Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Emily McGarvey is a seasoned sustainability leader with a proven track record of driving impactful change across diverse industries. As the Director of Sustainability at Room & Board, she is responsible for spearheading the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, ensuring their products and operations align with the highest sustainability standards.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role as Director of Sustainability at Room & Board, Emily is responsible for developing and implementing the company's comprehensive sustainability strategy. She oversees the integration of sustainability practices across all aspects of the business, from product design and manufacturing to logistics and end-of-life management. Emily's strategic leadership has been instrumental in Room & Board's recognition as a leading sustainable furniture retailer, with the company's eco-friendly practices and commitment to environmental responsibility becoming a key differentiator in the market.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Room & Board, Emily held various leadership roles in the sustainability and corporate responsibility space. As a Principal and Consultant at Star Impact Consulting, LLC, she advised clients on sustainable business strategies and helped them navigate complex environmental and social challenges. She has also served as a consultant for industry initiatives and organizations, such as the Apparel Impact Institute and The Circulate Initiative, where she leveraged her expertise in stakeholder engagement and strategy development to drive positive change.
Emily's career trajectory includes a significant tenure at Target, where she held various positions within the company's corporate responsibility and product development teams. As the Director of Corporate Responsibility, she was responsible for leading sustainability initiatives and stakeholder engagement efforts, while her previous roles in product development and buying provided her with a deep understanding of the retail industry's operational complexities.
Academic Background
Emily holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with honors. Her academic background has equipped her with a strong foundation in sustainability principles, data analysis, and systems thinking, which she seamlessly applies to her professional endeavors.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable business strategy development and implementation
- ESG program design and performance measurement
- Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration
- Circular economy principles and product life-cycle management
- Retail industry operations and supply chain optimization
- Corporate responsibility and sustainability reporting
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Emily has spearheaded numerous impactful sustainability initiatives that have yielded tangible results. At Room & Board, she has led the company's efforts to increase the use of recycled and renewable materials in their product designs, resulting in a significant reduction in their environmental footprint. Additionally, she has implemented innovative waste reduction and energy efficiency programs that have contributed to Room & Board's recognition as an industry leader in sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Emily McGarvey's extensive experience and deep expertise in sustainability make her a valuable asset to Room & Board and the broader retail industry. Her strategic vision, coupled with her ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and deliver measurable results, position her as a respected thought leader in the realm of corporate sustainability. As she continues to shape the future of Room & Board's environmental and social impact, Emily remains committed to advancing sustainable business practices and inspiring positive change.
