What interested you in working at Clean Energy NH?
This Energy Circuit Rider position is taking my career full circle. When I moved to Sullivan County 35 years ago, I worked remotely for a small non-profit that was focused on using energy investments to fight climate change. (I even wrote a book on the subject in 1992!) But as our firm got bigger, and gobbled up by other firms, it became harder to see the fruits of my labor. Clean Energy NH is taking me back to my roots, here in Sullivan County, to spur climate-friendly investments in our communities and build better energy policy all across New Hampshire. Right here is where I want to be!
What were you up to prior to working at the organization?
For most of my career, I provided pension funds, universities and high net-worth clients with environmental, social and governance (ESG) information to provide them with a wider, more holistic view of investment risks and opportunities. More recently, I’ve done some consulting on the future of the auto industry (climate scenario analysis) and for a local solar energy company that’s based in the Upper Valley.
Why did you decide to work in the clean energy industry?
When I was attending Williams College 40 years ago, my favorite professor predicted that the atmosphere would run out of room to store carbon dioxide long before the ground ran out of fossil fuels. Boy, was he right! Ever since, I have tried to steer energy investments toward more use of renewables and better energy efficiency. We’ve made great strides, but CO2 levels are still rising – and we’re running out of time to turn down the heat!
Describe your position in more detail. Who will you be working with and what will you be doing?
As an Energy Circuit Rider, I’ll be spending lots of time with the 15 towns in Sullivan County. All of these towns are either rural or economically challenged, putting them in the pole position to receive federal grants that typically cover 20-80% of project costs – keeping the local taxpayer burden at a minimum. Working with town administrators, select boards, energy committees and local businesses, my goal is to make sure that every town gets its fair share of these grants to save money and fight climate change. The spigots are wide open; we just need a well-crafted bucket to catch the flow of aid. We can build it together!
What aspect of your job excites you most? Why?
Seeing the fruits of our labor all around Sullivan County and paying back the place I’ve always loved to call home.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Want to change the world? Join a local committee! Progress starts at home.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Volunteering and giving blood. (OK, you got me. More likely, I’m eating popcorn and watching late night TV.)
A typical weekend for me is…
Hopefully, not typical! It all depends on the weather, the season, the events calendar, and the shape I’m in! Â
What’s on your bucket list?
Not long ago, somebody was offering a 3-year cruise with 160 ports of call. That would cross off most places on my bucket list! Unfortunately, they seem to be having trouble procuring that ship now, so I may need a new plan…
If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Peter Sellers as Inspector Clousseau, since my fumbling antics tend to make me a laughing stock anyway!
Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.
I eat lefty and throw righty.
Fun Facts:
Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it?
Coffee with cream for my sleepy eyelids and pure hot tea for my shivering toes.
Favorite NH Restaurant:
Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill (breakfast with a view!)
Favorite Musician/Band/Music genre:
Oh, I can’t pick one ... I was a college DJ! Spotify makes me feel like a kid in a candy store.
Favorite Recreational Activity:
Exploring the great outdoors on foot, bike, or skis.
Favorite Holiday:
July 4. Even our towns get to celebrate!