Full Agenda

The Honorable Lone Dencker Wisborg

Ambassador to the United States, Kingdom of Denmark

Ambassador Lone Dencker Wisborg is the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States at The Embassy of Denmark in Washington, D.C. Most recently, she held a position as State Secretary and Chief Operating Officer in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Wisborg has also been Ambassador of Denmark to Spain (2011-2015).

Ambassador Wisborg has been with the Danish Foreign Service for more than 25 years and held various positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She held a position as; State Secretary for Foreign Policy (2015-2017), Under-Secretary for Global Security (2009-2011) and Head of Department for Security Policy (2007-2009) both in Copenhagen.

Ambassador Wisborg also held a position as Chief Operating Officer for the Bikuben Foundation (2006-2007), prior to that she served as; Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Warsaw (2004-2006) and as Private Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs (2001-2003). Before that, she served as; Head of Section in the International Department of the Danish Parliament (2001-2003), First Secretary at the Embassy of Denmark in Tallinn and Head of Section in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Wisborg holds a Master of Law from Aarhus University.

David Terry

Executive Director, National Association of State Energy Officials

David Terry is the Executive Director of the National Association of State Energy Officials and has worked with NASEO in a variety of capacities since 1996. Mr. Terry leads NASEO's programs in support of the nation's 56 State and Territory Energy Offices. The organization communicates the states' views on virtually all national energy issues, including electricity policy, energy efficiency market transformation, renewable energy commercialization and deployment, industrial energy efficiency, energy assurance and reliability, building codes and efficiency, and climate oriented energy programs.

Mr. Terry has 20 years of experience working on a range of energy issues for such organizations as the Association of State Energy Research Institutions, Governors' Biofuels Coalition, National Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Prior to working in the energy area, Mr. Terry was a statistical analyst for a market research firm, an analyst with the National Academy of Sciences, and a researcher for The Washington Post. He received a BA degree from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, and he has completed graduate coursework in statistics and marketing at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.

Dr. Andrew McAllister

Commissioner, California Energy Commission

Andrew McAllister was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in May 2012. He fills the Economist Member position on the five-member Commission where four of the five members by law are required to have professional training in specific areas - engineering or physical science, environmental protection, economics, and law.

Mr. McAllister has over 20 years of technical, programmatic and policy experience in the fields of energy management, efficiency and renewable generation. Before joining the Commission, he worked at the California Center for Sustainable Energy for six years, most recently as managing director and director of policy and strategy. Previously, he worked with NRECA International Ltd. in the electric sectors of countries in Central and South America, Southeast Asia and Africa on a variety of load management, generation and utility planning projects. He was a project manager at an energy consulting firm and worked as an energy efficiency analyst at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He has published on various energy topics in academic, trade, and popular journals.

Andrew studied both engineering sciences and art history at Dartmouth College and holds M.S. and PhD degrees from the Energy & Resources Group at UC Berkeley. He is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer.

Heather Reams

Executive Director, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions

Heather Reams is the Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) a right-of center non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that engages policymakers and the public about responsible, conservative solutions to address our nation’s energy, economic, and environmental security while increasing America’s competitive edge. Heather leads the talented CRES team and oversees core activities of the organization, ensuring the successful expansion of conservative clean energy policies across the nation. She is a frequent commentator on the politics and policy of clean energy and the environment, and has been featured in The Hill, Washington Examiner, Morning Consult, Politico, Time, E&E News, Real Clear Energy and Utility Dive, among others. Heather serves as Chair of National Clean Energy Week and is on the board of directors for the American Conservative Coalition.

Heather is a 25-year veteran in strategic communications, public affairs, and advocacy and has held a number of senior nonprofit positions. Prior to her non-profit work, she spent a decade working for DC-based public affairs firms focused on strategic and crisis communications. She started her career as a staffer working for Senator Bob Smith (R-NH) and Congressman Gerald Weller (R-IL11), and as an intern for Senator Slade Gorton (R-WA) while pursuing her degree. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Political Science, Heather is active in Republican local and state affairs in her home state of Virginia.

Jeffrey Genzer

General Counsel, National Association of State Energy Officials

Jeff Genzer has been Counsel to NASEO since the organization began in 1986.  He represents the organization before Congress and the Administration, working closely with David Terry and the NASEO staff.  He has also practiced energy and environmental law since 1985 at the law firm of Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer and Pembroke, PC.  Mr. Genzer serves as President of the law firm.  Prior to going into private law practice, he served as counsel and energy lobbyist for the Energy and Environment Committee of the National Governors Association.  Mr. Genzer also worked on low income energy issues for the National Consumer Law Center.  He began his energy career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Micronesia 41 years ago.

David Gipson

Director, Energy Resources Division, Georgia Environmental Finance Authority

Dr. Taresa Lawrence

Deputy Director, Energy Administration, District Department of Energy and Environment

Dr. Taresa Lawrence is the Deputy Director of the Department of Energy and Environment’s Energy Administration, which is charged with developing energy plans, policies, and programs to achieve the District’s ambitious energy and climate goals.  Her experience includes the sustainable use of energy in the residential, commercial and institutional sectors, and she specializes in strategic planning, energy management and analysis, program design and implementation, and evaluation methods. Taresa currently oversees the implementation of the Clean Energy DC plan, as well as a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including the District’s Solar for All Program and the energy assistance and affordability programs. Prior to joining the District Government, Taresa was a Regulatory Economist at the Maryland Public Service Commission, and Center Director of the Small Business Development Center at the Howard University Center for Urban Progress. Taresa holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Howard University and a Master’s Degree in Development Economics from University of Manchester, England.

Alan Zelenka

Assistant Director for Planning and Innovation, Oregon Department of Energy

Alan is the Assistant Director for Planning and Innovation at the Oregon Department of Energy. His team works on energy efficiency, renewable resources, sustainable transportation, energy planning, and climate change issues.

Before joining ODOE he was the Energy Services Leader for Kennedy/Jenks Consultants for over 10 years, a consulting firm where he worked with clients all over the west on climate change, energy efficiency, and renewables.

Prior to that Alan worked at Emerald PUD in Eugene for over 21 years, where he was the Power Manager.

Alan Zelenka graduated with a degree in political-economy from UC Berkeley, and got his master’s degree in energy planning and policy from the University of Oregon.

In his spare time, Alan is in his fourth term as a Eugene City Councilor.

Aaron Schreiber-Stainthorp

Sustainability Manager, Jackson Family Wines

Aaron Schreiber-Stainthorp is the Sustainability Manager at Jackson Family Wines (JFW). In his role at JFW, Aaron focuses on implementing systems that drive transformational change with an emphasis on carbon emissions, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, zero waste and employee
engagement. Using a data driven approach to identifying opportunities and guide decision making, Aaron has worked to make sustainability synonymous with innovation and continuous improvement.
In addition to his work at JFW, Aaron is also a board member with the Center for Climate Protection, focused on speed and scale GHG policy solutions in California.

Aaron has spent 5 years working in the wine industry, and previously led sustainability efforts at Francis Ford Coppola winery resulting in their 2017 Sustainable Winemaking Leadership Award from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Prior to working in wine, Aaron managed energy efficiency education programs at the Alliance to Save Energy. Working with schools nationwide he developed energy efficiency programs that trained 30,000 students, resulting in measurable energy savings of over $3.4 million at participating schools.

