Gene Connell
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Owner, Turkey Path Tree Farm
My family and I became the owners of 84 acres of woodland in Platea in August 2016. Our plan is to create and support a sustainable hardwood-producing forest while maintaining a vibrant wildlife habitat. We’re also hoping to offset some of the world’s carbon footprint by rehabilitating the woods. The learning curve has been steep, and we’ve developed a deep appreciation for every farmer.
Reflecting a great love for the outdoors, my adventures include teaching skiing and snowboarding at Peek’n Peak for over 20 years, with one year as director of the snowsports school. I run outdoors to stay in shape for skiing and mountain biking. I’ve completed many marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons, and adventure races.
In my “real life,” I was the Chief Actuary and Chief Risk Officer for Erie Insurance from 1988 to 2011. I worked as Deputy Secretary of Labor for PA during the Corbett administration. I briefly filled in as CEO of tech start-up RendrFX in Erie. I was appointed to the Erie Insurance Board of Directors in 2017.
I’ve been an angel investor and/or a mentor to entrepreneurs in Northwestern PA. Given my professional credentials and experience, my mentoring has mainly involved the financial aspects of starting and maintaining a young business. I was on the board of the Innovation Collaborative. I’m on the board of the NW PA Woodland Association and on the board of corporators for the United Way of Erie County.