GOLD SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSORS
SPECIAL SPONSORS
SEIZING OPPORTUNITY IN TRANSFORMING MARKETS
The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) is proud to announce the seventh annual KEEA Energy Efficiency Conference! Pennsylvania markets are going through changes from the municipal to the state level, creating unique new opportunities in the industry – are you prepared to take full advantage of them? KEEA Conference 2017 will arm you with the tools to navigate new scenarios and grow in new directions – come join us to sharpen your skills, brainstorm with peers and industry thought leaders, and learn about how to take action to create success.
Does PA legislation create barriers to or opportunities for savings and projects in commercial and residential spaces? Will budget cuts at the federal level affect state and local programs, and jobs? What emerging finance tools and products create new revenue streams and business growth opportunities? What is the intersection of energy efficiency and renewables, energy storage, microgrid, and are we missing increasing opportunity in those innovative sectors?
You’ve got questions, and our experts have some of the answers – you have the answers, too! KEEA’s 2017 conference will feature interactive, 2-way workshops and discussions where we’ll connect to find the answers together. We heard your feedback these last few years, and the improved accommodations, meeting rooms and food this year (oh, yes – there will be chocolate) will please attendees from student to executive – bring your families! Join industry leaders and experts at the beautiful Hotel Hershey campus, where our two-day format will allow for business meetings, local entertainment, spa and restaurant amenities, as well as jaunts to local sights, outlets, a brewpub and more!
Questions? Contact Kristin Seale at kseale@keealliance.org
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BRONZE SPONSORS
SPECIAL SPONSORS
Whether you need a partner to manage your energy efficiency program, a skilled team of field technicians, or a program designed from the ground-up that includes all of these features and more, CMC Energy can find a high-value solution for your utility.
Read more about the services we provide in the links below – or contact us today to see how we can help supercharge your program delivery.
- Registered 2017 KEEA conference attendees can access conference slides with their password here.
- COMING SOON! Content from Breakout Sessions will be available here in the near future!
- COMING SOON! Details on the dates and location of our 2018 Conference can be found here, soon!
This summer, the yearlong celebration of CMC Energy Services’ 40th anniversary began with a special ribbon‐cutting ceremony, held at the new Fort Washington, Pennsylvania location.
Founded on October 13, 1977 by energy innovator Doris Iklé, CMC has been a women‐owned and women‐operated enterprise ever since. Doris’ daughter Mimi Iklé‐Khalsa, CMC’s current owner and board chair, and Eileen McGinnis, CMC president and CEO, offered inspiring remarks during the event about CMC’s pioneering leader and about the passionate people now working at all levels and all locations throughout the company.
Excerpts from the book that captures the extraordinary existence of CMC’s founder, “Doris Iklé A Life Well Lived”—copies are available to employees to borrow at each location—were also read to the crowd during the ceremony.
“The point for today, really the intention is to celebrate new beginnings,” said Iklé‐Khalsa. “It’s to familiarize you with our board, our wonderful, amazing board, and secretary. It’s to be able to give reflection to the fact that this is a new beginning for CMC. It’s a new home for CMC and ideally it’s a home that serves you a lot better…It’s been five years since my mom passed and it’s a time for me personally to reflect on my mom Doris Iklé.”
Doris, which means “gift” in Greek, was remembered for her affection for natural beauty with the gifts of a garden archway, wind chimes, and bird feeder at the entrance of the Pinetown Road location to inspire employees as they enter work each day. In the coming weeks, CMC employees will learn of other ways to celebrate the company milestone, including an upcoming industry panel discussion being planned for this fall.
Speakers
Kateri Callahan
Kateri Callahan,
President:
Alliance to Save Energy.
Board Member since 2004;
Executive Committee, Nominating Committee, Audit & Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Development Committee.
- Kateri Callahan brings more than 25 years of experience in policy advocacy, fundraising, coalition building, and organizational management to her position as the president of the Alliance to Save Energy. The Alliance, a premier non-government organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., has worked for nearly four decades to advance energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security. Serving as president of the Alliance since January 2004, Callahan leads a staff of 30 and oversees a budget of approximately $8 million annually. Under Callahan’s leadership, the Alliance conducts policy, communications, research, education, and market transformation initiatives in the U.S. and abroad.
- Callahan is a trusted source for credible information on energy efficiency and its role in addressing the environmental, economic and national security issues associated with the use of energy. Callahan is the principal spokesperson of the Alliance, appearing regularly before the Congress and the media, and addressing conferences and gatherings around the world and for four consecutive years (2013 – 2016) has been recognized as a “Top Lobbyist” by The Hill in its annual rankings.
- In addition to her work leading the Alliance, Callahan serves as a “C3E Ambassador”- a group of 20 distinguished senior professionals who share an interest in broadening the recruitment, retention, and advancement of highly qualified women in the field of clean energy. She also currently serves as a member of the Board of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and the Green Building Initiative, as well as on the Advisory Boards of Duke’s Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment (EDGE), the UC Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy. Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz appointed Callahan to serve as a member of the National Petroleum Council for the 2016-2017 membership term to represent the views of the environmental and other public interest organizations. This marks Callahan's second "tour of duty" on the National Petroleum Council having been appointed previously by then Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman.
PA Keynote: Chairman Gladys Brown
- On May 7, 2015, Governor Wolf appointed Gladys M. Brown Chair of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Brown was sworn in as a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner on Oct. 2, 2013, one day after receiving unanimous approval from the Pennsylvania Senate. During her confirmation hearing, Chairman Brown pledged to use the same fair and balanced approach in dealing with PUC issues that she used in her more than 22 years as an aide in the Pennsylvania Senate. She highlighted that one of her goals on the Commission is to increase efforts to educate consumers.
- Since 1991, Chairman Brown served as counsel to the Senate Democratic Leader where she worked on many of the major utility issues that have been considered by the General Assembly in the last two decades including all of the major deregulation bills for telecommunications, electricity and natural gas; Act 201 of 2004, which added Chapter 14 to the Public Utility Code and changed the handling of consumer terminations and reconnections; Act 129 of 2008, which addressed energy efficiency and procurement; and Act 11 of 2012, which expanded use of the distribution system improvement charge.
- Prior to joining the Senate, Chairman Brown served as an assistant counsel for the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Pennsylvania Department of State and as a clerk for the Honorable Paul A. Simmons, Judge for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania.
- A native of Middletown, Pa., Chairman Brown earned her bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She lives in Harrisburg, Dauphin County. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, currently serving on the House of Delegates for the organization. She also is a member of the Dauphin County Bar Association, the James S. Bowman Inns of Court, the Keystone Bar Association and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Board of Directors. She is an active member at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Harrisburg. She is also an active member in Epsilon Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Plenary: Utility Townhall
Moderator
Rich Selverian, President
Armed with a BS in Engineering from Swarthmore College, Selverian started his career in the technical field of nuclear power and the utility industry. He spent ten years in operations and learned the importance of strong production, effective measurements and finely tuned processes. Selverian left his day-to-day operational position to enhance his corporate experience in strategic planning, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and human resources. He attended Columbia University and secured an MBA which pulled together his academic, theoretical and practical experiences.
