Faculty Spotlight: Leslie Ritchie
Leslie Rich, an adjunct professor in the Sustainability Management Program, will teach “Financing a Clean Energy Economy” this fall.
Leslie Rich, Adjunct Professor at Columbia University Sustainability Management Plan, with over 25 years of equity analyst experience covering the utilities sector of major US asset managers. She joined JPMorgan Asset Management in 2010 and is responsible for companies in the power, gas and water sectors. In addition to her research scope, she works with utilities around the world.
Before joining JPMorgan, Rich held similar equity analyst positions at Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Neuberger Berman. Additionally, she has been a member of the Electric Power Research Institute Advisory Board since 2018. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences on topics such as ESG, utility capital allocation and decarbonization strategies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
What initially motivated you to pursue the field of sustainability?
My love for the environment and my horror at the impact of climate change on species and society fuels my drive.
What drew you to the Columbia School of Climate and Professional Studies?
I was attracted by the wide range of curriculum, degree programs and the Center for Global Energy Policy.
What courses will you be teaching this fall, and what excites you the most?
I will teach clean energy economic financing. I am excited to speak directly with students about the economics of clean energy projects, the challenges of decarbonization within the economy, and potential solutions.
What changes do you hope to see in the future of sustainability?
I would like to see people pay more attention to climate adaptation without giving up efforts to mitigate climate change.
What advice do you have for students pursuing sustainable careers?
There are many job options and opportunities. Find an area of interest where you think your talents can make the biggest impact.
