Foresight NEXT Fellows
2012 Fellows
Ellen Carter
Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure
Energy and Sustainability Consultant
At Shaw, Ellen is responsible for the design, implementation and administration of energy efficiency, renewable energy and conservation programs and provides consulting services for state agencies, private firms, utilities, and units of local government. Ellen has over four year of experience in the energy and environmental field and, prior to joining Shaw, worked as a Policy Associate for the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA). At MEEA, Ellen was responsible for conducting research and analysis on energy policies and identifying best practices of energy efficiency programs throughout the Midwest. Additionally, Ellen received a B.A. from Tufts University with a concentration in Political Science and Italian Studies. She is excited to participate in Foresight NEXT to learn more about the sustainability issues and solutions industries are facing today.
Brian Forgas
McDonald's
Lead Attorney, U.S. Energy Program
As an architect of the company's first national energy procurement protocol, Brian helps McDonald's develop strategies around various sustainability efforts including renewable energy, equipment testing, efficiency measures, carbon footprinting, LEED building construction and EPA programs. Before joining McDonald's, Brian was in private practice in Washington, D.C. He received his J.D. cum laude from The Catholic University of America, and B.A. from the University of Central Florida. He holds BEP and CEP certifications from the Association of Energy Engineers.
Will Galloway
Anatomy Now, LLC
Founder and President
In addition to his role at Anatomy Now, which sells educational materials within the healthcare industry, Will is also nearing the completion of his MBA education at the Kellogg School of Management. While at Kellogg, he has served as the VP of Marketing and Communications for the Sustainable Business Club, which has helped him build a greater understanding of the field. Will is also the author of Foresight Design Initiative's "Leader of the Week" feature, which is published monthly and details an interview with one of Chicago's foremost sustainability leaders. Will is hoping to gain a strong working knowledge of best practices within the field of sustainability through the Foresight NEXT program.
Sarah Gifford
Siemens
Sustainability Program Manager, Building Technologies Division
Sarah comes from a background of ten years in real estate development. Her interest in sustainability was initially sparked when she worked on a LEED Core & Shell retrofit. This experience led her to gain LEED AP status and a deepening passion for sustainability. Sarah is a Communications graduate from Indiana University.
Julie Harper
McDonald's
Senior Director, U.S. Supply Chain
Julie leads a U.S. Supply Chain team responsible for over $1.7 billion in annual spend for packaging, Happy Meal premiums, adult promotions, uniforms and Arch Cards. Her responsibilities include setting the strategic direction and priorities, managing supplier relationships, execution of promotional activity, support for new product launches and financial management related to these categories. Julie has been with McDonald's for 18 years in various supply chain, business consulting and finance roles. Prior to McDonald's, Julie worked as a financial reporting manager at a large federal savings bank and as an auditor at KPMG. Julie holds a BS degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Mike Jokela
Aon Hewitt
Customer Experience Specialist
Outside of Mike's core responsibilities within HR Outsourcing, in 2009 he founded the Lincolnshire Green Team at Aon Hewitt. Since then he has helped coordinate many office events including tree giveaways, an organic open house, and Earth Week activities. He received his undergraduate degree from DePaul University with a focus on environmental arts. Some of his interests include recycling, competitive running/stair climbing, and enjoying good food with good company. Mike would like to take the information and experiences from NEXT to his Green Team and beyond to help serve his firm and clients well.