Our Team
George Chmael II
Consumed by a vision of organizations melding pursuit of financial profit with a drive to improve the environment and people’s lives, George transitioned from corporate lawyer to social entrepreneur early in his career. He was convinced that business must be a force for good and that success should be measured against not one, but three bottom lines - financial, environmental, and social - and created the award-winning Council Fire, a global change agency of renowned experts supporting organizations in achieving sustainable success.
George has spent 25+ years guiding domestic and international organizations on the path to sustainable operations and is a recognized leader, ambassador, and speaker on the sustainable business movement. Corporations, non-profits, governments, and foundations have all benefited from George’s pioneering vision and expertise across all elements of environmental, economic, and social innovation, collaboration, program leadership, and change management.
In 2014, George launched SustainaFest with a focus on propelling global progress by curating authentic, science-based narratives that inspire action toward a sustainable and equitable future for all. Through storytelling and strategic collaborations, George and his team at SustainaFest are engaging with diverse communities to accelerate systemic change and have begun doing so through the production and distribution of the film Back to Camp 41.
Greg Hemmings
Greg Hemmings is a pioneer in positive social impact filmmaking, recognized globally for his commitment to catalyzing change through storytelling. As Executive producer and the founder of Hemmings Films Ltd, based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, Greg leads a team dedicated to producing transformative content that resonates locally and globally. His portfolio includes television series, documentaries, and feature films aimed at fostering authentic connections and dialogue.
Greg's accolades include the Royal Commonwealth Society's Vision Film Award and three Banff World Media Festival Rockies Awards. In 2022, he was honoured with induction into the Atlantic Business Magazine's Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame.
Greg's pursuit of knowledge led him to advanced training programs such as the Wallace McCain Institute's Entrepreneur Leadership Program and the National Screen Institute's Global Television Marketing Program. In 2023, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of New Brunswick for his contributions to the arts and social change.
Beyond his career, Greg is a mentor, public speaker, podcaster, and writer. He is also an adventurer, musician, and devoted husband and father. Through his endeavours, Greg inspires others to harness storytelling for positive change worldwide.
Zach Chmael
Zach is a creative and results-oriented digital marketing leader with nearly a decade of experience as a strategy & accounts director. Specializing in executing innovative omni-channel campaigns and digital strategies, he brings a wealth of expertise in enhancing brand visibility, engaging audiences, and driving business growth. With a strong foundation in digital marketing strategy, brand development, influencer campaigns, and content creation spanning diverse industries, Zach has played a key role in connecting leading global brands and fast-growing startups with their audiences across various channels and platforms.
As a former filmmaker, photographer, and editor, he possesses a keen eye for visual aesthetics and excels at creating content that leaves a lasting emotional impact. Deeply passionate about contributing to purpose-driven enterprises, Zach is committed to helping them achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world
Katie Manning
Katie is a people-oriented marketing professional with a passion for storytelling and social impact. She has built her personal and professional experiences by grounding herself in understanding the motivations and behaviors of individuals and using the understanding to foster value-adding relationships.
Throughout college, she had the opportunity to work at the Center for Social Value Creation at the University of Maryland. There, she developed a true passion for educating and empowering the younger generations to engage in social and environmentally beneficial practices not only in their personal lives, but in their professional lives. She utilized her marketing skills to highlight organizations and opportunities in the DMV area that are driving positive impact, and has used that knowledge to shape her own career path, leading her here to Sustainafest.
Henry C. Lystad
Henry is a professional indie film distributor, festival programmer, and industry consultant known for strong relationship-building and networking skills. He maintains a wide-reaching distribution network that spans from the largest cinema circuits to the smallest community theaters, ensuring comprehensive coverage for independent film projects.
With several years of experience working with a renowned documentary festival, Henry brings unique insight into festival operations and the key elements contributing to their success. From a programming and acquisition perspective, Henry has a keen eye for selecting films that resonate with local audiences, leading to work with festivals and organizations across the country.