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MEEA's Staff
At MEEA, we come to work every day excited about what we do, knowing that we have a platform and mission that enables us to really make a difference in the world. Though we "walk the walk" in different ways, we all come together with a shared passion for energy efficiency. Our staff is inspired to reduce their impact on the environment on a personal and professional level, making the planet, and especially the city, state, and region in which we work and live, a safer, healthier, and more sustainable place.
Our Staff
jwrobel@mwalliance.org
312.784.7245
Named MEEA's Executive Director in January 2011, Jay Wrobel has over 10 years experience in the energy, efficiency and sustainability fields. Jay joined MEEA as Director of Programs, coming to us from the Gas Technology Institute where he led developed and managed projects addressing the economic and environmental impacts of community energy planning, distributed and renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency applications. He also worked in the Environmental Strategy and Latin America groups at Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) where he analyzed natural gas and power markets, developed forecasts of future technology integration, and served as researcher on climate change issues and environmental strategies for energy companies. He began his career on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade while spending 4 years with Nomura Securities. Jay has an economics degree from the University of Chicago and masters degree in Energy and Environmental Analysis from Boston University. When not working, Jay enjoys motorcycling, writing, playing frisbee and spending time with his wife Lynn and dog Cleo.
sparadis@mwalliance.org
312.784.7267
Stacey Spencer Paradis is Deputy Director of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and is responsible for fundraising and member development, conferences and special events and public policy. Most recently, Ms. Paradis was a Government Relations and Policy Consultant for the YMCA of the USA managing the state and local advocacy programs for states in the Midwest and South. Earlier in her career, Ms. Paradis was the Director of Public Affairs for Orbitz LLC leading the issues management team as the organization underwent reviews by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Transportation. She started her career in Chicago working with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce as a Government Relations Manager managing the organization's work in environment, transportation and economic development. Ms. Paradis has a Masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the George Washington University and a Bachelor's degree (BA) in political science from Loyola University Chicago. She lives in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood with her husband, Brock, and two sons, Maxwell and Emmit.
wangelos@mwalliance.org
312.784.7255
Bill Angelos serves as the Director of Finance and Operations, bringing a wide scope of functional private sector corporate experience with him. Bill’s experience includes 18 years in the Financial Services Industry where he was Chief Operating Officer of a futures brokerage firm for 11 years, responsible for the functional areas of Operations, Finance, Human Resources and Office Management. After being COO, he was an independent consultant for 5 years performing project management and advisory services for financial institutions. He most recently co-founded Dynamic Trade Solutions Inc., a software development/IT consulting firm specializing in financial trading products for the futures industry. He has a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Political Science and Philosophy, as well as an MBA from Loyola University. An avid outdoorsman and Eagle Scout, Bill is at home in the wilderness as well as the urban environment and has been a supporter of conservation since his youth. Other interests include: traveling, motorcycling, spending time with family and friends, creating music, golf and racquetball.
askrzekut@mwalliance.org
312.673.2480
As Director of Programs, Aimee engages in strategic planning and program development to successfully launch MEEA programs while developing and maintaining utility partnerships in the Midwest. Aimee brings over 18 years experience in management, finance, strategic planning, outreach, staffing, program and resource development to the field of energy efficiency and green design. She is passionate about green innovations, strategies and programming. Her background is diverse including launching a green business start-up, working internationally to assist in the development of a women's health initiative in rural Nicaragua, running a national Center at the largest non-profit association in the world (American Bar Association) and conducting targeted outreach on behalf of a state environmental agency (Illinois EPA). Aimee obtained her MA in Political Studies and her BA in Political Science (History Minor) from the University of Illinois. When she is not promoting energy efficiency in the office, Aimee enjoys volunteering, traveling, biking, gardening, yoga and spending time with her family and friends.
