Staff

Christy Slay

CEO and VP, Science & Impact

Dr. Christy Slay has been with The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) since its launch in 2009, She was appointed CEO in 2021, and is a Senior Global Futures Scientist in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. She is passionate about connecting science to business to meet TSC’s mission of “all products sustainable”.

Under Dr. Slay’s leadership TSC was transitioned to operate fully at Arizona State University with a strategic policy and science office at Wageningen University. During her tenure at TSC she has held key leadership roles and led the science teams developing some of TSC’s signature tools, including Commodity Map and the original methodology and content for THESIS. She has co–authored reports on sustainable agricultural metrics and climate change resilience in supply chains. She publishes in high impact scientific journals, such as Nature Climate Change and Science, on the drivers of global forest loss, including commodity driven deforestation linked to consumer products.

Dr. Slay has over two decades of experience as an educator in both collegiate and environmental education settings. She received her doctorate in biological sciences from the University of Arkansas focusing on songbird conservation in agricultural settings. Prior to her graduate research, she led curriculum development and strategic planning with the National Audubon Society in Connecticut. She received her B.A. in biology from Hendrix College in Arkansas, attending Birkbeck College at the University of London. She serves on the board of the Ozark Natural Science Center, a residential nature education center for school children.

In her spare time Slay participates in what she calls “nerdcations” where she, her husband, and their friends use science as an excuse to get together in lovely places and conduct cave ecology research in Hawaii and Belize. They’ve created the HICAVES Project, on the island of Hawaii where they continue to discover new species in lava tubes, some of which are featured in a documentary on Nature PBS. Christy is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is an avid birdwatcher who will get up early, stand out in the worst weather, or pull over the car for a good bird siting. She loves spending time exploring the Ozark Mountain trails and rivers with her cave biologist husband, Mike, with their energetic terrier, Roxie, orbiting nearby.

Carolyn Baltz

Director, Engagement

Carolyn Baltz joined The Sustainability Consortium in 2015 and currently serves as Director of Engagement. In this role, she leads strategic growth initiatives, manages corporate partnership development, and oversees marketing and communications strategies. Through her leadership, TSC has secured significant funding to support its mission of creating more sustainable consumer products.

Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Carolyn earned her B.A. in Journalism with a focus on Advertising/Public Relations from the University of Arkansas. She later completed her Principles of Fundraising Certificate from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Throughout her career, Carolyn has demonstrated expertise in institutional advancement and corporate fundraising, raising $18 million over nine years. Before joining TSC, she spent twelve years with the Arkansas Alumni Association, where she managed engagement strategies for over 26,000 members and developed innovative fundraising campaigns.

Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys curating music collections, reading, and exploring the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas through walking and hiking. She’s also developing her skills as a watercolor artist. Carolyn lives in Fayetteville with her husband and teenage daughter, along with their family menagerie of two dogs, a cat, and a hamster.

Koen Boone

Managing Director, Europe

Koen Boone is Director Europe of The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) and employed by Wageningen University and Research (WUR). He started working for TSC in 2010 and has led many projects implementing TSC tools with European companies.

Koen has 25 years of experience in developing sustainability assessment systems on all kind of levels (product, company, farm, sector). He worked on the Food Processing guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and is a member of several advisory committees on improving sustainability of food supply chains in Europe.

Next to his work for TSC, Koen chairs the Dutch working group that develops an LCA based Ecolabel for all food items sold in the Netherlands and is involved in several initiatives to reach an harmonized Ecolabel on European level.

Kevin Dooley

Chief Scientist

Dr. Kevin Dooley is Chief Scientist of The Sustainability Consortium. Dooley has been with TSC since its beginning in 2008. His current focus is working with companies to measure and reduce their Scope 3 GHG emissions, and with consumer goods packaging experts to advance the plastic circular economy.

He is a Professor of Supply Chain Management in the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, a Dean’s Council Distinguished Scholar, a Senior Global Futures Scientist in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, and Co-Director of the Complex Adaptive Supply Networks Research Accelerator. Dooley won a Distinguished Scholar Award from the Academy of Management, and a W. P. Carey School of Business Dean’s Distinguished Career Research Award.

