David Steel – President & CEO
As the President and CEO of the U.S. Green Chamber, David Steel’s uncompromising commitment to the environment has helped skyrocket the formally locally-based Green Chamber of San Diego into a nation-wide organization.
With vast experience in the green arena, David understands the importance of providing the community with the resources and networking opportunities of like-minded individuals and businesses.
“I’ve been moved for many years by the state of our planet and have been committed to creating an organization that can make sustainable business practices practical, beneficial, and easily accessible under the Green Chamber,” explained David. “Already, I’ve seen immense success and growth in these areas, extending from our home base in San Diego to cities across the country.”
David is the owner of SmarterLight an earth-friendly LED lighting company that helps individuals and corporations easily replace their current lighting with top of the line, next phase, environmentally gentle LED lighting solutions. He is also a founding board member and CFO of Conscious Humanity, a 501©3 committed to spreading peace and personal empowerment to all people. Previously David served on the board of directors for the San Diego Entrepreneurs Organization.
David’s passion and experience in these fields has helped the U.S. Green Chamber reach a number of ambitious goals as he continues to expand the organization’s reach.
Follow David on Twitter | Connect with David Steel on LinkedIn | Email David Steel
Jay Nelson- Staff Writer, Editor, Blogger
Jay Nelson toils endlessly for USGCC as our Staff Writer, Editor, and Blogger. His academic background covers B.A’s in both Communication, and Spanish, along with an English Minor.
Jay wears many hats, which include the development of original content for our website, social media channels, SEO strategies and training materials, along with contributions to our blog, newsletter and Web graphics. Jay’s our go-to grammar geek whenever we need to brand, optimize or extoll new ideas. He ensures that U.S. Green Chamber’s corporate communiques bear the tone and purpose of our movement, and eagerly builds on this dynamic role.
Jay has joined forces with USGCC specifically to enjoy a proactive role as an advocate for green initiatives and corporate social responsibility. He hopes to avoid a planet Earth, reduced by apathy and ignorance, to a single sustainable resource resembling Soylent Green.
Follow Jay on Twitter | Connect with Jay Nelson on LinkedIn | Email Jay Nelson
Adam Lievers – Director of Member Experience
Adam Lievers is the Green Chamber’s Director of Member Experience. He is responsible for maintaining the business directory as well as ensuring the needs of all members are met. Adam also has a hand in blogging and research and is always happy to help.
Adam graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2010 with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences and an emphasis in Communications. He also studied Environmental Sciences at the University of Newcastle in Australia. His commitment to the environment dates back much further to when at age 4, he picketed a tree trimming company as they cut down a tree behind his house. Adam’s commitment to the environment fits well with the U.S. Green Chamber’s philosophy that people should not have to choose between Business and the Environment.
When he is not working at the Green Chamber you can find him leading kayak tours in La Jolla Cove, surfing with his dad, or hiking somewhere in the San Diego back country. He also dabbles in yoga and watches way too many episodes of The Office.
Connect with Adam Lievers on LinkedIn | Email Adam Lievers
Melissa J. Brooks - Chief Editor and Green Certification Officer
As the Chief Editor and a Green Certification Officer at the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce, Melissa divides her time between producing the weekly newsletter, contributing and overseeing the content and style of the blog and web site, and researching/developing the chamber’s certification standard.
Melissa is a graduate of Pomona College class of 2011. With a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Analysis, her commitment to environmental stewardship stretches back to her childhood in Iowa where she created her own nature club.
In more recent years, Melissa has had experience with everything from performing sustainable audits, sifting through sustainable building & design standards, advocating transportation policy, and researching trans-boundary parks in Greece. In her spare time, she can be found attending art galleries, creating art work, hiking, and participating in theater groups. She’s even helped paint a 40 foot mural in Washington D.C.!
Melissa is a firm proponent of sustainability and commends the work the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce is doing to promote sustainable business practices through advocacy and education. She hopes more businesses and community members engage in paying it forward.
Connect with Melissa Brooks on LinkedIn | Email Melissa Brooks
Bill Vosti – Lead Technology Officer
Bill Vosti is our Lead Technology Officer at the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. Bill works on a spectrum of things such as the integration between social media and the chamber as well as planning website concepts.
