Tim Lindsey

Biography

GENERAL SUMMARY
Over thirty-five years of experience helping organizations improve their sustainability performance in processes, products, and systems through more effective management of energy, water, land, ecosystems, materials and personnel.  Accomplished program and project manager with experience in multiple sectors. Globally recognized change agent regarding the use of sustainability principles to drive innovation and strategy.  Research excellence associated with alternative fuels production from biomass and wastes, and techniques for improving the diffusion of more sustainable technologies. Convener of business-to-business workshop exchanges on more sustainable business and energy management.  Teaching and training experience in sustainable manufacturing and business practices.  Accomplished thought leader, speaker and award-winning author on sustainable innovation, energy, and business.  

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Highlander Innovation Inc. (January 2016 to Present)
President and CEO
Work with businesses across multiple sectors (e.g. manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, biofuels, energy, mining, chemical processing and electronics) to embed sustainability principles into culture, innovation and strategy. This includes both corporate roles (research, product development, human resources, strategy, and risk) and operational functions (supply chain, manufacturing, quality, logistics, dealerships and customer processes).

Senior Associate of AHC Group Inc. (January 2016 to present)
Organize and lead four Business-to-Business workshops each year where 50-60 multi-national companies come together to share, learn and teach regarding a variety of corporate sustainability issues.  Two of these workshops are focused on improving competitiveness regarding energy/carbon/climate issues and opportunities.  

Caterpillar Inc. Peoria, IL  (February 2012 to January 2016)
Global Director of Sustainable Development
Led Caterpillar’s efforts to build a culture of sustainability across the entire enterprise. Worked with the executive office and the board of directors to embed sustainability principles into corporate governance and strategy.  Guided the implementation of sustainability focused business strategies to drive innovation and build competitive advantage throughout the value chain comprising 110 facilities in 22 countries.  Led company’s efforts to recognize and implement sustainability as one of 5 core values that drive the Caterpillar code of conduct.  Guided the corporate transformation for embedding sustainability into culture.  

Worked with business units to embed sustainability principles into all aspects of the Caterpillar value chain, including:
Corporate Strategy - research, product development, human resources, strategy, and risk
Operations Management - supply chain, manufacturing, quality, logistics, dealerships and customer job sites
Natural Infrastructure:  Led the development of an initiative focused on “Restoring Natural Infrastructure” with TNC and many of the world’s top financial, consulting, industrial, governmental and NGO institutions.
Represented Caterpillar in various sustainability-focused meetings and forums with government agencies, NGOs, trade associations, investors, and business-to-business exchanges.  Led Caterpillar’s annual sustainability report development.

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.  Champaign, IL (October, 1991 to February 2012)
Director, Energy and Sustainable Business Programs  (2010 to 2012)
Worked with various Illinois Corporations, Universities, and Communities to implement systems, processes, and technologies that made their operations more sustainable through improved efficiency with energy, water, land, personnel and materials utilization.

Associate Director, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.  (1991 to 2010)
Managed technical assistance and research activities for the Nation’s premiere change agency for sustainability, energy efficiency, and alternative energy. Planned and managed the implementation of dozens of sponsored projects for multiple companies and agencies in various sectors, including: food processing, agriculture, biofuels, chemical processing, and manufacturing.

Affiliated Faculty, Mechanical Engineering.  Developed and taught (4 semesters) a course on “Sustainable Manufacturing” in the Mechanical Engineering Department.  

ExxonMobil Corporation.  Gillette, Wyoming (1984-1991)
Performed duties associated with the following positions at one of the nation's largest mining operations.
Project Manager (02/88 to 10/91).  Oversaw all contracted work activities associated with construction, production, maintenance, and environmental, projects.  
Safety Director (01/87 to 02/88).  Oversaw all work activities to ensure the safety of all individuals, equipment and facilities.  
Environmental Manager (09/84 to 01/87).   Responsible for minimizing impacts associated with one of the world’s largest surface mining operations, including: erosion control, dust control, water quality, wildlife protection, and disturbed land reclamation.    

Western Environmental, Inc.  Gillette, Wyoming (07/80-9/84)
Project Manager, Partner
Performed numerous environmental assessments, reclamation plans, and management activities for clients associated with various energy and mining projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region.  

Education

Ph.D. Urban and Regional Planning Univ. of Illinois 1998
M.S. Environmental Engineering Southern Illinois Univ. 1980
B.S. Environmental Engineering Southern Illinois Univ. 1979

Areas of Research / Professional Expertise

• Preventing waste and problems: Identify and address the root causes and total costs associated with various forms of wastes, emissions, and risks.
• Innovation diffusion and adoption: Assess innovation advantages, complexity and readiness. Conduct demonstrations and pilot trials to assess performance.
• Systems Optimization: Leverage innovation and technology to maximize efficiency and productivity with respect to system components and Circular economy development.
• Energy efficiency: Modernization and optimization of processes, products, and transactions to minimize energy consumption and associated emissions.
• Renewable Energy: Distributed power generation from diverse energy sources such as biogas from landfills, livestock operations, and food wastes. Hydrogen production for zero carbon transportation fuel through the electrolysis of water using power from wind farms.
• Restoring degraded properties to conditions that are economically productive and ecologically stable.

Personal Interests

President, Rotary Club of Mahomet, Illinois - 2018 to present
Expert at do-it-yourself projects
mediocre guitar player and terrible singer

Websites

• Highlander Innovation Inc.

Books

Videos