Speaker Bios
Gregory E. Aliff:
Greg Aliff is Vice Chairman and Senior Partner, Energy & Resources, Deloitte LLP. For 10 years, Mr. Aliff served as the Firm’s U.S. Energy & Resources Leader. A certified public accountant (CPA), he is a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Energy Association, and co-author of the annually updated industry reference book Accounting for Public Utilities. During his 37-year career he has appeared on industry programs sponsored by the American Gas Association, Edison Electric Institute, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the United States Energy Association and NYSE Corporate Board Member. A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, he holds both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration.
Hon. Rafael Anchia:
Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia has served five terms representing House District 103, covering Northwest Dallas County in the Texas Legislature. Before coming to the Texas House, he served two terms on the Dallas School Board. In 2013 during the 83rd Legislative Session, he was appointed Chair of the International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of the Texas House of Representatives by Speaker Joe Straus. Rep. Anchia attended Southern Methodist University on a scholarship and then attended law school at Tulane University, also on scholarship. During his service in the Legislature, Representative Anchia has worked on legislation to fight crime, protect our environment, ensure fair and honest elections and improve healthcare for women and children. Rep. Anchia was recognized with CATEE’s Gregg Cooke Award for Excellence in Environmental Leadership in 2011.
Greg Arcangeli:
Greg Arcangeli is a Graduate Engineer at Austin Energy Green Building. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, and a Master of Science in Engineering from the UT Cockrell School of Engineering. While pursuing his engineering degree, he was awarded a $10,000 ASHRAE Graduate Grant-in-Aid to study the performance of multi-layered fenestration assemblies in commercial buildings. Greg’s prior professional experience includes a position as Junior Architect at Massimiliano Fuksas Archittetto in Rome.
Hon. Kip Averitt:
Kip Averitt proudly served over 17 years in the Texas Legislature and three sessions as the Chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee. In 2010, he opened Averitt & Associates Consulting. He is recognized for his expertise and leadership on water policy and water conservation. Senator Averitt also Chairs the Texas Clean Energy Coalition.
Russell G. Bego:
Russ Bego is Principal Energy Efficiency/Demand Response (EE/DR) Coordinator for AEP Texas Central Company. He works with regulators and special customer-interest groups to influence and comply with utility energy efficiency in Texas. He also manages standard offer programs. Mr. Bego has 28 years of experience working with energy efficiency programs. He holds various AEE certifications, an MBA from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a BBA from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.
Peter Bella:
Peter Bella is the Natural Resource Director for the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) in San Antonio. He provides strategic planning targeting air quality improvements within the 13-county AACOG region of south central Texas. He is a member of the AACOG Air Improvement Resources Technical Committee; the San Antonio River Authority’s San Antonio River Basin Environmental Advisory Committee; and the Mission Verde Alliance /San Antonio Clean Technology Forum Advisory Board.
Billy Berny:
Billy Berny is Manager of EE/DR Programs for American Electric Power Service Corporation, with 34 years experience in utilities. He has provided expert testimony before public utility commissions of Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. He serves on Executive Board of the Center for Commercialization of Electric Technologies; is a former Director of U.S. Demand Response Coordinating Committee; and former chair, Customer Response Task Force for Southwest Power Pool. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M.
Joshua Briggs:
Josh Briggs is a veteran of energy finance, primarily in public finance. He joined Green Campus Partners in 2012 and works closely with Energy Service Companies throughout the U.S. Central Region. He has held a wide range of industry positions including credit, documentation, syndications and sales. He holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.
Mike Burke:
Mike is Founder/Chair, San Antonio Clean Technology Forum, having founded San Antonio Clean Technol-ogy Forum in 2008 to “significantly contribute to the region’s economic development and quality of life via the advancement of sustainability practices and clean energy investments.” Mike is President of MDB Capital Ventures, a private equity investment and management consulting firm. He previously served as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of EOTT Energy, and prior to that as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tesoro Petroleum Corp. He also serves on the boards of the San Antonio Area Medical Foundation and UTHSCSA Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics and the advisory boards of both the UTSA and UT Austin College of Engineering Advisory Boards.
Tim Carter:
Tim has 17 years’ experience in the retail and wholesale power and gas markets. Currently he is responsible for developing new demand response products and managing Constellation’s sizeable demand response portfolio in the ERCOT and CA markets. Tim has been the Chairman of the Demand Side Working Group at ERCOT for three years. Over those three years, numerous new opportunities for demand participation have been created.
