WMSBF Mourns Passing of Amy Butler, Dedicated Board Member and Michigan Sustainability Leader

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum released the following statement today in remembrance of board member Amy Butler:  

With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of Amy Butler, who has been an important part of our work for the past several years.  This is a great loss for the sustainability movement in Michigan, the Great Lakes and the Big Ten. 

Amy continuously fought for sustainability and sustainable development and practices in every position she held, and in every facet of her life. She was the illustration of a servant leader, and has delivered sustainable solutions to energy, environmental, and economic challenges through her innovations.  She served as the first Director of Sustainability for Michigan State University, and was responsible for initiating, implementing, and advancing MSU’s strategic approach toward global sustainability.  She was previously the Executive Director at Oakland University’s international business incubator, and before that directed the State of Michigan Energy Office and Environmental Science and Services Division. 

At WMSBF, Amy inspired the acceleration of sustainability on higher education campuses, leading the creation of our campus sustainability collective.  She was integral in the launch of our statewide program, and in achieving our climate leadership and environmental justice goals.

We are especially thankful for the passion she carried in her heart for sustainability and the fight for our youth’s education and advancement.  We are grateful for the opportunity to work with her. 

Amy passed away surrounded by her family on January 8.  Her obituary can be found here.