John Kassel has joined the High Meadows Fund Board of Directors. Kassel, an attorney and consultant with Dunkiel Saunders Raubvogel Elliott and Hand Law Firm, brings three decades of experience addressing environmental and legal challenges, most recently as president of the Conservation Law Foundation.
Carl Ferenbach, chair of the High Meadows Fund board, commented, “The High Meadows board is thrilled that John will be contributing his perspective and rich expertise to our grantmaking and mission investments. With the changing climate, it is urgent that we understand the complex energy landscape and the importance of thoughtful land use in ensuring vibrant Vermont communities.”
Kassel’s current law practice focuses on energy and environmental issues, strategic consulting with for-profit and nonprofit entities, and philanthropic advising. Throughout his career, he has focused on promoting renewable energy, land use planning, and nonprofit governance. As head of the Conservation Law Foundation from 2009 to 2015, he developed and implemented a strategy for New England to shift to a low carbon future. He served as general counsel, deputy secretary, and secretary of Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources from 1994 to 2000 and co-founded the mission-driven law firm, Dunkiel Saunders. He lives in Burlington.
The High Meadows Fund’s mission of promoting vibrant communities and a healthy natural environment in Vermont is advanced through grantmaking, convening, and mission investments.
The mission of the High Meadows Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation is to promote vibrant communities and a healthy natural environment while encouraging long-term economic vitality in Vermont. Our communities, environment, and economy are threatened by the changing climate. High Meadows helps Vermonters mitigate that change and adapt to its consequences by supporting leadership and innovation in three overlapping areas of focus: energy, land use, and sustainable agriculture.