Alison Dennis named Executive Director of PSU’s Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability

(Portland, Ore.) September 30, 2010 — The Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability has named Alison Dennis, recognized leader in the development of sustainable business models and brands, as its new executive director, effective January 1, 2011.

A strategic initiative of Portland State University’s School of Business Administration, the Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability (CGLS) advances the role of business in creating systemic solutions to persistent social and ecological challenges. Its activities include producing the annual International Conference on Business & Sustainability (November 4–5, 2010) in Portland, Ore.

Alison Dennis most recently served as director of sustainable programs at Burgerville, a $70-million Vancouver-Wash.-based regional restaurant company broadly recognized for its sustainable business practices. At Burgerville, Dennis led all company-wide and inter-company sustainable business activity including supply chain development, water and energy conservation, waste stream management, sustainable transportation and social responsibility.

“I believe that the civic consciousness and conduct urgently needed in business today will be catalyzed at the nexus of scholarship and experience,” says Dennis. “Progressive educational institutions and businesses have the collaborative capacity to expand the global definition of corporate success to include social and environmental stewardship. Portland State University is at the forefront of this movement. I am honored to join the team in service of growing the Center as a regional and international resource.”

Dennis has been a CGLS board member since 2009. She has also served on the Multnomah County Food System Council, the Food Alliance Business Advisory Council, and the Clark County Food System Council. Before joining Burgerville, Dennis served as purchasing manager for Oregon Health & Science University where she introduced green purchasing and other sustainable practices while overseeing a $300 million annual budget.

“We are thrilled that Alison is taking this leadership role with the Center,” said Scott Marshall, associate dean of graduate programs at the School of Business Administration and current CGLS Director. “She is highly respected in the regional and national business communities. This respect derives from a tremendous track record of success with innovative, partnership-based initiatives. Alison will play a central role in taking our Center and our School to the next level of excellence in serving our students and community members.”

About the Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability
A strategic initiative of Portland State University’s School of Business Administration, the Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability (CGLS) advances the role of business in creating systemic solutions to persistent social and ecological challenges.

Rooted in the belief that economic, social, and ecological systems are fundamentally interconnected, the Center works with a broad range of partners and communities. The Center engages students, faculty and community partners, both locally and internationally, to build knowledge and generate positive impact across disciplines, sectors and geographies.

The Center key activities include the International Conference on Business & Sustainability, business training, strategic assessments, research, case studies, and the Social Innovation Incubator. For more information contact Scott Marshall (scottm@sba.pdx.edu or 503-725-4842) or visit http://www.sba.pdx.edu/cgls.

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http://www.pdx.edu/news/profitable-sufficiency

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#10-059)

By: Skipp Thomsen, School of Business Administration
Portland State University
skipp@pdx.edu | 503-725-8790

Source:    Scott Marshall, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research
School of Business Administration
Portland State University
scottm@sba.pdx.edu | 503-725-4842