The world is moving—fast. And if the 2nd Annual FountainHead Rhode Island Climate Stocktake made one thing clear, it’s this:
Climate action is no longer a niche issue—it’s a driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
Held at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, this year’s event brought together changemakers from Rhode Island, New England, across the U.S., and around the world. From clean energy and emerging technologies to sustainable housing, transportation, entrepreneurship, and policy—this gathering served as a reality check and a rallying cry.
We were honored to welcome a powerful lineup of leaders, including:
• Governor Dan McKee
• Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos
• Congressman Gabe Amo
• Speaker Joe Shekarchi
Along with the incredible teams at Rhode Island Commerce, Grain Ecosystem, and dozens of mission-driven organizations.
With more than 20 exhibitors spanning climate tech, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy innovation, the energy in the room was undeniable. Huge thanks to all the organizations that showed up to lead and inspire:
Grain Ecosystem, Schneider Electric, ARTi, Quonset Soil Solutions, Green Development LLC, RIHub, RIPTA, Ecotone Renewables, The Lil’ Rhody Coffee Company, Flux Marine, BlueTape, Colossal LLC, 1BusinessWorld, Binderholz, BE&E, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Pyreg, Happy Planet Podcast, LOCOAL, TiE New York—and many more.
In his keynote, Co-Founder Jason Dodier reminded us:
“This isn’t about left or right. It’s about forward or backward.”
We need bold, durable action—soil that sequesters carbon and strengthens farms; energy that powers growth without blackout risks; policy that drives innovation, not confusion.
This wasn’t just another conference. It was a moment of reflection—and a call to action.
What’s working. What’s not. And what must change.
Catch up on key moments from the 2nd Annual Rhode Island Climate Stocktake:
🔹 Highlight Video Recap → Watch here
🔹 Jason Dodier’s Welcome Address → Watch here
🔹 Opening Remarks & Panel 1: Energy Transition Strategy → Watch here
🔹 Panel 2: “Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing to Excess” – Innovations in Decarbonization → Watch here
🔹 Fireside Chat with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse → Watch here
Opening Remarks by:
• Governor Dan McKee
• Jim Bennett, President, Commerce RI
• Jason Dodier, Co-Founder, FountainHead RI & Grain Ecosystem
Panel 1: Navigating the Energy Transition – A Comprehensive Strategy for Rhode Island, New England, and Beyond
Moderator:
• Patrick Crowley, President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO
Panelists:
• Ben Sorkin – CEO & Founder, Flux Marine
• Hannah Morini – VP, Policy & Business Development, Green Development LLC
• Jeffrey Diehl – COO, Coalition for Green Capital
• Nicole Verdi – Managing Director, Operations, Finance & Legal, NuGen Capital Management
Panel 2: “Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing to Excess” – Innovations in Decarbonization
Moderator:
• Deanna Reitman, Partner, Faegre Drinker
Panelists:
• Bryan Stevens – SVP, NAM Strategy & Commercial Operations, Schneider Electric
• Jeff Cohen – Co-Founder, Xpansiv & Fiutur
• Steven Rothstein – Managing Director, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets
