WHEN AND WHERE
DATE: Wednesday, November 13
SCHEDULE:
– 5:30 – 6:15 pm Check in/registration and networking
– 6:15 – 7:30 pm Panel discussion
– 7:30 – 8:15 pm Networking and program close
HOST: Grant Thornton
LOCATION: 757 3rd Ave 9th floor, New York, NY 10017
FEE: $10.00
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Materiality is at the core of how corporate sustainability leaders, regardless of industry, may shape their aims and ensure a full stakeholder engagement perspective to strategic plans. While new views and materiality terms have been recently introduced, the exercise to assess materiality continues to be conducted manually, back of an envelope at worst and excel spreadsheet at best. In this session, understand today’s view on materiality (double materiality or other new terms) as it shapes sustainability/ESG strategies. Gain an understanding of materiality terms, as defined by the US Supreme Court and globally, whether you are subject to jurisdictional disclosure requirements such as CSRD or use SASB, ISSB, or GRI as a voluntary disclosure framework. Panelists will provide varying perspectives, from an investor, an ESG ratings agency, an accountant, and a “how-to” from a public company. Gain a better handle on definitions, opportunities, challenges and the importance of conducting a materiality assessment before you create your corporate sustainability/ESG strategy, aims and KPIs.
PANELISTS
Paula Luff
Director of Sustainability Research and Engagement
DSC Meridian Capital
Paula is the Director of Sustainability Research and Engagement at DSC Meridian Capital, where she is responsible for integrating sustainability within the investment process and leading DSC Meridian’s engagement with portfolio companies on sustainability matters.
Prior to joining DSC, she served as Director of Sustainability and Impact for Inherent Group, an ESG-focused investment manager.
Prior to joining Inherent Group, Paula was Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Hess Corporation where she established and led the global social responsibility function for the company and integrated key ESG issues into operations and enterprise risk. She also led engagement efforts on a range of sustainability issues with host governments, NGOs, investors, and other external stakeholders.
Prior to joining Hess, Paula was Senior Director of Strategic Health Partnerships for Pfizer Inc, where she set global access to medicines strategy and led the design and implementation of global health programs and policies for the company and its foundation. She also represented Pfizer on social impact and global health issues with investors, the media, public officials, bilateral and multi-lateral organizations, NGOs, and other external stakeholders.
Paula holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and master’s degrees from New York University and The New School.
Paula is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She is co-chair of the Audit Committee of the Access to Nutrition Foundation. Paula is also a member of the University of Wisconsin International Division’s Advisory Board and is an Advisor to the Center for Sustainable Business at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Paula was a member of the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Leaders Forum, served on the Executive Pay Principles Working Group, and is an active participant in Aspen’s ESG and private capital work. She also served on the Executive Council for Development and as a Senior Associate with the Project on Prosperity and Development at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She served on the board of Malk Partners until its recent acquisition by SLR.
Gregg Meyer
Chief Sustainability Officer
Steven Madden, Ltd.
Gregg Meyer is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Steven Madden, Ltd. and President of the Steve Madden Corporate Foundation.
In his role Gregg oversees global sustainability, corporate responsibility, social mission, community engagement, charitable giving and all ESG initiatives for Steve Madden and its portfolio of brands including Betsey Johnson, Ann Klein, Blondo, Dolce Vita, Greats, and BB Dakota by Steve Madden.
Prior to his current role, Gregg served as Deputy General Counsel and Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility where in addition to working on ESG matters he managed various legal issues for the company including international litigation, compliance, product safety and government relations.
Before joining Steve Madden, Gregg commuted between New York City and Burlington, Vermont where he worked in private legal practice as well as for several NGOs and local and state governments focusing on litigation, environmental law, philanthropy, public policy and legislative advocacy.
Gregg earned his Juris Doctor degree from Vermont Law and Graduate School and his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.