wbaker@mwalliance.org
312.673.2489
Will Baker serves as a Program Associate, working with the Program Manager in support of the Illinois Home Performance with Energy Star program and a whole-home approach to energy efficiency. Will graduated with a degree in International Relations and Economics from Michigan State University where he worked for the Community Relations Coalition to build social capital within the community of East Lansing, Michigan. From there he moved to Uganda and worked to provide sustainable, gender-sensitive microfinance services to the economically-active poor. In 2009, working for Arc Finance, Will returned to Uganda to provide business advisory services to a local start-up looking to increase the uptake of clean and renewable energy technologies through access to end-user finance. In May, Will completed his MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Will enjoys exploring Chicago, grilling out, riding his bike and rooting for Da Bears.
jhannan@mwalliance.org
312.673.2487
Jacob Hannan serves as a Senior Program Associate for the appliance rebate, youth-based efficiency, and emerging technology programs. Prior to joining MEEA, Jacob worked for two years as a Research Assistant at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, where he was involved in a variety of projects related to the development of CMAP’s GO TO 2040 comprehensive plan. He recently finished a Master in Urban Planning and Policy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Jacob also holds an MA in political theory from Cornell University and a BA in political science from Indiana University. Outside of work, Jacob enjoys reading books, watching films, listening to music, and walking his dogs.
skismohr@mwalliance.org
312.784.7257
Steve Kismohr is MEEA's Senior Technical Manager, supporting grantees of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by providing the tools and resources necessary to implement successful and sustainable energy efficiency projects and programs throughout MEEA's thirteen state region. He also contributes on the technical aspects of MEEA's building science and energy code related work.
Prior to joining MEEA, Steve had 15 years experience as a Project Architect and Sustainable Design Consultant either as a sole practitioner or with architectural firms in the Minneapolis and Chicago areas. His expertise includes implementation of building science techniques, integrated design and charrette facilitation, and coordination of energy technologies. He has also championed the LEED Green Building Certification for 13 different projects, spanning all residential and commercial building types.
Steve is a Registered Architect in the State of Illinois and a LEED Accredited Professional with specialty in Building Design and Construction. Mr. Kismohr received his Bachelors of Environmental Design from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also continues to hold a leadership role on the American Institute of Architects, Chicago Chapter's Committee on the Environment. In his leisure time, Steve tends to his indoor compost pile, competes in cyclocross bicycle races, and battles with squirrels over control of his back-porch organic garden.
312.374.0924
clamar@mwalliance.org
As a Senior Program Associate, Chelsea Lamar will be assisting the program management staff with implementation and development of MEEA programs, specifically education and training programs. Chelsea earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and most recently she was working with a non-profit home remodeling company in San Francisco. In this position Chelsea was responsible for developing and implementing their energy efficiency programming and also acted as a project manager for larger scale construction projects in low-income homes and community facilities. Through these pursuits, Chelsea has developed a strong technical background in energy efficiency and construction practices as well as a penchant for smart and efficient project and program management. Chelsea’s other interests include volunteering with local community gardens, food and water sustainability, and playing gin rummy.
hmurray@mwalliance.org
312.784.7269
Haley Murray serves as a Program Associate for MEEA's Building Operator Certification (BOC) program to administer, market, and expand the program into more Midwestern states. Before joining MEEA, Haley worked with the American Academy of Periodontology in Chicago as the Project Coordinator for the Education and Liaison department. This position involved working with students, educators and various dental and periodontal organizations worldwide to promote the specialty of periodontics. Haley graduated in 2000 from St. Charles High School, St. Charles, Illinois (about 40 miles west of Chicago). In 2005, Haley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University in Political Science, concentrating on International Relations with a minor in history, and graduated in December 2007 from NIU's Master of Public Administration program, concentrating on Public Management and Administration. While studying for her graduate degree, Haley interned for the DeKalb County Office of the Administrator. She provided the background research for the DeKalb County Natural Resource and Energy Conservation Initiative and also took a lead role in the creation of the County's Pre-disaster Mitigation Plan. Haley's interests include spending time with her dog, music, history, traveling, vintage motorcycles, midcentury housewares and knitting.
