2022 Waterfront Conference: Full Schedule

8:00am EDT

General Attendee Breakfast

Tuesday May 24, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
Events Hall (2nd Floor)

8:00am EDT

Waterfront Scholars Breakfast

The diverse group of college and graduate students who make up the 2022 Waterfront Scholars cohort are invited to a special breakfast to kick off the Waterfront Conference. Waterfront Alliance board member, Bob Balder, the director of Cornell College of Architecture, Art and Planning presents on "Are We Building the Cities We Want and Need: Shaping New Urban Shorelines."

Tuesday May 24, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
Keeping History Room (3rd Floor)

Waterfront Scholars

8:45am EDT

Opening Program

Studies increasingly show that the most severe repercussions from the climate crisis fall disproportionately upon underserved communities that are the least able to prepare for, and recover from, heat waves, poor air quality, flooding, and other impacts. The opening program features Dr. Christian Braneon, who consider the intersection of policies, infrastructure, and governance with disproportionate impacts and equitable solutions across vulnerable populations. NYC Economic Development Corporation president Andrew Kimball also delivers remarks.

Speakers

Christian Braneon, Ph.D.

Co-Director, Environmental Justice & Climate Just Cities Network at The Earth Institute

Christian Braneon, Ph.D. is co-director of the Environmental Justice and Climate Just Cities Network at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. He co-leads the Urban Climate Change Research Network’s (UCCRN) Urban Design Climate Workshop series and serves as co-chair of the New... Read More →

Andrew Kimball

President & CEO, NYC Economic Development Corporation

Andrew Kimball is president and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation, where he leads NYCEDC’s work growing an innovative and inclusive economy for all New Yorkers. Prior to his appointment in 2022, Andrew served as the CEO of Industry City, where he directed the... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 8:45am - 9:50am EDT
Safra Hall (1st Floor)

Mainstage

9:50am EDT

Break / Visit the BlueTech Expo

Tuesday May 24, 2022 9:50am - 10:20am EDT

Networking/Food

10:20am EDT

A Blueprint to Rebuild America: Adaptation, Infrastructure, and Spending

The infrastructure bill, executive orders, and legislation passed since President Biden took office signals the federal government’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis as a systemic threat to the entire economy. More than 20 federal agencies published climate adaptation plans in 2021 revealing the threats climate change poses to their operations and facilities and how they plan to handle them. Our panel explores equity-centered infrastructure planning and the commitment to put environmental justice communities front and center through the Justice40 Initiative.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA

Speakers

Lisa F. Garcia

Regional Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2

Lisa Flavia Garcia serves as regional administrator for EPA’s Region 2 office covering New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally recognized Indian Nations. Lisa is an environmental lawyer who has advocated for environmental and climate justice... Read More →

Shana Udvardy

Sr. Climate Resilience Policy Analyst, The Union of Concerned Scientists

Shana Udvardy is a senior climate resilience policy analyst with the climate and energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. She conducts research and policy analysis to help inform and build support to increase resilience to climate change impacts. In her role, she advocates... Read More →

Daniel Zarrilli

Special Advisor, Climate & Sustainability, Columbia University

Daniel Zarrilli is the Special Advisor for Climate and Sustainability at Columbia University, where he is supporting the creation of its new, world-leading climate school and advising on pathways to achieve the university’s deep decarbonization goals. He joined Columbia University... Read More →

Col. Matthew W. Luzzatto

Commander and District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Colonel Matthew W. Luzzatto assumed command of USACE, New York District, on June 25, 2020. He is responsible for the Corps’ water resource development, navigation, and regulatory activities in northeastern New Jersey, eastern and south-central New York State (including the New York... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
Safra Hall (1st Floor)

Mainstage

11:10am EDT

Break

Tuesday May 24, 2022 11:10am - 11:20am EDT

Networking/Food

11:20am EDT

Public Participation: How to Do It Right

The public engagement process to inform community designs often leads to a depletion of goodwill on all sides. Public participation is based on the belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process. Program design, technology, and language matter—as does acknowledging different kinds of expertise, and where that expertise can be found. The discussion will focus on experiences and outcomes in public participation processes.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by Arcadis

