Larry O’Toole, Co-Founder & Chairman

Larry O’Toole, the co-founder of REACH GREEN, is a visionary leader with a unique blend of passions: combating climate change, promoting athleticism, and fostering community impact. As the founder and leader of the acclaimed Gentle Giant moving company for over four decades, Larry has not only built a thriving business, but has also cultivated a culture of excellence and service. Under his guidance, Gentle Giant has garnered numerous awards for its exceptional service and workplace practices, employing a dedicated team of individuals proudly known as “Giants.”

Larry’s leadership prowess has been acknowledged by prestigious institutions such as The United States Small Business Administration, which honored him as its Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year. His competitive spirit, discipline, and persistence drive him to tackle challenges with unwavering enthusiasm. Larry’s commitment to leading others is evident in his tradition of personally guiding new crew members through the iconic “running the stadium” ritual at Harvard University’s coliseum.

Beyond his professional achievements, Larry draws inspiration from his upbringing in Ireland and his background in competitive rowing. His rich personal experiences infuse his leadership style with authenticity, creating captivating events and inspiring moments for audiences of all backgrounds and sizes. With a deep-rooted dedication to making a positive impact, Larry continues to lead REACH GREEN with passion, purpose, and unwavering determination.

Joan Karpinski, President & Board Member

A long-time Andover resident whose commitment to the environment and to helping others runs deep. She is an active volunteer with local conservation and sustainability efforts, contributing her time and energy to protecting open spaces and advancing environmental initiatives.

A former licensed clinical social worker and nurse, Joan spent her career supporting the well-being of others. Today, she continues to devote her time to causes close to her heart, working with local groups to promote sustainability and protect natural spaces.

David Friedman, Co-Founder & Board Member

David is a serial entrepreneur and CEO. David’s career in business started during the dot com boom. Later, David founded Boston Logic and grew the company into a leader in the real estate software vertical. The company went on to partner with Providence Equity and acquire 7 complementary products, later selling to Stone Point Capital. David then went on to found Knox Financial, a venture backed consumer fintech startup. After selling Knox in late 2022, David cofounded REACH GREEN along with Larry O’Toole with the mission to improve the health of climbers and the planet.

David advises startups from the earliest stages and serves on several boards of companies from pre-revenue to the middle/growth market. David’s background as an engineer, founder, and builder, and deep transactional experience makes him a confidant of CEOs and investors alike. On the weekends, David enjoys being a Dad, skiing, hiking, cycling, boating, carpentry, and cooking.

Andrew Eli, Board Member & Angel Investor

Angel investor in climate technology startups and consultant specializing in climate-themed risk management, investing, and early-stage technology commercialization. His work spans critical issues such as wildfire and flood risk, water security, extreme heat, methane emissions, and property insurance.

With more than two decades of experience in international affairs, financial markets, and climate change, Andrew has held leadership roles at Climate Finance Advisors, Tata Consultancy Services, the U.S. Department of State, and the World Bank Group.

Josephine (Joey) Parr, Board Member & Marketing Executive

Marketing and operations leader specializing in the climate and fitness sectors and founder of GreenWheel Marketing, a consultancy helping mission-driven companies grow and operate more efficiently.

Previously, she served as Head of Marketing for Citi Bike at Lyft, where she transformed the program into a beloved brand with millions of riders, and earlier led the marketing launch of the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-produced electric vehicle.

Stephanie La Raja, Board Member & Marketing & Operations

Senior communications and marketing executive with more than two decades of experience leading brand transformation, strategic growth, and public engagement.

She currently serves as Executive Director of External Affairs & Communications at the Columbia Climate School, and previously led a full organizational rebrand and national awareness campaigns at Vibrant Emotional Health, including the relaunch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.