James Connelly, Chief Executive Officer

One of the most influential leaders in the corporate sustainability and green building movement today, James Connelly is the Chief Executive Officer of My Green Lab. James is a frequent keynote speaker on regenerative design, sustainable business, and laboratory sustainability. He is an avid writer, and his research and commentary have been featured in news outlets such as China Dialogue, CGTN TV, Engineering News Record, Building Green, Trim Tab, Sustainable Brands, and GreenBiz. Before joining My Green Lab, James was the Vice President of Strategic Growth for the International Living Future Institute, where he led international 

growth strategy and became a founding board member of Living Future Institute Europe. During his time at ILFI, James created several leading-edge sustainability programs, including Declare, an innovative ingredient transparency label for non-toxic building products, Living Product Challenge, the world’s most advanced sustainability standard for building products, Just, a social equity label for organizations, and Zero Carbon Building Certification. James has won numerous scholarships and awards for his research and work; notably, he received a 2012 Fulbright Fellowship to research on green building rating systems in China, was selected as a Greenbiz 30 under 30 Sustainable Business Leader in 2016, and a Net Zero Energy Trailblazer in 2019.

Rachael Relph, Chief Sustainability Officer

Rachael Relph is the Chief Sustainability Officer at My Green Lab. Working with educational and research institutions around the world, Rachael helps scientists adopt greener laboratory practices through our My Green Lab Certification Program, as well as educational and outreach activities. Rachael holds a PhD in Chemistry from Yale University, and previously led sustainability and Design for Environment programs for major life-science companies.

Sam Wright, Chief Operating Officer
 
As My Green Lab’s COO, Sam Wright draws upon his extensive experience co-founding, building, and serving on the boards of various transformational nonprofits, including the International Living Future Institute, the Vancouver Tool Library, and Reach Out To Humanity. Sam’s work is further informed by more than a decade of hands-on work in green building improving the environmental impact of the built environment.​ ​At MGL, Sam oversees organizational management, finance, staffing and capacity, HR policy and compliance, technology. He also contributes to the development and stewardship of organizational strategy.​

Essentially, Sam manages the administration of the MGL enterprise so that the many talented contributors on the team can focus their talents where they are most impactful.
 
Sam is a certified sustainable building advisor with a BA in Philosophy and Geography from the University of British Columbia and a Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Washington. When Sam is not working, he enjoys spending time in the mountains, playing guitar, taking photos, or spending quality time with friends and family.  
 
To learn more about Sam and his perspective on nonprofits, sustainability, and the built environment, please visit The Beaker!

Nathan Sirett, Sustainability Program Manager

Nathan is the Green Lab Program Manager at My Green Lab. As a part of MGL’s programs team, Nathan leads the Ambassador Program, and supports labs in the Green Lab Certification Program. He also oversees the technical implementation of the ACT label program. Nathan is a recent graduate of the University of Denver where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Prior to joining My Green Lab, Nathan was the Carbon Offsets Lead at the University of Denver’s Center for Sustainability.

Christina Greever, Sustainability Program Manager

Christina has been with My Green Lab since 2019, serving in a variety of roles. She is now on the Programs Team leading the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge, supporting Green Lab Certification and the My Green Lab Ambassador Programs, speaking publicly about lab sustainability, and helping with communications efforts. Prior to joining My Green Lab, Christina was the Program Assistant and Outreach Coordinator for the Green Labs Program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Christina holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

​Namrata Jain, Marketing Manager
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Namrata has extensive experience in sustainable science leadership, both in academia and the non-profit sector. Driven by her passion for sustainability, she works as a Marketing Consultant for My Green Lab since March 2021. She manages My Green Lab's public-facing digital marketing strategy and tools, including the website, social media, newsletters, and email marketing. Additionally, she directs the Ambassador Program, manages the external presence of the MGL team, and ensures MGL brand uniformity. Namrata also navigates correspondence with MGL’s sponsors, partners, and collaborators.

​​Prior to joining My Green Lab, Namrata completed her education with a Ph.D. degree in chemistry from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. During her Ph.D. program, Namrata co-founded a sustainable science-focused student group, in addition to being a sustainability ambassador with the UBC Sustainability Initiative.​ Namrata is based in Vancouver, Canada, and besides supporting the transformation of science through sustainability, enjoys exploring the beautiful nature surrounding Vancouver.

Stephanie Robinson, Business Development Manager
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​Driven by her ambition to shift the perspective on sustainability and encourage businesses to invest in their future by investing in nature, Stephanie Robinson works as the Business Development Manager for My Green Lab.  In her role, she combines her expertise in science with her passion for sustainability. Stephanie has previously worked for a government agency in New Zealand as a Healthy Waters Specialist, where she successfully designed and delivered environmental restoration programs aimed at combating the effects of climate change. 

