To Be Announced
Coastal communities across New England are already experiencing the effects of climate change — from sea-level rise and erosion to ecosystem degradation and increased storm impacts. Addressing these challenges requires a diverse set of solutions and strong collaboration between nonprofits, funders, and implementation partners.
The New England Coastal Resilience Solutions Showcase brings together five nonprofit leaders actively working on climate solutions related to coastal resilience in the region. Each organization will deliver a concise, high-impact pitch tailored to philanthropists and funding advisors interested in supporting practical, fundable climate action.
Following each pitch, a group of expert panelists will offer constructive feedback, partnership ideas, and strategic insights — creating an atmosphere that is collaborative and encouraging rather than competitive. The goal is to surface concrete opportunities for near-term philanthropic investment while deepening the audience’s understanding of the range of approaches to coastal resilience, from research and education to policy and on-the-ground implementation.
Designed for donors, philanthropic advisors, and potential partners, the showcase aims to catalyze meaningful connections and accelerate funding toward solutions that strengthen the resilience of New England’s coastal communities.
Bio
Randall Kempner is the founding executive director of the Climate Philanthropy Catalyst Coalition, a network of philanthropic support organizations dedicated to promoting more, and more effective, climate philanthropy. He is also president of Prosperity Strategies, a consultancy focused on sustainable economic development and philanthropy.
Randall recently worked as Senior Advisor to the Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Program, where he focused on “climate-smart money”, the intersection of climate action and philanthropy, investment, and economic development. While at Aspen, he authored a guide for climate philanthropists: Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy. Previously, he was CEO of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, a Texas-based grantmaking foundation that seeks innovative solutions for environmental problems. He is the founding executive director of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs, a global network of organizations focused on supporting small and growing businesses in emerging markets.
Randall graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with an MBA and a Master of Public Affairs and earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard College. He presently serves on the advisory boards of the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. He is a co-founder of the Central Texas Climate Philanthropy Collaborative and board chair of the Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund, a place-based family foundation in his hometown of Galveston, Texas.
Bio
Philippe Roesle is the CEO of Swissnex in Boston and New York, and Consul of Switzerland in Boston since August 2025. He previously served as CEO of Swissnex in China and as Head of the Science, Technology and Education Office at the Swiss Embassy in Beijing. Philippe joined the Swissnex network in in London supporting startup internationalization, and has served in several roles since, including as Head of Swissnex at Expo 2017 Astana, and Acting Head of Bilateral Relations at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI. Philippe holds a Bachelors from University of Basel and a Masters and PhD from King’s College London.
To Be Announced

