We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Pathyil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
When you hear the word “green” or “sustainability” people think of gardening or recycling when in fact it can it’s so much broader career wise such as cleantech or green banking or advanced education into the circular economy, coastal resilience or energy. It can even be a road to entrepreneurship as an ecopreneur.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With a Bachelors in Urban Planning I initially worked in the public sector as a planner doing economic development planning, but found it full of bureaucracy and found a niche as an affordable housing assistant project for tax credit multifamily and workforce condos with a boutique real estate development firm. I never knew what a real estate crash was, but soon received a lesson. I saw that government didn’t have layoffs and as I relocated from Miami to Vegas I found myself working for the County as a County Air quality inspector looking to save the planet. After almost a decade my Director offered me a position to spear a new County initiative for an Office of Sustainability which meant creating a new department from the ground up. This was the highlight of my career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would say Galveston has history. I would show them things that are off the radar such as museum air b n b, secret tombstones, Instagram worthy photo opportunities , locals dining and local event/workshops.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Tony Hsieh as for a mentor on innovation/collaboration and the Urban Land Institute s for as an organization with knowledge

 

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Image Credits
Thank you Candy Hattingh

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