Gretchen Digby Norwood

Founder & CEO

Gretchen Digby Norwood founded Future Partners, LLC to help companies build a culture of sustainability and protect our future. With her experience developing and launching new sustainability initiatives for a global diversified industrial company, Norwood is well-equipped to help companies with their programs and tackle the necessary shift in mindset to make them more effective for the long term.

Norwood previously served as Director of Global Sustainability Programs for the Center for Energy Efficiency & Sustainability (CEES) at Ingersoll Rand. In this role, she focused on establishing world-class sustainability training programs as well as leading global engagement activities for the company’s more than 42,000 employees to further integrate sustainability into the company culture. Norwood managed the annual DJSI response process by creating a culture of ownership among the focus area champions across the enterprise. She achieved great success and external recognition for her efforts establishing Global Volunteer Green Teams that hold events and activities to increase awareness of employees on actions leading to more sustainable workplaces, homes, and communities. Norwood focuses on raising employee competencies and measuring the value of sustainability through unique partnerships and outside-the-box approaches.

Gretchen joined Ingersoll Rand in 2001 as manager of safety and health engineering for the enterprise. She established the company’s global EHS standards and managed the global EHS compliance audit program for over 300 facilities. In addition, she facilitated regional EHS councils in North America, Europe, and Asia, coordinated the annual global EHS conferences and awards, and facilitated global training on various EHS topics. Prior to joining Ingersoll Rand, Gretchen worked for Capsule Environmental Engineering where she developed Ingersoll Rand’s corporate safety audit program. She began her career in manufacturing with Milliken & Company as Engineering Services Manager. Gretchen holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University.

Memberships and Certifications

• Women in Manufacturing Member – 2018 – Present
• OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer – 2020 – Present, 1996-2006
• Design for Sustainability UL Gold Certificate Holder – 2013 – Present
• Certified Sustainability Manager (CSM) – 2011 – Present
• ISSP Member – 2011 – Present
• ASSE Professional Member – 1992 – Present
• SWE Member – 1988 – Present
• NAEM Board of Regents – 2013 – 2017
• GRI Reporting Certified Course Completed – 2017, 2012
• NAEM Member – 2010 – 2020
• ORC Worldwide OSH Group Steering Committee – 2008-2010
• ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, R.A.B. – 1997-2003
• USAT Member – 2010-Present
• FAA Private Pilot – Certificate obtained May 2020