Breakfast with Patrick Starr
Today we’re having breakfast with Patrick Starr, SBC member and Executive Vice President of PA Environmental Council!
We don't meet for breakfast anymore, but if we did, what would you want on the table?
Turkey scrapple from Godshalls in the Reading Market.
Can you share a little about what you do and what drives your work?
My work is multi-faceted — a combination of developing resources, cajoling policy-makers, herding cats (NGO partners), coordinating complicated initiatives, and promoting successes. What drives my work is a belief that big ideas can succeed through strategic alignment and partnering, identification and attention to objectives, and celebrating success and making both internal and external partners feel GOOD about the work.
What’s one thing about your background or journey that might surprise people?
While I work for an environmental organization, my education and earlier career focused on urban public policy and smart growth i.e. urban planning. That work led me into coordination of complicated multi-dimensional partnerships, developing skills that can be applied to any project initiative.
What in Philly inspires you right now, and why?
I'm inspired by the designation of Philadelphia as a World Heritage City — a designation unique to our city in the USA. What it reflects is that some very BIG ideas originated here that have worldwide significance i.e. the "American Revolution" an ongoing endeavor, as well as, concepts about individual liberty and freedom of religion. I believe that Philadelphia should attempt to capitalize MORE on this designation. As a city, a community, we have a lot to share with the world about both the vision and the ugly shortcomings.
If you could invite anyone (living or dead) to an SBC event, who would it be and why?
William Penn ... I'd be so curious to hear from him how this crazy place did and don't fulfill his own imperfect utopian vision.
What’s one book, podcast, show, or other piece of content you’re enjoying right now?
American Revolution is a deep dive into the actual events and the complicated conflicting ideas that formed our nation. Couldn't have arrived at a more impactful and important moment for our struggling nation ... the Revolution is threatened I believe and the context it provides is inspring.
Whether he’s bringing partners together, advancing big ideas, or helping move complex initiatives forward, Patrick leads with strategy, collaboration, and a clear sense of purpose. We’re grateful to have him as part of the Club. Thanks for having breakfast with us, Patrick!