Speakers

James DeFilippis

Professor, Rutgers University

James DeFilippis is a professor of urban planning at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. His research focuses on the political economy of cities and communities. He is particularly interested in the processes of social change, and on questions... Read More →

Toyin Ogunfolaju

Infrastructure & Social-Economic Inclusion, Jacobs

Toyin Ogunfolaju has over 18 years of experience in the infrastructure and government relations industries. She is the infrastructure and social-economic inclusion (SEI) leader at Jacobs. Her SEI role supports the delivery of social-economic solutions as Jacobs delivers its core services... Read More →

Nisha Baliga

Consultant

Nisha Baliga, AICP is an urban planner and lifelong city dweller passionate about making cities more equitable. She has two decades of experience leading complex and innovative large-scale urban planning and change management projects that advance equitable and resilient communities... Read More →

Alice Blank

Alice Blank, Architect

Alice Blank is the principal of Alice Blank, Architect, an architectural and design studio carrying out innovative residential and commercial projects in the metropolitan region since 1995. Prior to establishing her firm, she worked as an architect and as an urban planner in Cairo... Read More →

Carly Foster

Principal Resilience Lead, Arcadis

Carly A. Foster AICP, CFM is a professional community and infrastructure planner and grant writer. Carly is an associate vice president with Arcadis and is their principal resilience lead for water management in North America. She is an active volunteer, sitting on multiple non-profit... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 11:20am - 12:10pm EDT
Events Hall (2nd Floor)

Track: Climate Design Innovation & Public Access

11:20am EDT

New Jersey’s National Leadership in Climate Resilience Planning: What Are the Next Steps and What Resources Are Needed?

New Jersey is one of the states leading the nation in municipal-level planning for climate resilience. Just as severe storms and flooding have become more commonplace across New Jersey due to the impact of climate change, amendments to New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law now require municipalities to incorporate a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment into any master plan. This panel explores the specific steps municipalities must take; challenges in compliance, resources, and funding needed; the role of local communities in shaping these plans; and opportunities for New Jersey's law to serve as a model for other states.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA

Speakers

Barbara George Johnson

Vice President, John S Watson Institute for Urban Policy/Research

Barbara brings more than 30 years of experience as a public policy professional in New Jersey and has been a leading voice in shaping economic, health and social policy in the region. Currently, Barbara holds the title of vice president of external affairs at the John S. Watson Institute... Read More →

Nick Angarone, PP/AICP

New Jersey Chief Climate Resilience Officer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Nick Angarone is the New Jersey Chief Resilience Officer. In this role he coordinates statewide resilience policy as vice-chair of the Interagency Council on Climate Resilience, leads and directs the development and implementation of the Statewide Climate Change Resilience Strategy... Read More →

Peter Kasabach

Executive Director, New Jersey Future

Peter Kasabach is the executive director of New Jersey Future, a nonprofit statewide policy and practice organization that advocates for strong, healthy, and resilient communities for everyone. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Peter served as the chief of policy for the New Jersey... Read More →

Leah Yasenchak

Principal, BRS, Inc.

As co-owner of BRS, Dr. Leah Yasenchak oversees redevelopment planning efforts for environmentally compromised property and resiliency projects. Leah is the principal in charge of the firm’s practice areas of resiliency, economic development, planning, outreach, and grant writing... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 11:20am - 12:10pm EDT
Keeping History Room (3rd Floor)

Track: Climate-Resilient Strategies and Standards

11:20am EDT

What It Will Take to Decarbonize the Maritime Industry: Navigating to Zero Carbon

Curbing shipping and onshore emissions was a hot topic at COP26 in Glasgow, with 14 nations signing a declaration to bring shipping emissions down to net zero by 2050. Getting the industry to zero emissions will require the sector to move away from fossil fuel-based marine fuels and toward more expensive, zero-carbon alternatives. Market-based incentives, major investments, data tracking, and R&D will be critical to move the industry to meet aggressive emissions goals. This panel discusses the steps already being taken by North American ports and the steps needed.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA

Speakers

James Sherman

James Sherman, Climate Change Mitigation Technologies LLC

James Sherman is co-founder, and president & CEO, of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies LLC (CCMT), the leading New Jersey-based developer and manager of medium and heavy-duty battery electric truck fleet projects. Founded in 2013, CCMT conceives of battery electric truck fleet... Read More →

Cortney Koenig Worrall

President & CEO, Waterfront Alliance

Cortney Koenig Worrall is president and CEO of the Waterfront Alliance with expertise in nonprofit management, climate resilience policy, campaign planning, community outreach, and public participation processes. Prior to the Waterfront Alliance, Cortney led the National Parks Conservation... Read More →

Geir Bjørkeli

CEO, Corvus Energy

Geir Bjørkeli is CEO of Corvus Energy, the world’s leading supplier of safe, innovative and reliable zero-emission solutions for all segments in the maritime industry. He has more than 25 years' experience in marine systems, and prior to joining Corvus Energy he held executive... Read More →

Chris Lutick

Director of State Public Affairs, UPS

Chris Lutick joined UPS Public Affairs in September of 2019, as director of state public affairs based out of the Central Region. He has responsibility for public policy that affects all of UPS entities in the central region of the U.S, which covers Wisconsin to Louisiana. In his... Read More →

William Fairclough

Managing Director, Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited

Having graduated from Edinburgh University and after a brief foray into investment banking, William started his commercial life in shipping as a shipbroker. He went on to co-found the Hong Kong-based shipowner Mandarin Shipping Ltd in 2006, where he remains a non-executive director... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 11:20am - 12:10pm EDT
Safra Hall (1st Floor)

Track: Modernizing and Greening Infrastructure for the Climate Crisis

11:20am EDT

Labor for Offshore Wind: How Will There Be Enough Skilled Workers?

Recognizing the anticipated growth in the offshore wind and renewable energy sectors, academic institutions and workforce organizations are creating programs to prepare for jobs in this emerging industry. But will these efforts be enough? What strategies are they taking? This panel uncovers labor market challenges specific to the needs of the offshore wind industry focusing on the size of workforce, and discusses training in technical and transferrable skills, and the needed commitments from trade schools and academia.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by Ørsted

Speakers

Erik Antokal

Head of Workforce Development, Ørsted

Erik Antokal, Ørsted’s director of workforce development is an experienced program designer and worker advocate specializing in skilled trades careers and inclusion of over-burdened groups in those careers. He specializes in building racial and gender equity through mutually beneficial... Read More →

Bahar Zoghi

Assistant Dean, Farmingdale State College

Dr. Bahar Zoghi joined the Farmingdale faculty in 2008. She is the leader of wind energy research at the campus’ Renewable Energy and Sustainable Center, and she won the Farmingdale College Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2014.Her research interests are in the area... Read More →

Summer Sandoval

Energy Democracy Coordinator, UPROSE

Summer Sandoval is the energy democracy coordinator at UPROSE. In this role, Summer leads many energy democracy campaigns from developing Sunset Park Solar (NY's first community solar cooperative), fighting peaker power plants with the PEAK Coalition, and implementing a local Just... Read More →

Jen Becker

Managing Director, Wind Institute Development, NJEDA

Jen Becker is the managing director of wind institute development at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) where she leads New Jersey’s efforts on offshore wind workforce training, education, research, and innovation. She has 25 years of experience crafting programs... Read More →

James Paylor, Jr.

Assistant General Organizer, International Longshoremen’s Association

James Paylor was unanimously re-elected as assistant general organizer of the International Longshoremen’s Association at the union’s 2019 quadrennial convention. Prior to his election in 2015 to one of the ILA’s top seven international executive officers positions, he served... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 11:20am - 12:10pm EDT
Room 115 (1st Floor)

Track: Offshore Wind & the Harbor

11:20am EDT

The Pressures on the Youth Climate Movement: Do We Expect Youth to Do It All? 