As a business consultant, Selverian excelled in helping his clients design their organization and then align their people and processes to meet their business objectives. Putting together talented people with positions that allow them to follow their interests and grow in their careers is one of the gratifications Selverian has enjoyed throughout his career, and at MaGrann Associates.
As President of MaGrann, Selverian is able to draw on both his technical education and his extensive operational experience to help the Company set a clear vision for the future, implement effective processes and attract and develop the best people in the business. He enjoys the continuing challenge of growing the business while maintaining a high level of quality in service to its customers. As a leader in the business of energy consulting and green building, MaGrann Associates is well positioned to achieve these goals.
Moderator
Elizabeth Weiner, Vice-President
Elizabeth Weiner, Senior Policy Advisor, CLEAResult
Ms. Weiner promotes effective energy efficiency and clean energy policies in many of the states where CLEAResult operates, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Illinois. Based in CLEAResult's New York City office, she works with the Regulatory Affairs and Market Development team, monitoring and advocating across the Eastern and Midwestern regions for clean energy policy development and robust regulation that promotes energy efficiency as a resource. She serves as Vice President of the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) in Pennsylvania; a member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY); and previously served on the board of Ohio Advanced Energy Economy, as a member of the New York City Apollo Alliance Steering Committee and of the advisory committee of the El Puente Green Light District, among other organizations. Previously, Weiner served as Mid-Atlantic Policy Director at Conservation Services Group (CSG), which was acquired by CLEAResult in 2015.
Prior to 2007, when she joined CSG, Weiner was a Senior Editor at BusinessWeek magazine, where she directed award-winning journalism on wide range of subjects while managing a corps of veteran reporters and recruiting/mentoring new talent. Weiner earned an M.S. from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, and an A.A. from Simon’s Rock Early College.
Dave Defide
Dave Defide is the Manager of Customer Programs at Duquesne Light Company and is responsible for implementation of WATT CHOICES (ACT 129) programs. Duquesne Light’s WATT CHOICES program helps customers conserve energy and reduce demand while lowering their electricity costs. WATT CHOICES invites residential, commercial and industrial customers to take advantage of a wide range of energy efficiency, conservation and demand-response measures. By participating in these programs, customers learn ways to conserve energy and reduce demand. Dave graduated from Robert Morris University with an MBA and has been in the energy efficiency and conservation field for over 16 years.
Nick DeDominicis
Electric Utility Manager, EM & V, PECO Energy
Nick is the manager of PECO’s Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Department. Nick has over 25 years of experience in the electric utility industry. Nick has held energy efficiency roles with Boston Edison and Northeast Utilities. In addition to his experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of energy efficiency programs, Nick has been involved in Engineering, Resource Planning, Government Affairs and Business Development roles. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering.
Stu Jerue
Stu Jerue is Manager of Energy Efficiency & Emerging Customer Programs at PGW. In this role, he is responsible for PGW’s full portfolio of energy efficiency programs serving a wide array of customers, as well as researching new initiatives for improving customer satisfaction.
John Kucher
- John Kucher is the Manager - Business Services for PPL Electric Utilities. John leads the Key Accounts Group and is responsible for the development and implementation of PPL Electric Utilities’ account management strategy for all mid to large commercial and industrial customers.
- Prior to his current role, John was the Customer Programs Specialist Supervisor for PPL Electric Utilities’ non-residential Energy Efficiency programs. His team was responsible for the planning, design and implementation of energy efficiency programs for the Commercial, Industrial, Government, Non-Profit and Educational sectors.
- Prior to joining PPL, John had over 10 years of sales and service experience with Severn Trent Services in Colmar, PA and Mack Trucks, Inc. in Allentown, PA.
- John is a graduate of Lehigh University with a BS in Business and Economics and received an MBA from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA.
Brian Meilinger
Brian is the Manager of UGI Utilities Energy Efficiency & Conservation (EE&C) Programs. In his current role, he is responsible for managing the marketing strategy, execution, reporting, and customer experience for UGI’s voluntary electric and gas EE&C programs. Prior to his current role, Brian was a member of the Finance Department responsible for operational efficiency and transformation efforts. Prior to joining UGI, Brian spent 15 years in the financial services industry in a variety of leadership roles. Brian is a graduate of Ursinus College with a BA in Economics and Business Administration and also received an MBA Finance from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
Siraj Shaikh
Siraj Shaikh is a licensed Profession Engineer in the state of Pennsylvania; Shaikh has been employed with FirstEnergy for 24 years; Shaikh has 20 years of experience in managing FirstEnergy’s commercial and industrial energy-efficiency programs plus has worked for four (4) years on the operation side of the utility business. Before joining FirstEnergy, Shaikh worked as a consulting engineer mainly focused on designing of mechanical systems for commercial, industrial and institutional clients. Shaikh earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bombay, India and MS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
Plenary: Pittsburgh & Philadelphia
Moderator
Peter Krajsa
Peter Krajsa
President & CEO, EnergyFirst Finance, powered by AF Financial, LLC
A recognized innovator in energy efficiency finance for over two decades, Peter Krajsa is the President and CEO of EnergyFirst Finance, powered by AF Financial LLC. Peter led the creation of a number of major national energy finance programs as chairman and CEO of AFC First Financial Corporation, a specialty residential energy efficiency lender, operating programs nationally in association with states, municipalities, utilities, manufacturers and a network of over 6,000 participating contractors. Most recently, he headed national channel business development for the innovative energy lender, Renew Financial, which acquired AFC First in 2015, as part of its national expansion plans.
As CEO of AFC First, a company founded by his parents in 1947, Peter created the company’s national EnergyLoan® program as one of Fannie Mae's approved Energy Lenders; the Keystone Home Energy Loan Program in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department ,DEP, and PHFA which laid the foundation for WHEEL (Warehouse for Energy Efficiency Loans), the world’s first investment grade rated securitization of a portfolio of unsecured energy loans; the Connecticut Solar Leasing program and many other state, utility and manufacturer financing program including on-bill financing programs in Connecticut and Illinois. After running AFC with his brother, primarily as a mortgage banker and direct lender, Peter moved the company exclusively into energy efficiency lending in 1999. Under his leadership, AFC First closed over $500 million in energy efficiency loans, was named by the U.S. DOE as the nation’s first private Home Performance with ENERGY STAR sponsor, a pilot lender for the HUD PowerSaver program, received the Alliance to Save Energy Andromeda Award and established the Green Energy Training Academy supported by the Rockefeller Foundation
Aftyn Giles
- Aftyn Giles is a Pittsburgh native that received her Bachelor of Architecture and International Relations (dual major) 2008 and Master of Science in Sustainable Design 2009 from Carnegie Mellon University and Master of Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2011.
