Sustainability Foundation Board profiles

What is your current role?
I serve as the VP of Development at Blue Horizon Energy, where I help clients achieve their financial and sustainability goals through energy projects including solar, battery storage, and EV charging. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is guiding clients through the complexities of these projects—from initial planning to completion—and continuing to support them as their assets operate successfully. I also take great pride in working alongside our operations and field teams to deliver these projects. They are among the most hardworking and humble people I’ve had the privilege to work with.

What motivated you to join the Sustainability Foundation Board?
Bill Keegan was the main driver in joining the Sustainability Foundation. After I toured the Dem-Con facilities with Bill, and he spoke about the impactful work the foundation had done and was continuing to do with Minnesota businesses, I was motivated to join the Board.

How do you see the Sustainability Foundation’s work making a difference for Minnesota communities or businesses?
The Sustainability Foundation gives Minnesota businesses, especially small businesses, a resource to improve their efficiency and save time and money to allocate to other efforts. By helping businesses improve profitability through sustainability, it creates a local and regional environment that will thrive economically, both for organizations and people.

What trends or innovations in sustainability are you most excited about right now?
In the solar/storage/EV charging industry, even with the large swings in policy over the last few years, we continue to see large rate increases that fall heavily on the shoulders of businesses. Our clients that have invested in energy projects are mitigating these large rate increases which help reduce operational expenses. These business can then investment in other areas of their organization to continue to grow.

What’s your favorite Minnesota season?
Fall. I have loved football since I was a kid, but even more so now that I have the opportunity to coach my oldest son's team. Over the last few years seeing the boys grow to love the game, but more importantly, develop strong character and learn other essential values from the game has been deeply meaningful.

Favorite local spot?
Our family spends a lot of time at the baseball diamonds, football fields, and ice rinks depending on the season, but when I have time, I enjoy biking on the Luce Line and Dakota trails. The time on the trail is as much for space to take in the beauty that is easy to forget as it is the exercise.

What's one fun fact people might not know about you?
I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts dedicated to theology and spirituality. I have found what I consume and what I give my attention to has formed me (for better and worse), so over the last few years, I've tried to make an effort to be formed in the image of Christ.
 

Julie Ketchum began her career in microbiology, but she quickly realized lab work wasn’t her calling. Determined to find the right fit, she dove into a variety of roles, at one point even driving many miles to collect ground water samples.  

Her path led her to positions at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the former Office of Environmental Assistance. For the past 23 years, she has enjoyed being in government affairs and communication roles with Waste Management. Today, she is the Area Director of Government Affairs for Waste Management covering a six-state region.

“There are such diverse issues to work on – city and state. It is ever-changing,” she shares. Julie clearly thrives in this fast-paced environment. She confesses to being ‘a little bit competitive.’

She approaches each project armed with as much information as possible. She believes it is crucial to look very closely at every issue to study all potential impacts and implications. "You need to understand the positions of the various stakeholders, especially your direct competitors." This requires her to always be go-go-go, but she certainly isn’t complaining.  

Julie is serving on the Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability Foundation Board for the second time, this time as Board Chair.  

“I wholeheartedly support the Sustainability Foundation’s mission,” she says. Her favorite part of each Board meeting? Hearing the program highlights and status updates. She also values the opportunity to hear the perspectives and understand the positions of her fellow talented Board members.  

Julie’s advice for professionals in sustainability is to stay curious. “You have to want to learn it. Check in with the state environmental committees, follow the issues, look for the opportunities.”

We’re grateful to Julie for her dedication, insight and board leadership. Her work continues to shape the direction of Sustainability Foundation and we are proud to have her guiding the way! 

As the Sustainability Manager for GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, Chrissie Walsh leverages her climate-focused skillset as an Atmospheric Scientist to help further the company’s vision of global leadership and tangible contributions in sustainable water systems. 

Chrissie holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of Minnesota; a master’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Biogeochemical Cycles from Lund University in Sweden; and worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on her thesis development in Boulder, Colorado. 

Prior to GF BFS, Chrissie worked nearly 10 years with 3M’s corporate Energy Management department. In her personal life, she enjoys playing with her two young daughters, running, mountain biking, Minnesota Twins baseball, and is an avid reader.