Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions
Alison Taylor

Alison Taylor

Climate Leader in Residence

Alison Taylor is a climate leader in residence at Duke University. The residency program brings top thought leaders to campus to share insights and expertise, sparking discussion and action to advance climate solutions.

Taylor previously served as chief sustainability officer at ADM, overseeing the company’s global sustainability strategy and working closely with the Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee of ADM's Board of Directors. Over nearly eight years at ADM, she led many facets of the company's progress toward achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and Climate Action. She guided implementation of the company’s Respect for Human Rights policy, No-Deforestation policy, Strive 35 environmental stewardship program, and ADM's philanthropic efforts through ADM Cares.

Her time at ADM followed more than a decade at the global technology company Siemens, where she was vice president and chief sustainability officer of the Americas. Taylor also worked on Capitol Hill as counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, and chief counsel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. She was previously a partner in the law firm now known as Davis, Graham and Stubbs, LLC.

Taylor currently serves on the boards of the Nicholas Institute at Duke University, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago, the Nature Conservancy-Illinois, and the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver.