May Member Spotlight Duo: USGBC-NCR Education Co-Chair, Marcus Kenny

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Marcus Kenny is an RFP Strategist and Sustainability Manager for WorkSpaces, LLC in Washington, DC. His passion is to advance sustainability through best business practices. Before moving to DC, Marcus graduated from Columbia University with an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy. While at Columbia, Marcus interned at CNBC to better understand how to frame environmental problems and solutions from business perspectives. In his free time, Marcus enjoys cycling, volunteering, and dancing.

WorkSpaces, LLC is a unique office furniture dealership. With offices in DC, Baltimore, and New York, WorkSpaces' mission is to deliver comprehensive and creative workplace solutions utilizing a diverse product portfolio that meets their clients' office personality and design needs. WorkSpaces offers design collaboration, project management, and space planning services for all areas of the office at price points to meet all budgets. Combating the standard trend of a one-size-fits-all approach to commercial office interiors, WorkSpaces provides their clients with a far more flexible approach to workplace design and management.

Why did you decide to join the USGBC-NCR Chapter?

To integrate my business and sustainability passion with leadership, and to engage the DC community.

Describe your role with the Education Committee.

I work with a committed team developing continuing education and networking events for the 'advanced' (aka green) building community called 'GreenLearn'. These events are opportunities for 'advanced' building professionals to maintain their LEED AP credentials. Our next big initiatives are to enhance exam preparation programming and to coordinate volunteer advocacy in conjunction with Green Schools and Emerging Professionals.

What do you enjoy most about your membership with the USGBC-NCR Chapter?

Most definitely the professional network. The 'advanced' building industry consists of such a diverse and talented group of professionals. There are contractors, architects, manufacturers, product specialist, designers, systems analysts, policy gurus, entrepreneurs... This is sustainability in practice. I'm rewarded by the advocacy of practicing and implementing solutions, rather than endlessly debating the causes of environmental degradation.

Tell us about your favorite USGBC-NCR chapter event.

It's difficult to say; we have so many quality events. I guess my new favorite initiative/event is our adoption of a local school. I recently met the students from one of their kindergarten classes. I found myself intimidated when asked to communicate sustainability to such young thinkers. Meeting these children has been my favorite event so far.

Tell us about your hobbies and interests.

I'm big into data and information graphics, strategic visual communication; therefore, I love learning new software tools. I also cycle. I'm riding my bike 300 miles from NYC to DC later this month for the Climate Ride.