CONTACT:
Caitlin Inglehart, CLF, 617.850.1755, cinglehart@clf.org
Geoff Hand, SDKS, 802.865.0024, ghand@sdkslaw.com

BOSTON, MA (APRIL 15, 2009) Today the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), New England' s leading environmental advocacy group, announced that a nation-wide search has yielded a new President. John B. Kassel, Esq., will officially begin the transition process to CLF on May 1. He takes over the position from Phil Warburg, who departed CLF in January 2009 after five years as President.

Listen to John's interview with Vermont Public Radio, which aired Friday, April 17, 2009.

Kassel has over 20 years of legal experience and a track-record that aligns squarely with CLF’s core mission and values. He most recently served as co-managing partner and co-founder of Shems Dunkiel Kassel & Saunders (SDKS), a mission-driven Burlington, Vermont law firm, where he counseled non-profits and businesses on the creation and permitting of renewable energy projects. Prior to that, he served as Secretary of Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, a cabinet-level position in the administration of Gov. Howard Dean, after joining the agency previously as its general counsel. Kassel has also served on CLF's Vermont Advisory Board.

CLF's Search Committee conducted an exhaustive five-month search and a rigorous review of candidates in order to find the best fit for CLF.

It is with utmost confidence that we welcome John Kassel to CLF,” said Bill Coleman, Interim President of CLF. “His experience with community and environmental advocacy, together with his strong belief in the need for a blend of legal advocacy with market-harnessing ventures makes him the perfect choice. I’m extremely thankful to the Search Committee for its commitment to finding the right person for this crucial position.”

Michael Moskow, Chair of CLF’s Board of Trustees, further noted: “I’m pleased to have John Kassel as President of CLF. His dynamic, steady leadership will strengthen CLF’s ability to innovate and evolve in New England ’s rapidly changing environmental landscape.”

Hailing from Middletown, New York , Kassel has lived in Vermont for 30 years. He is a graduate of Middlebury College, received his law degree from Cornell, and clerked for the Hon. Joseph L. Tauro, United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts, in Boston, in 1986-87.

Upon accepting the position, Kassel made the following comments:

"It is a humbling privilege to join the gifted and committed staff of CLF in the indispensible work that they do, and a great honor to follow in the footsteps of Phil Warburg and Doug Foy. I thank the CLF Trustees for their confidence and trust.

At this time, we face environmental and economic challenges – such as those posed by our changing climate – that require both long-term discipline and creative problem-solving. Our goals must not change, but our methods will evolve as needed to produce the New England we envision.

CLF will continue to lead the movement for a thriving natural environment, vital and healthy communities, and a robust and sustainable economy in New England. CLF has the experience, the intelligence, the tools and the grit to succeed. With our like-minded partners we will help make our region a model for our country and our planet."

Kassel’s Burlington, Vermont law firm added the following comment, from Ron Shems, co-founder of the firm:

"John’s partners and colleagues at Shems Dunkiel Kassel & Saunders are very excited for John as he moves into the next stage of his career.

Leading such a well-respected regional organization is a wonderful opportunity for John and we have no doubt that he will excel in his new position. He is an excellent attorney, and a thoughtful and effective manager and leader. This is a logical next step for John, and although his contribution to SDKS is well recognized, the firm is committed to the continued growth of its energy, corporate and environmental practice. John is a dedicated environmental advocate. We cannot think of anyone better qualified to serve as CLF's next president.

It’s been a real pleasure working with John and we will miss him as a partner, but we look forward to celebrating his future success at CLF."

Click here to find the story on the Boston Globe's Green Blog.

The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England . CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.