Speaker > Biography

Biography of Christopher J. Lynch

Chris Lynch is the director of the Environmental Management Assistance Program for the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers, a statewide economic development group based at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Lynch launched this award-winning environmental and energy advisory services program in 1997 and has subsequently overseen the creation of the Pennsylvania Material Trader, an on-line waste and materials exchange for business. ;He and his consulting team provide assistance to hundreds of small business owners and start-up entrepreneurs annually on a broad range of issues including environmental regulatory compliance and permitting, environmental management, environmental project funding, waste minimization, and energy efficiency. He also advises green businesses and new environmental and renewable energy technology companies on strategic planning, marketing, funding, and technology commercialization.

Previously, Mr. Lynch worked in the private not-for-profit sector where he consulted the US Environmental Protection Agency on strategies for improving regulatory communications to business and industry and he provided environmental management and compliance counseling to US Department of Defense facilities and major defense contractors.

He was awarded his Juris Doctor cum laude and Master of Studies in Environmental Law magna cum laude by Vermont Law School and he holds his Bachelor of Arts cum laude from St. Lawrence University where he double majored in Government and Economics. He is a member of the bar in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Mr. Lynch has been appointed by Governors Rendell, Schweiker, and Ridge to three consecutive terms on the Pennsylvania Small Business Environmental Compliance Advisory Committee where he sits as vice chairman. He is a member of the Advisory Board and chair of the Federal Climate Change Policy Task Force at the Center for Small Business and the Environment in Washington, DC. He also chairs the Environmental Regulatory Interest Section for the national Association of Small Business Development Centers.

Mr. Lynch has testified on energy and environmental issues before the United States Senate and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.