- Ms. Giles is the City of Pittsburgh’s Sustainability Coordinator, a position that she has held with the City since 2011.
- As Sustainability Coordinator, Ms. Giles collaborates with City and community officials to resolve areas of environmental, operational and building performance inefficiency. Using her skills as a project manager, she coordinates strategies on annual projects to improve quality of life services for Pittsburgh residents, facilities and City of Pittsburgh employees; reports on program progress with internal and external stakeholders; drafts policies and procedures and conduct training workshops as part of City workforce and community development programs; represents the City at public assemblies; and plans performance upgrades within the City’s portfolio of 300 facilities.
Emily Schapira
- Emily Schapira is PEA’s Executive Director and current Vice Chair of the board. Emily joined PEA as an employee in June 2016 to execute the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a $1 billion, 10-year initiative to advance energy efficiency and clean energy across Philadelphia, while creating over 10,000 jobs. Emily has been a PEA board member since 2010, as the City Council appointee.
- Prior to joining PEA full time, Emily was Director of Global Accounts for the Lighting category for WESCO Distribution, a Fortune 500 electrical supply company. Her focus was on developing portfolio-wide energy efficient lighting upgrades for large commercial, industrial and institutional customers. WESCO acquired Emily’s previous company, Aelux, in 2015 where Emily served as Chief Operating Officer, managing sales, marketing and operations teams, and VP of Marketing and Business Development since 2012. Aelux was a lighting and controls retrofitter serving both small and large businesses and a variety of government and institutional clients across North America.
- Prior to joining Aelux, Emily worked on sustainability for Verizon and Intel, and started and ran the Wharton School’s Sustainability Program, based in Wharton’s facilities management group. Emily’s efforts focused on operational eco-efficiency and behavior change, and supported LEED certifications and attempts across the Wharton portfolio, earning the first LEED for Commercial Interiors certification at Penn. Emily also spent five years running a consumer heating oil co-op in Philadelphia and advocating for low-income energy assistance at the federal, state and local levels.
- Emily earned her MBA from Wharton in Environmental and Risk Management, and has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. She has been a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialization in Operations and Maintenance, and sits on the Alumni Advisory Board of Penn’s Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership. Emily lives in the East Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia.
| First Name | Last Name | Organization | Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alon | Abramson | Philadelphia Energy Authority | Program Manager | |
| Ben | Adams | MaGrann Associates | Vice President, Program Development | |
| Will | Agate | Net Zero Microgrid Solutions | President & Founder | |
| Tammy | Albenzi | UGI Utilities, Inc. | Analyst II | |
| Richard J. | Allan | Pugliese Associates | Lobbyist | |
| John | Augustino | Solution Architect | Honeywell Smart Energy | |
| Amelia | Axtell | Lockheed Martin | Utility Services Rep | |
| Robert | Barkanic | Emerging Technology Applications Center (ETAC), Northampton Community College | P.E., Consultant | |
| Lindsay | Baxter | Pennsylvania Environmental Council | Program Manager, Energy and Climate | |
| Valerie | Belchner | Conservation Consultants, Inc. | Director of Operations and Analytics | |
| Steven | Benjamin | REVL Capital Group | Managing Director | |
| Joy | Bergey | Environmental Defense Fund | Pennsylvania Representative | |
| Mark | Binder | Clean Markets | Outreach | |
| Julian | Boggs | KEEA | Policy Director | |
| Tom | Bonner | PECO | Manager, State Government Affairs | |
| Hayley | Book | Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission | Senior Policy Advisor to the Vice Chair | |
| Matt | Bosch | SparkFund | Director of Utility Sales | |
| Kevin | Boyd | ERS | Project Engineer | |
| Gladys | Brown | Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission | Chairman | |
| Baird | Brown | Drinker Biddle | Of Counsel | |
| Kateri | Callahan | Alliance to Save Energy | President | |
| Kerry | Campbell | PA Department of Environmental Protection | Environmental Group Manager | |
| Samantha | Caputo | Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships | Research Associate | |
| Ron | Celentano | Celentano | Consultant | |
| Patrick | Cicero | PA Utility Law Project (PULP) | Executive Director | |
| Mark | Connolly | Atlantic Energy Concepts | Energy Engineer | |
| John | Costlow | The Sustainable Energy Fund | President | |
| Rick | Counihan | Nest Labs | Head of Energy Regulatory and Governmental Affairs | |
| Joe | Cullen | Home Performance Coalition | Senior Advisor | |
| Lucyna | DeBarbaro | GBA Member | GBA Member | |
| Nicholas | DeDominicis | PECO | Manager, Energy Efficiency Programs | |
| Dave | Defide | Duquesne Light | Manager of Customer Programs | |
| Sarah | Dewey | Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission | CSPA | |
| Cathy | Donovan | CMC Energy Services | Marketing & Communications Manager | |
| Stephanie | Dorman | National Energy Foundation | Program Manager | |
| Tami | Dotterer | Ecova, Inc. | Program Coordinator | |
| Peter | Druckenmiller | Franklin Energy Group | Senior Program Manager | |
| Matt | Dugan | ICF | Vice President | |
| John | Eby | Lower Allen Township, PENNBOC | Building & Zoning Coordinator, President | |
| Leslie | Elder | Energy Foundation | PA State Director | |
| Matt | Elliott | KEEA | Executive Director | |
| Bob | Ellis | RB Ellis Corp | Principal | |
| Will | Ellis | Exelon | ||
| David | Emigh | Ecova, Inc. | Program Manager | |
| Daniel | Estrada | PECO | Sr Business Analyst | |
| John | Evans | Pennsylvania Office of Small Business Advocate | Executive Director Small Business Advocate | |
| Andrew | Fisk | Regional Vice President | CLEAResult | |
| Angela | Ferrante | Sparkfund | Chief Marketing Officer | |
| Phil | Flaherty | Ecova | Sales Director | |
| Patricia | Forero | Clean Markets | Energy Outreach Manager | |
| Blaine | Fox | CMC Energy Services | Business Development Director | |
| Gloria | Fultz | The Energy Glleaner | Owner | |
| Ryan | Freed | Institute for Market Transformation | Associate Director - Implementation | |
| Mike | Gerrity | Geisinger Health System | Energy Manager | |
| Aftyn | Giles | City of Pittsburgh | Sustainability Coordinator | |
| Annie | Gilleo | American Council for an Energy-Efficient Future (ACEEE) | Senior Manager, State Policy | |
| Lisa | Grayson | CLEAResult | Program Manager | |
| Nicole | Grear | Energy Association of Pennsylvania | Manager, Policy & Research | |
| Kathy | Greely | Performance Systems Development | Senior Vice President | |
| Randy | Groff | Four Seasons Produce | Director of Facilities and Energy | |
| Kyle | Haddock | CLEAResult | Director | |
| Ken | Hellberg | Penn College of Technology National Sustainable Structures Center | Building Performance Specialist | |
| Michael | Honeychuck | Warren Energy Engineering, LLC | Energy Consultant | |
| Christina | Hulslander | Electric Market Connection | Director, Marketing | |
| Chris | Hurwitz | Performance Systems Development | ||
| C.D. | Jarrett | Sodexo | Area Manager | |
| Stu | Jerue | Philadelphia Gas Works | Manager of Energy Efficiency & Emerging Customer Programs | |
| Carl | Jones | Earthjustice | Attorney | |