After earning her master’s degree in Green Chemistry from the University of Auckland, Stephanie continued to teach undergraduate chemistry to illustrate the vital aspects of chemistry to her students. In addition to her accomplishments in science and sustainability, Stephanie is an advocate for encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers. She has been a guest speaker at numerous events about women in STEM careers, including the 2020 Women in Water event in Auckland, New Zealand.  

​Stephanie believes in the powerful combination of science and engagement to bring about meaningful change. Using her knowledge of green chemistry and her excellence at connecting with people, Stephanie aspires to make sustainability a necessity for all businesses – both inside and outside the laboratory. 

Raj Patey, Business Development Director
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Raj is My Green Labs first European team member with a focus on the ACT. Label program as well as being the first point of contact for everything MGL in the UK & Europe. Raj works with manufacturers to become part of the ACT program as well as those in procurement who are looking to lead the way in sustainable procurement. Before working with MGL, Raj has a background in the sales and support of microscopy and imaging, having originally studied computer science at university. Raj is passionate about an international and collaborative approach to building a culture of sustainability in science.​

Robby Eldenburg, Operations Manager 

Robby is a part of the Operations team for My Green Lab as the Operations Manager. He works hard to ensure effective and efficient day-to-day execution of the organization’s mission. He primarily handles administrative tasks, but is happy to take a supporting role in any other aspect of the organization, wherever it is needed. Robby has worked in the hospitality industry for several years prior to going back to school to pursue his Bachelor’s degree.  He graduated magna cum laude from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Economics. 

Robby began at My Green Lab as an intern in his last quarter of school. He then transitioned his role to operations consultant. Finally, he became a full-time team member of the organization! Robby lives in the Pacific Northwest and absolutely loves being outdoors. He spends most of his free time participating in his favorite hobbies which include camping, hiking, kayaking, golfing, snowboarding/skiing, and playing recreational league softball with friends.

Scott Grant, Programs Director 

​Scott leads the My Green Lab Certification program in his role as Programs Director.  This gives him the opportunity to work with labs around the globe and help guide them in their efforts in improving their sustainability practices.  Scott joined My Green Lab with over 25 years of experience in a variety of laboratories.
 
Scott graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.  His first experience in a laboratory setting after college was working in an environmental services lab for several years.  After this work he shifted to a laboratory performing materials testing, supporting simulation software.  During his time with a major design and simulation software company, he managed labs in both the US and Australia.  He also directed multiple laboratories performing dairy testing in order to support farmers as well as ensuring food quality and safety.

Cristalle Ruiz​, Market Development Representative

As the Market Development Representative, Cristalle is responsible for growing My Green Lab’s market-leading programs. Her goal is to spread awareness about the benefits of sustainability across research labs and manufacturers of laboratory products. Before working at My Green Lab, she worked in the renewable energy industry as a Team Lead Brand Ambassador.

Cristalle has graduated with the highest honors from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Business and Economics. She also holds an associate’s degree in International Studies. She hopes to influence businesses and organizations to achieve both economic gain and sustainable practices.

Jack O’Grady, Sustainability Programme Manager
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​Jack is the Sustainability Program Manager at My Green Lab. He is based out of Cork, Ireland, from where he supports laboratories in the Green Lab Certification Program. His responsibilities also involve supporting the Ambassador Program and educational activities, including panel discussions and presenting at national and international conferences, promoting the cause of a more sustainable laboratory environment.

Jack graduated from Cork Institute of Technology in 2019 with a First Class Honours Degree in Nutrition & Health Science. Prior to joining My Green Lab, Jack had previously plied his trade within the laboratories of both PepsiCo and Regeneron. During his time in PepsiCo, Jack spearheaded the project for PepsiCo’s pursuit of My Green Lab Certification for a number of laboratories across multiple European PepsiCo sites.

Ryan Arnold​, Director of Investment and Partnerships

Ryan Arnold is the Director of Investment and Partnerships at My Green Lab, where he is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with a global portfolio of current and prospective corporate, philanthropic and sustainability partners to drive My Green Lab’s growth and impact.
Ryan brings over a decade of experience in delivering environmental, social, and economic impact through his work, and a passion for building programs and partnerships that create effective change. 

He’s held multiple leadership roles in both the public and private sector, serving interests in fields such as environmental sustainability, green building, entrepreneurship education, and economic development. Ryan holds an MBA in Sustainable Business from Presidio Graduate School, and serves as an instructor and thought leader on topics such as corporate social responsibility, business strategy, and entrepreneurship education. Ryan is based in the Pacific Northwest with his family, and enjoys travel, reading, skiing, and time at the lake.

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Our Founder

Allison Paradise, Founder of My Green Lab

Allison Paradise was the founder of My Green Lab.  Under her leadership, My Green Lab established itself as a pioneer in laboratory sustainability.  The organization developed the first nationally recognized standard for laboratory operations, established the first ENERGY STAR category for laboratory equipment, and released the first eco-label for laboratory products.  She served as founder and CEO from 2013 until June of 2020. She is now pursuing other passion projects in the sustainability arena.