Capalino Insider: Q&A with Rich Kassel, Executive Vice President
What do you specialize in at Capalino?
I direct our Energy, Environment + Sustainability team, which works with companies, associations, and non-profit organizations on projects, policies, and strategies to accelerate New York’s transition to a clean, sustainable economy.
What is your favorite place in NYC, and why?
Riding my bike up the west side of Manhattan and over the George Washington Bridge. Earlier in my career, I helped pass the Hudson River Park Act, so my rides remind me of the progress we have made in reclaiming the City’s waterfronts for our communities. The view from the bridge reminds me why I love the City so much.
If you could have dinner with one legend, who would it be?
Nelson Mandela. I was in the same room as him once, but not quite close enough to invite him to dinner. I’d like to fix that.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Co-founding the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles when I was with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Since 2002, the Partnership has helped almost 100 countries to eliminate leaded gasoline where it was still used, and to reduce diesel pollution worldwide. Starting the Partnership was environmental entrepreneurialism at its best – we identified a big problem, found a cost-effective solution that was already working in the US, and scaled it worldwide – and we never listened when people told us it couldn’t be done.
What’s the biggest thing that excites you about coming to work every day?
I work with smart, savvy, fun colleagues who are absolutely passionate about making New York City as great as it can be, and I work with clients who share our passion for doing that through a sustainability lens.
