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KEYNOTE - Defying Uncertainty: Creative Strategies for Progress

The energy transition in the United States is at a pivotal moment, with federal government actions likely to slow or even reverse progress toward established targets. At the same time, we are facing the rising frequency and severity of extreme weather events--uprooting people's lives and costing billions of dollars annually. In this time of volatility and shifting priorities, energy and sustainability leaders are rethinking how to sustain progress on decarbonization and equity goals.

This year's keynote speakers are Michael Reed, Director of Building Transformation at NYSERDA, and Lauren Zullo, Managing Director of Impact at Jonathan Rose Companies. In a facilitated conversation with NESEA Board Chair Andrea Mancino, they will explore how developers, lenders, policymakers, and others are adapting their strategies, communications, and partnerships to navigate new challenges, all while staying focused on their missions and continuing to drive impact.

Event Date
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Room / Location
The Forum

Session Chairs

Session Speakers

Learning Objectives

Identify key challenges and market pressures currently impacting energy, sustainability, and decarbonization initiatives — and understand how organizations across sectors are responding in real time

Describe innovative strategies and communication approaches that companies, lending institutions, and government agencies are using to sustain momentum on decarbonization and equity goals amid funding cuts and policy shifts

Explore practical, real-world examples of creative problem-solving and cross-sector collaboration that have helped organizations adapt their business models, messaging, and mission-driven work in volatile conditions

Apply lessons learned from the presenters’ experiences, identifying opportunities for resilience, reinvention, and bold leadership in the face of ongoing uncertainty

CEU Information

Approved for 1 credit hour toward AIA (LU), BOC, BPI, GBCI (BD+C, ID+C, O+M), NARI, Phius, and RESNET certification

Session ID
NYC25-101