Alumni

Derek Noah is a prominent figure in the sustainability and ESG space, with ten years of expertise. He is the Director of Sustainability at Teleflex, a multi-billion-dollar medical device manufacturer. Derek spearheads the global sustainability strategy and manages the ongoing sustainability reporting process. He was responsible for the company's inaugural sustainability report aligned with GRI, SASB, and TCFD standards, as well as the first submissions to EcoVadis and CDP.

Prior to his role at Teleflex, he worked at ISS Corporate Solutions, where he assisted companies in enhancing their sustainability ratings through improved policies and programs. Derek also worked at TerraCycle, a circular economy firm, developing free national recycling programs that facilitated the recycling of 'non-recyclables". He has collaborated with various environmental NGOs and sustainability consulting firms in the New York City area. Moreover, Derek owned a consulting business, partnering with clients like Capital One and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences on projects related to sustainability strategy and climate action.

Derek is an Adjunct Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. He teaches a newly developed course titled "Sustainability Assessment Methods" and oversees the Capstone course for the Graduate School's Sustainability Management program. He holds a BS in Environmental Business Economics with a minor in Environmental Behaviors, Institutions, and Policy from Rutgers University and an MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University. In his leisure time, Derek enjoys wreck diving off the Jersey Shore, going the beach with his wife and son, and kayaking in the local rivers and ocean.

With over 25 years of experience in international development and agriculture, I specialize in designing innovative, market-based strategies that drive local economic development, strengthen food security, and expand access to finance. Passionate about forging partnerships across faith-based, public, private, and philanthropic sectors, I focus on solutions that empower youth and marginalized communities, promote regenerative practices, and build resilient local economies. My experience has honed my ability to navigate complex global challenges and unite diverse stakeholders around shared goals for lasting impact.

Stephen earned a B.S. in Environmental and Business Economics from Rutgers University between 1992 and 1996, followed by an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Minnesota from 1996 to 1999.

Stephen began his professional career as Regional Manager for World Relief in Northern Mozambique from 1999 to 2001, focusing on finance. He then became a Partner at Business Services Limitada in Mozambique, where he worked from 2001 to 2007. During this time, from 2005 to 2007, he also served as Coordinator for the Kenmare Moma Development Association.

From 2007 to 2011, Stephen was the National Director in Mozambique for the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International. In 2011, he joined the U.S. Foreign Service, beginning as a USAID Agriculture Officer in Washington, D.C. Over the course of his service through 2025, he held several senior roles, including Economic Growth Office Director in Somalia and Development Advisor (Peacekeeping and Stability Operations) for what is now the Security Force Assistance and Stability Integration Directorate.

In addition to his government service, Stephen served as Professor of International Development at the U.S. Army War College from 2023 to 2025. In 2025, he became Interim Director of Sustainable Agrifood Systems at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, a role he currently holds.

Stephen leads the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center’s (CIMMYT) Sustainable Agrifood Systems Initiative to develop nutritious, sustainable and resilient food systems to improve health and enhance livelihoods. By co-creating and innovating concepts and methodologies, based on science and data, CIMMYT’s goal is to impact national and regional agri-food systems with multidisciplinary integrated projects. Through the implementation of innovative strategies, and concrete activities with specific indicators, they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals launched by the United Nations to help end poverty, improve health and fight against climate change.