Forum discussion

Mahesh leaving USGBC/GBCI

Hi folks,

Mahesh announced today that he's leaving his position as CEO of USGBC, GBCI, and ArkScoru, effective Nov. 1. An interim CEO will be announced tomorrow.

I think that Mahesh did some great things for the organization(s)--and he had some really loyal team members. He could also be challenging to work with--as I learned first hand on more than one occasion. I can't pretend to understand all the circles he moves in nor the levers he pulls (or tries to pull).

This is an interesting time and transition for USGBC etc. It would be great if they found someone who could re-energize a broader community and collaborate well with others to help lead this movement through its next phases.

What do you think? Any good names to suggest to them?

Nadav

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Tue, 09/07/2021 - 21:06

Clone Lindsay Baker. Brad Jacobson FAIA, LEED(r) AP, DBIA Partner Pier 1 The Embarcadero, Bay 2 San Francisco, CA 94111 +1 415-214-7276 [cid:G_190118_N24_webview_bb0303a9-c805-4097-ac97-3ab99950504f.jpg]

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 21:14

Interesting timing... He must have decided with internet explorer being phased out next year he needed to cut and run before the whole damn thing (completely) falls apart! Steven Burke. LEED & WELL Faculty Director Of Sustainability m: 774.462.2044 consigli.com

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 21:27

I wonder if Beth Heider would consider this role. Jean Carroon, FAIA, LEED Fellow Principal - Design, Preservation and Sustainability Goody Clancy 617 850 6651 (direct) 617 285 5936 (mobile) Jean.carroon@goodyclancy.com [Goody Clancy] Building reuse is climate action! - Lori Ferriss

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 21:51

Hahaha, we were all thinking that Brad. I was gonna suggest asking Lindsay ________________________________ Noah Zallen | Principal Integral Group | Trust | Nurture | Inspire P: 510.663.2070 x 2066 | M: 508.272.5543 integralgroup.com | nzallen@integralgroup.com 427 13th Street, Oakland, CA 94612 | Integral Group announces global Just.℠ 2.0 label renewal with the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) ​This email may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy this email. Any unauthorized copying, disclosure or distribution of the information contained on this email is prohibited. Ref A524GE65 Fro

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 22:06

Beth Heider is a very interesting suggestion... and Brad's comment about Lindsay Baker gets me thinking of someone like Elaine Hsieh (currently part of the leadership of RMI's climate incubator spin-off Third Derivative).
Regardless of the person, I have to say that now feels like the perfect (albeit overdue) time to have more women leading influential green building organizations! We have many esteemed colleagues within this group who would also do an amazing job!

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 22:20

I wholeheartedly endorse Beth Heider – that is a great idea Jean. And I think putting girls in charge is also a stunning thought Clark.  How about Kimberly Lewis? Or maybe we can find a volunteer here??? I still miss Lance.

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 23:10

We will always miss Lance. Get Outlook for Android

Wed, 09/08/2021 - 14:01

They’ve brought back Peter Templeton as Interim CEO. I think that’s a good call.  What they also need to do is break up the role. No one should be running USGBC, Arc, GBCI, etc. all at the same time. They need a visionary leader who can activate the membership, but they also need someone who can make sure the organization runs smoothly. Probably not the same person for both roles.

Wed, 09/08/2021 - 14:16

I agree with Chris wholeheartedly! They need to be looking for multiple people to fill these roles. Especially splitting up USGBC and GBCI is critical - at minimum.

Wed, 09/08/2021 - 14:20

I completely agree with Clark :).  I think whomever is selected needs to have the personality that will "re-connect" with the membership, take a leader-inspiring role.  Although I totally respect the work Mahesh has done, and I am sure the cloud hacks/meltdowns and pandemic has taken its toll on everyone, including him.  I felt USGBC turned somewhat "corporate", having closely dealt with "the big GBCI machine" lately.   Whomever will step in Mahesh's shoes has a huge undertaking.  I also agree with Chris, that a break up role approach or re-org. may benefit the CEO's role.   

Wed, 09/08/2021 - 14:40

I agree wholeheartedly. Peter can reassure staff, help calm things down. From what it sounded like from my friends still there and from the open letter, there is a lot to mend. He was wonderful to work with. Wasn’t it Mahesh to made it into one role (CEO of both USGBC and GBCI)? It was never intended to be that initially for good reason in my opinion. My hope is that they do a full search for the long term replacement. K Katie Rothenberg Managing Director Paladino and Company Mobile: 301.830.3432 www.paladinoandco.com F

Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:30

To pick up on Brad J's thought: Go big, merge ILFI and USGBC, and put Lindsay in charge of it all (I say this not knowing Lindsay, but I'll go with the mo).  

Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:48

I’m really glad to hear that. I worked for Peter in 2006-2007 and definitely think he’s got the right mindset for an interim CEO role, especially under these circumstances. Hopefully they can also find a longer term position for him. Mara mbaum@dialogdesign.ca Fro

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