cpagnusat@mwalliance.org
312.784.7243
As MEEA's Senior Program Manager, Christina Pagnusat manages a diverse portfolio of energy efficiency programs offered by over 25 utility partners in eight Midwest states. Ms. Pagnusat is responsible for program growth and development for MEEA's Building Operator Certification (BOC) and HVAC SAVE programs, and manages training activity for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy program. Ms. Pagnusat earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has professional experience in corporate sales and program/project management. Ms. Pagnusat is an active member of the Chicago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), serving as Treasurer for the Chapter's Executive Board. Ms. Pagnusat's paper "Marketing Strategies for Building Operator Training" was included in the proceedings from the 2010 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings and her professional interests include energy management, efficient building design and maintenance, and workforce development. Christina is a native of Chicago and is passionately devoted to her family and friends, yoga practice, and searching out the best desserts in Chicago.
jpeters@mwalliance.org
312.784.7261
As Program Manager, Jamie Peters is responsible for the Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, and other building science and emerging technology programs. Ms. Peters is passionate about urban sustainability issues such as improving transit, limiting sprawl, and doing all we can to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Prior to coming to MEEA, Ms. Peters served as Coordinator of Environmental Initiatives at Lincoln Park Zoo where she improved the zoo's ecological footprint through energy-saving retrofits, recycling expansion and waste reduction, eco-procurement, and other green business practices. Ms. Peters received a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Sciences and a supplementary major in Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Jamie is thrilled to be able to work toward advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest. When not at work she enjoys traveling, volunteering as a committee co-chair for U.S. Green Building Council's Illinois Chapter, and taking in all that the great city of Chicago has to offer.
eroach@mwalliance.org
312.784.7277
Eric is a Program Associate for the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program providing support for the program in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. As a Program Associate he coordinates trainings, completes administrative tasks, and conducts presentations about the BOC program. He is passionate about energy efficiency as it is crucial to sustaining healthy, vibrant cities for our growing population, along with many other environmental causes. Previous to working at MEEA he worked and attended graduate school at DePaul University earning a M.P.A with a Concentration in Metropolitan Planning and Urban Affairs. His undergraduate degree in Sociology is from the University of Illinois at Springfield. In his spare time he enjoys the challenges and rewards of commuting by bicycle, attends at least one game for each Chicago sports team, and enjoys the wide variety of restaurants Chicago has to offer.
jwells@mwalliance.org
312.784.7259
Jared Wells is a Senior Program Associate working on MEEA’s HVAC System Adjustment and Verified Efficiency (SAVE) program. In this role he seeks to grow and enhance the program throughout the region by identifying new participants and conducting research into energy savings. Prior to joining MEEA, Jared worked as a Project Engineer at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) where he worked on a wide variety of safety and efficiency projects involving residential and commercial appliances. Mr. Wells has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a member of ASHRAE. Outside of work Jared enjoys soccer, the outdoors and cooking.
jcollingsworth@mwalliance.org
312.784.7247
Jessica Collingsworth serves as a Policy Associate at MEEA. She is responsible for tracking energy and climate policy in the Midwest, researching and administering outreach and education campaigns, managing events and communication and education programs and assisting with strategic policy planning. Prior to MEEA, she worked for Keep Alachua County Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. There she worked on an array of programs including Gator Home Game Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, and Neighborhood Cleanups. Along with these campaigns, she also organized many service projects with student volunteers from both the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College. Ms. Collingsworth has a B.A. in Sociology and Environmental Studies from the University of Florida.
kcullather@mwalliance.org
312.784.7265
Kevin Cullather is MEEA's Senior Policy Manager. He has more than 20 years of experience working on – and educating utility policymakers, senior managers, and staff on – policy issues affecting the electric utility industry. Most recently, Kevin was the Director of Education for the American Public Power Association (APPA) in Washington, D.C. In this role, Kevin oversaw the development and delivery of more than 100 utility-focused educational programs and conferences annually. Prior to APPA, he worked for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Arlington, VA. For more than 10 years, Kevin was the Manager of Regulatory & Policy Issues. In this role, he served as the “utility infielder,” managing a wide array of public policy issues and working with officials from DOE, EPA, DOT, and others. Kevin then spent more than 5 years as NRECA's Director of Conferences, overseeing the development and delivery of professional and issue-focused conferences for cooperative board members, CEOs, and senior managers. Kevin began his career in the field of energy policy by monitoring legislative and regulatory activities before Congress and FERC for two Washington, DC law firms. Kevin has an MPA from The George Washington University with a focus on the nexus between public policy and business. His undergraduate degree is from The College of William and Mary. He has published articles on a variety of topics, including stakeholder engagement practices, voluntary environmental programs, and work force development issues.