| Megan | Jones | The Sustainable Energy Fund | Business Development Specialist | |
| Kevin | Kanoff | Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center | Campus Energy Engineer | |
| Dan | Kartzman | NYSERDA | Senior Advisor, Market Development | |
| Pari | Kasotia | Vote Solar | Mid-Atlantic Director | |
| Lloyd | Kass | Lime Energy | VP, Policy & Business Dev. | |
| Brian | Kauffman | NRG Distributed Energy Resources | ||
| John | Kerecz | PA DEP | Energy Program Specialist | |
| Ryan | Kershaw | CMC Energy Services | Marketing Assistant | |
| Ryan | Kiscaden | Thermostat Recycling Corporation | Executive Director | |
| Brady | Klein | EnergyHub | Sales Engineer | |
| Roger | Kliemisch | DNV GL | Senior Consultant | |
| Nick | Kovalchik | Sodexo | Utility Analyst | |
| Peter | Krajsa | EnergyFirst Finance / AF Financial | President and CEO | |
| Steve | Krug | Krug Architects | Principal | |
| John | Kucher | PPL Electric Utilities | Manager, Business Services | |
| Heidi | Kunka | U.S. Green Building Council - Central PA | Director, Central Pennsylvania Region | |
| Dave | Lamm | PWPvideo | Cinematographer | |
| Jason | LaStella | Franklin Energy Group | Director of Business Development | |
| Theresa | Lavoie | Apogee Interactive, Inc. | Client Solutions - Northeast | |
| Julia | Lesko | Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) | Kleinman Center for Energy Policy 2017 Policy and Communications Fellow | |
| Doug | Lewin | CLEAResult | VP, Regulatory Affairs and Market Development | |
| Matt | Lillard | Applied Energy Group | AVP | |
| Anna | Lising | Oracle | Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs | |
| David | Littel | The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) | Principal | |
| Ellen | Lutz | Clean Markets | President and COO | |
| Chris | Magalhaes | Connecticut Green Bank | Assistant Director, Clean Energy Finance | |
| Diana | Marques | KEEA | Business Engagement Manager | |
| Taneshia | Marshall | SmartWatt | Account Executive | |
| Michelle | Mathason | AMERIgreen Energy, Inc. | ||
| Tom | McAteer | CMC Energy Services | Programs Manager | |
| Tiffany | McCann | EFI | Manager of Strategic Initiatives | |
| Michael | McCarthy | Nexant | ||
| Rebecca | McNichol | Energy Foundation | Consultant | |
| Brian | Meilinger | UGI Utilities, Inc. | Manager EE&C Programs | |
| Karen | Melton | Citizens' Climate Lobby | ||
| Carter | Membrino | Warren Energy Engineering, LLC | Energy Engineer | |
| Jay | Merves | NYCEEC | Director of Business Development | |
| Nancy | Mifflin | Philadelphia Energy Authority | Consultant | |
| Eric | Miller | KEEA | Policy Counsel | |
| Alex | Mordas | Performance Systems Development | Director of Program Development | |
| Stephen | Moritz | Encentiv Energy | President & CEO | |
| Ray | Morin | Honeywell | Outreach Coordinator | |
| Laura | Nelson | EnergyFirst Finance / AF Financial | ||
| Lou | Nazirides | Aelux a division of WESCO Distribution | Director, Energy Services Solutions | |
| Mike | Newman | Clean Markets | Outreach | |
| Steven | Nolfi | Threshold | SVP | |
| Joe | Nunley | UGI Utilities, Inc. | Analyst II | |
| Adefolaoluwami | Odeniyi | Nexant Inc. | Project Engineer | |
| Patrick | O'Donnell | NYC Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) | Associate Director of Engineering | |
| Jennifer | OGara | Clean Markets | ||
| Art | Olson | SmartWatt | Director of Utility Programs | |
| Kristen | Osterwood | Green Building Alliance | Technical & Policy Director | |
| Ashley | Paulsworth | Veolia | Sustainability Program Manager, Municipal & Commercial Business | |
| Lisa | Pavan | DMI Companies | Sustainability Manager | |
| Andrew | Place | Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission | Vice Chairman | |
| Lori | Porreca | A1 Energy | President | |
| Jon | Porreca | A1 Energy | Project Administration | |
| Darren | Port | Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) | Buildings and Community Solutions Manager | |
| Sarah | Ralich | ACTION-Housing | Energy & Construction Manager | |
| Sangeeta | Ranade | EnergySavvy | Director of Client Solutions | |
| Meenal | Raval | NW Philly Solar Co-op | ||
| Matthew | Reid | ECA | ||
| Pip | Robins | Electric Market Connection | Vice President | |
| Liz | Robinson | Energy Coordinating Agency | Executive Director | |
| Maria | Robinson | Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) | Associate Director, Energy Policy & Analysis | |
| Justin | Rodgers | ICF | Business Development Director | |
| Aleta | Rogers | Philadelphia Gas Works | Analyst, Energy Efficiency and Emerging Customer Programs | |
| Aubrey | Roos | Ecova | Program Lead | |
| Emily | Schapira | Philadelphia Energy Authority | Executive Director | |
| Tom | Schuster | Sierra Club | Sr. Campaign Representative | |
| Michael | Schweisheimer | PWPvideo | President, Director | |
| Kristin | Seale | Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) | Programs Manager, Utility Infielder | |
| Andy | Seelaus | Electric Market Connection | Director, Business Development | |
| Tim | Seelaus | Electric Market Connection | President | |
| Kristen | Sehn | The Sustainable Energy Fund | Marketing Coordinator | |
| Rich | Selverian | MaGrann Associates | President | |
| Brad | Seiden | DNV GL | Head of Section - Operations Manager | |
| Siraj | Shaikh | FirstEnergy | Engineer | |
| Genevieve | Sherman | Pace Financial Servicing/ Greenworks Lending | Managing Director/ Head of New Markets and Partnerships | |
| Joseph | Sherrick | Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission | Technical Utility Services, Policy & Planning | |
| Tessa | Shin | EnergyFirst Finance / AF Financial | ||
| Lisa | Shulock | Penn State at the Navy Yard | Sustainable Energy Project Manager | |
| Brian | Shuttlesworth | UGI Utilities | EE&C Analyst | |
| Nick | Sracic | Johnson Controls | Account Executive | |
| Alison | Steele | Conservation Consultants, Inc. | Manager of Community Programs & Advocacy | |
| Eric W | Stein | Penn State | Associate Professor of Business | |
| Mark | Szybist | NRDC | Senior Advocate, Energy & Transportation Program | |
| Elizabeth | Triscari | PA Office of Small Business Advocate | Deputy Small Business Advocate | |
| George | Tsetsekos | Drexel University | Professor/Dean | |
| Robert | Tucker | CLEAResult | Business Development Director | |
| Mike | Turns | Performance Systems Development | Senior Program Manager | |
| Sam | Voynow | DNV GL | Senior Engineer | |
| Kevin | Warren | Warren Energy Engineering, LLC | Principal | |
| Amanda | Warwood | City of Philadelphia | Energy Analyst | |
| Deanna | Weaver | Nexant | Energy Manager | |
| Elizabeth | Weiner | CLEAResult | Senior Policy Advisor | |
| Greg | White | NARUC | Executive Director | |
| Austin | Whitman | FirstFuel Software | Director of Regulatory Affairs | |
| Matt | Wurst | Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission | Office of the Chairman | |
| Chris | Yoder | Navigant | Managing Consultant | |
| Jeaneen | Zappa | Conservation Consultants, Inc. | Executive Director | |
| Ellen | Zuckerman | Schlegel & Associates | Senior Consultant |
Plenary: Unique to PA
Moderator
Rich Selverian, President
Armed with a BS in Engineering from Swarthmore College, Selverian started his career in the technical field of nuclear power and the utility industry. He spent ten years in operations and learned the importance of strong production, effective measurements and finely tuned processes. Selverian left his day-to-day operational position to enhance his corporate experience in strategic planning, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and human resources. He attended Columbia University and secured an MBA which pulled together his academic, theoretical and practical experiences.
