Dan Lasky

Research Associate

 

Dan is a research professional who leverages multimodal research methods and strategic storytelling to advance public policy and guide mission-driven organizations. He has advised nonprofit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and advocacy groups on issues spanning sustainability, public engagement, and technology.

Dan is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at New York University. Previously, he served as an Analyst at ClearPath Strategies, where he supported international campaigns focused on sustainability, public advocacy, and emerging technology. He also worked as a Market Research Analyst at NielsenIQ, contributing to end-to-end product innovation and development for consumer packaged goods manufacturers.

Dan holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Tulane University and a degree in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. While studying in the UK, he conducted interviews with mental health professionals and university administrators across Europe, facilitated focus groups with international students, and co-developed a strategic plan to expand mental health services for foreign students at universities throughout Europe.

Passionate about advancing policy and infrastructure for the common good, Dan has supported policy analysis, development, and community engagement efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

Based in Manhattan, Dan enjoys cooking, writing, reading, hiking, and spending long afternoons exploring museums.

 Whatcom County Food System Plan

New Venture Advisors supported Whatcom County staff and the Food System Committee in developing the Whatcom County Food System Plan, a 10-year roadmap for a more equitable and resilient food system. NVA led plan development, community engagement, and cross-sector strategy, integrating agriculture, fisheries and marine harvest, processing, distribution, and access to strengthen the regional food economy. (2023)

 Whatcom Local Food Campus

Whatcom Community Foundation continues to partner with New Venture Advisors to guide the development of the Kitchens@Millworks —a bold project uniting health, equity, and market access. Building on previous work with the Farm to Freezer program, the team developed an operational model, financial analysis, and partner strategy. NVA is evaluating expansion of farm-to-institution efforts and their potential relocation to the new campus. Advanced financial models support a multi-operator facility encompassing production, aggregation, retail, and community programs. (2026)