Dr. David E. Claridge:
David Claridge, Ph.D., P.E. Director of the Energy Systems Laboratory and Leland Jordan Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, is internationally known for his work on energy effi-ciency, particularly for leading development and implementation of the Continuous Commissioning® approach used to improve energy efficiency in large buildings. He has taught numerous commissioning workshops, holds six patents and is the author of over 350 journal and conference papers. He had 10 years of experience in the HVAC field prior to coming to Texas A&M in 1986. He frequently gives presentations at national and international conferences, is a Fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and is an Honorary International Member of the Society of Heating, Air-conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan. He holds degrees from Walla Walla College (B.S.) and Stanford University (M.S. and Ph.D.).
Chad Corbitt:
Chad Corbitt is currently the Energy Manager at Klein ISD. He has worked in the energy savings industry for more than 15 years, in both the private and public sectors. He has a CEM certification from AEE, and an ATEM certification from TEMA. He is also currently State Treasurer for TEMA (Texas Energy Manager’s Association).
Dr. Bing Dong:
Bing Dong, Ph. D., is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UTSA since January, 2013. Previously, he was a senior research scientist at UTRC. He has more than I0 years of experience in building energy modeling, building control systems design, modeling and optimization, and HVAC system fault detection and diagnostics. He received his Ph.D. in Building Performance and Diagnostics from Carnegie Mellon University in 2010.
Bruce Dschuden:
Bruce Dschuden, CEM, CEA, CSDP is a Resource Efficiency Manager for Joint Base San Antonio. He has 23 years experience in the energy management field, four of which in his current role and nineteen as an Energy Manager for Northside ISO in San Antonio. One of the accolades received for the development of a premier energy program at NISD was the 2007 CATEE Outstanding Government Organization award.
Jennifer DuPlessis:
Jennifer has been the Energy Manager at Arlington lSD since 2010. Previously, she worked with public education clients on large-scale energy initiatives throughout the country. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management from UNT and is a Certified Energy Manager and Texas Accredited Energy Manager. She is a mentor in the AEE Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership and is an instructor at University of Phoenix.
William Dupont:
William A. Dupont is the San Antonio Conservation Society Endowed Professor at the College of Architecture, University of Texas at San Antonio. Additionally, Dupont serves as the Director of the Center for Cultural Sustainability a research center for design, documentation and planning projects regarding the cultural heritage continuity of places. The CCS provides research and services to benefit communities; convenes dialogue on sustainability; and promotes research projects for faculty and graduate students.
Louisa B. Eclarinal:
Louisa Eclarinal is a CPS Energy analyst responsible for strategic water planning, water supply and resources, Edwards Aquifer, and CWA 316 b issues. She has over 20 years experience in the environmental field, including NPDES permitting, RCRA permitting and closures, remediation, USTs, and consulting work with DOD, primarily in BRAC closures and transfers. Louisa obtained her undergraduate degree in geology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a licensed Professional Geoscientist in Texas.
Shirley Ellis:
Ms. Ellis has been active in developing, enforcing and promoting energy codes, and providing training, for over 30 years in various municipalities, private companies and institutions. She is ESL’s Texas Emission Reduction Plan energy code expert, providing state-wide technical support to municipalities and councils of governments and to individuals in the building industry. In addition she has delivered hundreds of trainings across the US, and in Jamaica and China, for the ESL and the ICC.
Nicole Ferrini:
Nicole Ferrini holds degrees in interior design and architecture from Texas Tech and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Real Estate + Development. From creating healthy, effective environments as an interior designer, to designing buildings that meet the highest LEED standards, Nicole has spent her career building better communities. She is a founding member of the USGBC Chihuahuan Desert Chapter, Eco El Paso Founding Board Member and member of the Congress for New Urbanism.
Dr. Calvin Finch:
Calvin Finch is Director of the Texas A&M Water Conservation and Technology Center. He has 22 years in water conservation including stints as Water Conservation Director, Water Resources Director, and Director of Special Programs and Regional Initiatives at San Antonio Water System. He represented SAWS in successful negotiations to complete a Habitat Conservation Plan to protect Endangered Species at Comal and San Marcos Springs. Dr. Finch received a Ph.D. in horticulture from Texas A&M University.