He has published more than 100 research articles and has provided training or consultation for over 200 companies in the areas of sustainability, supply chain management, quality, and technology and innovation. He obtained his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois.

Erin Killeen

Director, Science and Impact

I believe in the inherent goodness of people and that we share more commonalities than differences. I strive to bridge gaps while celebrating diversity, and I ground my work in science, ethics, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Since joining TSC in 2009, I currently serve as the Director of Science and Impact, where I lead teams focused on supply chain sustainability through rigorous research and technical projects. One of my core responsibilities is overseeing THE Sustainability Insight System (THESIS), helping to translate complex science into business-friendly tools that enhance communication between retailers and suppliers. This work draws on data analytics to track and measure progress on critical sustainability issues.

Before my current role, I contributed to TSC as Coordinator for Technical Development and as a Research Associate in the Food, Beverage, and Agriculture sector, where I developed science-based content across various tools. My expertise also extends to the issue of food waste across supply chains, having led research that emphasizes predictive models, communication, and adaptability as key drivers for waste reduction.

I am based in Northwest Arkansas and hold two Master’s degrees—one in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arkansas and another in International Rural Development from the University of Gent. I also have undergraduate degrees in Economics, Soil and Water Science, and Anthropology. Long before sustainability became a formal field of study, I combined these disciplines to build a foundation for addressing complex environmental and social challenges, with a focus on responsible resource management and conservation.

A career highlight has been conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) for the beef, dairy, and poultry sectors, illustrating the intricate complexities of agricultural supply chains. Additionally, I co-founded a non-profit in Bolivia to engage local communities in conservation work, promoting education and raising funds for environmental initiatives.

Fun Fact: I’m an avid adventure cyclist and completed a yearlong unassisted expedition spanning 13,000 kilometers through seven countries. I crossed the Andean Mountain range six times, pushing the limits of both my mental and physical resilience. When not cycling, I love exploring nature, floating rivers, and bike-packing with my family. I was born and raised in Bolivia, where I grew up as the sidekick to two field biologists—my parents.

Dan “Sunny” Schlesinger

Associate Director, Finance and Operations

Dan “Sunny” Schlesinger, CPA, joined TSC in 2022 and is currently the Associate Director of Finance at The Sustainability Consortium. In addition to finance and operations tasks for TSC, Sunny helps members analyze the ROI of sustainability projects. Sunny served as the Sr Finance Manager at the Health and Happiness Group, and before that as a financial analyst at the Competitor Group, Inc and audit and tax lead at Leaf & Cole, LLP. Sunny received his Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Accounting from Case Western Reserve University. His expertise lies in problem solving, budgeting and forecasting, and communicating with executive teams. He is passionate about combating climate change and the outdoors. He recently spent 2 years in an RV traveling the country with his wife and Australian shepherd named Arya, and he continues to travel in his campervan from his homebase in Springdale, AR.

Jenn Benoit

Coordinator, Engagement

Jenn joined The Sustainability Consortium in 2018 as an Administrative Assistant in the University of Arkansas office. Jenn received her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University. Before joining TSC, Jenn worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Tallgrass Family Services in Oklahoma. Prior to her work at the foster care agency, she was a Program Director at the Regional Prevention Center in Kansas.

Nathan Bolivar

Manager, Digital Marketing

Nathan Bolivar joined TSC in 2018, and is currently the Digital Marketing Manager. In this position, he leads TSC’s web strategy, overseeing web properties, interactive tools, and multimedia content to enhance the organization’s digital presence. Passionate about creating impactful products, Nathan combines his technical expertise with a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that TSC’s digital initiatives align with broader business goals. His work focuses on leveraging technology to make a scalable impact, driven by a business-minded approach that supports TSC’s mission.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Nathan developed a deep appreciation for nature during his time at Adams State University in Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. Training as a track and field athlete in Colorado’s mountainous landscapes solidified his connection to the outdoors. Living in two of the country’s most extreme climates—Phoenix’s intense heat and Colorado’s frigid winters—fueled his dedication to environmental initiatives and sustainability.

