Roger R. Martella Jr., chief corporate officer at GE Vernova, will present the 2026 Ferguson Family Lecture on Monday, Feb. 9, from 6-7 p.m.

Martella’s career as an environmental lawyer and policy leader spans federal government service, private practice and corporate sustainability leadership. At GE Vernova, he engages the world’s top public and private sector leaders to solve for energy affordability, reliability, security and sustainability. 

Martella previously served as general counsel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he was the agency’s chief legal officer and advised on the implementation of major statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund. He also formerly served as principal counsel for complex litigation for the Department of Justice’s Natural Resources Section.

During the lecture, Martella will engage in discussion with Lori Bennear, Stanback Dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment, on topics such as public-private partnerships with respect to IRAs, the approach leaders can take to discussing climate, and the transition to renewable energy sources.  

The Ferguson Family Distinguished Lectureship, presented annually by the Nicholas School, invites major thought leaders to speak on topics of significant social and environmental import. The upcoming lecture is also part of the Nicholas Dean’s Leadership Lecture Series, a new series from the Nicholas School that serves as a signature platform for thought leadership, dialogue and discovery.

The event will begin with a reception at 5:15 p.m. in the Levine Science Research Center Hall of Science, followed by the 6 p.m. lecture in the adjacent Love Auditorium. A Zoom option will also be available for those who register. Please RSVP by Feb. 2.