From participation at COP26 in Glasgow to local activists who have changed the outcomes of congressional elections, the youth climate movement’s motivation and power gives many hope in the fight against the climate crisis. It is common to hear those outside the movement express trust that the new generation will save the planet. This panel explores the great expectations that Americans place in the youth movement to make the necessary strides in combating the climate crisis. The discussion focuses on youth activist voices and the ways we can work together for major change for the future.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA

Speakers

Liz Donovan

Climate Reporter, City Limits

Liz Donovan is a reporter covering climate and environmental justice for City Limits, and is a corps member with Report for America. Liz previously worked as a global migration project fellow with Columbia Journalism Investigations and interned on the climate desk at Agence France-Presse... Read More →

Sarah Seidman

Puffin Foundation Curator of Social Activism, Museum of the City of New York

Dr. Sarah Seidman is the Puffin Foundation Curator of Social Activism at the Museum of the City of New York. She curates the ongoing exhibition Activist New York, which explores centuries of activist histories in New York City. She has also curated the exhibitions Beyond Suffrage... Read More →

Saad Amer

CoFounder, Plus1Vote

Saad Amer is an environmentalist, activist and the co-founder of Plus1Vote, an organization fighting for voting rights and increasing the representation of youth and BIPOC communities in our democracy. Reaching millions, the organization rallies voters on issues like climate change... Read More →

Lonnie Portis

Environmental Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, WE ACT for Environmental Justice

Lonnie “LJ” Portis is an environmental policy and advocacy coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, focusing on the organization’s New York City policy initiatives. Working as a policy and management consultant before joining WE ACT, LJ collaborated with a New York City... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 11:20am - 12:10pm EDT
Room 118 (1st Floor)

Track: Social Justice & Civic Engagement

12:10pm EDT

Lunch

Tuesday May 24, 2022 12:10pm - 1:00pm EDT
Events Hall (2nd Floor)

Networking/Food

1:00pm EDT

Heather M. Morgan Climate Risk Adaptation Lecture

The Heather M. Morgan Climate Risk Adaptation Lecture honors the memory of Heather Morgan, noted climate risk adaptation expert, and her contributions to the field of sustainability. Heather dedicated her career to redefining the relationship between our human inhabitation and the natural system utilizing a transdisciplinary approach. She used her formidable oratory skills to educate people and empower them to advocate for their communities because she felt that unless people understood the dynamic, there would be no real progress. Heather was herself a force of nature who brought boundless energy, genuine integrity, and limitless passion to her work.

The inaugural speaker of the lecture series is Kizzy Charles-Guzman, the executive director of the Office of Climate and Environmental Justice for the New York City Mayor's Office.

The Lecture series is supported by an endowed fund in order to bring top speakers to the Waterfront Conference. Fund supporters are:

Premier Corporate Sponsor
AECOM

$10,000 and above
Battery Park City Authority
J.M. Kaplan Fund

$5,000 – $9,999
SiteWorks Landscape Architecture

$1,000 – $4,999
Nora Madonick, CEO, Arch Street Communications
Biohabitats

Up to $999
Susan Ainsworth
Nanci Bateman
Pierre Boucicaut
Emory G. Lee
Kate McLetchie-Sheldon
Marc Tuozzolo

Speakers

Kizzy Charles-Guzman

Executive Director, NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice

Kizzy Charles-Guzman is the executive director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. Her team delivers climate leadership and programs focused on sustainability, decarbonization, brownfields remediation, resiliency and environmental justice. Kizzy has spent... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 1:00pm - 1:40pm EDT
Safra Hall (1st Floor)

Mainstage

1:40pm EDT

Break / Visit the BlueTech Expo

Tuesday May 24, 2022 1:40pm - 2:00pm EDT

Networking/Food

2:00pm EDT

Climate Shoreline Design for All Communities: The Edge Beyond Manhattan

The future is already here in climate design and capabilities, but how is it being put into practice? This panel provides a view of promising waterfront developments and restoration initiatives in New York and New Jersey from the private and public sectors, focusing on the shoreline beyond Manhattan. Speakers will explore how nature-based approaches and designs to rehabilitate natural systems represent a new tide of innovation for coastal resilience to protect nature, communities, and boost the economy.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by AECOM

