About CHRT

Daniel Schoonmaker is executive director of the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. With the support of its members, MiSBF promotes business practices and public policy that advance climate leadership, social justice, and the creation of a circular economy.  Schoonmaker has served as the principal investigator on initiatives to assess the value of municipal solid waste disposed of in the state, to define vulnerabilities of West Michigan businesses to climate change impacts, and to promote increased equity and inclusion in the sustainability field as an effort to create a more justice-centered approach to sustainable business, among many other programs and initiatives.  During his tenure, the Forums have hosted more than 350 educational or networking events for Michigan communities. 

Previously, Schoonmaker served as director of member services for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. He has also held various communications and journalism positions, including public relations manager for a science and technology marketing firm, a staff writer for the Grand Rapids Business Journal, and managing editor for Rapid Growth Media.

Schoonmaker is a graduate of Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Community College. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, where he last served as the machine gun section leader in an infantry company deployed to Djibouti, Africa.