William Shutkin is a nationally recognized social entrepreneur, executive, attorney, and educator whose career has been defined by a singular mission: aligning economic success with environmental and social progress. For more than three decades, he has operated at the forefront of sustainability, helping shape how cities, institutions, and businesses integrate responsible practices into their core strategies. His work spans industries and disciplines, from real estate development and clean technology to law, education, and public policy, reflecting a rare ability to bridge complex systems and drive meaningful, scalable impact.
William’s professional journey began with a strong academic and legal foundation, earning his AB from Brown University and both a JD and MA from the University of Virginia. He further pursued doctoral studies in legal history at the University of California, Berkeley, as a Regents Fellow, and later completed executive education in sustainability and business at Stanford Graduate School of Business. This multidisciplinary education laid the groundwork for a career that would seamlessly integrate legal insight, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial execution.
Early in his career, William co-founded Alternatives for Community & Environment, an environmental justice law center that became a nationally recognized model for community-based advocacy. As Executive Director, he led efforts that combined legal strategy with grassroots engagement, influencing public policy and advancing equitable environmental solutions. This formative experience established his lifelong commitment to ensuring that sustainability is inclusive, equitable, and rooted in community empowerment.
Building on this foundation, William founded New Ecology, Inc., a pioneering organization dedicated to sustainable community development. Under his leadership, the organization helped redefine how affordable housing and environmental performance intersect, producing groundbreaking research that demonstrated the economic viability of green development. This work not only influenced federal housing policy but also catalyzed broader adoption of sustainable practices across the real estate and nonprofit sectors. Today, New Ecology employs over 55 planners, engineers and other professionals.
William’s influence expanded significantly during his decade-long tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he served as a lecturer and research affiliate in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning. There, he played a critical role in shaping future leaders in sustainability while contributing to the evolution of urban environmental policy. His academic work reinforced his belief that education is a powerful lever for systemic change, a principle that has guided his career across both academic and professional domains.
As President and CEO of Presidio Graduate School, William demonstrated exceptional executive leadership, transforming the institution into a globally recognized leader in sustainability education. During his tenure, he led strategic growth initiatives, increased enrollment, expanded fundraising, and elevated the school’s global reputation. Under his leadership, Presidio was ranked the number one program of its kind worldwide, and the “best business school to attend if you want to change the world” by the New York Times, reflecting his ability to align mission-driven goals with operational excellence, global visibility, and measurable outcomes.
In his current role as Principal of Shutkin Sustainable Living, LLC, William continues to drive innovation in sustainable real estate development. His firm focuses on creating green, mixed-use, mixed-income communities that integrate environmental performance with economic viability. Through projects totaling over $250 million, he has demonstrated how thoughtful design and strategic planning can deliver both financial returns and long-term social impact, positioning sustainability as a competitive advantage rather than a constraint.
Alongside his professional endeavors, William serves as Faculty Director and Teaching Professor at the Masters of the Environment Program at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he leads the Urban Resilience and Sustainability specialization. In this role, he mentors emerging leaders while advancing interdisciplinary approaches to climate resilience and sustainable urban development. His commitment to education reflects his broader vision of cultivating the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of cities and economies worldwide.
A prolific thought leader, William has authored two influential books and contributed extensively to public discourse on sustainability, environmental policy, and economic development. His work has been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times and National Public Radio, and he continues to engage global audiences through speaking engagements, publications, and his role as Co-Host of The Sustainable City Podcast. He is also founding editor-in-chief of the Journal of Climate Resilience and Climate Justice, published by The MIT Press. His ideas consistently challenge conventional thinking, encouraging organizations to embrace sustainability as a driver of innovation and growth.
William’s career is distinguished not only by his accomplishments but by his philosophy: that the future of business lies in its ability to integrate purpose with profit. He believes that organizations across all industries must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world, and he has dedicated his career to helping them navigate this transformation. His ability to operate across sectors, engage diverse stakeholders, and translate complex challenges into actionable strategies makes him a uniquely valuable leader and advisor.
Today, William actively seeks board opportunities where he can leverage his extensive experience to guide organizations toward sustainable, impact-driven success. Whether working with startups or established enterprises, he brings a forward-looking perspective grounded in decades of practical experience and strategic insight. His leadership continues to shape how businesses think about sustainability—not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to lead, innovate, and thrive.
In both his professional and personal life, William embodies a commitment to thoughtful leadership, creative problem-solving, and continuous learning. His passions for the outdoors, music, and writing reflect a deeply rooted appreciation for both the natural world and human expression, further informing his holistic approach to leadership. This balance of intellect, creativity, and purpose defines his enduring impact on the fields he has helped to shape.
Character:
William demonstrates integrity through a lifelong commitment to aligning environmental responsibility with social equity and economic growth. He consistently leads with purpose, ensuring that his work reflects both ethical standards and long-term societal benefit. His dedication to mentorship and community engagement underscores a genuine desire to create positive change beyond individual achievements.
Knowledge:
With over 35 years of experience spanning law, business, sustainability, and education, William possesses a deep and multidisciplinary understanding of complex systems. He applies this expertise to develop innovative solutions that integrate environmental, economic, and social considerations. His thought leadership and academic contributions further reinforce his position as a trusted authority on sustainability and urban development.
Strategic:
William is a visionary strategist who excels at transforming bold ideas into actionable, high-impact initiatives. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to align organizational goals with emerging market trends, particularly in sustainability and impact investing. His track record of leading successful institutions and development projects highlights his capacity to drive long-term value creation.
Communication:
A compelling communicator, William effectively translates complex concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Through teaching, public speaking, and media engagement, he inspires stakeholders to embrace innovative approaches to sustainability. His ability to connect across sectors and disciplines strengthens collaboration and drives meaningful outcomes.
https://www.shutkinsustainableliving.com