Aaron has an MS in Sustainability Management from the Kogod School of Business at American University, a BS from Northland College and is a former EDF Climate Corps Fellow. When not looking for ways to reduce emissions and energy use, you can find Aaron riding his bike around Sonoma County or backpacking around Northern California.

Ann Wallace

Sales and Trade Development, Jackson Family Wines

Ann Wallace’s first industry job was working at a wine bar after college while saving money to travel around the world. Here, she was quickly immersed in the world of wine, fine dining and food pairing and that passion would follow the rest of her career… She has since traveled to over 25 countries and always makes visiting winegrowing regions a priority!

Ann officially started her career in the wine industry in 2002 selling for several distributors before joining the JFW Crown team as a founding member of Trinity Fine Wines in May of 2007. After three years at Trinity, she move out to California and joined the team at Regal Wine Company in Sonoma County where JFW is headquartered.

She also spent six years as the District Sales Manager covering all sales in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Marin and East Bay.

She currently holds the role of Sales and Trade Development with the Wine Education Team. She works closely with the Sales Managers across the country, accelerating onboarding and creating helpful tools to continue key account growth. She also works closely with the Hospitality and DTC teams, developing training programs and growth opportunities while also facilitating effective trade experiences at our estates.

Kelley Smith Burk

Director, Office of Energy, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Member, NASEO Board of Directors

Kelley Smith Burk has been with the Florida Office of Energy since 2008 and oversaw the development and administration of over $176 million of federal and state grants to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.  Kelley serves as the director for the Office of Energy.  Kelley is responsible for leading the Office of Energy as it develops energy policy and implements programs as well as promotes the use of renewable energy, energy efficient technologies, and alternative transportation technologies for the state of Florida.

Prior to joining the department, Kelley worked with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Strategic Projects and Planning as a policy analyst for the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. Kelley has also served as the director of Scheduling in the Executive Office of the Governor. Kelley received her bachelor’s degree in history from Florida State University and her master’s degree in public policy from Pepperdine University.

Alex Kizer

Director of Research and Senior Associate, Energy Futures Initiative

Alex Kizer is the Director of Strategic Research and a Senior Associate at the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI). He develops and manages projects on cross-cutting issues related to technology, policy, and innovation in energy sectors at home and abroad. An expert in developing and managing major analytical initiatives, Kizer supports funders and sponsoring organizations with advice on navigating the interaction between technology disruptions and legacy markets and systems.

At EFI, Kizer (pronounced KI-zer) oversees all qualitative and quantitative analysis for EFI reports, including “Optionality, Flexibility & Innovation: Pathways for Deep Decarbonization in California;’’ “Advancing the Landscape of Clean Energy innovation,’’ for Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy; “Investing in Natural Gas for Africans,’’ a project sponsored by the Africa50 infrastructure fund; and white papers on blockchain technology applications for energy, an examination of the U.S. nuclear enterprise and the role it plays in national security, studies on large-scale carbon management, and a variety of budgetary analyses.

Kizer brings over fifteen years of experience advising clients at institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories, the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as energy companies that operate in the Middle East and Europe.

At EFI, he designs and manages projects that focus on investment strategies for accelerating clean energy innovation, oversees cost-benefit analyses of electric sector cyber security, develops methods for valuing U.S. energy security, and examines techniques for evaluating the emission savings from the at-scale deployment of all clean technologies.

Canan “Janan” Balaban

Associate Director, Florida Energy Systems Consortium

Ms. Balaban holds BSc. and MSc. in Chemical Engineering and has served for over 20 years in industry as an engineer, research scientist, and manager. Her industrial experience includes rechargeable batteries, sol-gel technology, phenolic resins, bio-mass, coal desulfurization, gasification, and sintering. She has transferred a number of technologies from research to manufacturing and has three patents and one trademark. Ms. Balaban joined the University of Florida in 2003 and managed the $10Million NASA funded Hydrogen Research Program until March 2008. During this period she has facilitated the establishment of the Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy and its Energy Technology Incubator (State Center of Excellence). She served as the Associate Director of Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy at the University of Florida until she joined the Florida Energy Systems Consortium in Jan 2009.

Dr. Sumesh Arora

Director, Energy and Natural Resources Division, Mississippi Development Authority

Dr. Sumesh Arora is the director of the Energy & Natural Resources Division of the Mississippi Development Authority which is the state energy office.  Since assuming this position in November 2016, Sumesh has reorganized this office to focus on four areas: energy efficiency programs, energy education and workforce development, energy projects and policy development, and energy data and security.

Previously, Sumesh served as vice president of Innovate Mississippi, director of the Strategic Biomass Solutions, and the Energy-Economy-Environment (E3) program manager for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Mississippi.  He has led programs in cleantech commercialization, combined heat and power, innovation strategy development, STEM education, and technology-based entrepreneurship.  Prior to that, he worked for 13 years as a researcher and product development engineer in the chemical fertilizer industry.

Sumesh is the co-inventor of a patented technology to convert poultry litter into bioenergy and testified before the United States Senate in 2014 to lend support for advanced biofuels technologies.  He has over 125 presentations and publications including two book chapters.  Sumesh received his PhD in international development from the University of Southern Mississippi and his BS and MS degrees in engineering from the University of Central Florida.

Eddy Trevino

Director, State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Eddy Trevino is the Director of the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO).  In addition to his daily management and oversight activities, he oversees the State Energy Program activities, the LoanSTAR revolving loan program, and the Clean Energy Incubator initiative. 

Under Mr. Trevino’s management of the LoanSTAR revolving loan program, fund value has increased to $230 million with over 310 loans.  There have been no loan defaults over the life of the loan program.

Between September 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019, the Clean Energy Incubator program activities resulted in an economic impact of $28,435,933 to the state of Texas and supported 499 new jobs.

Mr. Trevino’s professional designations include a registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Energy Manager. He has 29 years of engineering and management experience. 

While attending the University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Trevino earned the following degrees: Bachelor in Architectural Engineering (1980), an MBA (1986), and a Master in Technology Commercialization (2001).

Juan Garcia

President, DISCO Learning Media

For over 15 years Juan Garcia has been producing engaging educational content for broadcast and broadband and has previously worked with companies like Apple, Disney, and Adobe on launching innovative educational programs. In 2014 he produced the Energy 101 Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for The University of Texas at Austin, which was taken by over 44,000 students from around the world and earned praise and recognition from Forbes and the New York Times. In 2015 Garcia co-founded Disco Learning Media, a company that connects learners to award-winning digital solutions and interactive experiences. In parallel to his work, Garcia is also an independent documentary producer, and his current series “Power Trip: The Story of Energy,” is available on PBS and Amazon Prime Video. He holds a BS in Radio-Television-Film from The Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin.

Natasha Campbell

Chief Strategist for Clean Energy Initiative, Historically Black Colleges and Universities Community Development Action Coalition

As an advocate for social justice and under-represented individuals and communities, Natasha Campbell has made its her life’s work to create equal access to maximize success for the most marginalized. She joins the Community Development Action Coalition (CDAC) as the Director of Energy Programs, Policy and Solutions, where among other projects she will lead the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Clean Energy Coalition.

