About SLI

Our objective is to work side-by-side with people who are passionate about leading the way with others toward solutions that work.

Committed leaders emerging from every corner of society, working together to create a sustainable world: Enlightened, Empowered, Engaged.

Our Team

Mary A. Ferdig, Ph.D.

President/CEO
Visit Mary's Website

Omaha, NE

Mary A. Ferdig, Ph.D., co-founded the Sustainability Leadership Institute in 2004 with colleagues in Vermont and Colorado. Each founder brought unique backgrounds and expertise to their shared commitment to support leaders seeking integrated environmental, social and economic sustainability. Ferdig’s role as President/CEO is informed by her 35+ years of leadership and organizational development experience in the US/Canadian utility industry, as well as other business sectors, nonprofits, and government organizations. As a seasoned practitioner, Ferdig facilitates strategy development, problem-solving, organizational change, and conflict management, though perhaps most enjoys teaching graduate students. Ferdig holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in human communication studies, emphasis psychology, at the University of NE, Omaha and a Ph.D. in organizational development and change at Benedictine University, Chicago, IL.

Publications & Presentations
Mary A. Ferdig, Ph.D. Website

Sherry Helmke

Independent Collaborator

Omaha, NE and Paonia, CO

Sherry Helmke, principle of New View Now, is a catalyst for collaborative innovation and change. Her successes include a nationally-recognized Non-profit Leadership Education Program published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review; fund development planning and implementation for non-profit clients; and high-profile leadership conferences and gatherings, featuring speakers such as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, African American astronaut Mae Jemison and author and activist Gloria Steinem. Sherry’s degree in journalism, with political science and women’s studies emphases, at the University of Nebraska, as well as the many leadership positions she has held, including executive director of a global leadership development institute (ICAN) and marketing/community networking directors for major healthcare organizations (United Healthcare and Nebraska Methodist) reveal her vast experiential breadth and depth.

Paul Wright

Independent Collaborator

Walnut Creek, CA

Paul Wright, principal of WrightWork Communications, co-creates understanding and action with others through his writing, teaching, consultation and community facilitation. His academic background with UC, Berkeley and Fordham Law School degrees and study at Oxford University contribute to his foundational understanding of philosophy, history, and democratic law that informs his work. Whether consulting with university students, authors, executive leaders or with organizations ranging from financial institutions to community groups, Paul’s genuine interest in others coupled with his curiosity and innovative thinking help people produce meaningful results. In addition to client support, Paul holds a guest professorship at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China and is a member of the Berrett-Koehler Publishers Foundation Board.

The Sustainability Leadership Institute (SLI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) research and development organization that supports sustainability leaders who recognize they'll never know enough—on their own—about what it takes to respond to the ever-changing complexity of our world.