Before joining TSC, Nathan worked in app development and design at Arizona State University’s Technology Office, collaborating with development teams to deliver innovative digital products. He also spent time with USA Track and Field, documenting Team USA at major international competitions as part of their broadcasting team. With expertise in multimedia design, marketing strategy, and UI/UX for web and mobile, Nathan has also been involved in several lean startups at multiple stages.

Outside of work, Nathan stays active with local fitness groups, explores Arizona’s trails, and maintains an active real estate license. A natural explorer, he enjoys cycling, running, and snowboarding, continually seeking new challenges and adventures.

Meet Chauhan

Data Analyst, Science & Impact

Meet Chauhan loves creating end-to-end data-driven solutions that help businesses make informed decisions. His expertise in SQL, Python, Power BI, and Azure allows him to build BI solutions that use cutting-edge technologies while remaining simple and easy to use for end users. Meet earned his Master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he gained a deep understanding of data analysis and visualization. Meet’s unique experience of joining a startup as the first employee and developing a Business Intelligence SaaS product from the ground up gave him a deep appreciation for the value of data in modern business. Whether he is working with large datasets or building BI solutions from scratch, Meet brings a wealth of technical skills and business acumen to every project. His commitment to data-driven decision-making and user-centered design has made him a valuable asset to businesses of all sizes.

Myriam Fessi

Senior Manager, Science & Impact

Myriam Fessi is the Sr. Program Manager, Science & Impact at The Sustainability Consortium (TSC). Based in Jupiter, Florida, Myriam leads the Science & Impact team’s analytics efforts, focusing on generating actionable sustainability insights for suppliers and retailers.

Myriam holds a master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from CPE Lyon, a prestigious French “Grande École,” and an Advanced Business Certificate in Business Analytics from the University of Connecticut. Before joining TSC, she built a successful career at Unilever in the personal care sector, spearheading innovation projects for both billion-dollar brands and new brand launches. In her role, she led cross-functional R&D teams and collaborated closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, and Procurement.

Myriam also pioneered new diagnostic methods for hair and skin care, resulting in four patents and a recommendation algorithm for a skincare brand. She is passionate about integrating scientific insights with business strategies to drive sustainability.

Forrest Follett

Manager, Science & Impact

Forrest joined TSC in 2018 as a Data Science Manager, primarily running Commodity Mapping (CM) analyses. With the buildout of a CM web platform, Forrest took on leadership of product strategy, user experience, and full technical oversight—from feature development and cloud infrastructure to data processing—aligning platform operations with the program’s goals.

Forrest has a background in archaeology, with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Mississippi State University. He spent several years working on archaeological investigations throughout the southeastern US and Hawaii before studying archaeological remote sensing and spatial analysis at the University of Arkansas. Forrest completed graduate coursework and research in geospatial analysis and remote sensing for archaeology, focusing on experiential learning through interactive 3D presentation of archaeological site reports, which built a strong foundation in spatial data analysis and interdisciplinary research methods.

Forrest has since made a home in Fayetteville, AR and enjoys exploring the wonders of the Ozark mountains with his wife and their two boys.

Emil Georgiev

Manager, Science and Impact

Emil Georgiev joined The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) in 2013. Emil is a dedicated sustainability professional working as a Manager, Science & Impact for the Food, Beverage, and Agriculture (FBA) sector at TSC. As part of the Science and Impact team, he leads research, manages various sustainability projects, and program activities in the FBA sector.

Emil is based in the European office and affiliated to Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands. Emil holds a Master of Science in Environment and Resource Management degree from VU University Amsterdam, with a specialization in Environmental Studies. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology degree from VU University Amsterdam, with a specialization in Geology and Hydrogeology.

Prior to joining TSC, Emil worked as a researcher at WUR, where he contributed to various sustainability projects, focusing on improving agricultural practices and environmental impact assessments. Emil’s background in environmental studies and geology, combined with his experience at TSC and WUR, highlights his dedication to improving consumer goods supply chains and environmental impact assessments.

Emil has a special fondness for fig trees. Their resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions make them symbols of strength and endurance. Fig trees are iconic in Mediterranean landscapes, symbolizing the region’s rich agricultural heritage and the simplicity of rural life.