Prior to joining the CDAC, Ms. Campbell most recently served as a Presidential Appointee in the Obama Administration, assigned as a Senior Advisor to United States Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz. At the Department of Energy her expansive portfolio included labor and industrial relations for the 100,000 plus contractor workforce, economic development and workforce development. She co-led the Energy Jobs Strategy Council, a cross-cutting initiative to integrate the research, technical expertise and economic resources of the Department to accelerate the growth of and access to jobs in all sectors of the United States energy economy. With an emphasis on economic development, workforce development and jobs data analysis, Ms. Campbell collaborated with the Department’s program offices and national laboratories, other federal agencies, state and local government and external stakeholders to achieve the Council’s mission.

She was also instrumental in establishing the DOE Baltimore Initiative, a collaborative effort that included he City of Baltimore, Morgan State University, the Maryland Clean Energy Center and other community stakeholders to forge a workforce and community investment partnership in Baltimore and surrounding areas with a focus on expanding access to solar energy for low and moderate income residents, job creation, job training, job placement, and promoting solar energy as a utility costs saving measure. These efforts resulted in implementation of the Morgan Community Mile Solar Initiative, a project to install solar panels on 33 homes in the Morgan Community Mile Neighborhood of Baltimore, one of the City’s most economically depressed neighborhoods.

A seasoned attorney specializing in labor and employment law with extensive management experience in local and federal government, she has a strong record of leading organizational change, negotiating and administering complex agreements, implementing enterprise-wide employee engagement and workforce development strategies and motivating diverse team of employees. She is the past Director of the District of Columbia Government Department of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining, serving as a Mayoral Appointee for two Mayors. She is passionate about giving back to her community, including through mentoring and service to women and girls.

Guille Pelaez

Education Program Specialist, Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development

Clay Nesler

Vice President, Global Energy and Sustainability, Johnson Controls, Inc.

Clay Nesler is the Vice President, Global Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs for Johnson Controls.  Since joining Johnson Controls in 1983, Clay has held a variety of leadership positions in research, product development, marketing, strategy and sustainability in the United States and Europe.

Nesler serves on the board of ACEEE, the Alliance to Save Energy, the GSA green buildings advisory group, the executive group of the US DOE/EPA SEE Action network and the IEA Energy Efficiency Industry Advisory Board.  He helped establish the UN SEforALL Building Efficiency Accelerator and serves as industry co-chair of the US-China Clean Energy Research Center Building Energy Efficiency consortium.

Clay received BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a winner of the 2005 Corenet Global Innovator’s Award, the 2012 VERGE 25 award, a 2015 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Illinois, a 2017 leadership award from the U.S. Green Building Council and is a co-inventor on 14 patents.

Sasha Mackler

Director, The Energy Project, Bipartisan Policy Center

Sasha Mackler directs the Energy Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has worked for more than two decades at the intersection of energy policy and commercial markets. Prior to leading the Energy Project, he spent nearly 10 years in the private sector, first as vice president of Summit Power Group’s carbon capture business and then overseeing market development activities for Enviva, the largest biomass fuel supplier to the global utility industry. His professional work has focused on the innovations necessary to scale emerging energy technologies along with developing the business models and policy frameworks that support the deployment of low carbon energy systems.

Earlier in his career, Mackler played a key role in BPC’s first project as the Research Director at the National Commission on Energy Policy (NCEP), which produced a comprehensive set of policy recommendations many of which were incorporated into the 2005 Energy Policy Act. He subsequently launched BPC’s energy innovation portfolio, including the formation of the American Energy Innovation Council. Mackler has managed a number of energy policy projects on topics such as tax incentives, federal RD&D, finance, workforce transition, carbon capture and storage, low carbon fuels, cap and trade, climate impacts and adaptation, and geoengineering research. Prior to his work with NCEP, he was an analyst in the Clean Air Markets Division at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mackler holds both a Master of Science in Earth Resources Engineering and Master of Public Administration from Columbia University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Geomechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester.

Sam Ricketts

Senior Fellow, Energy and Environment, Center for American Progress

Sam Ricketts is a Senior Fellow for the Energy & Environment at the Center for American Progress. He focuses on advancing policies for ambitious and equitable climate action and building a 100% clean energy economy, the climate leadership of U.S. states, and building coalitions across the climate movement.

Sam is also a Co-Founder of Evergreen Action, a project launched by alumni of Governor Jay Inslee’s presidential campaign, for which he led climate policy and strategy as the campaign’s climate director.
In prior roles, Ricketts was the first executive director of the Congressional Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, and has worked in the Washington State Governor’s Office, Democratic Governors Association, Working Families Party, and several federal and state campaigns.

Ricketts is a graduate of Syracuse University and a native of Seattle, Washington. He currently resides in Washington, DC with his wife and toddler-aged son.

Patrick Woodcock

Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

Patrick Woodcock was named DOER Commissioner in February 2020. Formerly, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Undersecretary of Energy, Commissioner Woodcock was named Acting Commissioner in December 2019 and served in this role until his current appointment.    

Woodcock joined the Baker-Polito Administration in 2017 and served as the Undersecretary of Energy in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for over two years. In that position, Woodcock oversaw the Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Public Utilities. Woodcock serves on the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Board and Investment Committee, represents Massachusetts on the Boards of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Inc. and National Association of State Energy Officials, and is a member of the Energy Facilities Siting Board.

Prior to his time in the administration, Woodcock was Director of the Maine State Energy Office, a position he held from 2013 through 2016. Previously, Woodcock worked for United States Senator Olympia Snowe in her Washington, D.C. office. Woodcock graduated from Bowdoin College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.

Anne Hoskins

Chief Policy Officer, Sunrun

Anne Hoskins serves as Chief Policy Officer of Sunrun, the largest dedicated residential solar and storage company in the United States. She leads Sunrun's policy efforts to expand consumer access to solar energy and deploy local solar energy that modernizes the grid and benefits all grid users.  Anne previously served as a Commissioner on the Maryland Public Service Commission where she was a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Board of Directors, Chair of the NARUC International Relations Committee and a board member of the Organization of PJM States (OPSI).  Anne also led federal and state advocacy for Public Service Enterprise Group, and served as a Visiting Research Scholar and Instructor at Princeton University, a regulatory attorney at Verizon Wireless and McCarter and English and as a policy advisor to New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton, and Cornell University.

John Warren

Director, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy

Louise Martinez

Director, Energy Conservation and Management Division, New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Louise Martinez is the Director of the Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECMD) of the State of New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD).

Ms. Martinez has over 30 years of state government experience involving program planning, development of energy management activities to assist communities in implementation of energy efficiency building upgrades and in expanding the use of renewable energy. including, implementing and managing projects related to energy efficiency, alternative transportation, and renewable energy.

She previously served on the State Energy Advisory Board for the U.S. Department of Energy and currently participates as EMNRD’s designee for the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority Board and serves on the EPSCOR Board as a state representative.

Robert Jackson

Director, Energy Office, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Robert Jackson is a chemical engineer with over 20 years of industrial energy efficiency and environmental engineering experience.  Mr. Jackson is currently the Director of the Michigan Energy Office.  He is directly responsible for the state of Michigan’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Revolving Loan Program, and the State Energy Program’s Clean Energy Advanced Manufacturing, Technology Demonstration and Deployment Programs, and Agricultural Energy Programs.

Dr. Daniel Horton

Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University

Daniel Horton is an assistant professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University. He is a climate scientist with research interests that include: climate impacts and extremes, detection and attribution of recent climatic change, and co-beneficial mitigation actions. Prior to Northwestern, Daniel was a postdoctoral scholar in the School of Earth Sciences at Stanford University, earned his PhD in geological sciences at the University of Michigan, and obtained bachelors degrees in atmospheric science from Texas A&M and physics from Tulane University. Between undergraduate and graduate stints he served five years in the U.S. Air Force as an operational weather officer.

Karen Glitman

Director, Transportation and Infrastructure Markets, Center for Sustainable Energy

Karen Glitman is the Senior Director of Transportation and DER Markets at the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), a nonprofit with one simple mission, decarbonize. CSE administers electric vehicle, electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy, and storage programs, providing rebate processing, data analytics, and public dashboards that support cost-effective and efficient use of public and rate-payer funds.

Prior to joining CSE, she spent seven years at the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, serving in roles including director of Efficiency Vermont, director of transportation efficiency, and director of strategy, policy and public affairs. She is also past director of the University of Vermont’s National University Transportation Center and served as acting Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Director of Policy and Planning at the Vermont Agency of Transportation and a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Vermont and is a member of the Vermont bar.

Sushma Masemore

Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Environment and State Energy Director, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Sushma Masemore serves as DEQ’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environment and the State Energy Director.  She has 29 years of public and private sector experience related to environment, energy, and climate.

As a consultant, Sushma designed pollution control equipment and led demonstration projects with industries, technology developers, and energy companies.  In state government, Sushma managed a team of engineers and scientists to develop air quality rules and Clean Air Act mandated state implementation plans.

In her current role, Sushma is leading implementation of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order on climate and energy through impact assessments, clean energy planning, and resiliency measures.  As the State Energy Director, Sushma oversees programs related to low-income weatherization assistance, energy planning, and energy efficiency.

Sushma has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Maryland Baltimore County, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in NC.

Scott Glenn

Chief Energy Officer, Hawaii State Energy Office

Scott Glenn serves as the Chief Energy Officer for the State of Hawaii, leading the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) in its mission to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy. Scott specializes in innovative, consensus-oriented problem solving for difficult challenges. He is especially focused on climate change, energy, environment, and sustainability that improves decision making and enhances public engagement.

Gov. David Ige designated Scott to be the co-chair of the Sustainable Hawaii Initiative and liaison to the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of state governors working to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. In these roles Scott works with state, county, and federal agencies, as well as communities across the state, and stakeholders nationally and internationally to coordinate state policy development on energy, climate change, and key sustainability initiatives.

Prior to joining the HSEO, Scott served as the Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, where he led the modernization of the state environmental review process. Scott also worked in the private sector as a professional environmental planning consultant on environmental and energy projects and volunteered on numerous boards.

Scott received his master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Hawaii in 2009 and his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and archaeology from the University of Evansville (IN) in 2000.

David Althoff Jr.

Director, Energy Programs Office, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

David has worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for over 27years.   David’s office, the Energy Programs Office, is involved in supporting, designing and implementing energy focused programs to encourage the development and deployment of energy efficiency and alternative energy projects in Pennsylvania.  The Energy Program’s Office’s mission is to support energy activities which result in environmental improvements including  mitigating the effects of and adapting to climate change.

During his career with DEP, David has led the development and implementation of several significant energy incentive programs including deployment of $125 Million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Stimulus funds, the $100 million Pennsylvania Sunshine Program, a $20 million Program focusing on encouraging natural gas use in on-road heavy duty vehicle fleets and a $15 million Green Energy Revolving Loan Fund.

David and his staff lead the very popular Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Programs distributing nearly $5 Million annually to support alternative fuel use in the transportation sector in Pennsylvania.  In addition, Dave and a few key staff persons have spent the last two years developing Pennsylvania’s Electric Vehicle Roadmap and creating an EV focused stakeholder group, the Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition.  David is also the acting Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority and is currently working on behalf of PEDA to develop a Pennsylvania Green Bank Partnership.

Dave is a life-long Pennsylvanian, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and lives in Hummelstown, PA.

Jennifer Richardson

Executive Director, Indiana Office of Energy Development

Jennifer Richardson was named Executive Director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development and Chief Energy Advisor to Governor Holcomb in December 2019. Richardson joined the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) as the Director of Energy Security Policy, Renewable Development & Resilience in 2018 where she supervised initiatives and programs that advanced diverse energy options that support the reliable and affordable policy solutions for Hoosiers.  Her work developing energy and fuel policies for the state has brought together key stakeholders and leveraged private sector resources that help Indiana’s economy.

Previously, Richardson worked as a regional manager for state regulatory affairs and policy for Midcontinent Independent System Operator. She also worked for several years for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and had a 10-year career at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, including working as the director of federal and legislative policy to ensure Indiana’s voice on key policy decisions impacting the state. Jennifer’s experience ranges from energy and infrastructure security, emerging technology integration into wholesale energy markets, long-term planning initiatives including energy storage, DERs, resource adequacy and traditional capacity resources.  Jennifer graduated from Purdue University with Honors and went on to Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs for a Master’s Degree in Public Policy.  She recently completed a post-graduate executive education program in Strategic Management and Leadership at Yale University’s School of Management.

Jason Lanclos

Director, Technology Assessment Division, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources

Jason Lanclos, P.E. (Jason) has worked at the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) since August of 2018.  After serving as the Deputy Executive Director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) for the Governor’s Office since 2014, Mr. Lanclos took the opportunity to return to working in the oil and gas and emerging energy technologies sector at LDNR after working in private industry for almost 13 years.  Mr. Lanclos currently serves as the director of the State Energy Office and Technology Assessment Division of LDNR.  Mr. Lanclos is currently serving as the coalition representative for the State and Midwest region on CCUS technologies and is a central board member for the National Association of State Energy Officials.  Mr. Lanclos has worked on and managed a variety of projects/programs in the oil and gas sector during his time in private industry and managed one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts for the State of Louisiana while at CPRA.  He holds a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Louisiana State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

David Nemtzow

Director, Building Technologies Office, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

David Nemtzow brings to the Building Technologies Office (BTO) of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) more than three decades of experience in energy, including in industry, government, utility, non-profit associations, and consulting. As Director of BTO, David is responsible for leading this $200 million per year office that helps develop innovative, cost-effective energy efficiency R&D and other solutions for U.S. building technologies, equipment, systems and whole buildings.  Previously, he was Director-General (CEO) of the Department of Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability for New South Wales?Australia’s most populous state?where he played a central role in the State’s electricity, greenhouse, energy, and water strategies and policies. He also served as President of the Alliance to Save Energy, a prominent Washington, D.C.-based association of industry, government, utility, consumer, and environmental executives that promotes invest¬ment in energy efficiency. In addition, he has been a member of the executive committee of a distributed energy storage startup company, an independent energy consultant, and a senior congressional energy staff member. David has served on numerous governmental advisory committees and the boards of energy associations and organizations. He has published and speaks regularly in the field. He earned a master’s degree from Harvard University in public policy and a bachelor’s from Brown University in environmental policy.

Dan Burgess

Director, Maine Governor's Energy Office

Dan Burgess, was appointed as the Director of the Maine Governor’s Energy Office by Governor Janet Mills in March of 2019. Governor Mills has set an ambitious climate and clean energy agenda, including the recent signing of legislation that requires emissions reductions of 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050 and increases Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standards to 80% by 2030. Prior to his return to his home state of Maine, Burgess spent eight years working in leadership roles at the Massachusetts at the Department of Energy Resources and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Burgess has a business degree from the University of Maine Orono and a masters in Public Administration from Northeastern University.

Dr. Sunita Satyapal

Director, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

Dr. Sunita Satyapal is the Director for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and is responsible for $150 million per year in hydrogen and fuel cell R&D. She has two and a half decades of experience across industry, academia and government, including at United Technologies managing research and business development, and as a visiting professor. She is also the current Chair of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy, a partnership among over 18 countries to accelerate progress in hydrogen. She received her Ph.D. from Columbia University and did postdoctoral work in Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University.

She has numerous publications, including in Scientific American, 10 patents, and a number of recognitions including a Presidential Rank Award.

Hanna Terwilliger

Economic Analyst, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Hanna Terwilliger has worked as an Economic Analyst with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission since 2016. At the Commission, she works on wide range of issues related to electricity, including distributed energy resources, integrated resource planning, and electric vehicles. Hanna graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs in 2017 with a Master of Public Policy and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from St. Olaf College. Prior to her time at the PUC, Hanna worked in the non-profit sector on environmental and energy policy, and completed a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Eau Claire, WI.

Robin Yochum

Energy Program Manager, Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy

As an Energy Program Manager, Ms. Yochum works on advancing energy efficiency policies for the state of Nevada with the Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE). Ms. Yochum joined the GOE team in 2016 and her responsibilities include participating in the development and implementation of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) on a three-year cycle, the development and adoption of appliance standards including the most recent adoption of minimum efficiency standards for general service lamps, administration of a green building tax abatement program, and providing no cost energy efficient improvements for low income seniors. Ms. Yochum serves on the International Code Councils (ICC) Building Membership Council, Raise the Profile Subcommittee and Community Building Best Practices & Innovation Subcommittee. Ms. Yochum also serves on the ICCs Sustainability Membership Councils Zero Carbon Subcommittee as the Chair of the Implementation and Workforce development task group and represents Nevada on the US Climate Alliance Building and Appliance working groups. Ms. Yochum is a Nevada Certified Contracts Manager as well as LEED Green Associate and GPRO Certified for green building and sustainable practices. Ms. Yochum has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial construction.

Catherine Reed

Deputy Director, Energy Office, South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff

Dr. Laura Nelson

Executive Director, Green Hydrogen Coalition

Dr. Nelson, an economist, has led a distinguished career in the energy industry and is a long-standing hydrogen champion. Under her leadership, Utah founded the first-of-its-kind Annual Utah Governor’s Energy Office Hydrogen Symposium. Prior to joining GHC, Dr. Nelson served as Energy Policy Adviser to the Governor Herbert of Utah, and from 2014-2020 was Executive Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development. As a leader in the energy community, Dr. Nelson has extensive board and committee experience including serving as the Chair of the Utah Energy Infrastructure board and Chair to the Western Interstate Energy Board. Dr. Nelson holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Utah.

Ben Kessler

Clean Energy Specialist, Energy Office, South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff

Ben Kessler is the Clean Transportation Specialist for the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff – Energy Office, joining in March 2019. Within this role, he serves as Coordinator for the Palmetto Clean Fuels coalition, providing technical assistance to stakeholders and coordinating events for outreach and education about alternative fuels. Additionally, Kessler manages GIS systems, the Energy Efficient Manufactured Home programs, and assists in developing energy policy. Prior to the Energy Office, he worked for the West Virginia Environmental Council and the Sierra Student Coalition. Kessler holds a B.A.in Environmental Geoscience and a Minor in Political Science from West Virginia University.

Megan Levy

Local Energy Programs Manager, Office of Energy Innovation, Wisconsin Public Service Commission

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison; Megan has spent more than a decade working with building energy efficiency both with the low-income weatherization program and with the Wisconsin State Energy Office (now known as the Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation). Megan is currently the Energy Emergency Assurance Coordinator for the state and also oversees the Energy Independent Communities program which counts more than 147 communities as members. Megan designed and is the manager of the Municipal Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance Program (MEETAP) in which the Energy Office provides expertise to municipalities, tribes, and schools across the state to facilitate successful energy efficiency projects.  Megan served on the Board of Directors of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association in 2016-17 (www.midwestrenew.org).  In August of 2017, Megan was named Co-Chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials Energy Security Committee. A chanteuse for the last 20 years, Megan performs jazz, jump blues, and swing all over Wisconsin under the moniker Madison Red, with her four piece band.

Chris Yunker

Managing Director, Resiliency, Clean Transportation, and Analytics, Hawaii State Energy Office

Chris Yunker is the Managing Director for Resiliency, Clean Transportation, and Analytics for the Hawaii State Energy Office.  Mr. Yunker is an energy industry professional with a broad range of experience in a variety of functions and roles including start-ups, venture capital, and central station power plant development. Most recently Chris was the Rates and Analysis Manager for San Diego Gas & Electric where he oversaw rate design, forecasting and load analysis. Prior to that he held positions at SDG&E in Strategic Planning, Finance, RD&D, and Resource Planning. In these roles he oversaw the development of applications and served as an expert witness in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission covering topics ranging from rate policy, rate design, procurement and finance.  In addition Mr. Yunker has worked for Sempra Connections which installed micro-turbines in combined heat and power applications on the customer side of the meter as well as for GEA Power Cooling Systems, Inc. which developed condensing systems for steam turbines in utility scale central station power plants.  He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of California – San Diego and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California.  He is also a professional engineer (PE) in mechanical engineering and a certified energy manager (CEM) through the association of energy engineers.

Amanda LeMaster

Energy Assurance Coordinator, Kentucky Office of Energy Policy

Camille Crain

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Section Chief, Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Camille Crain is the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Section Chief at FEMA Headquarters. In this role it is her responsibility to design and administer FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance’s newest grant program, BRIC. Camille came to FEMA HQ from FEMA Region 6 where she served as the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Branch Chief in the Mitigation Division. It was her responsibility to manage FEMA’s three HMA grant programs and the HMA staff for the five states and 68 tribes located in Region 6. She administered in excess of $3 billion of mitigation funding.

Camille formerly worked for FEMA Region 4 where she has served as a Senior HMA Program Manager, serving as the Team Lead and Supervisor for the States of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. She also was responsible for HMA training needs in the Region, Mitigation Planning coordination with HMA and Standard Operating Procedures development for the HMA Branch. Camille also served as the FEMA Region 4 representative on the Federal Interagency Community Resiliency Workgroup.

Camille was the State Hazard Mitigation Officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where she managed the Commonwealth’s hazard mitigation grant program and planning office and led the effort for the approval of the Kentucky State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan. Camille started her emergency management career at the University of Kentucky, where she was the Commonwealth’s Grants Manager for its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

She brings over 20 years’ experience with FEMA’s HMA grant programs at the university, State and Federal level. Camille holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky and is a proud member of Big Blue Nation. She loves to travel and all the planning that goes into trips.

Kristie Dodge

Community Development Director, Buffalo Trace Area Development District

Ben Bolton

Energy Programs Administrator, Office of Energy Programs, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Mr. Bolton serves as the Primary Emergency Services Coordinator for Energy for the State of Tennessee.  In his role as helps administer the Tennessee Office of Energy Programs activities related to energy security/assurance, critical infrastructure, & energy policy. In 2018, Mr. Bolton was selected as co-chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) Energy Security Committee & serves on the FEMA's Mitigation Framework Leadership Group. Originally from Mule Capital of the World – Columbia, Tennessee, he has a B.A. in English and B.S. in biology from Birmingham-Southern College. 