Graduating from CSU Chico with a BA in Journalism in 2006, he spent most of the next few years traveling around the world and exploring other cultures. During these travels, he began to take an interest in the impacts that our society has on the environment and formed the belief that a goal of business should be to promote a profitable yet sustainable future. He found that the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce shares that goal.
When Bill is not at work he will often be found surfing, hanging by the beach, reading and hiking. He likes to argue about politics and watch a bad reality show on occasion
Connect with Bill Vosti on LinkedIn| Email Bill Vosti
Kim Kurcab – Green Certification Program Manager
Kim Kurcab is currently the Green Certification Program Manager Officer at the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. Kim is involved in blogging and research of all topics under the sun including the development of our new green business certification. Kim shares the Green Chamber’s value that sustainability of the environment and social awareness should not only be a part of every business, but can be profitable as well.
Growing up in Colorado, Kim developed a love for nature early on and diligently toted around her copy of 50 Things Kids Can Do To Save the Earth. However, it was not until moving to California in 2000 that she realized that she could turn her passion into a career. It was upon accidentally rediscovering a beach break while surfing on a vacation that started her on her career path. “When I saw the warning sign that the water had been contaminated with sewage, I instantly knew that I would spend my life working to keep this from happening.”
Earning her B.S. in Applied Ecology at the University of California, Irvine, Kim is passionate about travel and volunteering. She has built trails in New Zealand, painted a school in Costa Rica, and collected data on endangered manatees in Belize. Her hobbies usually involve outdoors activities like hiking, camping, and snowboarding. But, she is equally content soaking up the sun with a book and coffee in hand.
Connect with Kim Kurcab on LinkedIn| Email Kim Kurcab
Desiree Goehner – Events Manager and Media Developer
Desiree is currently our Events Manager at the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce, as a recent Environmental Studies Graduate from the University of California Santa Cruz, she offers insight on “hot”
environmental topics and ample knowledge on green events.
Prior work in sustainability includes teaching the “Animals and Environment” class, leading implementations on more sustainable practices at UCSC as Co-Chair of the Student Environmental Center, working as convergence coordinator for the California Student Sustainability Collation, and increasing awareness on environmental issues in the local community.
In her free time Desiree enjoys revamping recipes to be vegan, hula hooping, and creating awesome recycle art. Her goal is to educate people on the issues of sustainability to promote awareness and community development as we work together to tackle the issues of climate change.
Jackie Lyon – Business Partner
Jackie has been with the Green Chamber since last April. As a graduate of Northern Arizona University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Public Relations and Advertising, and a minor from the Netherlands in International Communication, Jackie had ran a PR and Event’s company for a number of years before she transitioned into the “Green Scene” and joined the Chamber. As a Business Partner Jackie is in charge of new acquisition, but when she’s not focusing on new member outreach she takes on creating big chamber events such as an upcoming sustainable awards dinner and an eco travel trip for the members.
Jackie recently got married in July and had an eco wedding. Creating an experience unlike most weddings including a gondola ride grand entrance, and a masseuse giving out 10-minute chair massages with many more other surprises for the guests.
If you have anyone in mind that you think would be interested in becoming a member Jackie would love to share the benefits of membership. Please forward all info to Jackie@USGreenChamber.com
Erin Martin-Green Certification Program Manager
Erin is a May 2011 graduate from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.S. in Society & Environment with a concentration in Global Environmental Politics. Erin’s coursework in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management has provided her with a skill set to analyze and solve environmental problems while integrating multiple perspectives and values from business and government. Her involvement in undergraduate green business consulting and campus-wide energy efficiency programs solidified her commitment to serve the green business sector. She is extremely excited to begin working for the US Green Chamber on developing its green certification program. Her involvement in sustainability projects and carbon accounting research will aid her in creating the US Green Chamber’s certification program.
Erin’s other environmental passion is for the oceans and working to help solve marine issues by volunteering for organizations such as Surfrider Foundation. Erin is also an avid sailor and sailed for the UC Berkeley Sailing Team for three years. As a San Diego native, she enjoys any beach-related activity including but not limited to: long beach walks, swimming, learning how to stand up paddleboard, making drip castles, and relaxing with friends and family around a bonfire.
Susan Bauman -Education Specialist
Susan graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Environmental & Conservation Biology and a B.A. in Spanish. She has taught Biology and Spanish at elementary, middle school, and college level courses. When she’s not doing research, events, or blogging for the US Green Chamber she is traveling in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, or surfing the local beaches of California.