Michael Flores:
Michael Flores, Regional Director of McKinstry’s South Region, has over 20 years of experience in the industry of operating efficient buildings. Throughout his career, he has helped to deliver over $100 million in utility savings projects. Much of his experience has been for non-profit and public sector clients including schools, hospitals, government agencies, and faith-based institutions. Michael has also served on the Texas Energy Planning Council (TEPC) and the Texas Emission Reduction Plan Advisory Board.
Marya Fowler:
Marya Fowler is the Senior Education Manager for the National Wildlife Federation in the South Central Region. A primary focus of her work is the advancement of NWF’s school-based programming, including Eco-Schools USA, Schoolyard Habitats, and global warming education and literacy, with an emphasis on integrating these programs at the state and school district levels and promoting environmental education as a means to improving student academic performance.
Philip Gates:
Philip Gates serves as Energy Manager for the City of San Antonio, overseeing development and implementation of energy policies and programs for municipal operations and the San Antonio community. Philip developed and administers the City’s first Energy Management Division and revolving Energy Efficiency Fund to capture and reinvest municipal energy savings. Programs managed include the Municipal Facility Retrofit Program, Casa Verde low-income weatherization, Green Shade energy-saving tree rebate, and Mission Verde Center sustainability campus.
Diane Glawe:
Dr. Diana Glawe’s 20 years of engineering experience across industry, non-profit, academic and government sectors directs her vision towards a balance of research, education and policy in addressing challenges facing society. Diana is an Associate Professor in the Engineering Science Department at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX and serves as a consultant through her company, Glawe Works Inc.
Matt Golden:
Matt Golden is a Principal at the consulting firm Efficiency.org (www.efficiency.org), and is both an entrepreneur and policy advocate, committed to bringing energy efficiency in the built environment to scale as a demand side resource. Matt’s work focuses on managing performance risk as it relates to energy finance in both energy efficiency and renewable and across all sectors. Matt combines frontline experience with both State and Federal policy as well as regulatory arenas.
Arun Gupta:
Arun Gupta is the founder of Skyven Technologies, where he did the optical, mechanical, and electrical design of a rooftop solar cogeneration system. Previously, he worked in the semiconductor industry where he designed microscopic machines out of metal and silicon. Arun holds a PhD in electrical engineering.
Dr. Jeffrey S. Haberl
Jeff Haberl, Ph.D., P.E. is a Professor of Architecture and Associate Department Head for Research at Texas A&M University. He is an ASHRAE Fellow and IPMVP Fellow. Dr. Haberl’s educational background includes B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder and post-doctoral research at Princeton University’s Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. He has dedicated nearly three decades performing building energy research at Texas A&M University, Princeton University, the University of Colorado, Rockwell International, the Colorado State Office of Energy Conservation, the City of Boulder, and the USDOE Administrative Services. He is a Co-Principal Investigator on the Laboratory’s Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP), along with Mr. Bahman Yazdani, where he provides technical leadership for the code compliance calculator and emissions calculations from energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Danny Helm:
Danny has been the Energy Specialist at Arlington, ISD since 2012. Previously, he worked in the Energy Management Controls field with AISD programming and maintaining the Energy management System. He is an Accredited Texas Energy Manager and had been instructor of HVAC at Tarrant County College.
Chris Herbert:
Chris has been a consultant with Good Company Associates since 2001, directly involved in a number of energy policy, educational, and incentive programs in Texas. The South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource, or SPEER, is the newest regional organization whose goal is to promote and advance energy efficiency in Texas and Oklahoma. SPEER facilitates the Texas Energy Code Compliance Collaborative to evaluate, document, and improve energy code implementation, adoption and compliance in Texas.
Alfonso Hernandez:
Alfonso E. Hernandez is a graduate of the Sustainable Environmental Design master’s program at the Architectural Association in London as well as of the M. Arch program at the University of Houston. He’s part of Kirksey’s EcoServices team, where he’s involved in Energy, Daylight & Solar modeling and analysis. He co-teaches Environmental Systems at the University of Houston and has written for publications such as the PLEA conference. Alfonso is a LEED BD+C accredited professional.
Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez:
Jesse is currently the Interim Director of Customer Solutions and Delivery at CPS Energy. He leads the Save Tomorrows Energy Program (STEP), the utilities ambitious goal to conserve 771 Megawatts of power by the year 2020 via rigorous rebate and demand side management programs. Jesse also leads the Energy Solutions team, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and the Energy Savers program which involve working closely with internal and external stakeholders, and community organizations.
