Krystle Golly
Krystle Golly is a sustainability and compliance leader with over a decade of experience helping organizations turn complex climate regulations into meaningful action. As Senior Manager of Sustainable Programs at The Climate Registry, she guides companies through emerging disclosure rules like CSRD, SEC climate reporting, and California’s SB 253/261 — translating them into systems that are practical, trusted, and built to last.
Her work bridges legal, finance, technology, and operations teams to ensure sustainability data isn’t just collected, but actually drives smarter business decisions. To date, she has supported more than 200 organizations with training, tools, and tailored guidance — boosting ESG adoption and engagement by 40%.
Before her current role, Krystle advanced waste diversion and circular economy strategies in San Bernardino County, where she focused on underserved communities and helped implement statewide mandates. Her passion for practical solutions runs deep: she believes sustainability succeeds when it’s both measurable and meaningful.
Beyond her professional work, Krystle draws inspiration from managing her child’s early acting career, which has deepened her appreciation for brand storytelling and the power of narrative in shaping change. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Hawaii Pacific University.
• Hawaii Pacific University - BS
• Loyola Marymount University - MS
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to being a systems thinker who doesn't lose sight of people. Regulations and data may be complex, but progress happens when you translate them into stories and tools that resonate across teams. I've also learned that resilience and curiosity go a long way. I don't shy away from challenges; I break them down, connect the dots, and keep moving forward.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Don't wait until you're ready. Say yes, and figure it out as you go." Early in my career, I wanted to have every skill set perfectly in place before stepping up. A mentor reminded me that growth comes from leaning into moments that stretched. That advice has pushed me to take on roles and projects that shaped me into the leader I am today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find your voice early, even if it feels uncomfortable. Sustainability work often involves advocating for change in spaces that may not always be receptive to it. Your perspective matters. Bring it to the table with confidence, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions. Also, look for allis in unexpected places. Some of my strongest champions have been outside the sustainability world entirely.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenge and opportunity are the same: the rapid pace of climate disclosure regulations. Companies are under pressure to deliver trustworthy ESG data at a scale we've never seen before. It's daunting, but it's also a chance to embed sustainability into the core of business operations, not as a side report, but as a driver of strategy and resilience. Those who embrace it now will be ahead of the curve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and storytelling. Integrity means doing the work with honesty and transparency, even when the answers are hard. Storytelling is about connecting that work to people - whether it's executives, communities, or my own child. I believe the most powerful change happens when facts and data are paired with stories that inspire action.