Our Staff
F. Noel Perry, Founder
Next 10 was founded by venture capitalist and philanthropist F. Noel Perry. As an investor, Noel has focused on socially responsible, innovative and profitable ventures. He has backed multiple business successes like the interactive educational company Leap Frog and the organic baby food company Earth’s Best. The father of five, Noel Perry has lived in California for more than 20 years. Since founding Next 10, Noel has redirected his time and resources from his venture capital firm to this organization because of his commitment to the future of California and confidence in the state’s ability to lead the world through innovation.

Sarah Henry, Program Officer
As the Program Officer for Next 10 Sarah manages Next 10’s programs on the state’s budget, infrastructure, and environment. She is also responsible for directing the development of Next 10’s printed and online materials.  Prior to joining Next 10 Sarah worked as a Program Manager for the California Center for Regional Leadership where Next 10 was incubated. She graduated with honors from San Francisco State University where she earned a BA in Political Science and History. Sarah spends all of her free time chasing after her very active new baby Eleanor. 

Marcia Perry, CFO
As CFO of Next 10, Marcia takes care of Next 10’s day to day operations. Marcia has come to California via Massachusetts and Florida, where she worked for the past 15 years with National Nursing Home Chains, Mediplex, CCA and IHS as Manager of Accounts Receivable and Conversions. She has her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Rhode Island and MBA from Simmons College, Graduate School of Management.  She is now enjoying exploring California.

Rishell Biermann, Administrative Assistant
Organizing, planning, scheduling and all the details in-between are a few of the duties Rishell takes care as the Administrative Assistant. Rishell, a Native Hawaiian, was born and raised on the island of O'ahu and moved to California to pursue her dreams. Before joining the team at Next 10, she worked at Electronic Arts and Kap'iolani Community College as an Administrative and Graphic Arts Assistant. Continuing her education in California, she is majoring in Animation with a minor in Web Media Design. All her free time is spent playing video games, dancing hula and exploring California with her friends.

Senior Advisors
We have been working with the following group of Advisors over the last year on our California Green
Innovation Index:

Ralph Cavanagh - Natural Resources Defense Council
Michael Hanemann - California Climate Change Center, Goldman School of Public Policy, U.C. Berkeley
Hal Harvey - Environmental Director, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Elliot Hoffman - New Voice of Business
Van Jones - Ella Baker Center
Dan Kammen - Renewable & Appropriate Energy Laboratory, U.C. Berkeley
Bruce Klafter - Applied Materials
Joel Makower - Executive Editor, GreenBiz.com
Walter McGuire - McGuire & Co., Inc./ Flex Your Power
Joe Nation - Former State Assemblyman, District 6, Lecturer in Public Policy, Stanford University Principal
Manuel Pastor - Professor of Geography and American Studies & Ethnicity, USC
Fran Pavley - Assemblymember (2000-2006) Senior Climate Advisor, NRDC
Wendy Pulling - Pacific Gas & Electric
Carol Whiteside - Great Valley Center
Tim Woodward - Nth Power

At its inception, a talented group of Senior Advisors provided guidance, feedback, and assistance on Next 10's organizational strategy and vision:

Angela Glover Blackwell
CEO, PolicyLink, Oakland, CA
Garrett Gruener
Co-founder & Director of Alta Partners, San Francisco, CA
Leon Panetta
Director, The Panetta Institute, California State University, Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA
Manuel Pastor
Professor and Chair, Latin American and Latino Studies at UC Santa Cruz
Carol Whiteside
President, Great Valley Center, Modesto, CA
Charlie Woo
CEO, Mega Toys, Los Angeles, CA
Julie Meier Wright
President, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, San Diego, CA