What I do:
As the Executive Director of the VT Sustainable Jobs Fund, I have the pleasure of working with a team whose purpose is to accelerate the development of Vermont’s green economy. That means we focus on industry level, sustainable economic development in the areas of food systems, forest products, bioenergy and other forms of renewable energy, waste/nutrient management, and green technology development. We utilize a market development framework that applies the same fundamentals to advancing an entire industry as an individual business uses to advance itself over time. Initially established by the Vermont Legislature, as a 501c3 non-profit organization we are authorized to deploy loans, grants and technical assistance to assist innovative businesses and non-profits in our designated market sectors. We are firm believers in the power of networks and the Collective Impact framework to generate real systems level change. And we develop useful tools that can be replicated in other parts of the country (e.g., vtfoodatlas.com, vtenergyatlas.com, Oilseed Cost of Production Calculator).

My favorite book/author:
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

My motto(s):
“There is no spoon.” and “Not too tight; Not too loose.”

My greatest achievement:
It’s too soon to say …

My greatest extravagance:
Eating Vermont artisanal cheeses (especially Winnemere from the Cellars at Jasper Hill)

My favorite journey:
My whole KNFP Group 14 journey and most especially my learning plan journey to Ladakh, India

Five people (living or dead) I’d want to have dinner with:
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama; Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche; President Barack Obama; Pema Chodron; Vandana Shiva

The person living today who most inspires me:
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

The reason I get up in the morning:
To make a lasting contribution to building an economy fundamentally based on the notion of Care, Connection and Kindness.

My perfect day:
Being above tree line and hanging out on top of a big mountain with my wife, drinking cold, fresh spring water and eating fresh picked blueberries.

The talent I wish I had:
Having the patience and skill to make really good compost.

My best leadership advice:
1) Develop and practice some form of spiritual practice (such as meditation); 2) Develop true friendship with and gentleness and kindness towards yourself (this will enable you to be caring, gentle and kind to others); 3) Steadily build your confidence and bravery; and 4) Take the leap, live your values, and work for the benefit of all sentient beings!