March 25, 2009

Honest Tea's TeaEO Joins Calvert Foundation's Board of Directors

Barack Obama’s campaign and subsequent election created an unprecedented flurry of buzz about the man and his family. The American public often found the little personal details the most fascinating: his left-handedness, his penchant for basketball, his choice of dog to adopt for his daughters – and, of course, his favorite beverage – Honest Tea’s Black Forest Berry.

Seth Goldman, President and TeaEO of Honest Tea, couldn’t be happier about the publicity. “We appreciate all our customers, but we’re delighted Honest Tea now has a presence at the White House,” he said. The attention, however, shouldn’t be entirely unexpected. Honest Tea has counted lots of high-profile people among its fans, everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Madonna.

Aside from its delicious organic teas, thirst quenchers and Honest Kids drink pouches, Honest Tea has drawn attention for being a company with a social conscience. It is Seth’s dedication to responsible and sustainable practices that drew him to our Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to have such a visionary executive on our Board,” said Shari Berenbach, President and CEO of Calvert Foundation. “Seth really gets our model – and shows a great personal commitment to sustainability and community. He exemplifies the type of business leader we hope to attract as investors and supporters.”

New Investment Officer Brings Experience, Dedication to Communities

Jennifer Pryce, Calvert Foundation’s new Senior Investment Officer, brings a wealth of experience in the community development and finance sectors. Coming to us from partner organization the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), Jenn will be responsible for managing the portfolio of community development financial institutions improving the livelihood of families in the U.S.  

After graduating from college, Jenn lived in Gabon, where she taught math to teens and pre-teens as a volunteer with the Peace Corps. Between stints with The Public Theater in New York City and teaching yoga at Down Dog Yoga studio in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, Jenn earned her MBA from Columbia University. She then worked for Morgan Stanley for several years before returning to employment in the nonprofit sector. Jenn also sits on the boards of Apple Tree Early Learning Public Charter School and One World, a nonprofit that brings international news stories to the mainstream press.

Why Gabon?
“I offered to go where the need was and the need was on the equator in Africa! That said, I had a great experience living in a small village with no electricity and no running water. The community engaged like a large family and took wonderful care of me.”

Why did you leave the for-profit sector?
“I left the for-profit sector in search for work that had more heart. I was not aware of community development work at that stage in my career and so went to work at The Public Theater in NYC in the development department. Like it is at many nonprofits, I did what needed to be done and at times I ended up engaged in play reading, special events, financial planning as well as individual development work.”

Welcome Jenn!