Staff and Board of Directors
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/about-the-institute-for-local-self-reliance/staff-and-board/Staff
Nicola Chin (nee Wells) — Director of Strategy and Development
Nicola brings eight years of experience in community organizing and organizational growth to the Institute as the lead for fundraising and strategic planning. Before joining ILSR, Nicola served as the Director for the Maine League of Young Voters where she worked with diverse young Mainers to build power for local and state organizing campaigns and young voter engagement.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
John Farrell — Senior Researcher, Energy
John Farrell is a senior researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and directs its work on democratic energy. John is best known for his vivid illustrations of the economic and environmental benefits of local ownership of decentralized renewable energy.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Lisa Gonzalez — Research Associate, Telecommunications
Lisa Gonzalez researches and reports on telecommunications and how those networks impact life on the local level. Her background includes experience in state politics, law, writing, and freelance journalism.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Christopher Mitchell — Director, Telecommunications as Commons Initiative
Christopher’s work focuses on telecommunications — helping communities ensure the networks upon which they depend, are accountable to the community. He has published several reports, articles, and interviews while also offering technical assistance to communities around the country.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Stacy Mitchell — Senior Researcher, Banking and Independent Business
Stacy Mitchell directs ILSR’s initiatives on independent business and community banking. An advisor to business groups, grassroots organizations, and policymakers, Stacy produces research and analysis, and develops policies and innovative strategies to curb economic consolidation and strengthen community-rooted enterprise. She is the author of Big-Box Swindle and has written for Business Week, The Nation, Grist, and many other publications.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
David Morris — Vice President, Defending the Public Good
Dr. David Morris is co-founder and vice president of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. He directs its initiative on The Public Good. He has served as an adviser or consultant to local, state and national governments and to private businesses large and small.
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Brenda Platt — Program Director, Waste to Wealth and Sustainable Plastics
Brenda Platt is a recycling expert and composting advocate, and co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). She directs ILSR’s Sustainable Plastics and Composting Makes $en$e projects and co-chairs the Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Neil Seldman — President
Neil Seldman, Ph.D., co-founded the Institute for Local Self-Reliance in 1974 and continues to serve as its President. An economic development planner and former manufacturer, Dr. Seldman specializes in approaches to municipal and commercial solid waste management that emphasize environmental quality and create economic development opportunities for small businesses, community organizations, and other targeted populations.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Leigh Crenshaw — Development Associate
Leigh Crenshaw assists with ILSR’s fundraising efforts. She also works with the Washington, DC office on zero waste economic development and composting.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Sarah Pickell — Finance Director
Sarah Pickell is responsible for the fiscal management of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Having spent the previous 16 years with The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Sarah brings over 25 years of financial and administrative expertise to ILSR.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Linda Knapp — Director, MACREDO Project
Linda Knapp is a Senior Program Manager for ILSR, overseeing the Mid-Atlantic Consortium of Recycling and Economic Development Officials, a recycling market development group funded by US EPA Region 3. Her current work focuses on increasing on-farm composting.
Full Bio – Contact – Recent Posts
Board of Directors
Becca Vargo Daggett – Financial Consultant
Jolie Jones – Take It Back Foundation
Kirk Marckwald – California Environmental Associates
David Morris – ILSR
Roy Priest – Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority
Andy Reicher – Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB)
Neil Seldman – ILSR
To reach ILSR staff members not listing an address, send e-mail to info@ilsr.org