The Private Sector and the Planet: Environmental Governance Across Industries Speaker Series
About the Series:
The Private Sector and the Planet: Environmental Governance Across Industries is a year long speaker series exploring the critical role of private environmental governance in addressing 21st-century challenges. Hosted by the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative at the University of Iowa College of Law in collaboration with Vanderbilt Law School’s Private Climate Governance Lab and the Tippie College of Business’ Social Impact Community, the series features corporate leaders and change makers who are driving environmental efforts across diverse industries, including agriculture, energy, healthcare, and transportation. The four speakers in this series will be hosted in person between Nashville and Iowa City, while being live-streamed simultaneously to engage students, faculty, practitioners, and community members nationwide.
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Series Speaker 1: Jill Sanchez, Vice President of Financial Reporting at Deere & Company
Monday, September 29, 2025
12:45 PM to 02:00 PM
About the Speaker:
Jill Sanchez is the Vice President of Financial Reporting for Deere & Company, responsible for overseeing the preparation of the company's consolidated financial statements and providing accounting guidance and related counsel to company business units worldwide. Prior to this role, Sanchez was Director, Sustainability for the company, where she was responsible for leading the company’s sustainability strategy and execution, communicating the company’s ESG strategy and outcomes, and overseeing Deere’s sustainability reporting.
The Private Sector and the Planet: Environmental Governance Across Industries Speaker Series
"Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Corporate Governance and Reporting"
Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative Law, Vanderbilt Law School’s Private Climate Governance Lab, and the Tippie Social Impact Community for the kickoff of The Private Sector and the Planet speaker series. The first talk in this series is a fireside chat with Jill Sanchez, Vice President of Financial Reporting at Deere & Company.
As businesses strive to meet changing stakeholder expectations, they must also navigate a complex web of evolving regulations and reporting requirements across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Join Jill Sanchez, Vice President of Financial Reporting at John Deere, for a thought-provoking discussion on how companies are adapting to rapidly evolving corporate landscapes. In this engaging session, VP Sanchez will explore:
- The latest changes in corporate governance and financial reporting—and what they mean for businesses;
- The evolving role of shareholder engagement, including emerging rights and new expectations;
- The trend toward increased transparency, and the risks the come with it.
With her expertise in corporate reporting, VP Sanchez will provide a big-picture perspective on how companies are balancing transparency, compliance, and stakeholder demands in a time of growing expectations and regulatory change. Don't miss this chance to gain insights from a leader at the forefront of corporate reporting in a time of transformation!
All Events in this Series
This four part series features corporate leaders and change makers who are driving environmental efforts across diverse industries, including agriculture, energy, healthcare, and transportation. The speakers in this series will be hosted in person between Nashville and Iowa City, while being live-streamed simultaneously to engage students, faculty, practitioners, and community members nationwide.
You only need to register for the series one time. Organizers will send you attendee information for each speaker in this series.
"Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Corporate Governance and Reporting"
As businesses strive to meet changing stakeholder expectations, they must also navigate a complex web of evolving regulations and reporting requirements across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Join Jill Sanchez, Vice President of Financial Reporting at John Deere, for a thought-provoking discussion on how companies are adapting to rapidly evolving corporate landscapes.
Series Speaker 2: To be announced!
Series Speaker 3: To be announced!
Series Speaker 4: To be announced!
Nondiscrimination Statement
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Senior Director, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319-335-0705, ui-ocrc@uiowa.edu.
Registration options
Frequently Asked Questions about HELI Events
Where is this event series located?
The four speakers in this series will be hosted in person between Nashville and Iowa City, while being live-streamed simultaneously to engage students, faculty, practitioners, and community members nationwide.
For Iowa City event, they will be held at the University of Iowa College of Law, which is located at 130 Byington Road, Iowa City, IA 52242. Attendance is available in person at the Boyd Law Building as well as virtually via Zoom.
Who should I contact if I have questions about this event series?
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Blake-Rupe@uiowa.edu.
Are these events in person or virtual?
Each speaker in this series is hybrid for attendees, which means attendees can choose between attending the session in-person or virtually on Zoom.
Both in person and virtual registration forms are above.
Are the events recorded or available for later viewing?
This depends on the speaker. Some speakers welcome their sessions being recorded and others don't. Please contact Blake Rupe if you have questions about which sessions are recorded.
Is there parking available for event attendees?
Organizers highly recommend planning your arrival plans ahead of the event, as space by the Boyd Law Building is in short supply. The Boyd Law Building (BLB) has limited metered parking in front of the building. The meters can be paid using change or credit card via ParkMobile, a free mobile app. Learn more about the app here. For general information about parking and transportation at the College, the University, and in Iowa City, please see: Parking and Transportation.
Public parking for this event is readily available at the following lots
- Field House Lot (make sure to go in the Field House ramp entrance – NOT UIHC Parking Ramp 4)
- Parking Lot 14
For those parking in the lots, it is a short walk (1-3 blocks) to the BLB.
There are also UI Cambus buses and Iowa City Transit buses that run frequently to areas close and within walking distance of BLB. You can review that option by reviewing the UI Cambus schedules, the Iowa City Transit schedules, or by looking through the Transit app, which compiles that information into one location (the app).
We do have ADA reserved parking spots for those who require accessible parking. If you need accessible parking, please email Blake Rupe at blake-rupe@uiowa.edu as soon as possible to arrange accomodations for you.
Are food or beverages available for this event?
Food and beverages will be provided for those who register in advance for the in person attendance option in Iowa City at the Boyd Law Building. Please list any dietary limitations or considerations you would like organizers to have when you register for the event.
What should I bring for this event?
We welcome attendees bring a notebook and writing utensils for any reflection or note taking during the event. We also encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and/or mug to use.
Is there a dress code for this event?
There is no special or specific dress code for this event, but it would be beneficial to dress in layers.
What are the guidelines for respectful participation by all parties?
The University of Iowa is strongly committed to an equitable and inclusive campus. Some of the views expressed through free speech can be offensive to members of our community. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to value diversity, engage in civil discourse, and be respectful of everyone that uses our shared space.
We expect all attendees to participate in this event respectfully. If you have questions or concerns about these policies, please contact HELI at lawmail-HELI@uiowa.edu to learn more.
Is there an agenda or program available for this event?
Event organizers will have updated the program for the day available at the sign in table and on this website.
What is the UI Policy for COVID-19 and Mask Use?
The University will continue to monitor local and national developments and rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the CDC.
Face masks are not required in most UI buildings, but welcome. Please note that UIHC and other health facilities have separate face covering guidelines. You should feel comfortable wearing a mask if you choose. Please be respectful of one another and do not pressure a student, visitor, or employee to wear, or not wear, a mask. Masks are available at the entrance to the Boyd Law Building and all UI buildings.
Please consider staying home or attending this event virtually if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and/or if you test positive for COVID-19. The most up to date UI policy for COVID-19 is here.
Can I suggest speakers for future events?
Yes! HELI hosts 3-6 events each semester and we always welcome speakers who can speak knowledgeably about environmental issues. Contact lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu with your suggestions.
Are accomodations available for individuals with disabilities?
Yes! Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the organizer in advance at lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu, or indicate your needs below and we will reach out to you.