PANEL MODERATOR Michael Hollis

Michael Hollis has been the Urban Farms Director at Services for the UnderServed since 2013. In that role, he manages one of the region’s largest therapeutic horticulture programs, using community gardens for the wellness and recovery of families and individuals facing a range of challenges from developmental disabilities, mental illness, and HIV/AIDS, often compounded by histories of homelessness, substance use, poverty, and unemployment. Through the S:US Urban Farms program, he oversees design and operations management for over 70 food growing spaces throughout New York City that include in-ground and rooftop gardens, propagation greenhouses, and urban beekeeping.

Mike oversaw growth of the program from 4 Brooklyn gardens and 9 participants, to a comprehensive citywide program engaging over 600 people annually. He also led development of curriculum-based vocational training, personal development workshops, and nutritional programming. Mike’s previous experience in the non-profit sector includes nearly a decade of disaster relief with the American Red Cross, providing support to national and regional recovery operations and serving as a training instructor for disaster relief workers. His professional career also includes farm management, environmental compliance consulting, and eco-friendly building design/ construction.

Mike holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of London. He is an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) through the Northeast Organic Farming Association, and is a LEED Accredited Professional in Neighborhood Development (LEED AP ND) through the US Green Building Council. Mike was also recently selected by Crain’s New York Business for recognition as a Notable Leader in Sustainability.