As Co-founder of MBDC, I have been working with our green chemists to encourage products that are safer and healthier for a Circular Economy for more than two decades. Jay and the rest of the team will utilize their knowledge as creators of Cradle to Cradle Certified™ to work alongside your company to assess and optimize your products and processes.”

Matt Kistler is a global executive with a demonstrated history of driving results across industries; including consumer products, retail, wholesale, hospitality, technology and ESG. Having worked for firms ranging from $300M to $500B in annual revenue such as Walmart, Sam’s Club and InterContinental Hotels Group, Matt now serves as the President of McDonough Innovation and the Managing Director of MBDC. Matt works directly with Circular Economy pioneer William McDonough to help businesses, governments and NGOs embed Cradle to Cradle Design™ within their organizations. Matt’s sustainability leadership has been recognized by numerous outlets, including Fast Company and The Washington Post, which credited him with helping Walmart launch their 2005 initiative in favor of the federal EnergyStar program. Also during his time as Senior Vice President at Walmart, Matt worked toward the creation of the Walmart Packaging Scorecard and the Walmart Sustainability Index.

Matt also created The Sustainability Consortium, a multi-industry organization working on the science behind product sustainability. Combined, the members account for over $2.4 trillion in revenue in the CPG and retail industries. The Sustainability Consortium is driving a new generation of innovative consumer products and was recognized as one of Scientific American’s “Top Ten World Changing Ideas” in 2012. Matt is also a Founders’ Circle Member of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

As Administration Director, Elizabeth supports the development and optimization of MBDC’s processes, procedures, and strategic direction. She also serves as Director with McDonough Innovation, a consulting firm run by William McDonough. In her dual role, Elizabeth brings over a decade of experience in project management and entrepreneurial design. Most recently, she built and managed a community engagement and sustainability program for a craft brewery, and throughout her career, has developed a passion for helping businesses generate positive impact for their communities. Elizabeth is a proud “Double Hoo,” with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Jay Bolus is one of the most authoritative speakers on the human and environmental impacts of products and materials. Using his extensive knowledge of Cradle to CradleDesign™ applied to products and materials, Jay has the unique insight required to understand how to work with a company’s global supply chain to inventory, assess and optimize products.

Jay works closely with product development teams to add business value through a better understanding of what products are made from and how to optimize them thorough continuous improvement. As one of the original authors of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program, Jay has the ability to integrate his know-how to fit the client’s area of business and make a technical subject understandable.

Peyton is a project director who brings wide-ranging research experience to the team — from psychological flexibility to developing bio-based resins. Her understanding of the human interface between decision-making and consumer-level chemistry engagement are a particular asset to Cradle to Cradle assessments and optimization. Peyton supports MBDC clients behind the scenes with research, material assessments, supply-chain inquiries and certification project streamlining.

Kolton joined the MBDC team after graduating from the University of Virginia with a Master’s in chemistry with a focus on environmental application and inorganic synthesis. While studying for his master’s, Kolton worked as a graduate lab student researcher and a TA for UVA’s organic chemistry lab where he led in the academic advancement of future undergraduate students in the field of chemistry. Kolton also holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and has worked as a licensed EMT.

Michelle brings a diverse skill set to the MBDC team, backed by 12+ years of experience in project and client relationship management. She started out on her professional journey as a financial analyst in commercial real estate and was exposed to USGBC’s (then) new LEED rating system. She was instantly motivated by the intrinsic value of sustainable design. A few years later, as product manager in the textile/durable goods industry, she encountered the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program. It was a tipping point in her life, and soon thereafter she moved to Chicago, where she earned her M.S. in Environmental Management and Sustainability from Illinois Institute of Technology. Since moving back east in 2012, Michelle has supported and advised on numerous projects for a diverse portfolio of clients in the public and private sector.

Following an internship with the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, Olivia joined MBDC as an Environmental Chemist. During her time with the Institute, Olivia conducted research on regulations and corporate policies and developed a restricted substance list for cosmetics and personal care products. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Bates College and was named a Thoreau Scholar by the Henry David Thoreau Foundation. As a student, Olivia also interned with the Bates Office of Sustainability and the Warner Babcock Institute. 

Ben joined MBDC as a Manager after graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s of Science in chemical engineering. As a student Ben tutored other chemical engineering majors, as well as local high school students, and completed an internship with Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. He is also a recipient of David Lee Preddy Award for Chemical Engineering Design. Ben is particularly interested in sustainable engineering practices and how they can help the development of clean, renewable energy technologies to meet increasing demand.

Kendall joined MBDC as a Manager after graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Fiber Science and Apparel Design and minors in Business and Environmental Science. As a student, Kendall studied a variety of fibers, polymers and textiles, including looking closely at their chemistries and properties. Her undergraduate research included analyzing the chemical makeup of children’s car seats. Kendall is particularly interested in advancing circular design and completed an internship with Accelerating Circularity, an organization focused on creating a circular supply chain for the fashion industry.

Celeste has an extensive background in Cradle to Cradle and sustainable design, having worked for Philadelphia-based sustainable architecture firms for over 15 years. She manages MBDC’s graphics, branding and overall visual identity. Celeste is a LEED Green Associate and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University.

Katherine joined MBDC as a Communications Associate after graduating from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in communication studies and a concentration in public relations. She has a background of interning for a PR agency and running social media accounts on behalf of JMU’s psychology research lab. Katherine uses her writing, editing, and social media skills to create content on behalf of MBDC and its clients, and to raise awareness around Cradle to Cradle Design™ for the Circular Economy.