Speakers

Kaitlyn Frega

Associate, McLaren Engineering Group

Kaitlyn Frega is a project manager and lead permitting specialist in the Marine Division at McLaren Engineering Group. She manages a wide range of projects including shoreline stabilization, park redevelopment, and offshore wind development. Kaitlyn earned a B.S. in environmental... Read More →

Karen Appell

Vice President, Climate Adaptation Lead, AECOM

Karen is a vice president and the climate adaptation lead for the Water group at AECOM Metro New York, where she oversees the Extreme Weather Initiative for the region. With 25 years of experience, Karen manages multidisciplinary teams that develop strategic solutions for the planning... Read More →

Jay Valgora

Principal, Studio V

Jay Valgora, FAIA, AICP, WEDG, is founder and principal of STUDIO V, where his designs combine architecture, urban design, landscape, and interiors. Jay leads the Studio’s initiatives to reinvent the 21st-century city, reconnecting innovative architecture and urbanism. His designs... Read More →

Pippa Brashear

Principal, SCAPE Landscape Architecture

Pippa Brashear, RLA, is Resilience Principal and Partner at SCAPE. A leading national expert on resilience planning and design for climate adaptation, Pippa works with multi-disciplinary teams to develop landscape strategies and next-century infrastructure that integrate environmental... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Safra Hall (1st Floor)

Track: Climate Design Innovation & Public Access

2:00pm EDT

Wildlife Spotted! Marine Life Coming Back and Moving North

Improvements in water quality, habitat restoration, and land conservation are bringing back whales, seals, fish, and other wildlife to the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary. At the same time our region is experiencing warming that continues to invite to our harbor and coastal edge species that normally inhabit only southern ranges. This panel looks at these shifts and explores questions about the current outlook for species, along with what new species we could expect more of in the coming years. Defining what constitutes an invasive species will also be considered.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA

Speakers

Anne Barnard

Climate Reporter, The New York Times

Anne Barnard, a veteran New York Times reporter and foreign correspondent, is currently based in New York covering climate and the environment. Anne led coverage of the Syria war for the New York Times for six years, reporting from across the Middle East as Beirut bureau chief from... Read More →

Rebecca McMackin

Director of Horticulture, Brooklyn Bridge Park

Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. By day, she is the director of horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she manages 85 acres of diverse parkland organically and with an eye towards habitat creation for birds, butterflies, and soil... Read More →

Don Riepe

Jamaica Bay Guardian, American Littoral Society

Don Riepe retired in 2003 from the National Park Service where he worked as a naturalist ranger and manager of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in NYC. Currently, he is employed as Jamaica Bay Guardian for the American Littoral Society. Don has written many articles on natural history... Read More →

Sarah Ryan Hudson, Esq.

Director of Advocacy, Gotham Whale

Sarah Hudson is the director of advocacy at Gotham Whale, a research, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to the study and protection of humpback whales and all marine mammals in New York City Harbor and New York Bight. The GW team uses the latest reports from the water... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Keeping History Room (3rd Floor)

Track: Climate-Resilient Strategies and Standards

2:00pm EDT

Port Facilities Running Out of Space: The Need for a Greater Operational Footprint

Increased growth in e-commerce, supply chain challenges related to the pandemic, and the growth of the offshore wind industry require increased room for operations and warehousing at ports in our region. Pressure on port facilities to maximize efficiency and increase their footprint will become an ever-greater challenge in the years to come while aging infrastructure and land use policies threaten to limit growth. This panel defines the need for ports to expand and improve productivity, and discusses the means to realize opportunities for funding capital improvements and expansion, and the effect of limited growth on local economies, communities, and offshore wind.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by Red Hook Terminals

