Introduction to securing leadership support
June 5, 2025
Introduction to securing leadership support
1–2:30 pm ET (10–11:30 am PT)
Sustainability programs that align with organizational priorities will gain senior leadership’s support and lead to long-term success. The vast majority of top-performing health organizations have an executive-level champion at the top of their sustainability reporting structure. This brings credibility and authority to a sustainability program, setting a tone from the top that this work is important, and so is resourcing it. Acquiring leadership support can sometimes be a tall order.
Join this 90 minute session to learn how to prepare a pitch to executive leadership and which channels of appeal and communication skills can help advance sustainability beyond awareness to action with this critical audience. Facilitators will also guide participants through an interactive exercise to practice using these methods and provide space to exchange ideas and experiences in navigating barriers in securing leadership support.
Key takeaways:
- Consider two over-arching channels of appeal for acquiring executive leadership support: mission alignment and operational benefits.
- Apply new mission alignment strategies to secure leadership’s support through health and equity, peer competition and industry landscape, and/or innovation.
- Learn strategies for gaining leadership support through operational benefits such as cost savings and resource efficiencies, regulatory compliance and risk management, staffing, and resilience.
- Replicate tactics for moving leadership through the process of awareness, desire for change, and action, including tips for when you get stuck.
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This event is part of the Accelerating Health Care Sustainability series. Participation in this session qualifies as one of four required sessions to receive the Sustainability Program Fundamentals Certificate of Completion.

Kate Gottlieb
Job Title
Sustainability Strategy Manager
Organization
Practice Greenhealth
Bringing a wealth of experience from her previous position as a Sustainability Manager in the healthcare sector, Kate is a seasoned professional who specializes in sustainability program fundamentals, data collection, and strategic planning. Kate resides Yakima, WA, and has remained deeply rooted in the enchanting landscapes of the Pacific Northwest throughout her life. Kate finds joy in spending quality time outdoors with her husband and two boys, particularly enjoying activities on the water. A passionate advocate for healthy living, she takes pleasure in preparing and savoring plant-based meals. Kate also actively engages in initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life for those around her.

Matthew Pietro
Job Title
Sustainability Strategy Manager
Organization
Practice Greenhealth
Matthew supports the growth and advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives across the health care sector. Drawing on several years in dedicated sustainability roles within Northeast Ohio health systems, Matthew shares on-the-ground experience with hospital partners as they navigate their own paths forward. He has supported or developed health system programs focused on communication and employee engagement, green building, energy management, waste reduction, food sourcing, and other efforts centered on improving efficiencies and supporting health. Inspired by how the environments we create can support wellness, he continues his education as a LEED AP, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, and TRUE Advisor.
Join Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth is the health care sector’s go-to source for information, tools, data, resources, and expert technical support on sustainability initiatives that help hospitals and health systems meet their health, financial, and community goals.