George Chmael

About George Chmael

Founder and CEO of Council Fire, a global change agency dedicated to integrating…

Experience

1. CEO

   Council Fire, Benefit Llc

   Jul 2009 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   COUNCIL FIRE, a \"Best For The World\" certified B Corporation, is a world-class management consultancy working with clients to operationalize sustainability and harness the power of information to drive competitive advantage and success in both the public and private sectors. We counsel leading United States and international organizations in the mechanics of transitioning to sustainable operations to accomplish economic growth while simultaneously creating environmental and social value. Council Fire also serves as a leader in the expansion of the B and Benefit Corporation community, providing counseling to assist organizations in becoming B Corps as well as leading collaboration among existing B Corps in the Mid-Atlantic region and throughout the world.George is the Founder and CEO and provides the vision and overall leadership of Council Fire. He has spent 35+ years counseling leading U.S. and international organizations including private entities such as China Light and Power and NRG Energy; NGOs such as World Wildlife Fund and Environmental Defense Fund; government entities such as U.S. Army and NOAA; and philanthropic organizations including the Walton Family Foundation and Oceans 5. Trained as a lawyer and marine specialist, he has expertise across all elements of sustainability and is noted for his particular expertise on coastal management issues, including extensive work related to the Chesapeake Bay. He is a B Ambassador and serves on several Boards and lectures and writes extensively on sustainability, public policy, environmental, social and economic issues.

Education

• The George Washington University Law School

  J.D., Environmental Law

  1986 — 1989

• University of Connecticut

  B.A., Sociology

  1981 — 1985

• University of Rhode Island

  Masters of Marine Affairs (MMA), Fisheries Management

  1993 — 1995

Skills

• Water Quality
• Policy Analysis
• Photography
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Media Production
• Renewable Energy
• Maritime Operations
• Environmental Education
• Fundraising
• Environmental Management Systems
• Land Use
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Strategic Communications
• Sustainability Reporting
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Environmental Policy
• Energy Policy
• Climate Change
• Sustainability
• Program Development
• Education
• Nonprofits
• Conservation Issues
• Strategic Planning
• Ngos
• Sustainable Business
• Public Policy
• Natural Resource Management
• Transportation
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Water
• Environmental Law
• Air Quality
• Environmental Awareness
• Ports
• Entrepreneurship
• Sustainable Energy