Stephen Jordan
CEO
Stephen Jordan re-launched the Institute for Sustainable Development in June 2018 in response to the devastating series of disasters that took place in 2017. Under his leadership, the Institute has become a resource for municipalities, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and corporate citizens on the front lines of community disaster recovery, resilience, and sustainable development. The Institute's senior fellows and advisors conduct research, provide technical assistance, and advance cutting-edge ideas to help reduce the impact of disasters, shorten the duration of recovery periods, and promote equitable access to resources and support systems for small businesses and at-risk communities.
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Jordan is a serial policy entrepreneur, having previously launched/co-launched IO Sustainability (2013), the Business Education Network (2005), the Center for Corporate Citizenship of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2000), and the Partnership for Critical Infrastructure Security (1999). He created the Corporate Citizens Awards, co-authored the first State of Corporate Citizenship Report, wrote a brief history of Corporate Citizenship, built the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's internationally-recognized small business disaster assistance program, and organized the first Military Quality of Life summits and the Annual International Women's Day Forum.
Previously, Jordan served as Executive Director of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America. He has also worked in the publishing industry and for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Jordan is also a fellow of the Caux Round Table and President of the Ivy Inter-American Foundation. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University and an MA in Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia, with high academic honors from both institutions.