Friday, October 3rd
Marriott Greensboro Downtown
The Summit: Connect. Collaborate. Impact Local.
Where NC Climate Week conversations turn into lasting partnerships.
Building on four days of virtual learning and consultation, the Summit brings together climate leaders from across North Carolina for one focused day to accelerate collaboration. This is where we turn conversations into expanding networks and cross-sector partnerships that drive measurable impact on climate and resilience.
Through structured networking sessions, strategic matchmaking, and partnership-building workshops, you’ll leave with new allies, actionable next steps, and the cross-sector relationships needed to advance climate solutions in your community and beyond.
This is how North Carolina leads the climate transition.
- Build corporate strength by connecting business leaders with new networks and proven strategies
- Spark cross-sector collaboration with business, nonprofits, and government to drive measurable action
- Transform ideas into implementation through structured networking and partnership building
Early Bird Registration Available until August 31st!
NC Climate Week Summit: Let’s Meet the Challenge Together!
Jennifer R. F. Mundt
Assistant Secretary for Energy and Infrastructure
North Carolina Department of Commerce
Rosemary Kenerly
Greensboro Television Network Host
City of Greensboro
Trey Davis
Greensboro City Manager
Matt Abele
Executive Director
NC Sustainable Energy Association
Sharisse McGill, LCSW
Tranquil Quietude, LLC
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Event Check-In
9:00 AM – 9:35 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Heather Beard, Executive Director, EarthShare NC
- Trey Davis, Greensboro City Manager
- Rosemary Kenerly, Emcee, Greensboro Television Network
9:35 AM – 10:20 AM
Panel: Three Stories of Helene – The Case for Microgrids
- Matt Abele, NC Sustainable Energy Association
- Mike Whatley, PowerSecure, Inc
- Ian Baillie, Land of Sky Regional Council
- Duncan Burns, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation
10:20 AM – 11:05 AM
Panel: Corporate Leadership through Community Collaboration
- Marguerite Murray, Business Sustainability Roundtable
- Matt Kuntz, Director of EHS and Sustainability at FUJIFILM
- Brooke Tvermoes, IBM
- Megan Garner, Biogen
Explore the practical side of sustainability program implementation, including community collaboration for progress. We will discuss how priorities are defined within our panelists organizations, how initiatives are developed, and how programs are implemented. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of how to define areas of focus and develop initiatives and projects in their own companies and communities.
11:05 AM – 11:50 PM
Networking
Use this time to activate and recharge.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch and Keynote Address: Clean Energy and Economic Development in North Carolina
- Jennifer R. F. Mundt, Assistant Secretary for Energy and Infrastructure at the North Carolina Department of Commerce
State and federal energy policies led to North Carolina seeing more than $24 billion in investments and the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs over the past 8 years. As federal support has ebbed, North Carolina continues to show that states can find success and growth in clean energy project deployment, manufacturing, and jobs.
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
Breakout Sessions 1
Power in Partnership: Driving Charlotte Toward Net Zero
- Jeff Robbins, CleanAire NC
- Meg Fencil, Sustain Charlotte
- Heather Bolick, Chief Sustainability Officer at the City of Charlotte
Discover how cross-sector collaboration is fueling climate action in Charlotte! This session will spotlight how nonprofits and local government joined forces to create and advance the City’s Strategic Energy Action Plan, which was recently updated to set Charlotte on course to become a net zero-carbon city by 2050. Learn how strong communication, shared vision, and bold partnerships can accelerate sustainable energy investments and transform climate goals into real progress.
Eco-Grief and Personal Resiliency
- Sharisse McGill, LCSW, Tranquil Quietude, LLC
This one hour session offers a foundational understanding of eco-grief—the emotional, psychological, and somatic toll of witnessing environmental destruction and climate injustice. As changemakers and advocates often experience burnout and emotional fatigue, this workshop will introduce grounding somatic tools they can integrate into their personal and professional routines.
Corporate Climate Action: It’s Not Going Anywhere
- Emily Neville, Greenplaces
This session will explore why sustainability remains a business imperative regardless of shifting U.S. politics or federal regulations. With states like California leading the charge on climate disclosure requirements and enterprise customers increasingly demanding environmental accountability from their suppliers, companies cannot afford to ignore these expectations. This talk will unpack what new climate requests and regulations mean for businesses, how to prepare for the next wave of sustainable practices, and why staying proactive is key to competitiveness and trust. We’ll also address the risks of “greenhushing” and call on businesses to confidently carry the torch of environmental responsibility today.
2:10 PM – 2:45 PM
Networking
Use this time to activate and recharge.
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Sessions 2
Scaling a Circular EV Supply Chain: Innovation, Partnerships, and Policy Pathways for a Sustainable Future
- Jerry Williams, Chief Environmental Officer, SAS
- Sheeba Dawood, CEO of Minerva Lithium
- Annie Wechter, Nyobolt
Eco-Grief and Personal Resiliency (Repeat)
- Sharisse McGill, LCSW, Tranquil Quietude, LLC
This one hour session offers a foundational understanding of eco-grief—the emotional, psychological, and somatic toll of witnessing environmental destruction and climate injustice. As changemakers and advocates often experience burnout and emotional fatigue, this workshop will introduce grounding somatic tools they can integrate into their personal and professional routines.
Advancing Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Affordable Homes
- Austin Amandolia, HR&A
- Samuel Hunter, City of Greensboro
- Paul Swenson, City of Greensboro
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Wrap-Up
Presented By:
In partnership with
