Ben Packard Email and Phone Number

As the inaugural Harriet Bullitt Endowed Executive Director of EarthLab at the University of Washington, I work to connect decision-makers outside of UW with the incredible resources -- faculty, researchers and students -- on our campuses. This exciting new initiative addresses large-scale environmental challenges, making a positive impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. EarthLab accelerates and focuses UW expertise on the most important environmental issues we face. We are building relationships between the University and public, private, nonprofit and other sectors that deliver impact.

As the Global Managing Director of Corporate Engagement at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) from 2013 to 2017, I lead the team that was accountable for TNC's overall corporate engagement strategy in service of the mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our team worked across the global organization to manage strategic relationships with leading companies to incorporate the value of nature into the core of business plans and decision-making. I was also Chair of TNC’s Business Council and on the Board of Directors for The Sustainability Consortium.

I had the incredible experience of growing in roles and responsibilities as Starbucks developed a comprehensive and industry-leading sustainability strategy. Coming out of my MBA, I began on the environmental programs and grew in role and responsibilities to lead the sustainability team from 2008-2013. Appointed VP by Howard Schultz in 2008, during a difficult time for the company, we reimagined Starbucks' business approach to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. By setting bold new goals we elevated our impact and the awareness of our customers and partners (employees). I was lucky enough to represent the company and my fellow partners in global forums on sustainability and managed key NGO, academic and industry relationships in support of Starbucks responsible business programs. I was also accountable for the development of and content in the company’s annual Global Responsibility Report.