Bruce Herbert, AIF®
Since 1986, when the roots of Newground first started to grow, Bruce has focused exclusively on SRI and ESG impact investing. Bruce began his career in 1984 with Merrill Lynch, training on Wall Street. But shortly after, he realized that whenever money moves it has an impact – and without tremendous forethought those impacts can be quite negative.
He founded Newground to change this – to serve clients’ long-term financial needs while harnessing the power of business for good.
Bruce grew up on a Virginia farm that’s known five generations of his family. Some of his strongest memories involve gatherings on the old stone porch as dusk deepened into night, where the family would sing songs, share stories, and recite poetry for hours – till only voices emerged through the dark to ignite his boyhood thoughts with their vivid imagery.
From this sprang a love of history and a sense of caretaking – a dedication to tend and conserve all that’s good for both present use and future benefit. This informs Bruce’s thinking about what the true purpose of business should be – a servant, not to money itself but to people, nature, and the common good – and it led him to create the client-centric, future-focused firm that Newground is today.
Newground Social Investment
Seattle, WA – Founder, Chief Executive. 1994-present.
Registered Investment Advisor: Comprehensive, values-aligned money management and financial planning for individuals and institutions.
Investor Voice
Seattle, WA – Founder, Chief Executive. 2008-present.
Shareholder engagement and analytic services for institutional investors, public funds, and others.
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)
New York, NY – Board of Governors. 1994-1998. Energy & Environment Steering Committee 1994-2001.
Developed Pulp & Paper Chlorine-Free Campaign, the Okefenokee Campaign, Pure Profit Initiative.
Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment (NWCRI)
Seattle, WA – Co-founder, first Director. 1994-1998.
Management change strategies, dialogue & shareholder resolutions on corporate accountability issues.
Progressive Securities Financial Services
Portland, OR – Vice-President Managed Accounts. 1990-1994.
Founded & directed Washington operations, and led firm in transition from brokerage to fee-only orientation; Executive Committee; Investment Policy Committee.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Columbia, SC and Seattle, WA – Financial Consultant. 1984-1990.
Money management and financial planning for individual and institutional clients. In 1987 led firm in new business development (top 3% of Financial Consultants nationally).
Continuing Education (CE)
Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation: annual educational requirements, 2003-present.
Powers of Leadership (POL) training: annual educational retreat, 2009-present.
The SRI Conference: annual 4-day event where many sessions qualify for Certified Financial Planner CE credit, 2000-present.
Center for Fiduciary Studies
Pennsylvania – Earned Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation in October 2003.
Powers of Leadership (POL)
Whidbey Island, WA – Year-long leadership retreat cycle focused on Service and the Common Good, hosted by the Whidbey Institute. 2007-2008 cohort, 2008-2009 cohort, annual continuing education retreats. (POL was created by Sharon Parks and Larry Daloz, currently Senior Fellows of the Whidbey Institute, in collaboration with the work of Ronald Heifetz of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.)
Seattle's Top Wealth Managers
Seattle, WA – Independent consumer survey conducted by Seattle Magazine. Multiple years, five+.
Rising Star Award
SRI in the Rockies** – "For achievement in Socially Responsible Investing" 2004. ** Now The SRI Conference, the industry’s major annual convocation.
Landmark Education
Seattle, WA – Landmark Forum 2003; Advanced Course 2004; Self Expression and Leadership Program (SELP) 2004; Communication, Power to Create 2004; and Communication, Access to Power 2005.
Mayor's Small Business Award
Seattle, WA – Nominated for the City of Seattle's 17th Annual Mayor's Small Business Awards. 2000.
College for Financial Planning
Colorado – Completed Levels I, II, III (of VI) of Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. 1989-1991 (designation not completed).
NASD / FINRA Accreditations
Passed qualifying exams for the Uniform Investment Advisor (Series 65); General Securities Principal (Series 24); General Securities Representative (Series 7); and Uniform Securities Agent (Series 63).
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Princeton, NJ – Advanced Portfolio Management Institute. 1988.
