Jeffrey Potent

Jeffrey Potent conducts research on the nexus between climate and agriculture (climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency) and nature-based climate change and biodiversity solutions on working lands.  He also consults and speaks publicly on corporate and agricultural sustainability, climate change and water quality.  He served as Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs at the Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs for the past 20 years and is now Senior Research Associate at the Columbia University, Center for Climate Systems Research.  Mr. Potent also serves on several non-profit and impact investment boards and advisory committees.

An important focus of his work is helping build a resilient and regenerative food system in the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley of New York State.  This work includes his research at Columbia University, supporting a local economic development organization to create a virtual food hub, and establishing a Catskills meat processing facility serving local farmers.  He also serves on his town’s conservation advisory board and contributes to developing an advanced research initiative on regional food systems and the Columbia University Climate School, food systems strategic plan.

Mr. Potent formally co-chaired the Columbia University Seminar Series on Sustainable Finance, led corporate partnerships for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, and served as Regional Director of the US Department of Agriculture, National Integrated Water Quality Program.  Earlier in his career, Mr. Potent led a manufacturing energy and environmental management consulting practice, managed pollution prevention programs for a leading environmental agency, and planned satellite and cable infrastructure for a global telecommunications corporation.