Donna Merten
Longmont,CO
Summary
Dynamic leader with 20 years of experience in sustainable design, construction, and real estate development. Successfully drives initiatives in both public and private sectors through strategic collaborations with government agencies and financial institutions. Expertise in capital fundraising and food systems strategy supports a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. Dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible practices within the built environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
LIVE, LLC
Longmont, CO
11.2023 - Current
- Consulting on advanced AI-integrated, responsive 'agritecture' prototypes.
- Networking globally with capital investors, architects, and industry professionals to create universal sustainability solutions for housing and energy infrastructure.
- Executing a living lab, urban agriculture research project initiative in Longmont, CO.
- Collaborating on financial strategies to integrate tax credits and districts to enhance energy-efficient technologies in homes.
Founder / Owner
FED (Farm Eats Direct)
Longmont, CO
07.2017 - Current
- Award-winning food truck champion, sourcing from 20 local farms.
- Awarded the University of Colorado Provost Sustainability Award, University of Colorado New Venture Challenge Project 2020.
- Secured $210,000 in start-up capital funding.
- Implemented an effective local farm supply chain network.
- Contributed $500,000 to support the local food economy.
- Mitigated 160,000 lbs of farm produce surplus.
- Acquired $50,000 through SOIL funds to benefit community farms.
- Facilitated the distribution of 11,000 meals to migrants during the City of Denver's December 2022 State of Emergency.
- Coordinated meals for 1,800 evacuees affected by the Marshall Fire.
- Partner with non-profits to ensure widespread access to organic local food.
Founder / CEO
MERTEN DEVELOPMENT
Boulder, CO
01.2004 - 05.2017
- Pioneered environmentally-friendly design/build methodology, consistently achieving industry awards.
- Executed infrastructure projects valued between $250,000 and $27 million.
- Implemented the design and construction of an innovative net-zero geothermal and solar-integrated community in Fort Collins, CO.
- Designed and built the city's first straw bale house in Fort Collins.
- Presented advancements in sustainable housing solutions at a 2010 White House event.
- Managed collaborations with government and businesses for a $6.5 million investment in sustainability initiatives.
Executive Director of Sustainability and Architecture
JAMES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Boulder, CO
12.1999 - 11.2003
- Implemented the company's first nationally recognized environmental recycling program.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote the organization's mission throughout the community.
- Managed infrastructure projects at various stages of development, spanning 16 to 200 acres in Master Plan Communities.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers for optimal pricing structure.
- Showcased company's commitment to sustainability at industry events.
Director of Product Design
COMMODORE CORPORATION
Goshen, IN
01.1998 - 12.1999
- Designed new housing products annually for the manufacturing production line.
- Project management, organization, and implementation of designs among production, engineering, and sales for six plants, which produced 600 homes per year.
- Served as a public spokesperson at industry events or conferences.
- Negotiated agreements with external partners such as contractors or consultants.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
Education
Masters of the Environment - Sustainable Food Systems
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO05-2020
Bachelors of Architecture -
Ball State University
Muncie, IN05-1997
Bachelors of Science - Environmental Design
Ball State University
Muncie, IN05-1997
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Forward-Thinking Solutions
- Advanced Problem-Solving Skills
- Team-Based Collaboration
- Distribution Optimization
- Professional Networking Expertise
- Investor Engagement and Fundraising
- Effective Public Speaking
Press
- 5280, Behind A Boulder Food Truck's Mission to Create a Less Wasteful, More Resilient Food System, 7/12/22
- University of Colorado Innovation and Entrepreneurship, FED (Farm Eats Direct) connects community with local farmers to reduce food waste, 04/16/20
- Daily Camera. Futuristic Food for everyone., 11/01/17
- Masters of Environment - University of Colorado. Future of food for everyone., 11/01/17
- CRES 2011 Denver Area Solar & Green Homes Tour., 09/01/11
- Green At Home., 01/01/10
- Homestead Magazine., 01/01/09
- Boulder Green Building Journal. Winter 2008., 01/01/08
- Boulder Solar Tour of Homes., 01/01/07
- The Healing Path., 09/01/07
- National Solar Tour Magazine., 01/01/07
- Denver Post & Rocky Mountain News. James Co's Merten details environmental program at NAHB confab., 05/15/04
- NAHB (Nation's Building News)., 03/01/04
- Homebuilder's Association. Protecting the Environment - One House at a Time., 01/01/03
- Professional Builder., 12/01/03
- The Coloradoan. Construction companies going somewhat green., 08/04/03