“I came on board with the US Green Chamber of Commerce because I believe so much in the mission to educate and advocate for businesses that care about sustainability issues. I am thrilled to use my background in teaching and science to help develop programs and educational materials for the chamber. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and am always shocked at the disregard for our natural surroundings many people have. I believe that it is extremely important for ALL organizations to adopt sustainable environmental practices in order to preserve our local ecosystems.”
Taras - Advocacy Assistant
Taras is an Advocacy Assistant with the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. A recent college graduate from the University of Vermont, B.A. 2011, Taras brings a wealth of political and policy experience to the U.S. Green Chamber. Interning for Congressman Bill Owens of New York and Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, Taras’s work focused on legislative research and constituent outreach. In 2010, Taras was also an integral staffer to Governor Peter Shumlin’s successful gubernatorial campaign in Vermont.
Along with his political experience, while at the University of Vermont, Taras dedicated his studies in variety of public policy areas. In particular, Taras spent a majority of his time studying macroeconomic, environmental and green energy/clean technology policy.
Originally from San Diego, Taras is a passionate environmentalist, enjoying hiking, snowboarding, and surfing in his spare time.
Mark O’Brien- Brand Champion
Meet Mark O’Brien, the USGCC’s Brand Champion. Mark recently moved from Cambridge, MA to San Diego to begin working at the U.S. Green Chamber. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has also completed extensive study in the sciences. Mark’s combination of business acumen and scientific mindset is helping bridge the gap between scientists, environmentalists, and the public in regards to issues of sustainability and how to most effectively preserve our earth. He is particularly interested in energy policy and sustainable business models, and has quickly become a highly valued member of the team.
Mark has varied hobbies and interests ranging from snowboarding, music and astronomy, to an uncharacteristically odd fascination with blue lights. He is psyched to be in San Diego and is looking forward to his first surf lesson!
Lucas Ryden -Staff Writer
Lucas is a junior at UC Santa Barbara, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a minor in Professional Writing. When he’s not in class you can find him surfing with his buddies or experimenting in the kitchen – typically in that order.
Here at the Green Chamber, Lucas has applied his writing skills and fun personality to a number of different areas. He drafts blog articles, designs web content, and conducts research on the latest trends in the green economy.
As an avid surfer and health food enthusiast, Lucas recognizes the importance of sustainability in all areas of life. His values have been shaped by his parents, his teachers, and the rugged California coastline he calls home.
Lucas also volunteers for several non-profit organizations in San Diego and Santa Barbara, including Feelgood, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Four Years. Go. His other interests include hiking, running, playing the piano, and philosophizing.
Hayley Roder -Social Media Specialist
Hayley is a senior at George Mason University, located outside of Washington, D.C. Mason is a diverse and innovative university, constantly finding new ways to become sustainable and make the world a better place.
She is a communication major with a focus in journalism and a minor in American History.
At the Green Chamber, Hayley is a social media rockstar, blogging, tweeting, posting updates on Facebook, starting conversations on LinkedIn, and constantly learning about and creating metrics for the Chamber’s social media.
In her free time, she loves going to the beach, hiking, biking, making new recipes, playing music, going on photography adventures, meeting friends for coffee, and spending time with her boyfriend.
Nadine Rudolph -Events Coordinator
Joining us all the way from Germany, Nadine has recently taken on the role as our star Executive Events Director in coordination with the many talented, hard-working staff members at the U.S. Green Chamber.
In addition to her Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management from the International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef in Bonn, Germany, Nadine has also worked for several German event agencies and helped support the City of Bad Honnef to become a certified fair trade town. Coupled with her immense passion for the environment, Nadine’s expertise are a great contribution to our team at the U.S. Green Chamber.
Maureen Maloney -Videographer
Meet Maureen. She is a biologist, an adventurer, and a multimedia diva!
Maureen earned her Masters degree in Biology at Northern Arizona University, examining the effects of fertilizers on animal development and behavior. Although her original focus was conservation, during her research she realized the strong connections between environmental and social justice issues. She also identified a need for clear communication between the scientific community and the public. She began focusing on education through media, and has since freelanced as a videographer for several businesses and NGOs. One of her videos will soon be featured in WWOOF The Movie, and she is a blogger for LonelyPlanet.com.
