Otho Kerr

Otho Kerr is a partner with Encourage Capital. Encourage is a research-driven, solutions-oriented asset management firm that seeks to leverage private capital to solve critical environmental and social problems. The firm believes it can generate both compelling investment returns and social and environmental impact. Otho is leading Encourage’s effort to develop carbon offsets to combat climate change. This effort includes working with Alaskan native communities to develop projects that will positively impact both the environment and the economic condition of landing-owning indigenous communities and working with TIMOs looking to harvest timber more sustainably. Otho has worked in investment banking and asset management for over twenty years, having begun with Goldman Sachs & Co. He began his professional career as an attorney with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. Otho received a BA from Dartmouth College and a JD from The Harvard Law School. Otho was the first member of his class to receive the Dartmouth Alumni Award, given annually to Dartmouth graduates who have “demonstrated extraordinary service to Dartmouth and civic organizations in addition to career accomplishment.” Otho was a co-founder of the Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship in Harlem and a fellow in the Rockefeller Foundation’s Next Generation Leadership Program. Most recently, Otho was an Ambassador for Health Equity, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and serves on the National Academy of Medicine’s Culture of Health Advisory Committee. Otho has served on many non-profit boards and is currently serving on the board of the Hetrick-Martin Institute.