron earned a BA from Louisiana State University A&M College where he remains involved with the school’s Office of Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach. Aaron also earned an MBA from Clark Atlanta University School of Business and remains active in the Urban Sustainability Directors Network.
Tom Boeck/Sustainable Options
Tom Boeck is a Principal of Sustainable Options, LLC and oversees the company’s entire consulting practice. He provides sustainable consulting, program and construction management services to clients seeking efficient, healthy buildings. He also manages and facilitates the LEED®, Energy Star and BEPA implementation processes for clients who need them. As a LEED Accredited Professional, Boeck also is the driving force behind the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance gap analysis. He continues to oversee and manage other facilities-related initiatives for both new construction and existing buildings, which have expanded to include LEED volume certification for portfolios of 25 buildings or more.
With more than 25 years of experience in commercial construction and development, Tom was a select member of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Portfolio Committee, responsible for developing criteria for portfolio planning and standards for the implementation of “green” practices across multiple-building portfolios through the volume certification program.
Eryn Emerich/Footprint :: Sustainable Talent
Recruitment for the corporate conscience, Footprint Talent is a boutique recruitment firm that serves corporations, higher-ed, and non-profit/NGO institutions situated in the sustainability space and beyond.
Managing Director and founder of Footprint Talent, Eryn and the team partner with transparent organizations who are committed in both mission and action to responsible operating practices.
Bringing 10+ years experience in executive search, consulting and business development to each executive search assignment, Eryn and her team are acutely aware of the nuanced nature of identifying, attracting, and delivering the right fit for critical senior leadership roles. She is committed to her clients’ ultimate success during and beyond the life of those engagements, creating long-term dynamics of accountability, buy-in and trust.
Susie Spivey-Tilson/tvsdesign
Susie Spivey-Tilson is a LEED Accredited Professional, ISO 14001 Internal Auditor, is certified in the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and is a certified Permaculture Designer. She holds an MS in Sustainable Systems and a BS in Anthropology and Sustainable Development. Her experience includes directing ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification and LEED® certification across multiple market segments. Susie has performed these services for general contractors, and architecture and engineering firms, such as tvsdesign, Skanska and BVM Engineering. Susie has provided training for sustainable design, LEED® certification and ISO 14001 certification. She is competent in LEED® for New Construction, Commercial Interiors, Core and Shell, and Existing Buildings, EPA Target Finder and Portfolio Manager. Susie currently sits on the USGBC GA Chapter Board of Directors, the USGBC Atlanta Branch Leadership Group as well as chairing the Events and Education Committee for the Atlanta branch. She previously served on the Professional Development Committee of the USGBC and currently works as an Education Provider Reviewer for the USGBC.
