Spring Symposium Schedule
Brian Tietje, Dean, Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego
Greg Skrovan, Director, Supply Chain Management Institute, Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego
Greener by design™ - Innovating to Deliver More Sustainable Solutions
At Thermo Fisher, we leverage the power of innovation to deliver more sustainable solutions that support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals. Our Greener by design™ strategy focuses on developing more sustainable products and services, driving credible and comparable transparency, and embedding design-for-sustainability principles. Through this integrated approach, we reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the circularity of our products and services early in the development process, with the product life cycle in mind. Join us to learn more about how we are advancing our customers’ and our own environmental sustainability objectives.
Cristina Van Loy, Ph.D., Greener by design™ Lead, Global Sustainability, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Powering the Loop: SDG&E's Roadmap to Operational Circularity
Discover how San Diego Gas & Electric is operationalizing circular supply chains through innovative biomass and equipment recovery programs. Learn how 'designing out waste' is building a more self-sustaining and reliable energy supply chain for the region.
Helen Gao, Responsible Sourcing Manager
Alexandria Moffat, Director of Clean Transportation
Ryan White, Project Manager - Fuels Management / Wildfire Mitigation
Moderator: Richard Clarke, Clinical Professor, Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego
Beyond the Buzzwords: Authentic Storytelling in the Circular Economy
As circular supply chains move from "pilot project" to "business imperative," authentic storytelling has become a critical competitive advantage. This session explores how leading organizations navigate the shift toward radical transparency, focusing on how to communicate the "circular journey" without falling into the trap of greenwashing. We will dive into the human stories behind resource recovery and strategies for translating technical milestones into compelling narratives for both investors and customers. Our goal is to show how honest communication builds deep brand loyalty and unlocks long-term value.
Mandy Anhalt, VP Compliance and Sustainability, Sambazon
Marco Guizar, Vice President of Operations, Goodwill Industries of San Diego County
Allison Lin, Global VP of Healthy Planet and Chief Circularity Officer, Mars
Darwin Westich, Marketing Director, Badger
Moderator: Jonathan Hanwit, CEO + Co-Founder, thinkPARALLAX
Refill! Refill! OK! Dr. Bronner's Soapy Path to Circularity
The top selling natural soap brand in the U.S. shares its journey out of single-use rPET bottles for its flagship liquid soap product and into both paper-based refill cartons and truly circular bulk refill retail stations, guided by Life Cycle Assessment data and consumers, and in partnership with industry allies, environmental nonprofits and key retailers. Learn about the supply chain, operational and marketing challenges and successes of this pioneering zero waste and consumer behavior initiative.
Darcy Shiber-Knowles, Vice President of Operational Sustainability and Innovation, Dr. Bronner's
Speakers and Panelists
2026 Spring Symposium Sponsors
Your company can be showcased here! Be sure to check out the Sponsorship Opportunities available!
Thank You to Our Current Sponsors!
Diamond Sponsor
Radical Surfaces was founded to engineer the future of surfaces. By combining Italian design expertise, advanced manufacturing technology, and U.S.-based production, we are transforming the surfaces industry through resilient supply chains, sustainability-driven operations, zero-waste manufacturing principles, and next-generation products previously unavailable in the American market.
Gold Sponsor
Taylor Farms is the leading North American producer of salads and healthy fresh foods with production facilities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Taylor Farms is grounded in a commitment to quality, assured supply, innovation, sustainability, and food safety. Taylor Farms is family owned and based in “The Salad Bowl of the World,” Salinas, California. For more information, delicious recipes, and more, visit www.taylorfarms.com and follow Taylor Farms on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.
Silver Sponsor
Introducing the Local Agency Contract Exchange (LACE). Founded by Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties and powered by PPEx’s technology and distribution hub. LACE focuses on maximizing public benefits for CA Public Agencies through shared best value contracts, with Staples Business as our leading supplier partner.