US SIF Elects New Board Chair and Directors to Guide Sustainable Investment Strategy

The US SIF: The Sustainable Investment Forum has elected a new Board Chair and eight Directors for the 2025-2027 term, marking a significant shift in leadership for the organization that represents $5 trillion in assets under management or advisement. This change in governance comes at a crucial time for the sustainable investing industry, as it seeks to rapidly transform investment practices towards sustainability and long-term value creation.

Stephanie Cohn Rupp, CEO of Veris Wealth Partners, has been elected as the new Board Chair, bringing over two decades of global impact investing experience to the role. Cohn Rupp succeeds Diederik Timmer, who held the position for seven years. The election of Cohn Rupp, along with the diverse group of new board members, reflects US SIF's commitment to innovation and excellence in sustainable investing.

The newly elected board members bring a wealth of experience from various sectors of the sustainable finance industry. Notable additions include Rebecca Adamson, founder of First Peoples Worldwide, who brings expertise in Indigenous Peoples' rights and corporate behavior; Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds, recognized for her influence in corporate engagement and environmental advocacy; and Saurabh Narain, President and CEO of National Community Investment Fund, with a track record of growing assets under management for community development financial institutions.

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the sustainable investing industry. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors increasingly influence investment decisions, the expertise and diverse perspectives of the new board members will be crucial in guiding US SIF's strategic direction. The organization aims to support the shift towards a more resilient economy and generate positive social and environmental impacts through investment practices.

The election of these new board members also underscores US SIF's dedication to diversity within its leadership ranks. The inclusion of professionals with backgrounds in impact litigation, sustainable finance policy, and mission-driven asset management reflects the multifaceted approach required to advance sustainable investing practices in today's complex financial landscape.

Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF, emphasized the significance of this transition, stating that the new board members will help build on the organization's legacy and support the shift to a more resilient economy. The diverse expertise of the board is expected to play a crucial role in delivering on US SIF's ambitious aims for the coming years, potentially influencing the direction of sustainable investing on a broader scale.

As the sustainable investing sector continues to grow and evolve, the leadership of organizations like US SIF becomes increasingly important. The decisions and strategies developed by this new board could have far-reaching implications for how environmental and social factors are integrated into investment processes across the financial industry. This could, in turn, affect how capital is allocated to address global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and corporate governance issues.

The impact of this leadership change may extend beyond the immediate members of US SIF. As a preeminent voice in sustainable investing, the organization's initiatives and advocacy efforts have the potential to shape policy, influence corporate behavior, and set standards for sustainable investment practices industry-wide. The diverse backgrounds and expertise of the new board members position US SIF to address a wide range of issues critical to the advancement of sustainable finance.

As the financial world grapples with the integration of sustainability into mainstream investing, the guidance provided by US SIF's new leadership will be closely watched by investors, policymakers, and corporations alike. The organization's ability to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and to promote practices that generate both financial returns and positive societal impacts will be critical in the years to come.