As a business consultant, Selverian excelled in helping his clients design their organization and then align their people and processes to meet their business objectives. Putting together talented people with positions that allow them to follow their interests and grow in their careers is one of the gratifications Selverian has enjoyed throughout his career, and at MaGrann Associates.
As President of MaGrann, Selverian is able to draw on both his technical education and his extensive operational experience to help the Company set a clear vision for the future, implement effective processes and attract and develop the best people in the business. He enjoys the continuing challenge of growing the business while maintaining a high level of quality in service to its customers. As a leader in the business of energy consulting and green building, MaGrann Associates is well positioned to achieve these goals.
Kerry Campbell
Kerry is the Manager of the Energy Policy and Technology Deployment Division within the Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). He manages the State Energy Program, which involves developing and implementing programs, in coordination with the US Department of Energy, to meet Pennsylvania's energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. He has previously worked in the Air Quality and Waste Management Programs for DEP. Kerry received an M.S. in Agronomy, a B.S. in Biology, and a B.S. in Environmental Resource Management, all from Penn State University.
Annie Gilleo
- Annie Gilleo manages ACEEE’s state-based technical assistance activities and conducts research on energy efficiency resource standards, the utility business model, and other state-level policies. Annie was also the lead author of the 2013-2015 editions of the State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. She joined ACEEE in 2013.
- Prior to joining ACEEE, Annie held an Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution and interned at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, where she focused on federal climate and energy policy. She also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in The Gambia, West Africa.
- Annie earned a master of public policy from Georgetown University and a bachelor of arts in environmental sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.
Ellen Zuckerman
Ellen Zuckerman is a Senior Consultant with Schlegel & Associates. She has worked on Demand Side Management (DSM) program design, implementation, marketing, and performance; and on DSM policies including integrated resource planning; utility rate design, business models, cost recovery, and performance incentives in several states including Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Vermont.
Plenary: PUC Panel
Moderator
Doug Lewin
- Doug Lewin leads CLEAResult’s policy efforts. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, CLEAResult designs, markets, and implements energy efficiency programs for over 250 utilities and businesses in 40 states and provinces.
- Prior to joining CLEAResult, Lewin was the founding Executive Director of the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER). SPEER was recognized by the US Department of Energy as the regional energy efficiency organization (REEO) for Texas and Oklahoma, working with a network of REEOs throughout the US to advance energy efficiency.
- Lewin worked at the Texas Legislature for five years, primarily on clean energy issues for three different elected officials in the House and Senate. Lewin earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.
Hayley Book
Hayley Book, is a Senior Policy Advisor to Vice Chairman Andrew Place at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. In this role Hayley provides regulatory and policy advice regarding energy, water and consumer matters that come before the Commission. Additionally, she is entrenched in statewide initiatives such as renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure planning, utility low-income programming and the convergence of environmental and energy policy. Prior to joining the Commission she led the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s efforts on renewable energy, and energy efficiency financing and policy. Hayley also served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, an independent public financing authority that finances clean, advanced energy projects in Pennsylvania. Hayley is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served as an agricultural and environmental extension agent in Cameroon. She holds a Master's of Public Administration in International Management from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from the University of California at Davis. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Envirothon and is an advocate for environmental and energy education.
Elizabeth Triscari, Esquire
Ms. Triscari is the Deputy Small Business Advocate for Pennsylvania’s Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA). As Deputy Small Business Advocate, she supervises OSBA’s representation of the interests of small businesses in litigation before the Public Utility Commission and state and federal courts. Pennsylvania is currently the only state with an advocate solely dedicated to protecting the interests of small business ratepayers in utility and energy matters. Ms. Triscari serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) and is an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, serving on the Executive Council of the Commission on Women in the Profession and as Secretary of the Public Utility Law Section. She is also a Barrister in the James S. Bowman American Inn of Court. Before returning to her hometown of Harrisburg and joining the OSBA, Ms. Triscari was in private practice in Manhattan as a corporate bankruptcy litigator. Ms. Triscari received her J.D. from Boston College Law School and a B.A. in Government from Cornell University.
Matt Wurst
Mr. Wurst is policy advisor to Chairman Gladys M. Brown of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. In his advisory role he counsels the Chairman on regulatory proceedings and legislative developments related to the electricity, natural gas, and water industries within Pennsylvania, the Mid-Atlantic, and on the federal level. Mr. Wurst presently sits as Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Staff Subcommittee on Energy. He began his public service career in 2006 at the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. In 2008 he started at the Public Utility Commission, where he held various technical positions in his time leading to his current role; including working in the Commission’s Bureau of Fixed Utility Services as a Financial Analyst and working in the Commission’s Bureau of Conservation, Economics, and Energy Planning as a Utility, Energy, and Conservation Analyst. Mr. Wurst received his M.B.A. from the Florida State University College of Business and his Bachelors of Science in Economics from the Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business.
Breakout: Technology & Innovation
Moderator
Jo Lynn Friedel
Jo Lynn has over 30 years experience in the distribution industry with Schaedler Yesco (SYD). She is currently the Diverse Business Liaison.
Schaedler Yesco Distribution is a family-employee owned Electrical Distributor leading the industry in providing innovative product solutions. During her tenure at SYD, Jo Lynn has led sales efforts in New Business Development, establishing SYD’s presence in the Government space.
