Since 2002, Drew Horning has been committed to helping the University of Michigan be a leader in sustainability. His work includes conceptualizing, building, and leading efforts that engage, empower, and support faculty and students across all U-M units, as well as connecting their expertise with external stakeholders to foster collaborative sustainability solutions at all scales. Drew consistently applies a systems perspective, promotes strategic alignment across institute activities, and supports the Graham team in developing new initiatives that advance the organization’s mission.
Alongside his leadership roles with Graham, Drew has led several high-profile campus initiatives at the request of U-M executive officers. He guided the development of U-M’s first campus sustainability goals and served as Administrative Director for the President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality, Special Advisor to the President for Carbon Neutrality Strategy, and Interim Assistant Vice President for Campus Sustainability.
Drew’s expertise centers on systems thinking, leadership development for sustainability, and the role institutional structures play in promoting or impeding sustainable behavior. He has taught in these areas as an intermittent lecturer in multiple U-M schools and colleges. Throughout his career, Drew has also advised external organizations across sectors. In higher education, he currently serves on the steering committee of the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) and represents U-M in Second Nature’s Academic Leaders Alliance.
Before joining Graham, Drew was Managing Director of U-M’s Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise. He previously worked in the energy sector, focusing on the deployment of clean and renewable technologies, and began his career as a personal financial advisor. Drew completed his graduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning an MBA from the Business School (now Ross) and an MSc from the School of Natural Resources and Environment (now SEAS). He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona.
