Executive Board

Sustainable Living Academy founding members come from different walks of life and have joined together for their common vision and cause of helping humanity become more sustainable. Their experience with natural laws and their understanding of social habits has given them a perspective on the increasing strain humans are putting on Earth's limited natural resources. These founders have made a commitment to themselves and humanity to difference in the discipline and art of sustainable living.


Ivan Stein, founder and director of Sustainable Living Academy

Ivan W. Stein
Chairman of the Board

Ivan Stein is a successful entrepreneur, writer, and speaker whose motivations have evolved through the fields of science and engineering to those of global sustainability and personal transformation.

Recognized as a self-starter and natural leader, Ivan started his first business at the age of eighteen with his business career encompassing direct management roles in twelve startup companies. His ability to communicate and articulate his message has enabled Ivan to expand his management roles to include: writing business plans, investment banking, raising venture capital, and founding several businesses.

Ivan achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Connecticut in 1984. His 25 years in the field of technology includes designing integrated circuits for aerospace, cutting edge optoelectronic devices; computer operated industrial printers, and computer consulting. Ivan is known as an innovator and visionary with patents in the field of electronics and pre-natal education devices. Besides a long and successful career in business, Ivan has built two homes and has owned and managed commercial property.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors and creativity in business, Ivan is a prolific writer, lecturer, and motivator. His devotion to helping others is evident through his self-help and personal transformation videos, personal life coach consultations, lectures, and through his radio, television, and documentary interviews. He is founder of several organizations on raising global awareness and is responsible for writing hundreds of pages of content for the organization websites.

Ivan started on the road to responsibility while growing up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. His daily duties on the farm allowed him to develop a keen understanding of animal husbandry and crop production. Life in the small town rural environment also instilled a sense of cooperation and community which has served Ivan throughout his business and personal life.

After selling his commercial real estate in 2007 and his computer business in 2008, Ivan has devoted his full attention to his latest endeavors to help humanity become aware of the necessity to more become sustainable and provide the resources to help accomplish the task. For more professional details, please refer to Mr. Stein's Resume.


Maxine Cumberland, board member of Sustainable Living Academy

Maxine Cumberland
Board Member

Maxine brings to the Board her extensive experience in rporate Administration where her chosen career path has taken her through three of Australia’s large manufacturing companies; ICI/Orica, James Hardie, and OneSteel. Her experience encompasses senior administration, financial management, internal and external communications, purchasing, cost control, office management, event management, organizational effectiveness and safety. Throughout her career, Maxine continued to expand her skills with numerous training programs including: Commercial and Office Administration, Fire & Safety Emergency Control, Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, Time management and Communication skills.

Prior to Maxine’s corporate career, she was involved in the Banking Industry where a taste for investment and finance resulted in the creation of a personal portfolio that included five income properties and a Managed Funds Portfolio.

In 1998, Maxine had the opportunity to be involved in overseas humanitarian work in the Solomon Islands where she helped the people of Munda to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. This experience ultimately led her to become a founding member of the Project TriStar Community which exemplifies many of the humanitarian and health issues that Maxine is committed to pursuing. As a member of the Project TriStar Board of Directors, Maxine brings her wealth of financial background and management skills along with her passion for creating long-term sustainability.


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