Speakers

Beth Rooney

Director, Port Department, Port Authority of NY & NJ

Bethann Rooney is the director of the port department of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; the nation’s third largest port. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative and operations functions of the port, including facility management, infrastructure... Read More →

Mike Stamatis

President, Red Hook Container Terminal

Michael Stamatis, president and CEO of Red Hook Terminals, began his career in the early 80s as a dock laborer handling break-bulk bananas for the global corporation Noboa. Working his way up through the company, he engaged in international trade, farming, commercial ocean transportation... Read More →

Anne Strauss-Wieder

Director, Freight Planning, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority

Anne Strauss-Wieder is a nationally respected senior executive and expert who currently serves as the director of freight planning for the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. She has over 40 years of public and private sector experience involving supply chains, industrial... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 118 (1st Floor)

Track: Modernizing and Greening Infrastructure for the Climate Crisis

2:00pm EDT

Sharing Waterways for a Renewable Energy Future: Best Practices for Co-Existence in a Congested Harbor

As states look to meet their renewable energy goals, many are turning to their harbors and coastal areas to fill the growing energy gap. At the same time, these waterways experience growing pressures from the shipping industry, fisheries, and coastal communities. This panel looks at the range of roles and responsibilities for co-existence of these stakeholders. Representatives from wind developers, fisheries, and the maritime industries discuss current approaches to cooperation that bring together the government, offshore wind, fishing, and academic communities to study impacts before the first major projects are constructed.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by City Experiences

Speakers

Stephen Lyman

Executive Director, Maritime Association of the Port of NY & NJ

Stephen Lyman joined the Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ as the executive director in January of 2022. Prior to this role he held positions within the maritime and nonprofit sectors including with the Journal of Commerce (JOC) and the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI... Read More →

CDR John Singletary

Chief, Waterways Management Division, USCG Sector New York

Commander John Singletary enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1988 and is a native of Laurinburg, North Carolina. He has served over 19 years at sea aboard inland and seagoing cutters, including command tours aboard Cutters AXE, KENNEBEC, SLEDGE, KATHERINE WALKER, and JUNIPER... Read More →

Amber Hewett

Offshore Wind Energy Program Director, National Wildlife Federation

Amber Hewett is the National Wildlife Federation’s offshore wind energy program director. She started her career in NWF’s National Advocacy Center in Washington, DC before returning to her hometown of Newburyport, Massachusetts to focus specifically on advocating for the responsible... Read More →

Capt. Eric Johansson

Distinguished Service Professor, SUNY Maritime

Captain Eric Johansson is a third-generation Port of NY/NJ Tug Captain and a Distinguished Service Professor at SUNY Maritime College, located in New York City.The Distinguished Service Professorship is the state university’s highest academic rank and is conferred by the state university’s... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Events Hall (2nd Floor)

Track: Offshore Wind & the Harbor

2:00pm EDT

Climate Grief and Climate Anxiety: What Is It and How to Cope with It?

Publicly unspoken but easily understood, more people are dealing with grief and anxiety related to the realities of the climate crisis. This panel explores the current research and recommendations for how to talk about and communicate the personal experience of climate change, and how supportive efforts—from climate art to therapy—are a growing field.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by Battery Park City Authority

Speakers

Munerah Ahmed

Climate Health Director, NYC Department of Health

Munerah Ahmed, MPH, is the climate health director at the Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy of the New York City Health Department. She oversees the programmatic and communications activities of the Climate Health program, including initiatives to increase the social... Read More →

Tara Hughes

Disaster Mental Health Advisor; NE Division, American Red Cross

Eliot

Wendy Greenspun

Clinical Psychologist

Wendy Greenspun, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and couples therapist. She serves on the board and steering committee of the Climate Psychology Alliance-North America. She is faculty at the Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis, at the Adelphi University Postgraduate... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Room 114 (1st Floor)

Track: Social Justice & Civic Engagement

2:50pm EDT

Break

Tuesday May 24, 2022 2:50pm - 3:00pm EDT

Networking/Food

3:00pm EDT

Swimming and Public Access for the 21st-Century Urban Waterfront: Reclaiming Waterfronts for Recreation

