People

Gotham Greens is built upon the collective values, talents and energy of our diverse people.

Our team has unmatched expertise in technologically sophisticated controlled environment agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, business development, marketing and sales, and environmental design.

Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO

Viraj co-founded Gotham Greens in 2008. He has developed and managed start-up enterprises in New York City, Ladakh, India and Malawi, Africa focusing on green building, renewable energy, and environmental design. Prior to founding Gotham Greens, Viraj worked at New York Sun Works, an environmental engineering firm. His written work has appeared in several books and publications including, “100% Renewable — Energy Autonomy in Action” and the UN Academic Journal. He has received fellowships from the TED conference and the Wild Gift, where he currently serves on the board of directors. While he is a passionate New Yorker, Viraj is equally at home in the mountains and in wild, remote corners of the world. Viraj is a LEED® Accredited Professional and received a B.A. from Colgate University.

Eric Haley, Co-Founder

Eric co-founded Gotham Greens in 2008. Eric brings considerable business acumen to Gotham Greens together with a keen sensibility of food and fine dining. He currently works for Corporate Fuel Partners, a Manhattan-based investment bank and private equity fund. Prior to joining Corporate Fuel, he spent three years at JP Morgan Chase. Eric earned his M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a B.S. from the University of Wyoming where he played Division I football. When Eric isn’t seeking the next great restaurant or hunting for the finest ingredients for his own kitchen, he can be found skiing in the Colorado Rockies or with Viraj at Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn.

Jennifer Nelkin, Greenhouse Director

Jenn joined Gotham Greens in 2009 to head greenhouse operations. She combines her knowledge in plant physiology with a sophisticated and discerning palate. She developed her expertise in greenhouse systems and management at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) at the University of Arizona. Her expertise encompasses greenhouse system design, plant nutrition, crop and pest management, sensors and controls, and staff training. Jenn has managed greenhouses in Antarctica, at both McMurdo and South Pole Stations, providing fresh vegetables for U.S. research scientists. Jenn also worked at the greenhouse at the Cuisinart Resort and Spa in Anguilla. Prior to joining Gotham Greens, Jenn worked at New York Sun Works, where she designed and directed operations of the Science Barge greenhouse. Jenn simply loves food and farming and is active at her home garden, community garden and neighborhood food co-op. She received her M.S. from the University of Arizona (plant sciences) and B.S. from Arizona State (plant biology).