Colley Hodges:
Colley Hodges, LEED AP, holds a BA in literature & creative writing and M. Arch from the University of Houston. As part of Kirksey’s EcoServices team, Colley serves as sustainability consultant for more than 20 LEED projects. He has presented on a variety of green building topics to audiences such as the AlA and the local chapter of IESNA. Colley is also a former journalist and a regular contributor to local architecture and design publications.
Adele Houghton:
Adele Houghton, a licensed Architect in the State of Texas and LEED Accredited Professional with specialties in Building Design & Construction, Operations & Maintenance, and Neighborhood Development, is President of Biositu, LLC, a strategic consulting company dedicated to leveraging environmental sustainability to enhance community health. She received a Master of Public Health and a Certificate in Public Health Informatics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Marty Howell
Marty Howell, the Chief Sustainability Officer, City of El Paso, has over twelve years of municipal government experience and has been with El Paso for five years, leading the creation and implementation of the City’s nationally recognized sustainability program. He created the “El Paso Green Business Challenge,” helping over 40 local businesses become more efficient and competitive. Marty also co-chaired the local “Clean Energy Initiative,” a regional collaborative to leverage clean energy resources to foster economic development. Marty started his career on navy nuclear submarines before earning a degree in Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After working as a private environmental consultant, Marty moved to the public sector and struggled to balance growth with adequate infrastructure as City Engineer for the City of Evans in northwest Colorado, and as Water Resources Operations Manager for Greeley, Colorado. He is a registered Professional Engineer with the State of Colorado.
Stephen Jones:
Steve Jones, Southwest Commercial Sales Manager, has been in HVAC distribution management for 25 years. Steve began his career with Mitsubishi in 2007, providing building owners and engineers of the Gulf coast with energy saving solutions and comfort control. Steve has contributed to the evolution of VRF [Variable Refrigerant Flow] Technology in sustainable design. Creating 400% market growth in the region, VRF systems are quickly becoming a system of choice for commercial and residential applications.
Gina La Motte:
Gina LaMotte has 15 years of experience working with innovative educational programs throughout Latin America, South Asia and the US. While in graduate school at UT Austin, Gina studied Social Entrepreneurship and Non-Profit Management. In 2008, Gina launched EcoRise Youth Innovations, a social venture teaching eco-literacy and design innovation in K-12 schools. Gina co-chairs Austin ISD’s Environmental Stewardship Committee and has presented at numerous conferences on the topics of green schools and sustainability education.
Gerald Lamping:
Green Classroom Professional, U.S. Green Building Council, volunteer at the Center for Green Schools and retired as NEISD Director for Indoor Air Quality. He is experienced in testing and improving classroom air quality. He received the Model of Sustain Excellence Award from EPA’s Tools for Schools. He has been a presenter on School Building Environmental Health at conferences of CEFPI, ASBO, AASA, ASHRAE, CHPS, USGBC, and EPA. He has a BSME from Michigan Technological University.
Shivani Langer:
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, India – 1998
Masters of Architecture (M.Arch) in Sustainable Design, UT Austin- 2003
Associate Architect at Sanjay Prakash & Associates, New Delhi, India – 1999-2001
Job Captain at David Heymann Architect, Austin – 2003-2007
Architect at SHW Group, Austin – 2007-till date
Leads Sustainability and Energy Research and Benchmarking group at SHW administers LEED documentation. Project architect for various sustainable and Net Zero schools.
Doug Lewin:
Doug Lewin has been SPEER’s Executive Director since the founding of the organization in 2011 and serves as the primary coordinator for all of SPEER’s efforts. Under his leadership, SPEER has tripled its membership and begun numerous projects to increase energy efficiency in the region. Doug has been passionate about energy efficiency since he began working on energy issues at the Texas Legislature in 2006. He lives in Austin with his wife and two sons.
Dennis Lilley:
Dennis Lilley has been involved in energy efficiency for over 28 years. He is a member of Austin Energy’s Municipal Energy Conservation Program Team, which serves as the City’s Energy Manager and develops cost effective projects to reduce energy and water use, and the carbon footprint of municipal facilities. He developed the City’s current energy policy. Dennis is a Certified Energy Manager, and an instructor for the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council’s Building Operator Certification Program.