As a Peace Corps Volunteer she developed Environmental Education programs for Madagascar schools, and advocated for local fishermen. After completing her service she traveled solo through Africa. During this time she volunteered on an organic farm, and started an organization to help street kids in South Africa. Maureen is currently using her knowledge, passion, and creativity to educate people about environmental issues and the importance of sustainability.
Maureen is an avid rock climber, surfer, and snowboarder. Whenever possible she spreads her love of the outdoors as a Backpacking Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
Elizabeth Painter – Chief of Staff
Elizabeth Painter, Chief of Staff at the US Green Chamber of Commerce, is a sustainable business development professional. She worked with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s National Center for Environmental Economics, an international NGO empowering local media worldwide, and a private contractor specializing in agricultural solutions to end hunger and poverty, among others.
An International MBA from IE Business School focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and Communications, she also received a double Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Ms. Painter is fluent in English and Spanish and worked or studied in Spain, Honduras, El Salvador, St. Thomas, Thailand, and China.
Krista Mayans -Graphics Designer
Krista is the U.S. Green Chamber’s creative designer, advertising guru, master blogger, and one of our most valued staff members.
Complementing her Bachelor’s in Advertising and Design from the Art Institute of California – San Diego, Krista has a strong passion for the environment and all of its creatures. She lives a very green lifestyle, eating vegan, buying as many green products as she can, and spending lots of time outdoors.
Almost all of her spare time is dedicated to the animal rescue she operates out of her home in Tijuana, Mexico. Her goal is to expand her organization to a level that will soon offer educational programs both regionally and internationally on environmental issues and animal cruelty.
Not only does she live an environmentally and socially responsible life, but is one of our most loved customer service representatives and one of the kindest people you will ever meet. We are blessed to have Krista’s incredible positive energy, motivation, and talent on our staff!
Alex Wong -Research Analyst
Alex Wong graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a bachelors in Psychology. Alex is excited to better understand the role, function, and organization of businesses so that better environmental practices can be implemented, and working at the Green Chamber provides a practical environment to develop these ideas. His ongoing projects include community outreach, filming, and tightening up the graphics.
Mercedes Ruiz -Marketing Specialist
Mercedes holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her expertise is in online marketing and strategic business planning, however, her passion lies in being at the forefront of the environmental business sustainability movement. Her goal is to make environmental business practices the norm by helping to educate businesses as well as simplifying the process of going green. Mercedes believes simplifying green practices and education for businesses will allow the movement to reach all business owners and not just environmentally trained professionals. She also maintains that being mindful of the environment in business is a strategic business move that will positively impact the bottom line rather than hurt it.
In her spare time Mercedes loves nothing more than to be outside and enjoy the endless beauty and natural treasures California has to offer.
Carin Hall -Editor
Carin graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. She recently moved to San Diego with a green company when she stumbled upon the US Green Chamber’s community of like-minded businesses and individuals. With her experience in eco-publishing for AQUACabana Magazine, Carin looks forward to promoting other green industries and organizations under the US Green Chamber through a variety of similar media outlets.
Carin has a passion for travel, adrenaline, photography and running. She has circumnavigated the globe on a Semester at Sea voyage and looks forward to her next big adventure. She has lived in Lake Tahoe, the Bay Area, Las Vegas and Orange County, but San Diego is her favorite city thus far.
Laura Powers -Business Development
Laura works on communications, events and advocacy for the Green Chamber. She is a graduate of the University of Miami where she holds a degree in political science and communications. Before joining the green chamber Laura worked at IntertechPira in their information services department, where she organized conferences on emerging technologies.
Laura has taken graduate level courses in cost benefit analysis and international politics. She enjoys traveling and has visited countries on four continents.
Teresa Feng -Green Analyst
Teresa Feng is a recent graduate from UC Davis with a BA in Psychology and minors in Communications and Managerial Economics. She is ecstatic to be part of the Green Chamber and hopes to learn more about sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. She maintains the Green Chamber’s social network and helps out with presentations, blog articles, and the membership directory. Her goal is to help the Green Chamber and San Diego become a leader in sustainability practices. In her spare time, she likes reading, biking and cooking. Additionally, Teresa enjoys playing ultimate frisbee with a local women’s club team, Knock Out.
