Heather R. Tonk, previously director of strategic planning in the Office of Strategic Planning and Institutional Research at the University of Notre Dame, has been appointed director of sustainability at the University, effective April 1. Tonk replaces interim director Robert Zerr.
A 1998 Notre Dame graduate, Tonk previously served in the Office of the Executive Vice President as continuous improvement project manager. She also has held numerous engineering positions in the Chicago area, most recently with BP Chemicals, where she was responsible for execution of production plans, maximization of asset utilization and managing working capital levels for world scale manufacturing sites in a global $1.5 billion-revenue business.
“Our Office of Sustainability has shown excellent progress in developing and implementing sustainability practices since its inception just two years ago,” said James J. Lyphout, vice president for business operations. “Heather’s experience, vision and enthusiasm will be valuable assets as Notre Dame aspires to be recognized as a leader in higher education sustainability.”
In addition to her bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame, Tonk also received her master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.