As the Account Manager for Pennsylvania State Agencies since 2004 Jo Lynn leads the capture team for State RFP proposals and once awarded manages the administrative process. Jo Lynn’s passion for telling Schaedler Yesco’s story and the benefits of energy efficient technology has provided opportunities for her to work closely with 3 State Administrations and State Procurement Council members to incorporate energy saving technology into the daily routines of Agency facility staff.
In conjunction with the SYD Government and New Business Development Team Jo Lynn has been instrumental in educating legislators and administration Cabinet members on ways to improve procurement processes and reduce costs through energy savings and new product technology application.
In order to stay current on policy and procedure for Government Procurement Jo Lynn attends State, Local and Federal Supplier sponsored workshops as well as Government endorsed Business Development events. In her current role Jo Lynn is responsible for SYD’s Government Contract portfolio and working closely with SYD’s Strategic Partners to provide viable and relevant procurement vehicles to all levels of Government.
JoLynn is a member of the Harrisburg Chamber & CREDC Government Relations Committee, attends NAED (National Association of Electrical Distritutors) Government Relations advocacy events and is active with the local ASA Chapter (American Sub-Contractors Association).
Matt Bosch
Matt Bosch, Director of Utility Sales at Sparkfund
Sparkfund powers organizations by providing access to the latest energy technology in a new and better way—through a simple monthly subscription model backed by a no risk guarantee.
William Ellis
Performance Manager, Exelon
- As Exelon Utilities, Performance Assessment Manager, William is responsible for developing and driving strategy and priorities for core functions across all of Exelon. Work includes identifying and ensuring adoption of best practices by benchmarking and drawing expertise from across the OpCo’s, the industry and outside the industry.
- As Performance Assessment Manager, William chairs Exelon Utilities “peer groups” which includes Demand Side Management, Solar, and eChannels. His work there includes leading and supporting side by side peer group comparisons with a focus on Critical Performance Elements. Leading self assessments and analyzing metrics while recommending solutions for improvement in areas that are not performing optimally. As a subject matter expert in Energy Efficiency and Distributed Energy Resources, William has delivered numerous white papers and presentations including recent work on Combined Heat and Power. He has earned numerous awards and honors including: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Partner of the Year, Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Young Energy Professional of the Year, and most recently Association of Energy Services Professional, One to Watch Award.
Austin Whitman
Austin Whitman leads regulatory affairs for FirstFuel, a provider of customer energy intelligence software to utilities, energy retailers, and government agencies. He works with FirstFuel clients and the regulatory community to promote the adoption of analytics for achieving cost-effective energy efficiency and higher customer satisfaction. Austin has 16 years of experience working in technology, energy, strategy, policy, and finance. He previously was a consultant to utilities and energy companies on energy efficiency and renewable energy finance, business planning, and environmental markets. Earlier, he worked for Climate Change Capital, a clean energy and carbon investment firm, and for Cambridge Associates, where he advised institutional clients on investments in real assets. He also led strategy, marketing, and business development for a startup enterprise software company. A Pennsylvania native, Austin has an MBA and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Dartmouth College.
Greg R. White
Executive Director, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
Greg R. White joined the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in December 2015. As the Executive Director, he is responsible for the overall management of the Association. He directs the programs and implements the policies of the Association and promotes the Association’s interests in Washington. Greg supports the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee and directs the Senior Management Team.
Breakout: Building Codes
Moderator
Kathy Greely
Throughout her twenty year career, Kathleen Greely has worked in many sectors of the energy efficiency sector, from research at Lawrence BerkeleyNational Lab to college campus programs to community/non-profit approaches, through her current work designing and implementing efficiency programs for utilities. Kathy has been an integral part of developing the residential efficiency industry in Pennsylvania. While program manager for PA Home Energy, Kathy led a team in the development of an award winning Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and ENERGY STAR New Homes program, and is now active in the design, management, and implementation of cutting-edge new construction and whole-house programs in multiple states. In addition, she is a RESNET-certified rater and a BPI Building Analyst.
Kathy has an M.S. in Energy and Resources from the University of California at Berkeley and a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from La Salle College
Kristen Osterwood
Technical and Policy Director
- As GBA’s Technical & Policy Director, Kris provides green building assistance to building owners and project teams, as well as businesses, to help them take their existing and aspiring green projects to the next level. She also plays an active role in policy and advocacy efforts at both the local and state level to advance green building, policy conversations, and sustainable development.
- Kris has a depth of green building knowledge, experience with LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications, and holds the Certified Passive House Designer, LEED AP O+M and WELL AP credentials.
- Passionate about doing work that helps make the world a better place, Kris’ interests lie in greening our aging infrastructure and enabling a more equitable and healthy environment. Prior to joining GBA, she was part of the team at 3R Building Sustainability, where she investigated the feasibility of large multifamily buildings attaining LEED certification. She determined this through the use of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and by conducting a point-by-point LEED analysis. The results of her work were incorporated into energy audit reports and cost-benefit analyses. While earning her master’s degree, Kris coordinated outreach programs; performed data, collection, and life-cycle analyses; and wrote proposals and grants.
- Bonus: Kris recently renovated her home with the latest green best practices in mind. Be sure to say hi and ask her about that process when you see her around!
- Kris earned her master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Darren Port
Darren is charged with developing and implementing policy strategies for the advancement of the Northeast regions adoption of, and compliance with, progressive building energy codes. Additionally, Darren advocates for policies to rate and disclose building energy performance.
Prior to joining NEEP, Darren was the Green Building Administrator and Green Code Specialist for the State of New Jersey. Nationally, he serves as an appointed member on several code and standards making committees including, the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) and ASHRAE 189.1.
Mike Turns
Mike is a senior program manager leading residential new construction and energy codes programs for PSD, including programs for FirstEnergy, PPL, and PECO. Mike’s codes work has included research and training for programs in New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. From 2014 to 2017 he was the principal investigator for the DOE-funded Pennsylvania Residential Energy Code Field Study and Penn Energy Codes Program. Over his 12-year career, Mike has trained thousands of code officials, builders, and design professionals on energy codes, building science, and related topics. Previously, Mike was the Associate Director of the Housing Research Center at Penn State University.
John Eby
Building & Zoning Coordinator, Lower Allen Township
John Eby has administered and enforced state and locally adopted land use regulations and construction codes since 1980. He participates in the International Code Council (ICC) and PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) code development processes.John serves in leadership roles with ICC local, state and Mid-Atlantic region chapters. Mr. Eby provides volunteer community service with the Lower Allen Township Development Authority, Cumberland County Blighted Property Reinvestment Board, and Yellow Breeches Watershed Association.
Breakout: Low Income & Multifamily
Moderator
Sarah Ralich
Sarah Ralich is ACTION-Housing’s Energy & Construction Manager, working on the real estate development team as well as managing all energy usage data and retrofits for ACTION’s housing portfolio. In addition, she works with policy leaders from around the state, through the Energy Efficiency for All coalition, advocating for energy efficiency programs designed for affordable multifamily housing. Sarah also has two years of experience working on The One Stop, ACTION’s multifamily affordable housing energy audit program. She has a BA in Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Building Performance Institute certified multifamily and single family energy auditor.
