As Chief Inspired Protagonist, co-founder, and Executive Chairperson of Seventh Generation, Jeffrey is a well-respected leader in the socially and environmentally responsible communities. An entrepreneur at heart, his first business ventures were rooted in adult education. He began the not-for-profit organizations Skills Exchange of Toronto, a learning exchange that offered practical and professional development classes, and Network for Learning, New York City, an adult education and audio-publishing company; both were social and financial successes. After his tenure as president of Warner Audio Publishing, New York City, Jeffrey acquired a small mail order catalog of energy conservation products, Renew America, which eventually blossomed into Seventh Generation.
Jeffrey has led Seventh Generation from its humble beginnings to its current position as the leading and fastest-growing brand of natural products for the home, and the leading authority on issues related to making a positive difference in the health of the planet and its inhabitants through our everyday choices.
Creating a healthier home environment hit close to home for the Hollenders when son Alex was hospitalized for an asthma attack about 6 years ago. “I was so scared I chartered a plane to get to the hospital as quickly as possible,” recalls Jeffrey. “A leading asthma specialist confirmed the cause was 100% environmental and the cure included mattress covers to confine dust mites, no carpeting, and non-toxic cleaners!”
Jeffrey frequently addresses social and environmental responsibility at regional, national and international venues, and is often asked by other companies to consult on sustainability. His blog, Inspired Protagonist, is a closely-followed resource and guide for spotlighting socially responsible business practices and principles on the global stage. Jeffrey is the author of several books, including What Matters Most and Naturally Clean.
He is a member and former Director of the Social Venture Network, a group of socially-conscious business executives. He co-founded and was a Director of Community Capital Bank, a New York financial institution that invests in affordable housing and community development. He was also an Advisor to The Council on Economic Priorities’ best-selling guide book, Shopping for a Better World. Hollender served as President of The Rainforest Foundation USA from 1992 to 1996, an organization created to protect the rainforest and the human rights of its indigenous peoples. He also served as a Board member and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
Currently Hollender serves on the Board of Directors of Greenpeace USA, Healthy Child Healthy World (formerly Children’s Health Environmental Coalition), Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, and Alloy Inc., a publicly traded company.
Jeffrey Hollender and his wife, Sheila, have three children: Meika, Alexander, and Chiara. The Hollenders live in Vermont.