Dr. Larry Lowry:
Dr. Lowry, a Ph.D. in Comparative Biochemistry, was the biological monitoring expert for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. He is currently a Professor, Occupational Health Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, and is Director of the Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health. He teaches graduate classes in toxicology and environmental health. He is retired but continues to work part time.
Rick Luna:
Ricardo Luna is Manager of Demand Management and Analysis for CPS Energy. In this role since 2007, Rick has been responsible for building CPS Energy’s demand response portfolio. The DR programs include residential, commercial and multi-family offerings that account for 125 MW’s of peak load reduction. In prior roles at CPS Energy, and other utilities, Rick’s work has included account management, rate design and economic development. He holds a B.A. in economics from Columbia University.
Agnes Denise Malloy:
Denise Malloy has enjoyed a distinguished career as an Account Executive with Xerox Corporation, Vice President with J. P. Morgan, Director at Enron Corporation and currently a Sr. Account Executive with Johnson Controls. Denise is responsible for providing energy conservation solutions to all markets in Houston, Texas and the surrounding area. Denise is a repeat Master’s sales achiever representing the top 10% of sales executives within Building Efficiency in North America, Mexico & Puerto Rico.
Amy Martin:
As Manager of Program Design & Evaluation for Frontier Associates, Amy provides regulatory support to Texas utilities (filing Energy Efficiency Plans & Reports, rulemaking activities, etc.), and supervises evaluation of energy efficiency programs, including cost-effectiveness, measurement & verification, and comprehensive program planning. Amy previously worked at Electric Power Research Institute and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Biology) and Master of Public Affairs from The University of Texas at Austin.
Stephanie Lee McDonald:
Stephanie McDonald joined the Waller Creek Conservancy after serving as Chief of Staff to Austin City Council Member Sheryl Cole. Stephanie is a strategic communication and public policy professional who has worked with both private and public sector clients in creating messages that spur action. As an aide to Sheryl Cole, Stephanie generated stakeholder support for a $125 million intergovernmental financing agreement to construct the Waller Creek tunnel and spearheaded efforts for planning the district.
Robert Meckfessel, FAIA:
Robert Meckfessel has over 30 years’ experience in planning and design of architecture and interiors projects, including mixed-use, retail, office, residential, urban design, and preservation. He is a leader in both civic and professional organizations including AIA Dallas, the Dallas Architecture Forum, Trinity Commons Foundation, and Preservation Dallas. He has also served, or is serving, on boards of the Trinity Trust, Texas Society of Architects, Texas Music Center, the Dallas Architectural Foundation, and DOCOMOMO US.
Ken Meline, P.E., CEM, CxA:
Ken Meline is a founding principal of Command Commissioning, LLC – an independent commissioning firm with offices in Irving, Houston, Bethesda, MD, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1982 with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Mechanical Engineer in seven states. He has over 30 years of experience in design and commissioning of mechanical and electrical systems. He is a member of ASHRAE, AEE, BCA, NFPA, and NSPE.
Stephen Minick:
Stephen Minick is currently with the Texas Association of Business where he represents business interests in the areas of environmental regulation, energy, transportation and water resource policy. He has over 30 years of experience in both the private sector and state government in the natural resource and environmental area. He previously served with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as a liaison with the Texas Legislature and Director of the agency’s Intergovernmental Relations Division.
Dr. Gerald North:
Gerald North, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science & Oceanography, Texas A&M Univer-sity, grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wisconsin, 1966. After a decade as a physics professor he spent 8 yrs as a research scientist at NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center before coming to Texas A&M in 1986, where he served as Department Head, 1995-2003. He has co-authored or co-edited books: Paleoclimatology, Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Impact of Global Warming on Texas. He is currently editor in chief of the Encyclopedia of the Atmospheric Sciences which will be published next year. He has won several national awards for his research including the Jule Charney Award given by the American Meteorological Society and the Medal for Scientific Excellence from NASA. Most recently he chaired the Panel on updating the statement on climate change by the American Geo-physical Union.
Eric Norwood:
Co-founder and President of Curb, Erik launched the company with the goal of inspiring individuals to take action within their organizations to help better manage energy bills. Previously, Erik worked for a venture capital firm conducting research and analysis for the clean-tech sector and built satellites for classified programs at Boeing. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas, a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from USC and an undergraduate degree from Pitzer College.
