Colless joined Virginia Tech and the RDT in the spring of 2007. Prior to that, she was Director, Financial Communications and Corporate Reporting for Nokia in Helsinki, Finland. In that capacity, Colless led a team in the creation of accurate and timely content for all Nokia's financial, environmental, and social performance reporting. She was also responsible for project management of Nokia's annual sustainability report, which included serving as liaison to Nokia's partner organizations at local government, inter-government, non-profit, and business levels, attending roundtables and workshops and building performance metrics. Prior to joining Nokia, she was Vice-President for Equity Research at ING Baring Security in Tokyo. Colless also has notable experience in diplomatic relations as the wife of the Finnish Ambassador to the United States, who previously served as Ambassador to Japan.

Responsibilities

Colless’ principal focus is on sustainable technologies. Currently, she is developing and directing a multi-sector energy efficiency partnership in greater Washington. In addition to working to secure funding for research in this arena, Colless is building partnerships with public and private entities as a means of leveraging Virginia Tech’s expertise in helping communities become more “green.” An important element of her role is to help define and implement important executive programs, training sessions, and other outreach activities in support of the sustainability portfolio

Contact Information

E-mail: laurel.colless@vt.edu