University of South Carolina School of Law
Columbia, SC – Estate and Gift Tax Planning. 1987-1988.
Wharton School of Business**
Pennsylvania – Qualified Retirement Plans & Key Executive Arrangements. 1985-1986. ** Through the University of South Carolina Daniel School of Management.
Humanitarian Award from the Migration and Refugee Services Office of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Seattle, WA – "In gratitude [for]...selfless dedication in assisting and caring for refugees." 1985.
University of Dublin, Trinity College
Dublin, Ireland – Post-graduate non-degree studies in Philosophy and Environmental Law. 1980-1981. Played Field Hockey and Cricket; Trinity College Climbing Club, made 1st-ascents of rock climbing routes in Ireland and Spain (one ranked at the time among the ten most difficult routes globally).
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC – Earned Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology, with Deans List Honors. 1978-1980.
College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA – Undergraduate studies in Anthropology, Philosophy and English. 1975-1977. Worked at Colonial Williamsburg's King's Arms Tavern to help fund education. Selected in freshman year for the Men's Soccer team, NCAA Division I.
Episcopal High School
Alexandria, VA – Four-year college prep boarding school. 1971-1975. High List; Two-time Gold Medal winner in Declaiming (reciting from memory); Lettered in Varsity Soccer & Varsity Track; Voted "Best Waiter" by student body.
The SRI Conference Scholarship
Boston, MA – Founding sponsor. 2014-present.
A program of the Intentional Endowments Network, we fund full scholarships to The SRI Conference for a diverse group of qualified students and young professionals, to help ensure that the culture, commitment, and competence of the pioneer SRI movement is sustained into the next generation.
Rule 14a-8 Investor Working Group
Washington, DC. 2016-present.
A national affiliation of institutional investors formed by the Council of Institutional Investors and the AFL-CIO, to provide an investor perspective on ways to improve the regulation of U.S. financial markets, specifically, to prevent evisceration of shareholder rights around filing ESG shareholder proposals. ESG = Environmental, Social & Governance issues or criteria.
Shareholder Rights Group
Amherst, MA – Founding Member. 2016-present.
A national association of investors formed to defend the right of shareowners to use shareholder engagement with public companies on ESG and sustainability issues.
The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, US|SIF
Washington, DC – Member, 1989-present; Northwest Board Member, 1989-1993; DC lobbying partner, multiple years.
The leading voice advancing sustainable, responsible, and impact investing, whose mission is to rapidly shift investment practices toward sustainability and the generation of positive social and environmental outcomes.
Pacific Northwest Resilience Challenge
Seattle, WA – Planning Board. 2014-2017.
A three-year leadership initiative designed to accelerate building a culture of resilience in the NW region.
Whidbey Institute at Chinook
Whidbey Island, WA – Board Member, 2006-2013; Major donor, 2017-present.
The Institute nurtures the conditions for transformational learning, to grow the human capacity to respond generatively to the challenges of our time.
Washington Lawyers for Sustainability
Seattle, WA – Founding Advisory Board. 2010-2011.
The WLS mission is to facilitate lawyers using their skills and influence to promote sustainability.
GreenFestival
Speaker: Washington, DC GreenFestival, 2008; and Seattle GreenFestival, 2008 & 2009. Seattle Host Committee. 2007-2010.
A non-profit joint project of Co-Op America (now Green America) and Global Exchange. The GreenFestival celebrates what's working in communities, and for people, businesses, and the environment.
Institute for Children's Environmental Health
Whidbey Island, WA – Board Member, Executive Committee. 2003-2009.
A nonprofit educational organization working to ensure a healthy, just, and sustainable future for all children.
Seattle Good Business Network**
Seattle, WA – Board Member, Treasurer 2003-2009. Advisory Board 2010-2012.
SGBN is dedicated to connecting, educating and promoting King County businesses that build long-term economic viability through local ownership, economic justice, cultural diversity, and environmental stewardship. ** formerly BALLE/Seattle
Sierra Club
San Francisco, CA – Corporate Accountability Committee. 2004-2009.
The CAC facilitates the Club's national response to corporate accountability in relation to the environment, communities, and public health.
