The ecological / environmental sciences and the business profession have traditionally been segregated disciplines in both academia and professional practice. Decision makers leading contemporary innovation and “green” economic development are challenged by interdisciplinary problems with competing societal values. We feel the ecological and environmental science community can and should play a role in assisting the business community overcome these challenges. This special session will 1) focus on ways to enhance the dialogue between ecologists and business professionals, 2) review current business and environmental education strategies that foster a more comprehensive framework for business leadership development in the new green economy, and 3) explore ways in which ESA can play a role to enhance dialogue between the ecological and business communities and foster the development of collaborative program designs that integrate education and professional development for emerging “Green Careers.” The organizers will summarize the results of a Break Out Group that was held at a conference sponsored by the National Council of Environmental Science (NCSE) entitled the “The New Green Economy.” The break out session constituted an interdisciplinary forum of panelists and attendees that developed a list of recommendations for the Obama Administration and Congress, which will serve to kick off the Special Session discussion. Our main objective for this Special Session is to come up with a set of recommendations for the ESA Governing Board as “next steps” for the Society to assist in the integration of the business, ecological, and education communities.