Speaker Biography: Matt Kistler
Chief Executive Officer at Water Resilience Coalition
Matt Kistler is a global executive with over three decades of leadership experience across consumer goods, retail, consultancy and sustainability. He currently serves as CEO of the Water Resilience Coalition (WRC), an industry-driven, CEO-led initiative in partnership with the UN Global Compact, the CEO Water Mandate, and the Pacific Institute. In this role, Matt leads efforts to drive measurable, collective impact on global water security through corporate action and cross-sector collaboration.
Before joining the WRC, Matt held a variety of senior leadership positions with some of the world’s most recognized organizations. At Walmart Inc., he served as Sam’s Club Chief Marketing Officer, Walmart SVP Grocery, and Global Chief Sustainability Officer, where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives including the Walmart Sustainability Index, Packaging Scorecard and the launch of The Sustainability Consortium, efforts that have saved billions, reshaped supply chains, and set new industry standards. His work earned him recognition from Fast Company as one of the “Most Creative People in Business” and Walmart’s highest associate honor, the Sam M. Walton Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Matt’s career includes C-suite and executive roles at Designer Brands, SymphonyAI, and InterContinental Hotels Group, as well as earlier roles in marketing and strategy at Kraft Foods. He has advised global clients for Bain & Company and currently serves on advisory boards for organizations shaping the future of sustainability, AI, and strategic growth.
Widely regarded for his strategic clarity, operational discipline, and ability to align business performance with purpose-driven leadership, Matt is a recognized speaker at leading global forums, including TED, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Milken Institute, COP, and the National Retail Federation. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BA in Marketing from Michigan State University.
Outside of his professional work, Matt enjoys traveling, mentoring rising leaders, and spending time with his wife and their two adult children.
Nicholas H. Sexton, Eastern Kentucky ’11
Nicholas H. Sexton, Eastern Kentucky ‘11, is currently serving his second term as a member of the Board of Trustees. During his tenure, Nick has served on the Performance Monitoring & Finance Committee, Stakeholder Engagement Committee, and currently chairs the Planning & Strategy Committee. He also served as the Chair of the Education Subcommittee for the Fraternity’s DEI Commission.
Prior to his Board service, Nick volunteered in numerous roles for the General Fraternity including District Chief, Risk Management Advisor, Foundation Ambassador, and Lead Facilitator for programs such as Keystone Conferences and the Wooden Institute.
As a collegiate, Nick was a member of the Delta Xi Chapter at Eastern Kentucky University where he served as Ritualist, Secretary, Treasurer, and Alumni Relations Chairman. Nick graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In 2013, he completed a master’s degree in public health. He is currently a PhD candidate in Safety Sciences at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Professionally, Nick is a Regional Manager for Liberty Mutual’s Risk Control Consulting Center, leading a team of consultants who provide Risk Management & Safety services to clients across nine countries. Nick is also the President & Owner of Riosca (Ree-OH-Scuh) Consulting LLC. He holds certifications as an Associate in Risk Management, Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter, Certified Industrial Hygienist, and Certified Safety Professional. Nick chairs the Advisory Council Operations Committee for the American Society of Safety Professionals’ Board of Directors and sits on the Advisory Council for NIOSH’s Central Appalachian Regional Education & Research Center.
Nick resides in Berea (Bur-REE-Uh), KY with his Beta Sweetheart, Morgan, and their dog, Coco. He spends his spare time cooking, reading, running, and volunteering.