Worldchanging.com
Seattle, WA – Seattle blogger team. 2007-2009.
Seattle Greendrinks
Seattle, WA – Founding Advisory Board. 2006-2007.
Building a powerful web across Seattle's environmental community.
Alliance to Defend the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA)
Washington, DC – Founding member, Steering Committee. 2003-2009.
Network for Business Innovation & Sustainability
Albers School of Business and Economics, Seattle University, Seattle, WA – Founding Board Member. 2003-2008.
NBIS is dedicated to helping businesses and organizations discover and implement sustainable practices that increase revenues, enhance reputation, and reduce risk.
Bainbridge Graduate Institute**
Bainbridge Island, WA – Friends of BGI. 2005-2007.
BGI's pioneering MBA and Certificate programs prepare diverse leaders to build enterprises that are economically successful, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable. ** then Pinchot University, now Presidio Graduate School.
Freedom From Fear Campaign
Seattle, WA – Founding Organizer. 2007-2008.
The Campaign highlighted and sought to turn back the loss of constitutional rights and civil liberties occurring in the United States from 2001-2008.
Environment2004
Washington, DC – Originator, and Seattle Host Committee of Columbia Tower Club fundraising gala for the 2004 John Kerry presidential bid.
Americans for a Fair Estate Tax
Boston, MA – Lobbying in Washington, DC to preserve the estate tax. March 2004.
Delegation led by Bill Gates, Sr. and Paul Volcker (respectively: Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve).
Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE)
Seattle, WA – Leadership Council, Treasurer. 2003-2010.
Seattle Thunder
Seattle, WA – Steering Committee, 2003-2008.
Presenter with Tom Hayden at 2002 Rolling Thunder event.
Conversation Cafés
Seattle, WA – Host, Organizing participant. 2002-2007.
Washington Council on International Trade
Seattle, WA – Member, Corporate Social Responsibility Roundtable, 2002-2003.
Your Money or Your Life
By Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez (founders of The New Roadmap Foundation). Seattle, WA – Invited by author to re-write Chapter 9 (the investment chapter) of this celebrated and best-selling work. 2001.
Museum of Flight
Seattle, WA – Head of Public Programs, 2002; Development Committee, 2001-2003.
Pike Place Market Historical Commission
Seattle, WA – Commissioner (Mayoral appointment) 2000-2006; Executive Committee, 2001-2003.
Social Justice Fund Northwest**
Seattle, WA – Endowment Committee, 1991-1992; Finance Committee, 2000-2009. ** formerly A Territory Resource Foundation (ATR)
Civil Air Patrol
Seattle, WA – Air search & rescue Observer, and Mission Pilot trainee. 1999-2001.
United for a Fair Economy
Boston, MA – Trainer on economic justice issues leading up to the WTO. 1998-2000.
Irish Parades Emergency Committee
New York, NY – Human Rights Observer in Northern Ireland. Summer 1998, the year the Good Friday Peace Accord was signed.
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)
New York, NY – Board of Governors. 1994-1998. Energy & Environment Steering Committee 1994-2001.
Developed Pulp & Paper Chlorine-Free Campaign, the Okefenokee Campaign, and the Pure Profit Initiative.
Seattle Public Theater
Seattle, WA – Board Member. 1992-1995.
Cascadia Quest
Seattle, WA – Co-Founder, Board Secretary. 1992-1994.
Edward E. Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center
University of Washington, Seattle, WA – Co-Founder. 1992-1994.
Sustainable Seattle
Seattle, WA – Trustee. 1991-1995.
Northwest AIDS Foundation
Seattle, WA – Volunteer. 1991-1994.
Cascadia Revolving Fund
Seattle, WA – Investor Services Committee. 1991-1993.
St. Mark's Cathedral, Ecology/Spirituality Group**
Seattle, WA – Steering Committee. 1989-1993. ** later evolved into the organization Earth Ministry.
Migration & Refugee Services
Seattle, WA – Teacher, English as a Second Language (ESL). 1983-1984.