Annie Schneider

Emergency Management and Alternative Transportation Specialist, Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development

Annie Schneider currently serves as the Senior Energy Resilience Specialist for the Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED), overseeing programs across alternative transportation and emergency management. Since joining OED in 2017, Ms. Schneider has worked to advance and strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement to drive greater fuel diversity to Utah by providing leadership on educational events, reports, key electric vehicle planning across the West, and agreements such as the 8-state memorandum of understanding on electric vehicles. Most recently, she has been charged with managing the office’s energy emergency program, creating educational materials on energy safety, developing an alternative fuel vehicle resilience report, and organizing energy emergency training exercises.

Prior to moving to Utah, she worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a map specialist, educating stakeholders about flood insurance rate maps and federal floodplain building code information. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina.

David Townley

Director of Public Affairs, CTC Global Corporation

David Schaller

Industry Engagement Director, North American Council for Freight Efficiency

Rob Simmons

Governor’s Energy Advisor and Executive Director, Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development

Mr. Simmons is Governor Herbert’s Energy Advisor, and the Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development.  He is responsible for the implementation of the Governor’s Energy Plan, State Energy Policy and related legislation to advance responsible energy development.  He leads a small, technical staff in advancing lasting investment in Utah’s energy infrastructure, technology and workforce. He also develops state comments, legal arguments and strategies to address a variety of energy issues and proposed federal actions.  Before joining OED, Rob was the Associate Director of the Utah Technology Outreach & Innovation Energy Program where he provided legal, policy and business support for the University of Utah’s advanced energy programs, including carbon capture and sequestration.  Prior to USTAR, Rob was the Vice President of the Park City Center for Public Policy, where he developed policy programs in energy, healthcare, education and environmental management, including extensive work on utilizing integrated resource planning to address the carbon intensity of utility generation portfolios.

Rob earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Utah, where he received CALI award for his work on market-based approaches to reducing carbon emissions.  Rob has also served as a Next Generation Fellow for the American Assembly at Columbia University.

Amy Jiron

Acting Commercial Buildings Integration Program Manager, Building Technologies Office, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

Amy Jiron currently serves as the acting Commercial Buildings Integration program manager where she leads research and development on energy systems integration and optimization in commercial buildings.

Amy Jiron is passionate about reducing energy waste in buildings and has been with the Department of Energy for several years. At the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office, she managed the implementation of renewable energy and energy-efficiency grants with state and local governments. In the Building Technologies Office, she is part of a team that actively collaborates with building industry leaders to identify, develop, and validate impactful building efficiency strategies that significantly reduce national energy consumption.

Prior to her work with DOE, Amy oversaw the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Green Building Council Colorado Chapter, where she served as the executive director. She has also advocated for smart development and water policies and evaluated, commissioned, and verified building energy-efficiency strategies as a building energy engineer. Amy received her Juris Doctor from the American University-Washington College of Law and earned a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Kevin Powell

Director of Emerging Technologies, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration

Kevin Powell is the Director of Emerging Building Technologies for the General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service (PBS), and program director for the GSA Proving Ground (GPG). Mr. Powell focuses on identifying innovative technologies, practices and processes that optimize how PBS designs, delivers and operates more than 185 million square feet of Federal real estate. Mr. Powell brings two decades of experience in building science, design research and policy analysis. He manages a portfolio of over 20 active test bed projects in the areas of next generation building envelope, energy management, HVAC, lighting and lighting control systems.

Mr. Powell has a longstanding commitment to smart asset management, deployment of next generation building technologies and indoor environmental quality. He received his Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, and has published numerous articles about acoustics, workplaces, next generation building strategies and urban design.

Dr. Will Toor

Executive Director, Colorado Energy Office

In January 2019, Will Toor joined the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) as its Executive Director appointed by Governor Jared Polis. Will’s background spans transportation electrification, sustainable transportation, smart growth, electric vehicle policy, clean energy finance, green building policy, local government policy and regional planning. Prior to CEO, Will was Transportation Program Director at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). Before SWEEP, Will served as Boulder County Commissioner for eight years where he led the effort to create and adopt a countywide Sustainable Energy Plan, the BuildSmart green building code, the EnergySmart program, and the ClimateSmart Loan Program. Prior to being elected Boulder County Commissioner, Will served as Mayor of Boulder for six years where he developed Boulder's community transit network, EcoPass unlimited access transit pass programs, and policies for denser, mixed-use urban infill development as an alternative to sprawl. Will previously served on and chaired the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). He was appointed by Governor Ritter to the state Transportation Funding and Implementation blue ribbon panel, the Governor's Climate Action Panel, and the Regional Air Quality Council. He was appointed by Governor Hickenlooper to the Air Quality Control Commission and the state oil and gas taskforce. Will spent 12 years as Director of the University of Colorado Environmental Center, where he developed campus sustainability programs in the areas of solid waste, building energy use, and transportation planning. Will holds a BS in Physics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago.

Gabriel Murtaugh

Lead Infrastructure and Regulatory Policy Developer, Market and Infrastructure Policy, California Independent System Operator

Gabe is a lead policy developer at the California ISO.  Gabe works on policy related to backstop procurement for the California resource adequacy market and policy relate to storage resources.  Storage policy includes developing market tools for storage resources, reliability tools for the ISO to manage storage resources, and rules for market treatment of hybrid and co-located resources on California’s grid.

Lily Li

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Hancock Software, Inc.

Lily has been the guiding force at Hancock Software since its founding in 2004.  Prior to launching Hancock Software, she was the CTO at Ensoft Solutions while they implemented her first low-income weatherization program at the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) Community Action Agency in Framingham, MA. She also worked for eight years in Japan as a Sr. Software Engineer in the early days of Internet expansion. She has been passionate about the environment throughout her career. At Hancock Software she has created a culture that shares that passion while helping State Energy Offices in 15 States and more than 300 Community Action Agencies across the U.S. bring together the promise of energy efficiency and the need for reducing our global carbon emissions while making more affordable the energy needs of families in need.

Ben Fine

Wine Education Manager, Jackson Family Wines

Growing up in the heart of wine country, California, it seemed destined Ben Fine would gravitate towards the wine industry. Yet after a stint in Latin America and graduating from Sonoma State with distinction in International Development, he chose to spend his time backpacking instead of barrel racking.

The stars were aligned in 2014 when a partnership in Mexico led Jackson Family Wines to recruit for a Sales Manager with a proficiency in both wine and international business. Through the grapevine Ben heard of the opportunity and didn’t hesitate to apply, realizing he could bridge his love for travel and vino. For two years Ben
represented JFW on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, eventually making his was back home in late 2016 to help open and develop what is now one of Sonoma County’s most sought after wine destinations – La Crema Estate at Saralee’s vineyard.

In 2018 Ben shifted his focus towards wine education and is now JFW’s Wine Education Manager. A fitting position that allows Ben to split time in vineyards, wineries and the office, working with various departments to develop education and experiences beneficial to global business partners and consumers via tastings, tours, webinars, podcasts and much more. No matter where Ben is one thing never falters – his passion for wine, education, and bringing people together.

Pedro Rusk

Wine Education Manager, Jackson Family Wines

Pedro Rusk began his career in the wine industry in Healdsburg, California in 2002, working at Russian River Wine Company as the Tasting Room and Retail Manager. In 2004, he moved to Oakville Grocery, where he worked as the wine buyer for three years. He was recruited to run the management position at The Wine Shop, a retail outlet specializing in local, national, and international low production/specialized wines. It was at these locations that Pedro had the opportunity to expand his knowledge of wine evaluation and to gain expertise in global wines.

During this time, Pedro began working at Arnot-Roberts Winery in Healdsburg, which continues each year as an ongoing relationship: Pedro continues to work at the winery during every harvest, assisting with everything from foot treading grapes and shoveling tanks to waxing bottles.

In 2010, Pedro landed a job at the famed Healdsburg wine bar, Bergamot Alley, where he sold European and Southern hemisphere wines. It was there in 2011 that he met a customer who worked for Jackson Family Wines, who commented on his “superb wine communication abilities” and offered him a job on the spot.

At Jackson Family Wines, Pedro acts as educator and host to key accounts in trade, both National and International. In addition, he conducts trainings for Sales, helps to produce the annual winegrowing conference for Production and conducts comparative wine tastings for executives and winemakers within Jackson Family Wines.

As an avid cyclist in Sonoma County for over 30 years, Pedro enjoys riding by
many of the vineyards and wineries in the region. Pedro’s other passion is working with birds of prey. He has worked with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, catching and banding birds of prey in the Marin headlands. Pedro lives in Healdsburg, California, with his nine bicycles and continues to build on his passion—the Red Wax Chronicles, otherwise known as a Beaujolais obsession.

Nick Grinstead

Hazard Mitigation Planner, State Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program, Kentucky Emergency Management

John Chatburn

Administrator, Idaho Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources

Prior to being appointed Administrator of the Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR) in September of 2014, John Chatburn had served as Interim Administrator and Program Services Manager for OEMR from 2009 - 2014.

Mr. Chatburn's duties for the State of Idaho currently include; US Department of Energy- State Energy Advisory Board, Western Interstate Energy Board Executive Committee, Co-Chair Committee on Regional Electric Power Cooperation, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Board of Directors, National Council on Electricity Policy Executive Committee, National Association of State Energy Officials Board of Directors, Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance Board of Directors, Leadership in Nuclear Energy Commission member, and serves as Governor Little’s Energy and Mineral Policy Advisor.

During his career with the State of Idaho, he has served as the Special Assistant for Energy under Governor Otter from 2007- 2009; Deputy Administrator, for the Idaho Department of Agriculture, in the Division of Animal Industries from 2002-2007; Special Assistant to the Director, Idaho State Department of Agriculture from 1999 – 2002; and Energy and Natural Resource Policy Advisor for Governor Phil Batt, 1995 – 1998.

He is a graduate of Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Angela Strickland

Managing Director, Power Supply Services, GDS Associates, Inc.

Angela Strickland, PE, Managing Director, Power Supply Services, recently joined GDS and brings over 20 years of experience in the energy industry as a consultant and utility executive with responsibilities for strategy, innovation, leadership, business development, sales/marketing and customer experience. Her areas of expertise include Smart Cities, Distributed Energy Resources/Renewables, Electric Transportation and Energy Efficiency/Policy. Ms. Strickland is currently working with municipalities and Fortune 500 corporation to develop action plans to achieve 100% renewable energy and sustainability goals. She launched new, smart cities strategies for utilities including an innovation workshop in partnership with the Edison Electric Institute. In addition, Ms. Strickland was an inaugural member of the Southern Company Energy Innovation Center and led the development of new product and service offerings for utility customers in electric transportation and DER. She served in a variety of leadership roles with Gulf Power and Georgia Power including sales and marketing, energy efficiency, green energy, regulatory affairs, and key account management. Ms. Strickland serves on the board of the Southeastern Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA).

Ms. Strickland earned her MBA from Georgia State University and her BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia and participated in Leadership Atlanta and Leadership Pensacola.

Rick Murphy

Managing Director, Energy Markets, American Gas Association

Emily Salzberg

Managing Director, Building Standards and Performance Unit, Washington State Department of Commerce

Emily Salzberg is the Managing Director for the Building Standards and Performance Unit at the Washington State Department of Commerce where she currently oversees administration of Washington State’s Clean Buildings Law. Emily has over 15 years of experience administering, evaluating, and providing technical assistance for energy efficiency programs in the Northwest.  Her experience includes low-income weatherization, community-based efficiency programs, technology research, market development and energy code implementation.

Elizabeth Beardsley

Senior Policy Counsel, U.S. Green Building Council

Corey Metzger

Founding Principal, Resource Consulting Engineers, LLC

Corey is the founding Principal of Resource Consulting Engineers. He is experienced in the design of mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for numerous building types, as well as managing design of MEP systems for large and complex projects.  Corey seeks to move the design of building systems forward not just through the projects he works on, but also through active involvement in ASHRAE. and has provided expert witness services on various projects.

Dr. Mary Beth Tung

Director, Maryland Energy Administration

Mary Beth Tung, PhD, Esq., Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, works to ensure that Maryland’s energy portfolio benefits Maryland residents, businesses and local government organizations by improving the effective use of all of energy resources available in the state. Dr. Tung oversees nearly 30 energy related programs including grants that benefit low-to-moderate income families, commercial and industrial entities, and residential. These programs also promote expansion of renewable energy and promotion of energy efficiency for businesses and nonprofit organizations. Tung previously served as Deputy Secretary of Operations at the Maryland Department of the Environment where she developed innovative efficiency solutions and lead the Department in Emergency Preparedness and Radiation Health efforts.

Previously, Dr. Tung worked as an attorney practicing business, government contracts and intellectual property law. Tung earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati, a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Wright State University, was a Postdoctoral Associate in pharmacology and virology at the Yale University School of Medicine and received her J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

Amy Royden-Bloom

State Energy Program Manager, Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Amy Royden-Bloom is the manager of the State Energy Program in the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office, which is housed in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE).  The State Energy Program (SEP) provides funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and the District of Columbia to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, and maximize the benefits of increasing energy affordability.
Prior to joining DOE in 2013, Amy was a Senior Staff Associate for 12 years at the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA), where she led the association’s efforts on global warming, enforcement, agricultural air pollution and training.  She previously worked as a special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and, before that, as a lawyer at DOE.

Amy holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and Spanish from the University of Virginia.

Alice Dasek

Advisor, Partnerships and Technical Assistance Team, Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Ms. Dasek serves in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), where she works with state and local governments to meet their energy efficiency and renewable energy goals.  In that capacity Alice has led national initiatives to expand energy savings performance contracting (ESPC), integrate energy efficiency into wastewater treatment operations, and most recently, plan comprehensive energy and water efficiency for correctional facility campuses.  She serves in various roles for the American Correctional Association (ACA), the Resilient Utility Coalition (RUC), and the Utility of the Future Recognition Program from the Water Environment Federation (WEF).  Alice holds master’s degrees in business administration from Georgetown University and in environmental and energy management from The George Washington University.

Subin DeVar

Co-Founder and Co-Director, Initiative for Energy Justice

Subin directs the Sustainable Economies Law Center's Community Renewable Energy Program, engaging in outreach and advocacy to transition communities away from fossil fuel-based energy, without using predominant business models that result in widening gaps between the rich and poor. He is leading the Law Center's effort to ensure that it is primarily communities, nonprofits, cooperatives, and households -- not large utilities -- that will own and control energy infrastructure as society transitions to renewable energy.

