JOSHUA Schwartz
Favorite Part of Job: I'm very fortunate to work for a unique entity focused on planning for the future of the Mad River Valley. The breadth of the planning program is as broad as my interests - physical, social, economic, fiscal, environmental, cultural and aesthetic well being - and keeps me on my toes. This is important work, happening in a beautiful and supportive environment.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Easy, my father, Chuck Schwartz. Always an authentic, funny, and dedicated person - focused on the betterment of all that surrounds him.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I spent a winter working on a ginger farm on Hawaii with my future wife, Elizabeth.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Exploring the river with my kids at The Bobbin Mill and Warren Falls.
Favorite downtime activity: Sledding down Lincoln Gap in the winter. Playing ultimate frisbee with the Mad River Disc family in the spring, summer and fall.
What is the best career advice you have received? Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small.
Community Involvement:
Currently sit on the Champlain College Environmental Policy Advisory Board, Waitsfield United Church of Christ Capital Campaign Steering Committee, and the Mad River Food Hub Advisory Committee. Any remaining hours not spent with family or work is dedicated to the Waitsfield School (Waitsfield PTA Book Fair, Waitsfield School Winter Sports Program, Waitsfield School PTA Ski & Skate Sale, Waitsfield School Garden, Waitsfield School Green-up Day, etc) and coordinating Mad River Disc Ultimate Frisbee.
The focus of my career is the development and enhancement of volunteer community engagement efforts and broad community betterment. Since 2008, I’ve led the Mad River Valley Planning District in tackling key issues which will impact the future health, economy and landscape of the Mad River Valley, such as renewable energy, affordable housing, historic preservation, municipal waste and water systems, recreation trails, economic development, transportation infrastructure, wildlife habitat, and local food systems. MRVPD provides an avenue to initiate, invigorate and support projects that are shaping local land use and the Mad River Valley’s cohesion as a community. This position requires advocating the best planning principles to three selectboards, three planning commissions, three zoning administrators and a number of committees, non-profit organizations, and initiatives, including the Mad River Path Association, the Valley Futures Network, the MRV Rural Resource Commission, the Mad River Watershed Conservation Partnership, Vision & Vitality Steering Committee, Friends of the Mad River, and the MRV Housing Coalition
I currently sit on the Champlain College Environmental Policy Advisory Board, Waitsfield United Church of Christ Capital Campaign Steering Committee, and the Mad River Food Hub Advisory Committee.
Any remaining hours not spent with family or work is dedicated to the Waitsfield School (Waitsfield PTA Book Fair, Waitsfield School Winter Sports Program, Waitsfield School PTA Ski & Skate Sale, Waitsfield School Garden, Waitsfield School Green-up Day, etc) and coordinating Mad River Disc Ultimate Frisbee.
