Speaker Topics and Biographies
Ori Sivan -
In 2005, Ori was moved to action by his conviction that engaging the marketplace is the most effective way to foster environmental improvement and sustainable economic growth. He started Greenmaker Supply Company, a one-stop shop for green building materials. Ori’s visionary approach to green marketing became an award winning phenomenon. His Seven Seeds of Sustainability® have been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and on NBC, NPR and countless other national media outlets. In three short years, Greenmaker was boasting multimillion dollar revenues despite a downturn in the economy. In the fall of 2008, Greenmaker merged with New York-based Green Depot to create the nation’s largest and most sophisticated chain of green building supply stores. Ori serves as Director of Market Development overseeing product development and business development, borrowing from his entrepreneurial skills as well as his environmental expertise.
Ori holds a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa. Ori is a charter member of the University of Iowa, College of Engineering Young Alumni Advisory Board where amongst other activities he consults on the development of sustainabilitly curriculum for the College.
Jon Carlson -
Professor Jonathan Carlson is a professor in the University of Iowa College of Law with a complimentary appointment in International Programs. He currently serves as Senior Associate to President Sally Mason and assists in the administration of President Mason’s sustainability initiative. Professor Carlson’s teaching and research interests are focused on issues of international environmental law and international trade law. He is co-author of International Environmental Law and World Order, a leading textbook on the subject. Professor Carlson frequently teaches abroad and, in 2006, was the Fulbright/FLAD Distinguished Chair in International Commercial Trade and Business Law at Portuguese Catholic University in Lisbon.
Paula Nissen