Kyle Haddock
- Kyle Haddock is a business development and operational management experienced executive for CLEAResult Consulting, Inc. with 20+ years of experience with the design and delivery of energy conservation programs. He provides leadership in the development of Utility program offerings for residential and small commercial customers and drives program development activities for energy affordability (low-income) programs on a national scale. Of personal and professional interest is the benefits and the impact energy conservation programs have at the national, state, utility, and community level to reduce the energy burden on low income families.
- Since 1989 Kyle has managed the development of Utility sponsored energy conservation programs and home performance services in multiple states and in eastern Canada. For utilities, their customers or builders, Mr. Haddock works with a focus on what he calls CASH where the focus remains on providing Comfortable, Affordable, and Safer and Healthier homes for those who deserve one. Working within the Home Energy Rater, Building Performance, and Energy Code Community he provides training on Energy Education techniques, Health & Safety testing, Building Science, and related aspects of the International Energy Conservation Code.
- Mr. Haddock has been an invited participant in multiple Green Curriculum Development Forums, has been a committee member for Affordable Comfort National and Regional Conferences, current member of the NREL Single Family Scheme Committee for HEP Certifications, and a Board Member of the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA).
Tom McAteer
Tom McAteer is responsible for the vision, design, compliance and maintenance of field operations for utility programs for CMC Energy Services, overseeing the completion of 18,000 energy audits and inspections per year. He is also senior technical advisor and one of the primary technical resources at CMC Energy. With a background in education and training, a Doctoral student with a Masters of Education, he has designed building science training modules and program procedural documentation with a focus on metrics and user interfaces for software systems.
Liz Robinson
Independent Consultant
Liz Robinson served as the Executive Director of the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) its inception in 1984 until she stepped down in August of 2017. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Goucher College with a BA in International Relations and holds an MFA from Wayne State University. She brings over 35 years of experience in clean energy policy and practice, community development, training and education to her current role as an independent consultant.
ECA is a non-profit corporation which provides a full range of energy efficiency and workforce development services in theMid-Atlantic region. ECA and its network of Neighborhood Energy Centers serve more than 20,000 low income households every year, providing services whose value exceeds $20,000,000. ECA is a leader in energy efficient, sustainable housing and is currently doing innovative work in the Healthy Homes field. In 2010, ECA launched the Green Jobs Training Center, to meet the workforce needs of the rapidly growing clean energy industry. ECA trains to national standards in energy efficiency, solar PV and environmental remediation.
Alison Steele
Alison Steele joined the KEEA Board of Directors in January 2015.
Alison leads CCI’s Grassroots Green Homes project in neighborhoods across Pittsburgh, and she plays a critical role in advocating for high-performing, healthy homes through policy decisions. Prior to joining CCI, she managed demand side energy reduction programs for utility companies, served as a consultant in the corporate sustainability space, and taught English in Fukushima, Japan.
Alison earned her undergraduate degree in Physics from Drew University and her MBA in Sustainability from Duquesne University. She holds a seat on the KEEA board and is serving as Chair of the Conference Committee for the third year. When she’s not training for a marathon, Alison participates in medieval reenactments and brews mead.
Breakout: Energy Efficiency Finance
Moderator
Genevieve Sherman
- As the Head of New Markets & Partnerships for Greenworks Lending, Genevieve lead the company’s geographic expansion. Greenworks has currently financed commercial PACE transactions in nine states; making it the widest reaching C-PACE company in the country.
- Genevieve spearheaded the implementation of Connecticut’s newly created C-PACE program at the Connecticut Green Bank from 2012 -2014 and was its Director from 2015-2016. Genevieve drove the growth of the program from 6 to over 115 communities, directly originated and facilitated over $100 million in financing, and designed Connecticut’s open-market platform for private lenders.
- Genevieve also led the Green Bank’s financing and policy efforts surrounding grid modernization, storage, and microgrids. Prior to joining the Green Bank, Genevieve consulted with Clean Energy Solutions Inc., Earth Markets, and HR&A Advisors – all leading developers of state and utility administered energy efficiency programs in the United States. Genevieve holds a Master of City Planning and Certificate in Environmental Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a BA in Urban Studies from Columbia University.
Julian Boggs
KEEA Policy Director Julian Boggs is responsible for developing and advancing KEEA’s policy agenda at the state legislature. Julian has been working on clean energy issues since 2009, when he worked to pass a comprehensive clean energy bill through Congress. Since then, he has played a key role in defending progress on energy efficiency standards in Ohio and worked in Washington D.C. on federal clean energy policy. Julian has a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado College.
Peter Krajsa
Peter Krajsa
President & CEO, EnergyFirst Finance, powered by AF Financial, LLC
A recognized innovator in energy efficiency finance for over two decades, Peter Krajsa is the President and CEO of EnergyFirst Finance, powered by AF Financial LLC. Peter led the creation of a number of major national energy finance programs as chairman and CEO of AFC First Financial Corporation, a specialty residential energy efficiency lender, operating programs nationally in association with states, municipalities, utilities, manufacturers and a network of over 6,000 participating contractors. Most recently, he headed national channel business development for the innovative energy lender, Renew Financial, which acquired AFC First in 2015, as part of its national expansion plans.
As CEO of AFC First, a company founded by his parents in 1947, Peter created the company’s national EnergyLoan® program as one of Fannie Mae's approved Energy Lenders; the Keystone Home Energy Loan Program in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department ,DEP, and PHFA which laid the foundation for WHEEL (Warehouse for Energy Efficiency Loans), the world’s first investment grade rated securitization of a portfolio of unsecured energy loans; the Connecticut Solar Leasing program and many other state, utility and manufacturer financing program including on-bill financing programs in Connecticut and Illinois. After running AFC with his brother, primarily as a mortgage banker and direct lender, Peter moved the company exclusively into energy efficiency lending in 1999. Under his leadership, AFC First closed over $500 million in energy efficiency loans, was named by the U.S. DOE as the nation’s first private Home Performance with ENERGY STAR sponsor, a pilot lender for the HUD PowerSaver program, received the Alliance to Save Energy Andromeda Award and established the Green Energy Training Academy supported by the Rockefeller Foundation
Chris Magalhaes
- As part of the structured/project finance team at the Connecticut Green Bank, Chris Magalhaes structures, underwrites and places proprietary investments and third party capital into clean energy projects and portfolios within Connecticut. The Connecticut Green Bank’s areas of investment and expertise include residential, commercial & industrial, state & municipal and utility-scale clean energy projects.