Debra Harmon

Administrative Specialist

Debra Harmon is an Administrative Specialist at The Sustainability Consortium (TSC). Debbie has been with TSC since its launch in 2009, supporting administration and operations. She is based at ASU Tempe campus. Before joining TSC, Debra supported the Strategic Initiatives Officer for the Global Institute of Sustainability at the ASU Foundation.

Roel Helmes

Research Associate, Science & Impact

I am a foodie with the idealism to improve the sustainability of our world’s food system. For this purpose, I inform and inspire businesses and governments with facts from environmental assessments. My role is to understand the information needs of customers and stakeholders, structure diverse data in my Life Cycle Assessments of agricultural and chemical supply chains, and share them in a tailor made way.

Elisa Leehan

Senior Manager, Retail

Elisa joined TSC in 2024 and currently serves as Senior Program Manager, Retail. She leads initiatives like THESIS, a system that helps retailers and suppliers measure and improve sustainability within their supply chains. With a focus on fostering collaboration across the supply chain, Elisa works to tackle environmental and social challenges, driving measurable progress in sustainability.

Based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, Elisa thrives on the opportunity to support retailers and suppliers as they navigate the complexities of sustainable sourcing and reporting. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from James Madison University and an MBA from HEC Paris, where she specialized in sustainable and disruptive innovation.

Elisa’s background includes consulting and project management in the cyber sector, where she focused on government-regulated compliance for both public and private clients. Elisa’s passion for sustainability began with her journey as a mindful consumer, but it quickly expanded into a mission to drive systemic change in global supply chains. When she’s not working, you can find Elisa listening to true crime podcasts, planning her next travel adventure, or diving into a good book.

Jennifer Park

Manager, Engagement

Jennifer Park joined TSC in February 2019 as an Innovation Program Assistant. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in geography and minors in sustainability and history. She then completed a year of service with the AmeriCorps VISTA program managing a large-scale “giving garden” in Frederick, CO. Jennifer has extensive volunteer experience working to support local food systems through organic gardening both in the US and abroad. She is interested in the intersection of environmentalism and social justice and hopes to continue her work supporting TSC innovation programs while pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Arkansas.

Chris Randle

Data Analyst, Science and Impact

Chris joined TSC in 2020 and is currently a data analyst supporting the cloud-based application CommodityMap (CM). This application uses geospatial analytics to predict environmental and social priorities in agricultural supply chains. Chris played a key role in migrating CM from a locally based Python application to the cloud using his experience in UI design, cartography, dashboard design, testing, and strong programming skills. His work includes redesigning Python programs, automating processes, providing metrics, and updating the multiple datasets used by CM.

Prior to joining TSC, Chris was a helpdesk manager for TerraVia–an international biotechnology company that supplied a variety of sustainable algae-based food and nutrition products. There he grew his strong technology, problem solving, project management, and teaching skills but longed to have a more direct impact protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate change. He then went on to obtain a professional science Master’s degree in environmental studies and a certificate in applied spatial analytics from Antioch University in Keene, NH. He interned as a GIS analyst with the Watershed Management Group (WMG) in Tucson, AZ prior to joining TSC.

At WMG, he implemented an interactive web map that supported the collaborative planning and protection of the Santa Cruz river. Chris also holds a second professional geospatial data analytics & visualization graduate certificate from Michigan State University. Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Chris enjoys upcycling wood to make furniture and crafting his own acoustic fingerstyle guitar music.

Willem Ruster

Business Development Manager

Willem Ruster is business development manager at Wageningen Research of the area “Sustainability Management in Agri & Food”. He has 12 years’ experience in running societal impact assessments in the private sector. In these years, he ran several complex, informal project structures and guided consultants and researchers in projects with among others ECPA, Crop Life International, EuropaBio, Copa-Cogeca, Monsanto, Bayer CropScience, Heineken, The Coca-Cola Company, IFC (part of The World Bank Group), Johnson & Johnson and Cargill. Between 2007-2017, he worked at Steward Redqueen, an international consultancy on sustainability strategy and impact measurement. Between 2015-2017, he acted as manager of Steward Redqueen’s agrifood and biotech cluster. Market experience: Europe (>10 countries & EU level), Africa (e.g. DRC, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt; Africa-level), South-East Asia (e.g. Vietnam, Indonesia, The Philippines). Willem hold a MSc in Economics with specialization in Development & Environmental economics.

