For more than four decades, Keith Winn has been at the forefront of sustainable design and green building innovation. As the founder of Catalyst Partners, Keith dedicated his career to transforming the built environment through high-performance, restorative design principles.
A Career Rooted in Sustainability
Keith began his journey with a passion for environmentally responsible design, graduating from Kendall College of Art and Design and becoming a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Michigan. He spent 25 years at Herman Miller, Inc., where he launched the Design for Environment Program, setting new standards for sustainability in product and building strategies.
As a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Keith helped shape green building practices nationwide. He contributed to the development of the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system, later serving as Vice Chair of the LEED Steering Committee, and was instrumental in introducing LEED standards to corporate and municipal projects. His leadership and expertise earned him the distinction of LEED Fellow.
Driving Catalyst Partners Forward
When Keith founded Catalyst Partners, his vision was to build a collaborative team dedicated to high-performance and restorative design. Today, that vision thrives through a consortium of 44 sustainability professionals delivering sustainability consulting, energy modeling, commissioning, and third-party certification services.
In recent years, Keith led Catalyst Partners through a values-driven evolution designed to ensure resilience and continued leadership. This included the transition to employee ownership and the acquisition of long-time collaborator Energy Studio, expanding technical depth and service offerings while staying true to Catalyst Partner’s mission. These efforts represent Keith’s lasting impact: building a people-centered, forward-thinking organization positioned to thrive for decades and carry forward the mission-driven work he has championed throughout his career.
Championing Sustainability Beyond Catalyst
Keith’s influence reaches far beyond Catalyst Partners. He serves on the John Ball Zoo Facilities Committee, the Blandford Nature Center Board, and played a key role in initiatives like the City of Grand Rapids Community Sustainability Partnership and the United Nations Regional Centers of Expertise in Sustainable Education. His work continues to advance sustainability both locally and globally.
A Legacy of Leadership
Keith’s contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the USGBC President’s Leadership Award, Distinguished Alumni Awards from Kendall College of Art and Design and Ferris State University, and induction into the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum Hall of Fame. These awards reflect a career built on vision, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
As President Emeritus, Keith continues to guide and inspire Catalyst Partners with the same passion that sparked our beginning—a need for creating a built environment that works in harmony with the natural world.
