Allsteel sponsors NeoCon 2011 keynote speaker

For the 12th consecutive year, Allsteel Inc. is partnering with IIDA to sponsor the keynote speaker at NeoCon. Scheduled to address attendees at the Monday, June 13th opening session is Matt Petersen, who as president and CEO of Global Green USA, and U.S. Chair of Green Cross International, has created a strong universal presence as a social entrepreneur responsible for numerous sustainable design initiatives worldwide.

“It’s become something of a tradition for Allsteel to join with IIDA for this official start to NeoCon,” said Kris Yates, vice president of marketing at Allsteel. “We’re proud to be able to continue in this role, especially since it brings such accomplished speakers and informative programs to the design community.”

Petersen was among the first to lead a response to the deadly Gulf Coast hurricanes in 2005, developing and implementing a restoration program- Healthy Homes and Smart Neighborhoods. By partnering with activist Brad Pitt, Habitat for Humanity, and the NOLA Green Schools Initiative, they created a plan to rebuild communities with energy efficient housing and school systems for the people of New Orleans.

Petersen’s experience in sustainable public service is extensive. He also is an advisor to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy, and serves on the board of the Environmental Media Association.

He takes to the stage 8 a.m. on June 13th at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza’s Sauganash Ballroom.