Click here for links to video recordings of our panels! 

The School of Business’s inaugural Social Innovation Conference brought thought leaders and experts from Clark University and around the country for an impressive day of discussions on social innovation – what it is and its impact on our shared communities.

Clark President David B. Fithian welcomed the in-person and online audiences, who then enjoyed sessions addressing climate finance; sustainable business branding and marketing; environmental, social, and governance investing; and community engagement and social impact.

“Social innovation has been central to the ethos of our business school since its establishment in 1982,” noted Dr. Alan Eisner, dean of School of Business. “We also know this is what students want and employers are looking for.”

The School of Business, one of the less than 5% of business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), is a signatory to the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Education (PRME) and ascribes to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). The focus on these initiatives reflects School of Business’s commitment to its mission to prepare leaders for a lifetime of success founded on the principles of social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical business practice,

As noted by Will O’Brien, School of Business professor of practice, panelist moderator, and noted expert on corporate social responsibility,  the conference “put Clark on the map as a leader in social innovation,” while also identifying opportunities for additional transdisciplinary collaboration both within the University and its external shared communities.

If you weren’t able to join us, recordings of the conference sessions can be found here:

Welcome and Panel 1:  ESG Investing

Panel 2:  Climate Finance

Panel 3:  Branding/Marketing and Sustainable Business

Panel 4:  Community Engagement & Social Impact  

Panelists included Clark University and alumni experts, as well as noted industry guests:

ESG Investing

Moderator: Fei Feng, assistant professor of finance

• Steve Hatfield, head of US ESG for the Carlyle Group
• Eric Kane, director of ESG research, Americas, for Bloomberg Intelligence
• Steve Ng, associate professor of practice at School of Business
• Sitikantha Parida, associate professor of finance at School of Business

Climate Finance

Moderator: Will O’Brien, School of Business professor of practice

• Steve Sacco, vice president of safety, environment, and real estate at Schneider Electric
• James Salo ’02, MBA ’03, head of environmental research & ESG modeling for S & P Global Sustainable1
• Ed Carr, professor and director of Clark’s International Development, Community, and Environment Department
• Christopher Williams, professor of geography and director of Clark’s Environmental Sciences Program

Branding/Marketing and Sustainable Business

Moderator: Atefeh Yazdanparast, associate professor of marketing

• Holly Baumgart, vice president of new platform development at Sargento Foods
• Kristen Anthony, vice president of finance for the Denver Metropolitan Area
• Tom Murphy, associate professor of practice at School of Business
• Emilee Cocuzzo ’18, MBA ’19, senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton

Community Engagement & Social Impact

Moderator: Joseph Corazzini, vice president of government and community affairs

• Mike McAuliffe, CEO, Middlesex Savings Bank
• Quintus Jett, Ph.D., author of “Manage the Mission”
• John Dobson, associate professor of practice at School of Business
• David A. Jordan, MPA ’02, president of Seven Hills Foundation and Affiliates
• Domenica Perrone, director of Community Engagement and Volunteering at Clark