Suzanne Klatt began as an adjunct professor in Columbia University’s Sustainability Management program this summer. Outside of Columbia, she serves as the director of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs and strategy at IBM. This includes ESG strategy, frameworks and roadmaps, refining disclosures, data collection and reporting, and finally client engagement and thought leadership.
Previously, during her time at NASDAQ, she served as an integral part of shaping the sustainability approach and response to climate change, as well as the subject matter expert in ESG reporting for the firm. She participated in the cross-functional sustainability committee and working groups. Her previous position was vice president of environment and sustainability at Prudential Financial, Inc. There her focus was on integrating long-term value creation into the company’s sustainability/ESG strategy. She also led corporate ESG reporting and strategic policy and advocacy initiatives.
Klatt completed her master’s in Sustainability Management from Columbia University in May 2020. She also has a master’s degree in French Studies from New York University and a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
What initially motivated you to pursue the field of sustainability?
The field of sustainability is a field that inherently promotes the greater good of the world. I enjoy a career in the pursuit of a purpose.
What drew you to the Sustainability Management program?
I was drawn by the excellence of the program and course offerings.
What course will you be teaching this fall and what excites you most about it?
I will be teaching the Corporate Sustainability Reporting class in the fall of 2022. I am excited to learn and teach students pursuing a career in this discipline.
What changes do you hope to see in the field of sustainability in the future?
I hope to see the depoliticization of the climate change agenda in this country.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a career in sustainability?
My advice to students is to continue to be a tempered radical and be the change you want to see in the world.
