Dan Lasky

Research Associate

 

 Dan is experienced in using multimodal research methods and storytelling to advance public policy and provide strategic guidance for non-profit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and special interest groups.

 In addition to his work at New Venture Advisors, Dan is an analyst at ClearPath Strategies where he supports international campaigns on issues such as sustainability, public advocacy, and technology. Formerly, Dan was a market research analyst at NielsenIQ where he supported end-to-end product innovation development for CPG manufacturers.

 Dan holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Tulane University and a Public Policy degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. While studying in the UK, Dan interviewed mental health professionals and university administrators across Europe, held focus groups with international students, and co-developed a strategic plan to help a UK-based charity develop mental health services for foreign students at universities across Europe. Dan is passionate about advancing policy and infrastructure for the common good and has supported policy analysis, development and community engagement at the local, state, and federal level.

 Dan currently lives in Manhattan. His hobbies include cooking, writing, reading, hiking, and wandering through museums for as long as possible.

 Whatcom County Food System Plan

In 2021, the Whatcom County Food System Committee conducted a community food assessment that pointed to key opportunities to build a more robust and resilient regional food system. New Venture Advisors partnered with Whatcom County staff and the Food System Committee to draft a Whatcom County Food System Plan that builds upon these findings. This Plan focuses on five key goals for building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system, and was informed by an inclusive community engagement process. The Food System Plan will provide the county with a policy roadmap that will strengthen the local food system for years to come. (2023)

 Whatcom Local Food Campus

The Whatcom Community Foundation invests in activities and organizations that improve the ability of people to help themselves, increase connections among people, and take cooperative approaches to community issues. WCF is exploring the development of a local food campus on a waterfront property that would become a multi-tenant site, anchored by a collaborative production kitchen benefitting food access, school system, and community organizations. The goal is strengthening Whatcom County’s local food system by promoting health equity, forging tangible strategic connections between food production organizations, and helping farmers connect with institutional markets. The facility will also feature an incubation kitchen, demonstration kitchen, event and classroom space, collaborative office and conference facilities, and housing.  New Venture Advisors developed the business case for this ambitious project and continues to support its development through engagement and operational development. (2023)