- Bio Cycle. Capturing Wood from the Construction Stream., 08/01/03
- Daily Camera. Construction Recycling: What it means to you., 07/25/03
- CAFR News. Waste-Not Recycling and the James Company Win Award., 02/01/03
- The Boulder County Business Report. James Co. committed to building 'green' homes., 02/07/03
- Technology Community Newsletter - University of Colorado Business Advancement Center. Construction Industry Champions Receive Environmental Achievement Awards., 01/01/03
- Daily Camera. James Company Wins New Statewide Environmental Achievement Award., 01/10/03
- Homebuilder. Built Green builds upon sturdy foundation of committed members., 01/01/02
- HomeStore.com's. James Company recognized as leader in earth-friendly construction., 01/01/02
- Daily Camera. James Company Recognized as Leader in Earth-Friendly Construction., 11/22/02
- Rocky Mountain News & Denver Post. James Co. recognized as leader in earth-friendly construction., 11/16/02
- Watts to the Wind (City of Fort Collins Utility Newsletter). James Company Expands Wind Purchase., 10/01/02
- CAI (Community Association Institute) Common Interest Magazine. Recycling: Making Diverting Construction Debris a Priority., 04/01/02
- The San Francisco Chronicle. Builders turn trash into cash through recycling., 08/26/01
- Chicago Tribune. Builder finds savings from recycling., 08/11/01
- Environmental News: Tennessee and Appalachian., 07/01/01
- The Knoxville News Sentinel. Builder recycle refuse into savings., 07/18/01
- The Daily Camera. Boulder builder recycles refuse., 07/18/01
- The Longmont Times Call. GREEN: Colorado builders adhere to environmental cause., 07/08/01
- Professional Builder. Keeping Green While Saving Green., 06/01/01
- New Home Directory. James Company Creates Model Recycling Program., 06/01/01
- Loveland Reporter Herald. Sorting it all out - Company Pioneers building-site recycling., 03/31/01
Awards
- University of Colorado Provost Sustainability Award, 03/01/20
- University of Colorado Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility Case Competition Award, 11/01/19
- EHDA Grand Award - Phantom Canyon Ranch, 07/12/12
- Colorado Biz Magazine, 1st and 2nd Place Sustainable Design Award for Residential, 01/01/11
- Colorado Biz Magazine, 3rd Place Sustainable Design Award for Residential, 01/01/10
- City of Fort Collins Urban Design Award, 01/01/08
- Rotary Club, Our World Award, 01/01/03
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Environmental Achievement Award, 01/01/02
- National Association of Home Builders, Built Green Home of the Year $500,000 & Under, 01/01/02
- National Association of Home Builders, Built Green Home of the Year $500,000 & Under, 01/01/01
Guest Speaker
- South West Florida Green Futures Expo, 10/01/10
- Boulder Solar Tour Panel, 10/01/08
- City of Fort Collins Green Summit, 09/01/07
- Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy (CORE), 08/01/07
- Fort Collins Rotary Club, Fort Collins, 07/01/07
- Fort Collins Green Summit Conference, Fort Collins, 04/01/07
- Northern Fort Collins Business Association (NFCBA), Fort Collins, 07/01/07
- Vail Valley Group for Sustainable Alliance, Vail, 04/01/05
- US Green Building Council Conference, Denver, 08/01/04
- National Association of Home Builders Green Builder Conference, Austin, Texas, 03/01/04
- Recycling Seminar in collaboration with University of Colorado Business Advancement Center, 07/01/03
- Fort Collins Sustainable Conference, 09/01/02
- Colorado Recycling Summit, 05/01/01
- City of Fort Collins Builder's Luncheon, 03/01/01
Academics
- University of Colorado, Executing Social Innovation, Instructor, 01/01/20
- University of Colorado, US Race and Ethnic Relations, Teaching Assistant, 01/01/20
- University of Colorado, Law Clinic - Deborah Cantrell, Instructor, 10/01/17
- University of Colorado Denver, Architecture Department, Juror - Julee Herdt, 10/01/14
- University of Colorado, Advisory Committee for Julee Herdt - BioSIPS, 01/01/11
- University of Colorado, Environmental Design, Juror - Scott Schwartz, 11/01/03
- University of Colorado, Environmental Design, Solar Decathlon - Julee Herdt, 10/01/03
- University of Colorado, Business Advancement Center 'Best Practice Site Project - Bud McGrath, 05/01/03
- Colorado State University, Construction Management Department, Guest Lecturer - Brian Dunbar, 01/01/03
- Colorado State University, Green Building Certification Series, 01/01/02
- University of Colorado, Environmental Center - Jack DeBell, 01/01/01
Health & Wellness
- Yoga Instructor - 200 hour ceritfication
- Finalist Ms. Health & Fitness - 6,000 participants world-wide
- Oxygen Magazine Finalist 2018
Timeline
Founder
LIVE, LLC
11.2023 - Current
Founder / Owner
FED (Farm Eats Direct)
07.2017 - Current
Founder / CEO
MERTEN DEVELOPMENT
01.2004 - 05.2017
Executive Director of Sustainability and Architecture
JAMES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
12.1999 - 11.2003
Director of Product Design
COMMODORE CORPORATION
01.1998 - 12.1999
Masters of the Environment - Sustainable Food Systems
University of Colorado
Bachelors of Architecture -
Ball State University
Bachelors of Science - Environmental Design
Ball State University
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