Calley Pace:
Calley Pace graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas State University with a B.A. in Mass Communication- Public Relations. For the past 5 years, she has led Way Companies’ marketing endeavors, reaching rural school districts, counties and cities. Calley’s latest project is chairing the Education, Marketing and Training working group for Keeping Pace in Texas.
John Pflueger:
John Pflueger, Ph.D., Principal Environmental Strategist, Dell Inc., is responsible for driving Dell’s strategy on issues around Environmental Sustainability – including Energy, GHG Emissions, Materials of Concern, Material Use/Recovery/Reuse, and Water. Prior to this role, John was Dell’s subject matter expert on data center energy efficiency and managed initiatives to help customers improve the productivity of their computer systems and facilities. Since graduating from MIT in 1991 with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, John has spent twenty-two years in product definition, development and manufacturing roles as well as corporate and social responsibility. John currently serves as Dell’s representative on The Green Grid’s Board of Directors.
Suzanne Shelton:
Suzanne Shelton is President & CEO of Shelton Group. Suzanne’s company is a leading marketing communications firm entirely focused in the sustainability and energy efficiency sectors. The company polls Americans on an ongoing basis to understand their drivers and obstacles to adopting more sustainable or energy efficient products and behaviors and uses those insights to help some of the nation’s leading brands define and leverage their sustainability and energy efficiency stories to gain a market advantage. Suzanne will share insights from her firm’s quarterly polling, as well as a few examples of what works to engage Americans into changing attitudes and behaviors to be more energy efficient and green.
Ms. Shelton’s presentation “But I don’t want to!” will address “Engaging reluctant Americans (almost all of them) into energy efficiency and sustainability.”
Hon. John Raney:
Texas State Representative John Raney, a 6th generation Texan, John Raney considers serving in the Texas Legislature the ultimate honor. He was raised on land that has been farmed by his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father for over 125 years in Madison County. He is a member of the Texas A&M Class of 1969, graduating with a BBA in Marketing. While in college, John founded Texas Aggieland Bookstore, which has now been open for business for 44 years. In 2010, he was named the Outstanding Member of the Texas Retailers Association. John was sworn in as the State Representative for District 14 on December 23, 2011. His current committee assignments are the Committee on House Administration, the Committee on Higher Education, and the Committee on Appropriations, where he serves on the Sub-Committee on Budget Transparency and Reform and as Vice Chair of the Sub-Committee on Articles VI, VII, and VIII.
Dr. Hazem Rashed-Ali:
Professor Hazem Rashed-AII is an Associate Professor and the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Architecture, University of Texas at San Antonio. Professor Rashed-Ali’s research focuses on sustainable architecture and urbanism and the design of high-performance, energy efficient, and carbon neutral buildings and communities. Professor Rashed-Ali has a PhD in Architecture from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Architecture from Oxford Brooks University.
Keith Reihl:
Keith is Commercial Regional Sales Manager for Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating. He has 20 years in the MEP industry providing Energy Efficiency services, LEED Consulting and Commissioning for existing buildings, new and renovation projects and overseeing design of MEP systems. He serves as Vice Chair for the ASHRAE Grassroots Government Activities Committee, a board member for the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource, and Secretary for Houston Construction Industry Council.
Hon. Bill Ritter Jr. (Keynote):
Bill Ritter, Jr., former Governor of Colorado, and a national leader in creating new economic opportunities from energy and environmental best practices, was elected as Colorado’s 41st governor in 2006. During his 4 year term, Ritter established Colorado as a national and international leader in clean energy by advancing a New Energy Economy in the state. As a result of that work, Colorado created thousands of new jobs and established hundreds of new companies. In total, Governor Ritter signed 57 clean energy bills into law including a 30% Renewable Portfolio Standard and the nation’s first statutory plan to convert aging coal units to natural gas.
Ritter currently serves as Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. The Center provides policy makers, governors, planners and other decision makers with a roadmap that will accelerate the nationwide development of the new energy economy. That economy will create and keep jobs in the United States; encourage development and use of clean and affordable domestic energy; protect our environment and climate; and keep America on the leading edge of global competition. For its work, the Center defines “clean energy” specifically as technologies and resources whose life-cycle impacts are beneficial to national security, economic vitality, energy supply sustainability, environmental health, public health, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the conservation and restoration of ecosystem services, social equity, high-quality jobs, and wise use of water and other critical natural resources. Ritter is a member of the Board of the Directors of the Energy Foundation; and also a Senior Fellow and member of the Board of Directors of the Advanced Energy Economy Institute.
