In this segment, Vernon interviews Tony Pickett, Chief Executive Officer of Grounded Solutions Network. Vernon and Tony will explore how community land trusts and shared equity housing are creating pathways to affordable homeownership and stronger, more resilient communities. Before Vernon’s conversation with Tony Pickett Vernon welcomes Doug O’Brien for a timely discussion on his article, At 250 and Beyond – Cooperatives’ Role in Our American Story, exploring how cooperatives have strengthened communities and democracy throughout our nation’s history.
With more than 35 years of experience in community development, Tony has been a leading voice in creating permanently affordable housing, advancing equitable housing policies, and expanding the use of community land trusts to promote racial and economic equity. Under his leadership, Grounded Solutions has launched several nationally recognized initiatives, including the Catalytic Land Cohort, ForEveryoneHome, and Homes for the Future, which combine public, philanthropic, and private investment to preserve affordable homeownership opportunities in growing communities.
Tony also serves on the boards of the Up for Growth Coalition, the Center for CLT Innovation, and the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, and is a founding member of the National Community Development CEOs of Color Circle. A graduate of the Cornell University School of Architecture, Art and Planning, he is a passionate advocate for holistic, equitable community development.
Doug O’Brien is President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA), where he leads the organization’s efforts to advance the cooperative business model in the United States and around the world. Since joining NCBA CLUSA in 2016, Doug has helped strengthen the cooperative community’s impact on businesses, families, and local economies, serving as Executive Vice President of Programs before becoming President and CEO in 2018.
Prior to NCBA CLUSA, Doug led the work of the White House Rural Council and held senior leadership positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, overseeing programs that supported rural communities nationwide. He has also served in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and for two state governors. A native of a family farm in Iowa, Doug holds degrees from Loras College, the University of Iowa College of Law, and the University of Arkansas. His lifelong commitment to cooperative principles continues to shape his work advancing community-centered economic development.