Sam Glickman
34 | Co-founder, Vermont Green Football Club
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The opportunity to build Vermont Green Football Club alongside a group of friends, united by a shared belief that a football club can be a reflection of its community and drive meaningful change. By incorporating an environmental justice mission into our operations, we work towards treating planet earth and our community as key stakeholders. I’m proud of what we’ve built together in just three seasons, and of the incredible support from Vermonters who have joined us in growing the club through the beautiful game.
Community Involvement:
I believe in making the outdoors more accessible, and want to encourage my fellow Vermonters to spend time exploring our natural environment. As a mentor at King Street Center, I often take my 9-year-old mentee on hikes around Burlington to find new experiences in our backyard.
Vermont Green’s community continues to grow, and I’m proud of the diverse range of professionals, volunteers, players, and supporters who gather at our home matches, meet new people, and experience the collective joy. It’s a community that truly has taken on a life of its own, and it has been a privilege to help build this space.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I grew up going to a summer camp in Pittsford, VT, called Camp Sangamon, where we slept on cots in log cabins, and had daily activities such as archery, rock climbing, mountain biking, boating, and fishing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have a childhood filled with outdoor adventures. I’m happy to now live in Vermont, and help build a community filled with similar values, surrounded by passionate folks who care about the land we live on and caretaking it for future generations.
Favorite part of your job:
Fostering a passionate community who care deeply about each other and our environment. There’s also no better feeling than celebrating a Vermont Green win alongside 2,500 fans!
Most inspiring mentor and why:
Beau Miles is an Australian outdoorsman, educator, and filmmaker with an insatiable hunger for exploration and a keen eye for finding new experiences in everyday places.
What is the best career advice you have received?
You either have time, energy, or money, but infrequently all three at the same time. When you're young, you have time and energy, but not much money. In middle age, you have energy and money, but not much time. In old age, you might have time and money, but less energy.
This quote has helped me stay mindful about balancing my priorities and ensuring I spend my time meaningfully, both personally and professionally.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know:
In college I was an environmental studies major and studied in Tanzania for four months. I spent over a month camping in national parks, going on daily safaris, and collecting data on wildlife. My studies concentrated on the Tanzanian relationship with wildlife and ecotourism. It was an experience I’ll forever cherish.
What three words best describe you:
Optimistic, collaborative, and empathetic.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Shelburne Farms is such a great local gem, and I encourage everyone to visit during each of the seasons!
Favorite downtime activity:
I love a good road trip to a hike, and pride myself in always packing the best snacks to eat at the summit.
Favorite Social Media and why:
Words With Friends. I still play games of scrabble with friends and family, including my 95 year old grandmother. Reach out for a challenge.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
I’d love to share a cup of coffee with President Obama at Vivid Coffee.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support:
I spent a summer working at a nonprofit called The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which is dedicated to providing free camp experiences for seriously ill children and their families. I’ve since returned many summers to volunteer for week-long sessions.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
I hope Vermont Green FC continues to root its place as a community club, reflecting the values of Vermonters, while setting a standard for inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility in sports. I’d also like to volunteer my time to sit on local nonprofit boards to help support the causes I care about.