- Prior to the Connecticut Green Bank, Chris graduated from the Yale School of Management with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies with a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) in 2014, where he pursued his passion for finance and energy at the Center for Business & the Environment at Yale (CBEY). As a 2013 Investment Banking Summer Associate in the Energy Coverage Group at J.P. Morgan, Chris worked on live M&A and debt/equity offerings across energy spectrum, and as a 2012 Summer Consultant with Hadapt, Inc., he developed innovative Go-To-Market strategies for a Big Data analytics start-up. Most recently, Chris was the head of financial modeling for RLR Consultants, LLC, a boutique Tax Equity advisory firm.
- Prior to Yale, Chris spent 5 years with S&P Capital IQ, a finance data & analytics software platform servicing financial institutions, investors, and advisors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a bachelor’s degree in History from New York University.
Jay Merves
- Jay is the Director of Business Development and Finance at NYCEEC. Jay is responsible for leading business development activities, sourcing, negotiating, and closing transactions, and managing relationships with customers and counterparties, including project developers and lenders.
- Jay has extensive experience in his career managing complex financial transactions at global financial institutions. These include GE Capital, Chase, ACE Insurance, and Credit Suisse. Prior to joining NYCEEC, Jay served as a consultant in the areas of clean energy finance and risk management, and conducted an assignment on the development of PACE related projects. Jay’s areas of expertise include clean energy financings, structured credit, and synthetic securities.
- Jay holds an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a BS in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Breakout: Ratemaking
Moderator
Eric Miller
Eric joined KEEA in October 2015. As Policy Counsel, Eric supports the efforts of KEEA’s Executive Director in policy writing, research, analysis, as well as communications to advance the energy efficiency economy in Pennsylvania.
Before working with KEEA, Eric served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Villanova Law Environmental Law Journal, and worked to protect Pennsylvania citizens’ right to clean air. Eric is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and holds degrees from Villanova University School of Law (J.D.), and the University of Connecticut (B.S., Resource Economics).
Patrick Cicero
- Patrick M. Cicero is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where he provides advocacy, training, consultation and support services in energy and utility matters affecting low-income residents of Pennsylvania. Patrick serves as Chairman of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; he also sits as a member of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Consumer Advisory Council; and the Weatherization and Energy Conservation Policy Advisory Council to the Department of Community and Economic Development.
- Prior to joining PULP, Patrick worked as a staff attorney for nearly five years at MidPenn Legal Services where he led their consumer unit and focused on consumer and housing issues. Patrick also worked for 3.5 years as the judicial law clerk to the Hon. Sylvia H. Rambo, United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
- Patrick has served as a lecturer at Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and is a Visiting Lecturer and Adjunct Professor at Messiah College. Patrick received his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2002, and his B.A. from Messiah College in 1999.
David Littell
David Littell joined RAP as a principal in 2015. He advises state officials, public utility commissions and environmental regulators on resolution of complex energy, pollution and economic issues. David served as a Commissioner on the Maine Public Utilities Commission from 2010 to 2015 and as Maine’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection from 2005 to 2010, and DEP deputy commissioner from 2003 to 2005. Prior to that, David was a partner at Pierce Atwood advising industrial, commercial and municipal clients on regulatory matters and litigating liability cases. At the Maine PUC, he adjudicated and decided nearly 2,000 cases including major rate cases for nearly every utility in Maine and a series of long-term contracts as well as energy efficiency program funding. He served in the national leadership of NARUC as vice-chair of the NARUC Task Force on Environmental Regulation and Generation and on the board of the National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI).
Mark Szybist
Senior Advocate, Energy & Transportation Program
Mark Szybist advocates for clean energy policies in Pennsylvania that will reduce global warming, create quality jobs, and ensure environmental justice. Currently he focuses on the reduction of methane emissions from oil and gas production activities, and the design of utility programs that incentivize energy efficiency and protect consumers. Prior to joining NRDC, Szybist served as a staff attorney for Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, where he focused on Marcellus Shale gas drilling litigation and policy. He has also worked as a consumer bankruptcy attorney and a technical writer. Szybist holds a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from Princeton University and a law degree from the Temple University Beasley School of Law. He is based in NRDC’s Washington, D.C., office.
Breakout: Distributed Grid
Moderator
C. Baird Brown
Baird is of counsel in Drinker Biddle’s Environment and Energy Practice Group. His practice includes the development and financing of energy and sustainable infrastructure projects and advice on the regulatory and policy issues affecting such projects. He is counsel to the Microgrid Resources Coalition, and represents state and local sustainability agencies charged with promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and green infrastructure. He has worked extensively on public/private partnerships and privatization of public services.
Will Agate
- Will Agate founded NetZero Microgrid Solutions (”NetZero”) and currently serves as its President. NetZero represents the Philadelphia Navy Yard as its lead energy advisor.
- Immediately prior to forming NetZero, Will served 6½ years as a Senior Vice President with PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, in charge of the nationally acclaimed Philadelphia Navy Yard. The Philadelphia Navy Yard is a dynamic and modern 1,200-acre urban business campus where Will led the effort to interject a progress energy plan into the overall sustainability effort with creation of the Navy Yard Energy Master Plan. The Navy Yard enjoys explosive growth currently with more than 12,500 employees and 152 companies, as one of the most successful military base redevelopments in the country.
- Most recently, Will completed a $33 million program to modernize The Navy Yard’s electric distribution system into one of the country’s largest and diverse microgrid communities with smart technologies enabling various on-site alternative energy and storage DERs and PJM market participation. In summary, Will is a passionate advocate that we have reached an age wherein comprehensive energy planning, smart energy solutions, and smart city strategy have become the foundations to successful real estate and economic development.
Rick Counihan
- Rick Counihan is the Head of Energy Regulatory and Governmental Affairs for Nest Labs, the maker of the Nest Thermostat. In that capacity he is responsible for relations with the Federal and State governmental energy agencies.
- Rick has over 25 years experience in the energy and utility fields, with employment stints in state, local and federal government, as well as the private sector. Prior to Nest, Rick was Vice-President of Government Affairs for EnerNOC, Inc., a leader in demand response and energy management services for the commercial and industrial sectors for 8 years. Before EnerNOC, Rick was Vice President at the Electricity Innovation Institute (E2I), a nonprofit research institute affiliated with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to build public/private partnerships to improve the nation’s electricity systems and an early research center on the Smart Grid. Rick has also been Vice President at Green Mountain Energy Company, a retail energy service provider selling renewable power. Rick worked in regulatory affairs for five years with Southern California Edison and was a professional staffer for the Energy and Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives for six years.
- Rick has a Bachelors degree in Economics from Pomona College and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University. Rick sits on the boards of the Center for Resource Solutions and the Association for Demand Response and SmartGrid.
Ashley Paulsworth
Ashley Paulsworth acts as the Sustainability Program Manager for Veolia North America. Her work includes deploying internal efforts to meet the 9 Sustainability Commitments set by Veolia and coordinating external efforts to address sustainable policy around clean energy technology. Veolia operates several distributed generation assets in North America and is a leading expert in cogeneration. Prior to joining Veolia, Ashley worked with the Department of Energy working towards the demonstration and deployment of innovative sustainable technologies in the U.S.