Moderator: Jean Ponzi

As Green Resources Manager for EarthWays Center, the sustainability division of Missouri Botanical Garden, Jean Ponzi has led the St. Louis Green Business Challenge since this program launched in 2010. She is on the regional leadership team of BiodiverseCity St. Louis and serves the public as operator of the Garden’s Green Resources Info Service.

Cortex: Colleen Autry

Colleen Autry is Vice President of District Operations at Cortex in St. Louis. She strategizes and

guides district projects through construction meetings with tenants and developers, orchestrating operations of the existing 200-acre campus. She leads the security and parking teams, and the multi-building, multi-business Green Team. Her work strives to bring sustainability to the forefront of every endeavor, guided by the Sustainability Action Plan

adopted in 2022 by the Cortex Board.

St. Louis Art Museum: Maria Kveton

Maria Kveton, PMP, is the Events Manager at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Maria leads the SLAM Green Team, with members from fourteen (14) departments. This dynamic group strives to increase sustainability and reduce waste in building and staff operations and from visitor events and services.

Saint Louis Zoo: Frank Fischer

Frank Fischer, currently a Bird Department Keeper, has been a conservation force for the Saint Louis Zoo since 1987. He is an active member of the Zoo’s mighty Green Team, and has co-chaired the Climate Communications Committee. Frank’s leadership launched the “NO THANKS” to plastic straws initiative, and Climate Solutions Day, an annual Zoo public event.