JOHN JUDGE
Summary
Seasoned Climate Executive with a distinct aptitude for innovative leadership at the convergence of climate solutions, economic advancement, and sustainability. Demonstrated prowess in scaling sustainable revenue streams, championing conservation policies, leveraging public and private financial instruments, and crafting digital solutions to amplify organizational impact and elevate customer engagement.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Next Ecology LLC
11.2001 - Current
- Spearheaded pioneering green-tech venture.
- Strategically counseled New York State on “30 by 30” land conservation blueprint.
- Innovated and brought to life ParksQR - digital solution to improve parks' experiences while fostering nature stewardship and sustainable park management.
- Globally recognized thought leader on climate action and ecological guardianship.
- Integral founding member of Commonwealth Clean Energy Alliance.
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Trustees of Reservations
01.2022 - 10.2022
- Directed expansive portfolio with $52M budget and 600 employees across 123 properties.
- Championed groundbreaking coastal resilience strategy, with hallmark projects such as world's inaugural blue carbon marsh initiative.
- Stellar fundraising performance, including raising record of $9M via memberships.
- Fostered triad partnerships with Indigenous communities.
- Pioneered urban inclusivity blueprint, securing $6M to expand inner-city gardens and spearheading $35M harbor park project.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Appalachian Mountain Club
01.2012 - 01.2022
- Helmed America’s premier conservation entity with $37M budget, overseeing 600 personnel, engaging 16,000 volunteers, and managing 70 lodging properties.
- Delivered consistent fiscal responsibility with 9 consecutive years of balanced budgets and sustainable growth.
- Oversaw creation of eco-lodging network, attracting millions of visitors annually.
- Stellar fundraising track record, with over $200M mobilized, setting milestones in donor engagement and digital philanthropy.
- Innovatively engaged with urban centers, collaborating with over 24 government bodies.
- Spearheaded eco-infrastructure in New York's Harriman State Park and augmented 37,000 acres in Maine with holistic conservation strategy.
- Leader of National bipartisan coalition securing permanent reauthorization of Land Water Conservation Fund.
Chief City Planning and Economic Development Officer
City of Springfield, Massachusetts
06.2009 - 05.2011
- Appointed during fiscal downturn, supervised $700M project portfolio, catalyzing job creation.
- Pioneered introduction of federal broadband infrastructure, revitalizing city's connectivity.
- Instrumental in cityscape redevelopment, fostering new businesses, and pioneering state’s largest solar field.
Founder
The Judge Development Co. LLC
07.2004 - 05.2009
- Established eco-centric real estate venture, emphasizing low-income district rejuvenation.
- Completed historic restorations, including Boston's ancient schoolhouse, and green construction projects worth $30M.
- Won State RFP for high profile 3-acre inner-city site for region's first green hydrogen incubator.
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston Inc
09.1997 - 07.2004
- Revitalized organization from financial distress to national acclaim as premier home builder.
- Exponential growth in fundraising, driving expansion to 32 cities and towns.
- Repaid $2,000,000 in debt and added $10,000,000 in assets.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Organizational Leadership
Harvard Kennedy School
Cambridge, MABachelor of Arts - Economics
Stonehill College
North Easton, MAAdditional Information
- Ex-Chair, Massachusetts Commission on Service (Americorps)
- Former Board Member, Northeastern University School of Public Policy
- Author, The Outdoor Citizen
- Conservation Commissioner, Town of Manchester, MA (2020-2022)
- World Economic Forum's Distinguished Speaker on Sustainability, Singapore 2023
- Recipient, National Eagle Scout Association’s Outstanding Eagle Award, 2022
- Dual U.S. & Irish Citizenship
- Honorary Doctorate & Commencement Speaker, Stonehill College, 2022
Timeline
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Trustees of Reservations
01.2022 - 10.2022
President and Chief Executive Officer
Appalachian Mountain Club
01.2012 - 01.2022
Chief City Planning and Economic Development Officer
City of Springfield, Massachusetts
06.2009 - 05.2011
Founder
The Judge Development Co. LLC
07.2004 - 05.2009
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Next Ecology LLC
11.2001 - Current
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston Inc
09.1997 - 07.2004
Master of Public Administration - Organizational Leadership
Harvard Kennedy School
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Stonehill College