Gabriel Senior:
Gabriel Senior is one of the founders at Green Star LED and currently serves as the company’s CFO and Sales VP for Latin America. Mr. Senior was previously involved in a medical travel start up business and in strategy and business development roles for Citibank and McKinsey and Company. He holds a Master in Business from Chicago Booth and is originally a Manufacturing Engineer.
Robert Spillar:
Robert Spillar serves as the City of Austin Transportation Director. As Austin’s lead transportation professional, he is responsible for the City’s multi-modal transportation portfolio, including rail development, traffic operations, parking management, right-of-way and special events management. Previously, Spillar served as Vice President with Parsons Brinckerhoff and as Director of Traffic Management for the City of Seattle. Robert holds a Bachelor and Master of Civil Engineering from the Universities of Texas and Washington respectively.
Nicola Springer:
Nicola is a Vice President at Kirksey Architecture Houston where she leads the Education Pre- K thru 12 team and has focused on education design for the past 14 years. As a LEED AP Nicola is committed to designing school facilities that create positive environments for people that occupy them, and work symbiotically with the larger environment. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Princeton University and Master of Architecture from Rice University.
Kim Stoker:
Kim Stoker is Director of Environmental Compliance & Sustainability at CPS Energy. She is responsible for development of corporate environmental policies, goals and metrics designed to support the company’s mission. Ms. Stoker leads a team of environmental managers and technical experts responsible for strategy, permitting and consulting. She has a B.S. in Geology from SFA State University and M.S. in Hydrogeology from UT-San Antonio. She is a Registered Environmental Manager and Professional Geologist in Texas.
Scott Storment:
Scott Storment is the Executive Director of the Mission Verde Alliance (MVA).
Mr. Storment was a Senior Officer with North American Development Bank in environmental finance, environmental infrastructure and clean energy projects, and previously served Governor George W. Bush as the first Colonia Ombudsman and Director of Colonia Initiatives. He holds a BA from Texas A&M University and a Master in Community & Regional Planning from University of New Mexico. He is bilingual in Spanish-English.
John W. Strybos, P.E.:
John Strybos is Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities for Alamo Colleges. He has over 28 years of experience in Engineering/Project Management, Construction Management, and Education Facilities/Construction and Design. He earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also earned a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M.
Dub Taylor
Dub Taylor is Director of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). Under his direction, SECO helps the State make the most of domestic energy, reduce state and local government energy costs and promote cost-effective clean energy technologies. SECO’s mission is to maximize energy efficiency while protecting the environment. Prior to joining SECO in 1999, Taylor’s public sector experience includes six years with the Texas Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division. Taylor’s private sector experience was focused in commercial real estate, property appraisal and property tax consulting. A native of Dallas and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Taylor resides in Austin with his wife, two children and two Basset Hounds. Taylor currently serves on, and is actively involved in a number of energy efficiency and clean energy-focused national, state and local organizations.
Frank E. Thomas, Jr.:
Frank Thomas is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Sustainable Design Professional with expertise in energy management, energy and water auditing, building automation, lighting and water management. Employed by Northrop Grumman, he is now one of two Resource Efficiency Managers for Joint Base San Antonio, responsible for assisting energy teams at all installations there. Previously, Frank was one of two District Energy Managers for Northside Independent School District that won a 2007 CATEE Award.
Eddy Trevino:
Eddy Trevino is a Program Manager at the Texas State Energy Conservation Office responsible for the LoanSTAR revolving loan program, the Texas Building Energy Codes program, the Clean Energy Incubator Initiative, and the State Agency Energy Advisory Group. He previously owned and managed an engineering consulting firm for 20 years.
He holds Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Technology Commercialization degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.
Andrew Trickett:
Andrew Trickett is Executive Director of UTSA’s San Antonio Clean Energy Incubator advising local cleantech startups. He has been a successful entrepreneur, notably as co-founder of an enterprise software company. He has also served as in-house venture capitalist for an IT services provider, and a partner at Oliver Wyman, one of the world’s largest strategy consulting firms. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
Kapil Upaghyaya:
Kapil joined Kirksey in 2007 as a Building Energy Analyst for the Eco Services team. He has facilitated an integrated design process on more than 60 LEED projects doing energy, envelope, lighting, daylighting and air-flow analysis. Presently his focus is to benchmark energy efficiency and aid design of Net-Zero buildings.
