Angela Knight is a dynamic and visionary executive leader whose 28-year career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and corporate transformation. With a foundation in chemical engineering and a passion for environmental stewardship, Angela has built a reputation as a catalyst for change across the chemicals, manufacturing, and environmental industries. Her professional journey reflects both depth and breadth — from technical engineering roles to senior leadership positions guiding global sustainability initiatives. Her work has consistently bridged the gap between industrial innovation and environmental responsibility, positioning her as a strategic force for organizations seeking to build a sustainable future.
Currently serving as the Director of Sustainability at PQ Corporation, Angela has spearheaded the company’s corporate sustainability program, developing long-term strategies that align business growth with measurable environmental impact. Under her leadership, PQ Corporation established its first comprehensive sustainability report, providing formalized disclosures and data assurance to stakeholders worldwide. Her leadership has been instrumental in embedding sustainability into the company’s operational DNA, fostering accountability across departments, and creating systems that track progress toward ambitious corporate goals.
Prior to joining PQ Corporation, Angela dedicated over 14 years to Corning Incorporated, one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science. As America’s Manager for Global Environment and Sustainability, she led efforts to enhance environmental compliance, manage sustainability reporting, and cultivate a culture of responsible innovation. Angela’s expertise in software implementation and environmental management systems enabled her to transform complex regulatory frameworks into actionable strategies that improved efficiency, minimized risk, and advanced Corning’s sustainability performance across its global footprint. Earlier in her tenure, as a Senior Environmental Engineer, she designed and executed environmental auditing programs, mentored new talent, and played a key role in integrating newly acquired businesses into Corning’s environmental standards — achievements that underscored her dual strength in technical mastery and leadership.
Angela’s career foundation was forged at The Dow Chemical Company, where she honed her engineering, safety, and operational improvement expertise. She excelled in roles that demanded both analytical precision and strategic foresight, driving measurable results such as multimillion-dollar cost savings through Six Sigma projects and improved operational reliability through process safety enhancements. Her recognition as a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt stands as a testament to her capability in translating data-driven insights into enterprise-level transformation. At Dow, she led initiatives that improved mechanical integrity, optimized production systems, and implemented groundbreaking environmental compliance programs — all of which contributed to greater efficiency, profitability, and safety.
Her early professional years with Union Carbide provided Angela with the foundational experience to manage complex environmental and regulatory programs. She oversaw hazardous waste handling, water management, and emission reporting for multiple production areas, demonstrating her ability to lead with precision in high-stakes environments. Her role in implementing environmental software and facilitating root cause analyses highlighted her deep commitment to continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving — traits that have followed her throughout her career.
Angela’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University, complemented by a minor in Environmental Engineering. She later expanded her global perspective through the University of Cambridge’s Business Sustainability Management program, gaining a holistic understanding of how environmental, social, and economic systems intersect in the modern business landscape. This advanced education underscores her lifelong dedication to learning and adapting — qualities that have kept her at the forefront of sustainability leadership.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Angela has made significant contributions to education and community development through board service. She has served on the Board of Managers for the YMCA of Greater Rochester, helping to guide initiatives that foster health, inclusion, and youth empowerment. Additionally, her long-standing involvement with Penn State Altoona’s Alumni Society Board of Directors, where she served as both President and Board Member, reflects her enduring commitment to mentorship and the advancement of higher education. She also contributes to the Chemung Valley Montessori School Board, further extending her influence into the educational sector and community enrichment.
Internationally, Angela has engaged with organizations and initiatives across Europe and Asia, amplifying her global perspective and understanding of cross-cultural sustainability challenges. Her work has consistently demonstrated how strategic environmental management can bridge borders, align diverse teams, and elevate global standards. Fluent in collaboration and adaptive leadership, she has become a sought-after voice in sustainability forums and public speaking engagements, where she has shared insights on corporate responsibility, project management, and the evolving landscape of sustainable manufacturing.
Her leadership philosophy centers on empowerment and accountability. Angela believes that real change occurs when leaders foster environments where innovation and responsibility coexist. Whether leading cross-functional teams, mentoring emerging professionals, or steering corporate policy, she champions transparency, ethics, and measurable impact. Her career is a masterclass in balancing technical rigor with human insight — a blend that enables organizations to achieve both profitability and purpose.
Outside of her professional life, Angela brings the same discipline and endurance that characterize her leadership to her personal pursuits. A dedicated marathon runner and certified yoga teacher, she embraces physical and mental balance as essential components of effective leadership. These passions reflect her holistic approach to life — one rooted in perseverance, mindfulness, and continuous growth.
Character:
Angela exemplifies integrity, humility, and perseverance in every aspect of her professional and personal journey. She leads with authenticity and empathy, valuing collaboration as much as results. Her consistent dedication to ethical leadership and community betterment defines her character as one of genuine purpose and trust.
Knowledge:
With nearly three decades of experience in environmental engineering, sustainability, and corporate management, Angela possesses exceptional technical and strategic acumen. Her cross-industry expertise allows her to identify innovative solutions that balance profitability with environmental stewardship. She continually enhances her knowledge through global education and active engagement in emerging sustainability dialogues.
Strategic:
Angela’s approach to leadership is deeply analytical yet visionary, combining data-driven insights with long-term foresight. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to align sustainability initiatives with organizational strategy, driving measurable impact and stakeholder value. Her strategic mindset enables her to transform complex challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Communication:
A confident and compelling communicator, Angela inspires through clarity, sincerity, and a collaborative tone. Whether addressing international audiences or leading internal teams, she fosters understanding and alignment through thoughtful dialogue. Her gift for translating technical complexity into actionable vision sets her apart as a trusted voice in sustainability leadership.
