About Us

Raising the standard for responsible events everywhere

Council for Responsible Sport empowers organizers to create events that are socially, environmentally, and economically responsible. Our standards apply to any event committed to making a positive impact.

Motion blur of cyclists riding fast on open road under clear blue sky.
Council for Responsible Sport Web App Icon - Green

What We Stand For

Since 2007, Council for Responsible Sport has worked to embed environmental, social, and economic responsibility into the DNA of events worldwide. We believe that when organizers commit to measurable standards, real change happens.

Para-athlete with sprint blade running rapidly on a red track in a colorful stadium.
Volunteers in yellow vests wearing gloves sorting aluminum cans into a clear recycling bag outdoors.
Two boys in red caps watching a baseball game from the stands, one holding a baseball glove.
Pathways

Two ways to certify

A rugby team of seven players in black jerseys huddling on green grass under golden sunlight.

Event Certification

Assessing an event's real-time delivery, documented results, and measurable impact within a defined planning and event timeframe.

Aerial view of dense green forest with sunlight illuminating tree canopies.

Organizational Certification

Certifying an organization's governance, decision-making, policies, and business practices.

History

Our story since 2007

From a single vision to a global movement, Council for Responsible Sport has grown steadily. Each milestone reflects our commitment to making responsible events the standard everywhere.

2007

Council for Responsible Sport founded with a mission to embed sustainability into sport events.

2009

First events certified under our inaugural standards framework for environmental and social responsibility.

2013

Expanded to certify events across multiple continents, establishing ourselves as a global certification body.

2017

Evolved standards to include economic responsibility, creating a more comprehensive framework for all events.

2021

Launched organization certification pathway, enabling event producers to certify their operational commitments.

2022

Launched Rescore, an app developed through a partnership between the Council and Tata Consultancy Services to track the environmental and social responsibility progress of sporting events.

2023

The first organization certification is achieved.

2024

The Council publishes Event Standard Version 5

2026

Development of version 2 of organization certificate standards begins.

Leadership

Meet the board

The board of Council for Responsible Sport brings decades of experience in sport, sustainability, and nonprofit governance. Together, they guide our mission to make responsible events the standard everywhere.

Rico Tesio
CRS Board Chair

CEO, Rico Solutions

Kat Phelan
Secretary

Consultant, Agôn Partners

Tyler James - Managing Director, AHM Brands
Tyler James

Managing Director, AHM Brands

Brant Kotch

President, Houston Marathon Committee

Cat Morris

Principal, Cat Morris Sustainability

Kevin Phelan - Founder & President, Agôn Partners
Kevin Phelan

Founder & President, Agôn Partners

Vinamra Shukla - Sub Business Unit Head, Tata Consultancy Services
Vinamra Shukla

Sub Business Unit Head, Tata Consultancy Services

Dian Vaughn - Founder & President, Green Events International
Dian Vaughn

Founder & President, Green Events International

Board of Directors Alumni

David Aman
2010
–
2012
Leslie Carlson
2012
–
2014
Jonathan Eng
2008
–
2011
Co-Founder
Bridget Franek
2018
–
2023
Nicole Freedman
2012
–
2014
Michele Grossman
x
–
2024
Jeff Henderson
2008
–
2011
Co-Founder
Catherine Humblet
2012
–
2014
Lorna Lathram
2011
–
2017
Marisa McGilliard
2009
–
2014
Ethan Nelson
2012
–
2024
Russell Okamoto
2013
–
2014
Keith Peters
2011
–
2023
Julia Plowman
2010
–
2014
Ellen Schmidt Devlin
2012
Barry Siff
2008
Shelley Villalobos
2023
–
2025
Staff: 2013-2023
Joe Whitworth
2007
–
2012
Darcy Winslow
2010
–
2012
Leadership

Responsible Sports Advisory Committee

A group of seasoned experts with extensive knowledge in integrating social and environmental responsibility into sports events and organizations. They are collaborating to debate, refine, and propose new best practice standards in social, economic, and environmental responsibility.

Eli Asch

Twin Cities in Motion

Race Director
Alex Baxter

Blue Strike Environmental

Sustainability Program Manager
Matthew Bone

Gold Standard Sustainability

Founder & Principal
Brian Boyle

Arizona State University

Master's of Sustainability
Kim Bruno

Track Shack Events

Event Manager
Siddharta Camil Bernal

Emoción Deportiva / Grupo Martí

Innovation Manager
Natalie Casey

Track Shack Events

Director of Operations
Dave Christen

IRONMAN

Regional Director
The Columbia University Sustainability Management Capstone team

Columbia University

Spring 2026
Alexandra Criscuolo

New York Road Runners

Environmental Sustainability Manager
Stacy Embretson

Los Angeles Marathon

Director of Operations
Regina Gachora

World Athletics Championships-Kenya '16

Chief Operations Officer
Geert Hendriks

Sport and Sustainability International

Founding Director & CEO
Scott Jenkins

Green Sports Alliance

Board Chair
Brian McCullough, PhD

Sport Ecology Group / Texas A&M University

Co-Founder / Associate Professor
Catherine Morris

Chicago Event Management

Sustainability Manager
Keith Peters

Council for Responsible Sport

Executive Director (retired)
Claire Poole

Sport Positive Summit

Founder and CEO
Lou Seal

Ram Racing

Event Director
Christy Slye

Big Sur Marathon Foundation

Director of Partnerships
Lee Spivak

Waste Management, Inc.

Managing Principal, Sustainability Services
Meghan Tierney

Kilowatt One Events

Sustainable Event Operations Manager
Tim Trefzer

Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Director, Corporate Social Responsibility
Dian Vaughn

Green Events Today

Founder & Principal
Colleen Wrenn

Tracktown USA

Senior Director

Ready to lead responsibly?

Join 275+ events and organizations building a better future.