Meet Dan
Dan is an experienced finance professional and community leader running for the At-Large seat on Summit’s Common Council. Born and raised in small-town Pennsylvania, Dan's roots are firmly planted in the values of hard work and strong local institutions. His parents were schoolteachers and small business owners, instilling in him a deep appreciation for education and entrepreneurship.
Education and Career
Dan's academic journey led him from his local public school to Dartmouth College and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, both on scholarships. This educational foundation prepared him for a successful career in impact investing. A partner and head of sustainability with New York-based TX3 Capital, Dan works to combine the rigor of investing with positive community and environmental outcomes.
Community Involvement
• Mentor and Judge: Dan serves as a mentor to student entrepreneurs and a judge for the Turner MIINT Competition at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
• Board Member: He spent nine years as a board member and credit committee member of Root Capital, supporting small agricultural producers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He served as finance warden of his church and has held leadership roles in various community organizations.
• Environmental Commission: Since 2022, Dan has served on the Summit Environmental Commission, appointed by both Democratic and Republican mayors.
Personal Life
Dan and his spouse of 26 years, Greg Vargas, have called Summit home for the past eight years. Their daughter, Caroline, is a proud Summit High School graduate studying at American University. Dan’s mom, Lorys, is 98 years young and lives in their garden apartment downstairs. She regularly beats Dan at cards. The smallest family member, Jumanji, enjoys walks with his canine friends.
Passions and Experiences
An avid outdoorsman and traveler, Dan has:
• Hiked over 1,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail
• Visited more than 70 countries worldwide
• Maintained a lifelong passion for nature, rooted in childhood walks with his grandmother
Dan's combination of local values, investing discipline, and commitment to sustainable development makes him an ideal candidate for City Council. His experience in impact investing and his deep understanding of community needs positions him to make meaningful contributions to Summit's future.
