The US SIF: The Sustainable Investment Forum has unveiled a major leadership transition, electing Stephanie Cohn Rupp as its new Board Chair and welcoming eight new Directors for the 2025-2027 term. This strategic move signals a renewed focus on driving sustainable and impact investing forward in an evolving financial landscape.
Cohn Rupp, CEO of Veris Wealth Partners, brings over two decades of global impact investing experience to her role as Board Chair. Her election, along with the appointment of eight industry leaders as Directors, represents a significant infusion of expertise and diverse perspectives into US SIF's governance structure.
The newly elected Directors include Rebecca Adamson, founder of First Peoples Worldwide; Nakia Maddox Eubanks, an investment manager at Trillium Asset Management; Nelle Coady Joubert, a Managing Director at MSCI Inc.; Saurabh Narain, President and CEO of National Community Investment Fund; Beth-ann Roth, a former SEC lawyer and co-founder of R|K Invest Law, PBC; Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds; Derek Strocher, CFO of Calvert Impact; and Kimberly Gluck, Managing Director at Boston Trust Walden, who was re-elected for a third term.
This leadership transformation comes at a critical juncture for the sustainable investing industry. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors increasingly influence investment decisions, US SIF's role in shaping industry standards and practices becomes ever more crucial. The organization, representing $5 trillion in assets under management or advisement, is poised to leverage its new leadership to accelerate the shift towards sustainability in investment practices.
The diverse backgrounds and extensive experience of the new board members reflect US SIF's commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing the sustainable finance sector. From Indigenous Peoples' rights and climate change to corporate governance and community investment, the new leadership brings a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of sustainable investing.
Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF, emphasized the strategic importance of this leadership change, stating, "Our seven new Board members and returning Directors will help us build on the legacy of our organization and support the shift to a more resilient economy." This statement underscores the organization's ambition to not only guide its members but to actively contribute to reshaping the broader economic landscape through sustainable investment practices.
The implications of this leadership transition extend beyond US SIF itself. As a preeminent voice in sustainable investing, the organization's strategic direction influences industry trends, regulatory discussions, and corporate behavior. The new board's collective expertise in areas such as Indigenous rights, climate solutions, and impact measurement positions US SIF to address emerging challenges in the field effectively.
Furthermore, the appointment of leaders with backgrounds in legal, financial, and policy realms suggests a potential focus on navigating the complex regulatory environment surrounding sustainable investing. This could be particularly significant as policymakers and regulators worldwide grapple with standardizing ESG reporting and investment criteria.
As the sustainable investing sector continues to grow and evolve, US SIF's role in education and research becomes increasingly vital. The organization's commitment to offering training programs, such as the Fundamentals of Sustainable and Impact Investment course, underscores its dedication to building capacity within the industry and promoting best practices.
The election of this new leadership team marks a pivotal moment for US SIF and the broader sustainable investing community. As the organization embarks on this new chapter, its actions and initiatives will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of responsible finance, influencing how capital is allocated to address pressing global challenges, and ultimately contributing to the creation of a more sustainable and equitable economic system.
