The Missouri Coalition for the Environment aims to educate, organize, and advocate for a range of environmental issues, including clean water, air, and energy. Before joining the organization in 2021, Jared Opsal spent more than a decade working for nonprofits. A graduate of SIUE and SLU, Opsal is an assistant coach for Lindbergh Hockey Club.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? We successfully researched, drafted, and advocated for the passage of a bill to provide protections for Missourians from industrial agricultural sludge. HB 2134 was signed into law on July 9 by Gov. Mike Parson. This is a testament to how folks throughout the state, regardless of their background or political affiliation, want a safe and protected environment.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? There is tremendous opportunity to connect rural, suburban, and urban communities around shared environmental values. Poll after poll shows people want a safe and protected environment, and we provide an opportunity for them to engage with policy experts to guide them towards solutions to their most pressing environmental concerns.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I source advice from many people in my life. I have colleagues, friends, and family that have all provided guidance on different issues I face with my work. One family member may provide insights into negotiating while a friend may provide thoughts on how to handle conflict. No one person will have all of the answers or be an expert in every area it takes to successfully lead an organization. An analogy to explain my approach: there are thousands of books in a library for a variety of topics, and I make sure to read books as many as I can as opposed to trying to find one book to cover all the subjects I’m interested in.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Progress over perfection.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why?
- Zack Boyers: I have worked with him in the past on issues facing Downtown, and I have always had an immense level of respect for the way he approaches a problem and his honesty with others.
- Orvin Kimbrough: I find his background of moving from being a social worker to leading a bank and bringing his social work background into the banking industry to help people fascinating and inspiring.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Darren Jackson. His work merging the nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors to achieve meaningful outcomes for marginalized communities is inspiring.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Edwardsville, Illinois
What was your childhood aspiration? Play for the St. Louis Blues
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? Bussing tables at a local restaurant. I learned how it takes the entire group working together and supporting each other for the business to run smoothly and provide a great experience for the patrons.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? B.S. Health Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Master of Public Administration from Saint Louis University
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? Teaching. This is the field I was originally interested in working when I first graduated from SIUE. I love working with kids to help them reach their potential, and I have found my way back to working with kids as an assistant coach with the Lindbergh High School Hockey Club.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Imo’s: the one-topping pizza with a side salad lunch special is my comfort food.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? A Bit of Optimism Podcast from Simon Sinek. Simon does an excellent job of interviewing business, community, and political leaders about what it means to be a leader, how to think about improving leadership, and how to rethink problems facing your work. I always find the conversations insightful and useful for my day-to-day professional and personal life.
What’s your hobby/passion? I coach hockey two to three times a week.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I am a huge fantasy and sci-fi nerd: Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc.
What is your go-to karaoke song? Eagles’ “Take It Easy”