Michele L. Van Hyfte:
Michele Van Hyfte, a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional, is Seton Healthcare Family’s Manager of Environmental Stewardship. She develops and leads sustainability initiatives, policies and programs for Seton’s nearly 4 million SF of facilities. She has over ten years of sustainable design and construction experience and holds leadership positions in the Central Texas Balcones Chapter of the USGBC, the American Institute of Architects, Austin Chapter, and the Downtown Austin Alliance.
Dr. John A. Walewski:
John Walewski is an Associate Professor of Practice with the Zachry Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University with research interests in sustainable design and construction techniques, risk management, and alternative project delivery methods. John is a former board member with USGBC’s Central Texas-Balcones Chapter. He obtained a Civil Engineering Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin in 2005, and has over fifteen years of experience associated with planning, design, and construction professions.
Theodore “Tod” S. Wickersham, Jr.
Tod Wickersham, President of Beneficial Results, LLC, has over 20 years experience developing businesses, leading teams, expanding new markets, and improving public policies and programs related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental quality, and transportation. He is noted for collaborative relationships with business, nonprofit and policy leaders in Texas, New York, California, Washington and D.C. Tod’s work with Texas policy leaders began with passage of Senate Bill 5 in 2001, which created the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) to reduce diesel emissions, increase energy efficiency, and fund clean technology developments. Since then Tod has formed two businesses. Emisstar LLC, provides consulting services related to air quality programs around the USA. Beneficial Results LLC works with businesses and nonprofits focused on addressing public health threats, improving solar energy programs and increasing energy efficiency. He also leads the Businesses for an Energy Efficient Texas (BEET) coalition. Tod has a double BA in Environmental Studies and Economics from the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Steve Wiese:
Steve Wiese is Principal of Clean Energy Associates, a consultancy providing businesses, utilities, regulatory agencies, consumers and advocacy organizations with expert knowledge of technical and policy issues surrounding distributed renewable generation. His recent work in Texas has facilitated the installation of over 15 MW of new solar generation by over 1,000 homes and businesses. Steve is the past President of the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, and currently co-chairs Texas’ PACE Program Design working group.
Hon. Nelson W. Wolff:
Nelson Wolff, Bexar County Judge, has represented Bexar County in various political offices since 1971, when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He was elected to the Texas Senate in 1973, the San Antonio City Council in 1987 and served as Mayor of San Antonio from 1991 to 1995. He currently serves as Bexar County Judge, having been appointed in 2001 and since elected three times, only the second person in more than a century to serve as both Mayor of San Antonio and Bexar County Judge. Judge Wolff has worked collaboratively to promote economic development in Bexar County, including successful efforts to lure Medtronic, and the expansion of Toyota Motor Manufacturing. His most recent book, Transforming San Antonio: An Insider’s View of the AT&T Center, Toyota, the PGA Village and the River Walk Extension, explores four major developments in recent history that have provided urban renewal and growth for the city.
Cristina Woodings:
Cristina Woodings is a Graduate Engineer at Austin Energy Green Building. She has expertise in energy modeling analysis and provides green building consulting primarily to the multifamily market. Tina’s extensive green building experience includes commissioning, design, energy audits, and sustainability consulting. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Kate Zerrenner:
Kate Zerrenner helps develop and implement strategies to promote energy and water efficiency and climate change solutions in Texas and leads EDF’s multi-year campaign to influence and enact state and national efficiency policies, including breaking down financial, regulatory and behavioral barriers. Previously, Kate worked at the U.S. Government Accountability Office analyzing U.S. action on climate change and the voluntary carbon offset market; SAIC, on projects for Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.
Vincent Zubicek:
Vince Zubicek is a Sales Team Leader for the Professional Services Division of Schneider Electric. Vince has worked with Schneider for 13 years, and he currently serves as Schneider’s Market Team Leader in providing innovative building solutions for K-12 school districts in Texas, with a primary focus on helping schools realize their energy efficiency and capital improvement goals. Vince is a Certified Energy Manager and he received his BBA from Texas Christian University.
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