President
Council Fire
Mr. Chmael has spent 25 years working with public and private entities on economic, environmental and social issues. He has counseled leading U.S. and international organizations in the mechanics of transitioning to sustainable operations to accomplish economic growth while simultaneously creating environmental and social value. These organizations include leading non-profits such as World Wildlife Fund, Marine Stewardship Council, and the Wildlife Habitat Council; governmental entities such as the U.S. Army, USEPA, NOAA, and the Maryland Port Administration; and private organizations including China Light and Power, AES, Bluewater Wind and other multinationals.
Trained as a lawyer and marine specialist, George possesses broad environmental and social development expertise in a variety of areas including fisheries, water and air quality, land use and transportation planning, and energy policy. In addition, over the past 15 years, George has worked on many Chesapeake Bay-specific issues, including fisheries management matters relating to striped bass, oysters and blue crabs. He has previously held positions with EcoLogix Group, serving as President of this environmental consulting firm in Annapolis, Maryland, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation, serving as Acting Maryland Executive Director and Staff Counsel.
Prior to that time, George spent several years practicing law as an environmental litigator in New England where he worked on marine and fisheries matters. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut, a Juris Doctorate from George Washington University National Law Center, and a Masters of Marine Affairs with a concentration in fisheries from the University of Rhode Island.