Chris Vlahoplus, partner and clean tech & sustainability practice leader at ScottMadden, has joined the advisory board of Duke University's Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment (EDGE). The EDGE Advisory Board is designed to foster close working relationships between leading business practitioners and academics to create new knowledge and solutions to energy and sustainability challenges.

EDGE has a unique approach to energy and environment, as described by Dan Vermeer, executive director of EDGE and associate professor of the practice at Fuqua School of Business: "While other business schools have centers that address one or the other of these topics, we deliberately pair them together. We believe that leadership in today's energy industry cannot be informed without an understanding of environmental impacts and natural resource constraints that affect the market; likewise, leadership on corporate sustainability cannot truly be achieved without innovation on the energy front."

"We are excited to work along other industry leaders to help advise EDGE as it addresses rapid, and sometimes disruptive, changes in energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability," says Mr. Vlahoplus.

"Because Mr. Vlahoplus works across the entire energy industry, he has a unique perspective on the changes and opportunities for companies in the sector. These insights are valuable for Duke as we prepare the business leaders of the future," adds Mr. Vermeer.

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