Sienna Santiago

Coordinator Science and Impact

Sienna started at TSC in 2023 as the Sustainability Coordinator for Science and Impact, where she organizes and coordinates projects under THESIS and leads the Helpdesk. Sienna is based in Bishop, CA but travels seasonally to Moab, UT to rock climb in her free time. During college, Sienna attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa studying Global Environmental Science with a focus in sustainability. During her time there she conducted her thesis on the environmental footprints (carbon, nitrogen and water) of her university’s cafeterias, with the goal of helping the university meet state-wide carbon neutral goals. In previous jobs Sienna has worked as a biologist conducting research and conservation work with the US navy and Rincon band of Luiseno Indians tribe. Specifically focusing on mitigating anthropogenic impacts and ensuring native flora and fauna success. Outside of work, Sienna spends her free time outside as much as possible, rock climbing, backpacking and running in the desert of the southwest.

Megan Simone

Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications

Megan Simone joined The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) in 2024 and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications. In this role, she leads the development and execution of TSC’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, overseeing key initiatives such as social media management, press releases, and the coordination of TSC’s annual event, TSC Summit. Originally from the Bay Area, Megan now lives in Tempe, Arizona, home of the Arizona State University Sun Devils.

Megan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, with a focus on Digital and Integrated Marketing Communications, from Arizona State University. During her time at ASU, she explored sustainability and entrepreneurship, sparking her drive to launch her own digital marketing agency upon graduation. As the founder, she successfully built a global team of content creators, graphic designers, and social media managers to deliver impactful marketing solutions to businesses across the United States.

With a strong desire to contribute to a meaningful cause, Megan transitioned from the private sector to a nonprofit organization in Arizona, where she led marketing and communications efforts and played a vital role in organizing local events. This fulfilling experience eventually led her to TSC, where she continues to channel her passion for driving positive change through impactful marketing strategies.

A passionate traveler, Megan has explored destinations both in the U.S. and abroad, with Australia standing out as her favorite so far. When not traveling, she enjoys spending time with her Frenchie, Ghost, on outdoor adventures around Arizona. Additionally, Megan continues to advise businesses on optimizing their social media marketing strategies, sharing her expertise to help them grow and thrive.

Michelle Wald

Project Manager

Michelle Wald joined TSC in 2022 as a freelance consultant supporting with strategic planning and project management. She is a strategic leader passionate about using business as a force for good, with significant experience in strategic planning and operational execution across small and large consumer goods companies. After studying business as a dual-sport athlete at Cal, she started her career in management consulting at McKinsey, then built a multi-functional skillset across various roles and geographies at Nike, and led the US expansion of Tony’s Chocolonely, a Dutch impact company with a mission of 100% slave free chocolate worldwide. She’s currently based in Portland, OR and enjoys playing sports, drawing, custom cake decorating, and chasing the sun.

OUR GLOBAL TEAM

LEADERSHIP

Christy Slay

Caroyln Baltz

Koen Boone

Kevin Dooley

Erin Killeen

Dan "Sunny" Schlesinger

Jenn Benoit

Nathan Bolivar

Meet Chauhan

Myriam Fessi

Forrest Follett

Emil Georgiev

Debra Harmon

Roel Helmes

Elisa Leehan

Jennifer Park

Chris Randle

Willem Ruster

Sienna Santiago

Megan Simone

Michelle Wald

Christy Slay

Carolyn Baltz

Koen Boone

Kevin Dooley

Erin Killeen

Dan “Sunny” Schlesinger

Jenn Benoit

Nathan Bolivar

Meet Chauhan

Myriam Fessi

Forrest Follett

Emil Georgiev

Debra Harmon

Roel Helmes

Elisa Leehan

Jennifer Park

Chris Randle

Willem Ruster

Sienna Santiago

Megan Simone

Michelle Wald