The Future of Sustainability in Arizona

Join sustainability leaders, innovators, and community advocates for a dynamic event exploring how Arizona can build a more resilient and equitable future in the face of climate and environmental challenges. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the program will highlight forward-thinking strategies shaping the region’s path ahead.

From addressing extreme heat to advancing clean energy solutions, this event will explore how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen communities, protect natural resources, and support long-term economic vitality. With Arizona facing rising temperatures and increasing environmental pressures, the need for adaptive, community-centered solutions has never been more urgent.

Participants will also examine the critical role of water security and the importance of designing healthy, livable communities that prioritize well-being, access, and environmental balance.

This event invites policymakers, designers, researchers, and community members to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and help shape a more sustainable future for Arizona.

Discussion Topics

• Extreme Heat & Climate Resilience

• Clean Energy

• Water Security

• Healthy Communities

Event Agenda

11:15 – 11:30 AM – Welcome & Remarks

• Dorie Morales, Publisher, Green Living Magazine

• The Honorable Kate Gallego, Mayor City of Phoenix

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM – Clean Energy Panel

• Moderator: Kaley Joseph, Sustainability Specialist, Gensler

• Gary Dirks, Sr. Director, Global Futures Laboratory, ASU

• Maren Mahoney, Director, Office of Resiliency, Office of Governor Katie Hobbs

• Nicole Horseherder, Executive Director, Tó Nizhóní Ání

12:15 – 12:20 PM – Quick Hit

Michael Hammett, Director, Office of Innovation and Performance

12:20 PM – 1:05 PM – Healthy Communities Panel

• Moderator: Tyler Butler, Founder & CEO, Collaboration for Good

• Dr. Shad Marvasti, Founding Executive Director of the Whole Health Institute at HonorHealth

• Sarah Kearney, Exec. Director, Blue Zones Project Scottsdale

• Philip Allsopp, CEO, ORBIS Dynamics, Inc.

• Lyndsey Waugh, Exec. Director, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation 

1:05 PM – 1:10 PM – Quick Hit

David Hondula, Director, Heat Response and Mitigation City of Phoenix, AZ

1:15 – 1:55 PM – Lunch, Networking & Engage with Exhibitors

1:45 – 1:50 PM – Quick Hit

Carl Fallgren, President SACC AZ, CEO CFNL CAPITAL LTD

1:50 PM – 1:55 PM – Quick Hit

Bidtah Beckler, Chief Legal Counsel to the Navajo Nation Office of President Buu Nygren and Vice-President Richelle Montoya

2:00 – 2:45 PM – Water Security Panel

• Moderator: Clark Princell, President & CEO, Valley Partnership

• Heather Macre, Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board member

• Patrick Adams, Sr. Advisor for Water Policy, Office of Governor Katie Hobbs

• Maxwell Wilson, Ph.D, Water Res. Mgmt. Advisor City of Phoenix

• Cynthia Campbell, Director, Policy Innovation, Arizona Water Innovation Initiative, Global Futures Laboratory, ASU

2:50 – 3:30 PM – Networking, Live Music + Happy Hour 

3:55 PM – Closing Remarks

Our Sponsors 

Community partners

Supporting sponsors / Partners