Innovative design, masterful engineering, and improved water quality are driving interest in floating structures and urban renewal projects that increase waterfront access. Paris launched a floating pool in the Seine and eco-friendly floating homes dot the waterfront in Amsterdam, yet limits to local access still persist in our region and innovative projects are largely driven by private development. This panel discusses the trend, with leaders in design and community development who envision active places of nature, recreation, and play along waterfronts.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by Two Trees Management

Speakers

Tricia Shimamura

Director of Community Affairs, Office of Manhattan Borough President

Tricia Shimamura is a social worker, a mom, and a proud resident of the Upper East Side. She is currently the director of community affairs for Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. She has spent her career fighting to preserve and enhance the East River Esplanade and activate... Read More →

Noelle A. Thurlow

Director, Resilience Adventures

Noelle Thurlow is the founder and director of Resilience Adventures, which fosters a deeper connection to the natural world through kayaking, paddleboarding, and hands-on STEM programs on the Hudson River. Resilience works to enhance and protect access to the nature that exists in... Read More →

Michelle Young

Founder, Untapped New York

Michelle Young is the founder of Untapped New York. She is a graduate of Harvard College in the history of art and architecture and holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, where she is an adjunct... Read More →

Capri Djatiasmoro

Marathon Swim Events Director, CIBBOWS

Capri Djatiasmoro has been swimming in NYC waters since 2003. In 2005, she founded CIBBOWS, a 501(c)3 corporation, offering open water swim clinics and group swims, with the goal to help swimmers transition from pool to open water. As swim race director, she coordinated permitting... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Keeping History Room (3rd Floor)

Track: Climate Design Innovation & Public Access

3:00pm EDT

Expanding ESG and Impact Investing for Physical Assets

Physical assets ranging from real estate to infrastructure to renewable energy are built to last and expected to provide ongoing value or services to society over several decades. However, climate change increasingly affects all physical assets and sectors and as such, it will impact the portfolio returns and asset valuations on these facilities. Expected returns on sectors such as energy, utilities, and telecoms will be significantly impacted. Governance, environmental, and social factors can drive investment value over time and asset valuations will be affected by how corporations choose to respond to climate issues. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the integration of ESG factors, this discussion considers strategies to incorporate a climate change response into investment processes.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA

Speakers

Alexandra Cooley

CIO, Nuveen Green Capital

Alexandra “Ali” Cooley is an entrepreneur focused on financial innovation to scale the adoption of clean energy. As the co-founder and chief investment officer of Nuveen Green Capital, Ali leads the nation’s largest provider of C-PACE financing, providing leadership and strategic... Read More →

Jan C. Childress

Director, Investor Relations, Consolidated Edison

Since 1998, Jan Childress has served as director of investor relations for Consolidated Edison, Inc. with responsibilities that include sustainability/ESG engagement and reporting. He previously served as vice president of investor relations for KeySpan, where he was employed for... Read More →

Randy Layman

Director, S&P

Randy Layman is a director and lead analyst within S&P Global Ratings' Public Finance practice, primarily focusing on local government and utility system credit quality. Randy is S&P’s specialist in land-secured financing and has provided credit ratings on nearly 1,000 public debt... Read More →

Harriette Resnick

Assistant Deputy Superintendent, Climate Division, NYS Department of Financial Services

Harriette Resnick is an assistant deputy superintendent in the Climate Division of the New York State Department of Financial Services. Before joining DFS, Harriette served as internal counsel to JPMorgan Chase & Co. where as managing director and associate general counsel she led... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Room 118 (1st Floor)

Track: Climate-Resilient Strategies and Standards

3:00pm EDT

Public and Affordable Housing on a Precipice and a Bellwether for Multi-Family Housing

