Erik Foley

Erik Foley is the Director of the Center for the Business of Sustainability and an Instructor in the Department of Management and Organization at the Smeal College of Business, Penn State University. He leads key academic and professional initiatives focused on advancing sustainability within business education and practice, including the Business Sustainability Strategy Graduate Certificate Program and the 'Building a Sustainable Supply Chain' executive course.

His research and professional focus centers on sustainability strategy, social entrepreneurship, and change leadership. He emphasizes integrating authentic social and environmental impact into business models through servant leadership and rigorous business analysis. His work supports equitable communities and the built environment, aligning business goals with broader societal and ecological well-being.

Erik teaches courses in sustainability and social entrepreneurship, consults with organizations, and leads workshops on the role of business in advancing environmental regeneration and social justice. He is actively contributing to Penn State's leadership in sustainability, as reflected in recent institutional initiatives and news coverage of the university's sustainability achievements.

He holds a leadership role in multiple educational programs and sustainability initiatives at Penn State. As faculty director and co-faculty director of graduate and executive programs, he plays a central role in shaping sustainability education for both degree-seeking and professional audiences.