Catalog
Developing (And Communicating) An Effective ESG Framework
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is not just a movement – it is a daily reality for businesses.
As Houston continues to serve as a hub for economic development, ranking third among U.S. metro areas in Fortune 500 headquarters, stakeholders are demanding a greater level of sophistication and transparency in ESG initiatives.
On Thursday, Feb. 24, join IABC Houston for an in-person panel discussion on the role communications and marketing professionals can play in creating transparent ESG programs that are grounded in purpose, values, and key performance indicators.
Attendees will hear from a panel of experts as they share strategies to ensure that your business or clients are aligning their corporate, stakeholder, and industry-specific expectations, goals, and ambitions to differentiate, lead, and win tomorrow.
About the Panelists
Carol Liffman, Global Affairs Associates | Panelist
Carol Liffman developed a balanced, pragmatic approach to business through a 25-plus year career that crossed the energy value chain from reservoir to burner-tip, holding both technical and nontechnical roles at several major integrated oil and gas companies. Carol’s interest in bridging the technological and human concerns inherent in complex systems is at the heart of her approach. She draws on broad experience with creative problem-solving skills – ranging from systems dynamics and design to decision quality and risk management to lean and operations science – always acknowledging that the contribution of diverse stakeholders will unlock the most innovative solutions.
Along with practical experience in strategic decision and risk management at Fortune 500 companies, Carol is an avid life-long learner. She was among the inaugural class receiving the prestigious Sustainability and Climate Risk credential from the Global Association of Risk Professionals in 2020. She earned a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto and was recognized as a Sustainability Excellence Associate by the International Society of Sustainability Professionals in 2018. Her earlier academic accomplishments include an MBA, an MS Geology, and project and risk management credentials from the Project Management Institute.
Carol considers it her good fortune to have traveled widely and worked with people from across the social spectrum. Her work as a geologist brought her to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Trinidad, and Venezuela. She has visited forty-six countries and all fifty states, with multiple or extended visits to many of them. In the local community, she supports the United Way Women’s Initiative and is an active volunteer at Fotofest and the Houston Center for Photography, where she currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors.
Kathy Norris, Kodiak Gas Services | Panelist
Kathy Norris is the VP of ESG Innovations and Business Development at Kodiak Gas Services, the largest privately held compression services provider in the United States. With an ESG Certification from the Energy Workforce and Technology Council, Kathy’s day-to-day role is to enhance future opportunities for Kodiak’s ESG strategy while working with government entities in the areas of compliance and accountability.
In November 2021, Kathy played a crucial role as Kodiak was awarded as an inaugural 2021 Energy ESG Top Performers at the Hart Energy ESG Awards Conference. The award recognizes innovations in reducing environmental impact, social efforts, and community contributions, leadership practices, and company culture.
Prior to joining Kodiak in 2017, Kathy spent more than three decades in a variety of marketing and sales positions at SEC Energy Products, Caterpillar, and Automatic Switch Company. In 2022, Kathy was elected to the Board of Directors of the Gas Processors Service Association, the service arm for the Gas Processors Association.
Kathy volunteers with several organizations and devoted 2021 launching the Kodiak Cares Foundation. Kathy also volunteers with Sky High for Kids, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and serves as a board member for the Jehovah Rapha Care Ministry, which provides housing food and assistance to people with cancer in Houston.
Jason Stewart, Kodiak Gas Services | Panelist
Jason Stewart is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for Kodiak Gas Services, the largest privately-held compression services provider in the United States.
In November 2021, Jason played a crucial role as Kodiak was awarded as an inaugural 2021 Energy ESG Top Performers at the Hart Energy ESG Awards Conference. The award recognizes innovations in reducing environmental impact, social efforts, and community contributions, leadership practices, and company culture.
Prior to joining Kodiak in 2016, Jason held senior origination and underwriting roles at PNC Business Credit, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, and CIT Energy. Additionally, Jason spent time as CFO of Enerven Compression.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Colorado State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Chris Talley, Pierpont Communications | Moderator
Chris Talley is a Pierpont senior counselor with more than three decades of communication experience, culminating in his role as a FORTUNE 100 chief communications officer. Through the years he has led teams at or in support of iconic brands including USAA, AT&T, Chevron, ConocoPhillps and Lockheed Martin. Prior to Pierpont, Chris was chief communications officer and SVP of Corporate Communications for USAA, one of America’s leading financial services companies.
At USAA, Chris was responsible for all communications, leading strategy, reputation management, crisis planning and outreach and engagement with employees, the board of directors, regulators and all other external stakeholders.
Chris joined USAA in 2008 from FleishmanHillard (FH). During 13 years at FH, he planned, managed and executed numerous programs, including M&A activity, for a range of FORTUNE 500 clients. As senior partner and senior vice president, Chris served as general manager of three separate FH offices, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. He joined FH from Churchill Group and before spent five years in public affairs at Lockheed Martin in Denver.
Chris earned a journalism degree from Baylor University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He is a frequent guest speaker at colleges across the country and proudly mentors dozens of aspiring PR practitioners. He is a trustee for the Institute for Public Relations and a member of Page, the world’s leading association for senior communicators. He serves on the boards of the Hemisfair Conservancy, San Antonio Medical Foundation, Alamo Area Council (Boy Scouts) and Endeavors, along with the Baylor Journalism, PR & New Media advisory board.
