The Nicholas School of the Environment welcomes Shannon Parker, MEM/MBA'21, as an Executive in Residence in the Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program. With a background in developing environmentally sound operations and impact strategies for climate tech companies, Parker brings a wealth of expertise to her new role at the Nicholas School.

As an industry professional certified in production and inventory management (CPIM) and Lean Six Sigma, Parker began her career with a strong foundation in business operations. She has specialized in building sustainable supply chains and circular business models, combining her expertise in operations and sustainability to create businesses that balance profitability with the well-being of people and the planet. 

Before returning to Duke, Parker spearheaded commercial supply and sustainability strategy at Circ, a textile-to-textile recycling start-up backed by Inditex and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. She also oversaw regulatory and industry engagement, working with industry partners — including brand leaders and supply chain collaborators — to create circular pathways from feedstock to product.

She founded and successfully sold Carbon Insights, a fintech startup specializing in environmental analytics. In 2024, Parker was recognized as an Exceptional Performer and Rising Star with NC Tech’s NEXT Tech Awards.

At the Nicholas School, Parker will join the Business & Environment concentration teaching operational management, supply chain sustainability, and circularity.

“We are very pleased that Shannon Parker has joined the Nicholas School faculty with a focus on business operations,” said Timothy Johnson, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Initiatives. “Increasingly, environmental management is becoming an important aspect of corporate operations, and we strive to ensure that our Master’s students are fully prepared to support this trend.”  

Shannon earned her BA in Psychology & Behavioral Biology from Johns Hopkins University, her Master of Environmental Management from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, and her MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.

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