green|spaces Hires Program Director For Its Build It Green Program
Thursday, June 23, 2022
The local sustainability nonprofit organization, green|spaces, has hired Dexter Talley as its Build it Green (BIG) program director. BIG is local leadership and workforce development program that prepares young adults (ages 18-24) for community leadership and energy services careers.
Affordability of utilities is one of the most significant challenges to low-income neighborhoods. In response, BIG makes energy-saving repairs to homes in these neighborhoods while preparing a new generation for employment in the green economy. Additionally, BIG recruits its members from the communities it serves
“Dexter Talley is the perfect leader to help dozens of young adults turn the page and write a new story for themselves and their neighborhood,” says Michael Walton, executive director of green|spaces.
“He’s been in their shoes and knows what challenges they face. As a result, they respect and listen to him when he tells them about the green building industry's opportunities.”
Mr. Talley graduated from the BIG program in 2019 and returned as a senior member the following year. In 2021, he was promoted to project manager. Since then, Mr. Talley has gained several certifications, including his Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier certification. He scored 100 percent on this exam, making him one of only a handful of people to do so in the test provider's ten years of experience.
When asked about his promotion, Mr. Talley replies, “I could not have envisioned my life to be in a position where I serve my community. In short, I will strive tirelessly to lead this program to do bigger and better things.”
"As a BIG alumnus, Mr. Talley has the insight and experience to improve the BIG program significantly," officials said. "In his new role as program director, Mr. Talley has already recruited ten members for the summer cohort, doubling the program's enrollment rate. Additionally, he has excellent ideas for establishing pipeline opportunities for even younger adults to enroll in BIG when they are old enough."
