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Valerie Kessler
Purchasing Manager -Global Energy Purchases - EAC, Governance and Emerging Market
Valerie Kessler is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in sustainability and renewable energy procurement. Currently, she is instrumental in propelling Procter & Gamble (P&G) toward achieving its ambitious goal of sourcing 30% renewable energy in North America by the year 2020. Valerie's role is pivotal as she not only strategizes ways to attain this target, but she also develops a comprehensive global governance process that encompasses renewable energy, ensuring that P&G remains compliant and transparent in its renewable energy claims. Through her efforts, Valerie is helping P&G to enhance its sustainability initiatives and maintain a leadership position in corporate responsibility.
Her expertise is not limited to renewable energy; she possesses a profound understanding of purchasing, procurement, and customer service. Her track record within P&G shows a consistent commitment to promoting sustainability and compliance with industry standards, exemplified by her management of P&G's presence on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partnership (GPP). In this capacity, Valerie oversees the compliance of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in North America, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the company's renewable energy commitments.
Valerie’s career at Procter & Gamble spans various roles, indicating her versatility and deep knowledge of the company's operations. Prior to her current position, she served as a North America Energy Purchase Primary Fuels Buyer, where she focused on optimizing energy procurement processes and enhancing energy efficiency. Her background includes roles such as Energy Conservation Purchasing Associate, Project Leader, and Spend Pool Coordinator, which equipped her with a nuanced understanding of P&G's purchasing dynamics and operational strategies. Each of these positions has fortified her leadership abilities and strategic thinking skills, and her progression within the company exemplifies her dedication and competency in the field of energy management.
In addition to her remarkable professional achievements at Procter & Gamble, Valerie has a rich academic background that has shaped her perspective on sustainability. She holds an MBA with a focus on Sustainability from Marylhurst University, which equips her with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to drive impactful initiatives in renewable energy. Furthermore, her educational grounding in psychology—comprising a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati and another Bachelor’s of Arts with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology from Northern Kentucky University—enables her to understand the human elements that play a critical role in organizational behavior and sustainability practices. Adding to her qualifications is her Associates of Art in Psychology from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.
Valerie Kessler is not only a key player in P&G’s sustainability journey but also a team player and a mentor within her organization. Her ability to foster teamwork and facilitate strong business relationships has been fundamental in driving P&G’s energy initiatives forward. Besides her technical skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and SAP, Valerie’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her approach to fostering a culture of energy awareness and conservation within her team and the broader organization.