University of Puget Sound Pacific Rim Program
Tacoma, WA – Cultural & Academic Studies in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Pakistan. 1982-1983.
Washington Environmental Council
Seattle, WA – Volunteer Writer. 1981-1983.
Lois Mintzer
Lois Mintzer
Client Service Associate | NSI
With an academic background in sculpture, Japanese, and Experimental Media Studies – paired with managerial experience and teaching martial arts – Lois brings both creative flair and humble tenacity to her work at Newground, where she specializes in client service and operational systems.
Lois was an early employee at Beecher's Handmade Cheese where she opened and managed the busy SeaTac airport location, and her artisanal food experience also includes stints with PCC Community Markets and Stocked General, all of which amplified her skills in leadership, process management, customer service, and organizational procedure.
In her free time Lois enjoys dog sitting, martial arts, the outdoors, and volunteering.
Nancy Miller Herbert
Nancy joined Newground in 2006, after many years in the field of Women’s Reproductive Health and Family Practice where she learned the importance of social justice and activism, confidentiality, and how to manage the regulatory and client-related duties of a healthcare practice.
Her responsibilities at Newground include: all aspects of client service & on-boarding, office management, and assistance with marketing & outreach.
Nancy grew up on Whidbey Island and Japan, and is bi-lingual. Her favorite quote is:
We are in for a very, very long haul. I am asking for everything you have to give. We will never give up. You will lose your youth, your sleep, your patience, your sense of humor and occasionally – the understanding & support of people that you love very much. In return, I have nothing to offer you but your pride in being a woman, and all your dreams you've ever had for your daughters, and nieces, and granddaughters, your future, and the certain knowledge that at the end of your days you will be able to look back and say that once in your life you gave everything you had for Justice.
– Jill Ruckelshaus
National Women's Political Caucus 1977 California Convention
Scott Gill, MBA, IACCP®
Scott Gill, MBA, IACCP®
Founder & CEO | Synergy RIA Compliance Solutions
Scott began his financial services career in 2006 as a Registered Representative with E*Trade Financial in Alpharetta, GA. He has also worked with J.P. Morgan Private Banking in Chicago; with Wells Fargo Advisors in Chapel Hill, NC; and he served as Compliance Officer for Carolinas Investment Consulting in Charlotte, NC, a dually-registered RIA and Broker Dealer firm that managed approximately $1 billion in assets under management. He is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and formerly held FINRA Series 7, 63, 65, 24, 4, and 53 Licenses.
Scott lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Meredith, their two sons Tyson and Jackson, and daughter Eva. In his free time, Scott enjoys watching sports, exercising, and operating the charitable organization he created upon his father’s passing.
Synergy RIA Compliance Solutions is a strategic partner that supports Newground clients & operations.
Mary Garrity
Mary Garrity
Executive Assistant | for NSI
Mary’s experience encompasses 35 years of administrative and office assistance supporting C-level executives across various fields – wealth management, medicine, development & sales, and entrepreneurs. She works well in fast-paced environments, is intuitive, level-headed, detail-oriented, resourceful, and dependable – and a valuable member of the growing Newground Team!
Volunteer highlights:
- Developed and facilitated a school-wide anti-bullying program which gained both media & community attention and corporate sponsorship from Target; led team of 50 event volunteers.
- As PTA president, oversaw $60K annual budget and led 20 plus committee chairpersons and officers. Served as school community liaison to help successfully pass a $60M bond referendum.
Leif Utne
A longtime friend and admirer of Newground, Leif joined our team in 2018 to help more effectively share our story with the world. Leif is a master storyteller with over two decades of experience as a journalist and marketing professional. He manages all aspects of our marketing and communications strategy – from writing tweets, blog posts, and white papers, producing videos and podcasts, to PR and media outreach – in service of managing Newground's brand and reputation with clients, prospects, and industry colleagues.
Leif has led marketing and sales for a variety of software and media startups and spent eight years as online editor at Utne Reader magazine. By moonlight, Leif can be found playing music, rock climbing, facilitating conferences, or driving his son to soccer. He lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington. His super power: jazz flute.
