CohnReznick launched a new awards program to recognize U.S.-based businesses that are “changing the game” through their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and practices.
The Gamechangers in ESG Awards program, presented by CohnReznick – a leader in industries driving ESG and sustainability for decades – salutes the inspiring journey that companies are undertaking in the ESG space. Any U.S.- based company is eligible to apply for the award, whether it is in an earlier stage of its ESG journey or has well-established ESG initiatives already in place. Expected to be an annual awards program, applications for this inaugural event must be completed by June 30, 2022 with awards announced in fall 2022.
Companies can complete the awards application online by visiting the Gamechangers in ESG Awards section of the CohnReznick website.
The prestigious panel of judges includes:
- Toby Belsom - Director, UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
- Jeff Cherry - Founder And Executive Director, Conscious Venture Lab
- Susan S. Coffey, CPA, CGMA - Chief Executive Officer – Public Accounting, AICPA & CIMA
- Cary S. Krosinsky - Lecturer, Yale University; Co-founder, Sustainable Finance Institute; Co-founder, Carbon Tracker
- Nate Mook - CEO, World Central Kitchen
- Rebecca Shambaugh - President, SHAMBAUGH Leadership, and Founder, Women in Leadership and Learning
- Laura Siegel Rabinowitz - Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
- Sandra E. Taylor - CEO, Sustainable Business International LLC
- Suzanne Tedrow - Director, Sustainability, Global Store Development, Starbucks
- John Alfonso, CPA, CGMA - 2021 Board Chair, American Cancer Society; Partner - Not-for-Profit & Education Industry Leader, CohnReznick
- Mark Hooley, CPA - Chief Operating Officer, CohnReznick
The awards, which will be presented this fall, include the Gamechanger of the Year 2022 award. Additionally, there is a Next Gen Award program open to students who demonstrate leadership in ESG by providing creative solutions that address ESG challenges in their schools or communities.
Award winners receive:
- A professionally developed video or written case study showcasing their ESG story;
- National recognition and promotion via the CohnReznick website, social media, nationwide press outreach, and marketing programs;
- Rights to use the ESG Gamechangers award logo, and;
- Recognition at a virtual award ceremony
“Businesses are understanding how ESG is becoming a significant driver of value, customer preference, and competitive differentiation,” said David Kessler, CohnReznick CEO. “Our Gamechangers in ESG Awards program offers a unique platform for organizations to broadly communicate their ESG stories to key stakeholders and inspire others to follow in their path.”
Kessler adds, “I believe CohnReznick is uniquely qualified to lead this first-of-its-kind ESG awards program in our industry. We’ve held a leadership position in community investment and development for more than 35 years and our history of social advocacy has helped strengthen housing policies and paved the way for emerging industries like renewable energy and cannabis.”