Oregon has earned a reputation of leadership in sustainability through the work of our universities, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and governments. The Oregon University System and the Oregon Business Council identified the opportunity for multiple Oregon universities to collaborate – with each other, and with their communities – to offer educational programs based on this work. The Summer Sustainability Series makes these experiences and examples available to both professionals and students in the region, across the country, and from abroad. By gathering thought leaders from disparate fields around specific challenges, the program will push beyond the current thinking and find even more effective solutions.
- Oregon University System
- Oregon Business Council
- Susan Bragdon, Director
- Tim Miller, Program Manager
- Dorothy Payton, Curriculum Manager
The Oregon University System comprises seven campuses and various centers offering a diversity of experiences and environments to students interested in degree programs or higher education courses. Oregon’s institutions of higher education are leading the way in numerous areas that are critical to sustainability including, for example: 1) urban and regional planning, green building, design and development; 2) renewable energy, smart energy, clean transportation; 3) natural resource management, forestry, agricultural applications; 4) high technology, which like green chemistry can be relevant to all above categories, and includes IT, nanotechnology and biotechnology; 5) bio-based products and materials and 6) sustainable business practices and models, legal and policy expertise.
An association of more than 40 top business executives, the Oregon Business Council (OBC) is focused on public issues that affect Oregon's life and future. OBC is patterned after the national Business Roundtable and affiliate organizations in a number of other states. Since 1985, the OBC has played a central role in addressing public issues that are important to Oregonians. Through research and analysis, internal discussions, and collaboration with other organizations and public officials, OBC is an advocate for policies that improve Oregon's quality of life and economy.
In addition to leading the Series, Bragdon serves as a sustainability advisor to the Oregon University System, and consults for governments, the private sector and intergovernmental organizations on legal and policy issues related to sustainable development.
Previously, Bragdon joined the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute as a Senior Scientist, Law & Policy in 1997. At IPGRI she created decision-making tools for national policy-makers and developed and led training courses around the world for mid-career professionals on the legal issues of relevance to sustainable agriculture and food systems.
She was the Legal Advisor for the Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Convention on Biological Diversity, and for the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste.
B.A., Biology, Williams College; M.Sc. Resource Ecology, University of Michigan; J.D. University of Michigan.
Mr. Miller brings 20 years of management & executive experience to management of the Series. For the last four years, Miller has been completely focused on sustainability, providing business consulting to over 2 dozen for-profit, not-for-profit, and governmental organizations on green business strategies, marketing, and business development.
Prior to his focus on sustainability, Miller was at Citysearch.com, a leading online city guide, where he served in a variety of leadership roles for over five years, including Regional Vice President, directing 13 Citysearch offices around the country, and General Manager of the Portland office, running sales, marketing, operations, and content. Before Citysearch, Miller earned five years of team and leadership experience at Intel Corporation in technology advertising, marketing, product management, and product launches.
B.A., Economics with honors and distinction; MBA with honors; both from Stanford University.
Dorothy Payton, Curriculum Manager
Ms. Payton designed the curriculum for the Series, and will be the ring-master and lead facilitator delivering continuity throughout the four-day program. She is also Principal of an ecological design and consulting firm in Portland, Oregon, and serves as adjunct faculty at Portland Community College in the Architecture and Interior Design Departments.
Ms. Payton assisted in the development, and served as lead instructor, of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Energy and Resource Management program at Clackamas Community College from 2003 until 2005.
Previously she served as the sustainability consultant and LEED Coordinator for the State of Oregon’s first LEED building, an office building project that earned a Gold Certificate. She has also worked with local government , health care, education and professional organizations, to articulate their sustainability goals for their organizations and construction projects.
Bachelor of Architecture, with honors, University of Oregon; Masters Degree in Whole Systems Design and Organization Systems Renewal, Antioch University.