Public housing faces staggering maintenance backlogs made even more serious because of climate change. The climate hazards that public housing must prepare for in the future are an indicator of what multi-family buildings, public and private, also face. This panel explores the current climate resilience of public housing; the planning, programs, funding, and infrastructure needed to protect public housing from the effects of climate change; and how multi-family buildings in our region, especially aging ones, must prioritize the resiliency needed in a hotter, wetter, and more storm-intensive future.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA

Speakers

Walter Rodriguez Meyer

Founding Principal, Local Office Landscape & Urban Design

Walter Rodríguez Meyer is a landscape and urban designer, policy advisor, professor at Parsons The New School, and the founding principal of Local Office Landscape & Urban Design in Brooklyn. Walter founded the minority-owned firm in 2006 after graduating Harvard GSD and working... Read More →

Joy Sinderbrand

Vice President, Recovery and Resilience Department, New York City Housing Authority

Joy Sinderbrand leads the New York City Housing Authority’s Recovery and Resilience Department. Her department manages capital projects associated with the damage from Superstorm Sandy, and works to prepare the agency more broadly for the future impacts of climate change. The Sandy... Read More →

Matthew Washington

Vice President & Chief of Staff, Phipps Houses

Matthew S. Washington is Vice President & Chief of Staff of Phipps Houses – New York City’s oldest and largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing. He is responsible for overseeing all public affairs, focusing on pursuing opportunities to create more affordable housing... Read More →

Laurie Schoeman

Director, Climate and Sustainability, Enterprise Community Investment

Laurie Schoeman is the director of climate and sustainability for Enterprise Community Partners Capital Division and sits in the office of the president. Enterprise is the only national nonprofit that does it all – solutions, capital and community development – under one roof... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Events Hall (2nd Floor)

Track: Modernizing and Greening Infrastructure for the Climate Crisis

3:00pm EDT

The Onshore Challenge for Offshore Wind: Vital Land-Based Infrastructure Required for Offshore Wind Growth

The development of industrial maritime infrastructure capable of meeting offshore wind's logistical demands is a critical factor in this sector’s growth. This includes wharfs and piers that can handle heavy-lift equipment, upland acreage for marshalling equipment and component manufacturing, heavy-haul road connections, and substations needed for transmission cables. As offshore wind becomes more of a part of our economy and harbor, this panel explores the onshore components that make offshore wind possible.

Available for CEUs from APA, AIA & ASLA
Panel sponsored by Equinor

Speakers

Maki Onodera

Ports & Maritime Lead for US North, Jacobs

Maki Onodera is a maritime project manager with over 20 years of experience in the planning, design, inspection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of waterfront structures, both locally and internationally. His experience also includes coastal resiliency and the incorporation of resiliency... Read More →

Mike Stamatis

President, Red Hook Container Terminal

Mike Taylor

Project Developer, Head of Ports, Equinor

Mike Taylor currently serves as Project Developer, Head of Ports, for Equinor Wind US, where he is responsible for securing the port facilities needed to support the development and growth of Equinor’s offshore wind portfolio in the United States. Mike began his career in the... Read More →

Boone Davis

President & CEO, Arthur Kill Terminal

Prior to founding Atlantic Offshore Terminals, Boone Davis served as a principal at the Renewables Consulting Group where he worked as a consultant and project manager for New York's Offshore Wind Master Plan and assisted several other public and private sector clients to advance... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Safra Hall (1st Floor)

Track: Offshore Wind & the Harbor

3:50pm EDT

Break

Tuesday May 24, 2022 3:50pm - 4:00pm EDT

Networking/Food

4:00pm EDT

Closing Program

Program and speakers TBA

Speakers

Ari Kagan

Council Member, District 47, New York City Council

Ari Kagan is the New York City council member representing Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend, and Sea Gate. Ari’s roots in the district run deep. He helped secure relief payments for Coney Island residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. And at the beginning of the COVID-19... Read More →

Tuesday May 24, 2022 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Safra Hall (1st Floor)

Mainstage

4:30pm EDT

Happy Hour Reception, Hosted by Equinor

Tuesday May 24, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Events Hall (2nd Floor)

Networking/Food