Subin grew up in Alief, Texas, a diverse community in southwest Houston. After studying business and government at the University of Texas, Subin spent four years working in the Washington, DC area within the field of nonprofit communications. He first worked for the Tahirih Justice Center, a legal advocacy organization for immigrant women fleeing violence, and then M+R Strategic Services, a consulting firm serving nonprofit organizations. Subin received his JD from the UC Berkeley School of Law, where he founded the Sustainability Team @ Berkeley Law and served as a co-coordinator for Students for Economic and Environmental Justice as well as the Berkeley Law Mindfulness Group. In addition to participating in various service and research projects while at Berkeley law, he interned at Communities for a Better Environment, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Natural Resources Defense Counsel.

Subin is passionate about building hope that humanity can respond to climate change in an equitable and transformational manner.

Michael Furze

Assistant Director, Energy Division, Washington State Department of Commerce

Michael joined the Department of Commerce in 2014 and is assistant director for the Energy Division, which includes policy, initiatives, energy emergency management and the weatherization program. Michael joined the weatherization network in 2009, drawn by the convergence of social justice and environmental sustainability.

After working for five years in New Mexico Energy$mart Program, he transitioned to Washington’s weatherization program in 2014 and has been actively involved in the weatherization network’s Weatherization Advisory Committee. Michael earned his master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico.

Michael Reed

Team Lead, Advanced Efficiency Solutions, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

Michael Reed is a Program Manager on the Commercial Market Development team. As the team lead for commercial programs in New York City, Michael helps lead programs focused on accelerating the adoption of smart building technology and services, as well as addressing barriers preventing the adoption of energy efficiency in commercial tenant spaces. Prior to joining NYSERDA in May of 2017, Michael led clean energy programs for Groundswell, a DC based clean energy nonprofit. Michael also served for three years in the Peace Corps in Peru. Michael holds a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.P.A from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service.

Tamer Rousan

Manager, Distributed Energy Resource Integration Strategies, Smart Grid and System Improvement, Ameren Illinois

Jeff Morris

Director State Government Relations, North America Operations, Schneider Electric

Eva DeCesaro

Senior Product Manager, Electric Transportation, PacifiCorp

Dr. Michael Guterres

Senior Principal, Unmanned Aviation, MITRE Corporation

Michelle Duquette

Unmanned Portfolio Manager, MITRE Corporation

Dr. Habib Dagher

Executive Director, Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine

As the founding Executive Director of the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center, Dr. Dagher is a world-leading advocate for developing advanced structural systems which simultaneously optimize structures, materials, and construction. Under his leadership, the UMaine Composites Center has gained national and international reputation from major research and development projects and has grown to 220 full and part-time employees and students, with over 500 clients and partners globally, and is housed in a 100,000 ft2 ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory.

Dr. Dagher earned his Ph.D. in structural engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as two Masters Degrees in Structural engineering and engineering mechanics and joined the University of Maine faculty in 1985.

Russ Nelson

Senior Business Development Manager, Energy Systems Group

Russ is the Senior Business Development Manager for Energy Systems Group in their Johnson City, TN office.  He has been involved in all aspects of commercial building energy conservation projects for the past 36 years and has helped design and develop over $400 million dollars of facilty upgrade projects.  The majority of projects have been assisting K-12 school systems.   Areas of expertise include HVAC systems, control systems, indoor air quality, energy efficient lighting, building envelopes, water conservation, cogeneration and renewable energy.  Russ is a Certified Energy Manager and a long standing member of Association of Energy Engineers.  His first involvemnt with a State Energy Office was while living in Utah and working on a variety of initiative with the Utah Energy Office.  He has three grown children and two grand children and enjoys a variety of dangerous sports while not working on upgrading buildings.

Maggie Kelley

Built Environment Project Manager, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance

Maggie Kelley serves as SEEA’s Built Environment Project Manager and has held this position since 2019. Previously, Maggie served as SEEA’s first Emerging Leader Fellow. She got her start as the Policy Analyst at the City of Brookhaven where she focused in sustainability and energy with transportation projects and internal policies. Her current charge is to support energy efficiency building work in the southeast, connecting and engaging with projects that will push energy efficiency forward in the region.

Maggie has a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Policy from Georgia Tech. Due to extensive coursework (Is there any other kind?) she has earned minors from Georgia Tech in Leadership Studies for Policy and Sustainable Cities City Planning. Maggie’s millennial passions include energy equity, twitter conversations, and kickboxing.

Charles Hookham

Executive Director, Project Management, CMS Energy

Mr. Hookham has over 39 years of experience in the electric power and other heavy industrial sectors, involved with project development, regulatory issues, strategic planning, engineering, and EPC delivery of domestic and international projects for industrial, utility and independent power producers.  His recent focus has been on energy storage, integrated resource plans, economic/technical analyses, risk analysis, generation/transmission siting studies, grid analysis, electric vehicle and distributed energy impacts, and EPC project management.  He has been active nationally in advancing infrastructure improvement, energy efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.  In the 1980s, he assisted in piloting DTE Electric’s customer-focused energy management practice.  More recently, he has led the development, design, and construction of renewable energy, biomass combustion/gasification, grid battery storage, T&D, and multiple international natural gas-fired generation projects.  Mr. Hookham has been active in Energy Storage Association, Electric Power Research Institute, Edison Energy Institute, and U.S. Department of Energy renewable energy and storage activities.  He was appointed to the State of Michigan’s Board of Professional Engineers in 2014 by Governor Snyder and recently was elected chairman.  At CMS Energy, he has led development/construction of large Midwest single axis-tracked and fixed tilt solar PV projects, new 100 MW and 525 MW wind generation projects in Ohio and Texas, supported multiple battery storage, microgrid, and smart city installations, and serves on the Storm Restoration team.  As part of civic activities, he co-authored the City of Ann Arbor’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plans and has several City and County appointments.

Mary Sue Lobenstein

Research and Development Program Administrator, Conservation Improvement Programs, Division of Energy Resources, Minnesota Department of Commerce

Maria Tome

Managing Director for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hawaii State Energy Office

Brian Selinger

Team Leader, Energy Office, Iowa Economic Development Authority

Brian Selinger manages the Iowa Energy Office, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The Energy Office manages a diverse mix of state, federal and utility-funded programs and initiatives that provide energy-economic benefits for Iowa’s citizens, businesses, and organizations. Brian led the daily activities in the development of the state’s most comprehensive, strategic energy roadmap, the Iowa Energy Plan.

Selinger joined IEDA in 2015 after serving as the Deputy Director of Policy and Research for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. His professional experience includes work with Lockheed Martin as part of an Energy Efficiency partnership with a St. Louis utility.

AnnaMaria Garcia

Director, Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

AnnaMaria Garcia is the Director of Department of Energy’s Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs Office. She provides leadership to maximize the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy through technology deployment, accessing new partnerships and resources, and communications and outreach activities.

Previously, Ms. Garcia served as Executive Director of the Ozone Transport Commission, the organization of 12 states and the District of Columbia created by Congress in 1990 to assess and coordinate the development of policies to reduce regional ground-level ozone or "smog" in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Before joining the Commission, she was Director of Operations and State Programs for the Center for Energy and Climate Solutions, a non-profit that is a division of the Global Environment and Technology Foundation. She provided unique environmental and energy expertise through creating partnerships with and among state agencies to design multi-pollutant strategies that have both environmental and economic benefits.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Princeton University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the George Washington University.