Lee Coker

Work

As a Project Manager in the Corporate Partnerships program, Lee is helping to manage EDF's Green Returns initiative with The Carlyle Group and other leaders in the private equity sector. Lee is working to bring EDF’s analytic tools and approach to a wide range of portfolio companies, helping them to realize new, environmentally driven business value.

In addition, Lee is also exploring new partnership opportunities with the potential to deliver scalable, industry-wide benefits.

Green Returns – Tools and resources for private equity firms and portfolio companies to measure, manage, and improve environmental performance.

Lee’s appointment to EDF is through the Geballe Fellowship, a two-year competitive program designed to train rising business leaders in EDF's approach to achieving environmental solutions with business benefits.

Background

Prior to EDF, Lee worked in Walmart’s sustainability department developing strategies around its sustainability index and supplier greenhouse gas initiative. He has led consulting engagements with HIP Investor, GoodBank, Investors’ Circle, Walmart, Ford Foundation, and Carolina for Kibera. Prior to entering the business world, he worked for several years in environmental education with organizations such as the Headlands Institute and Visions Service Adventures.

During graduate school at the University of North Carolina he was a chair for Net Impact, the Leadership Coach Coordinator, and a team leader for the winning team of the Sustainable Venture Capital Investment Competition.

Education

• MBA, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School
• BA, Environmental Studies, New College at the University of Alabama