gehrendreich@mwalliance.org
312.784.7273
Gregory Ehrendreich is the Research Analyst at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), working on research and analysis projects for MEEA's policy team as well as serving as MEEA’s sysadmin, webmaster, and 'geek-in-residence.' Greg grew up in northern Wisconsin, swimming in Lake Superior and hiking and camping in the Chequamegon National Forest. He attended Northland College and Beloit College, both in Wisconsin, and he received his BS (Biochemistry, minor in Environmental Studies) from Beloit. His graduate education includes several years studying arthritis biochemistry at Rush University in Chicago before leaving 'All-But-Dissertation' and heading down a greener path. After a few years as a retail worker and as an activist in Chicago's labor and peace movements, Greg returned to academia to earn an MS in Environmental Management and Sustainability at the IIT-Stuart School of Business. Greg combines his interests in the environment , labor, and sustainable business by representing MEEA on the Steering Committee of the Chicagoland Green Collar Jobs Initiative. Greg bikes to work from the Logan Square neighborhood, where he lives with his wife, Jill, and his daughter, Lucille.
ielnecave@mwalliance.org
312.784.7253
Mr. Elnecave has spent 15 years as both an engineer and energy policy analyst. Currently, Mr. Elnecave is the Senior Policy Manager at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) with responsibilities that focus on the building energy codes program. Prior to arriving at MEEA, Mr. Elnecave managed the appliance efficiency standards and building energy codes programs at the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships where he was responsible for promoting the adoption and effective implementation of both these policies through the development and dissemination of technical and policy related information. He was actively involved in the recently adopted stretch code in Massachusetts where he worked closely with the Executive Office of Energy and Environment to develop the stretch commercial code. Before this, Mr. Elnecave worked as a policy advocate for the Michigan Environmental Council where he promoted policies and reviewed permits with the aim of cleaning up the dirty coal fired powered plants that dot the region. The first half of his career was spent as a civil engineer focusing on the structural retrofitting of older buildings to help them withstand earthquakes.
mhairston@mwalliance.org
312.784.7249
Michael Hairston serves as a Building Policy Associate at MEEA. He is responsible for tracking building policy development in MEEA’s 13-state region and he is also responsible for assisting with MEEA’s building policy activities, including building energy codes, building energy rating systems, and building techniques in addition to policy educational outreach. Prior to working at MEEA, he worked for Building Performance Engineering in Boone, NC and The Performance Point in Charlotte, NC. He has a B.A. in Fine Art from North Carolina Central University and a M.S. in Industrial Technology from Appalachian State University.
swilliams@mwalliance.org
312.784.7271
Samantha Williams is MEEA’s Policy Manager, primarily focusing on developing energy efficiency policy for the Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence. Prior to joining MEEA, Samantha practiced environmental law in San Francisco, California, during which she represented citizen groups in Clean Water Act enforcement actions to reduce illegal pollutant discharges to surface waters and improve water quality for the benefit of people and the environment across California. In each of these cases, Ms. Williams worked collaboratively with both public and private dischargers to develop strategies to improve their water management systems, and thereby achieve compliance with state and federal law. Prior to living and working in San Francisco, Ms. Williams earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, and a J.D. from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont. Ms. Williams is a native of Western Massachusetts, and is excited to be living in the Midwest for the first time, where she intends to spend her entire life savings (and then some) enjoying the city’s diverse food options and live music scene.
ldrake@mwalliance.org
312.374.0922
Over the last ten years, Lance has worked exclusively in Chicago not for profit organizations, including Lincoln Park Zoo, Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, Archeworks, and Goldie’s Place. In December 2009, he received his MA in Political Science from Northeastern Illinois University and plans to enroll in the Paralegal program at Loyola University in spring 2012, focusing on wind and solar contracts and policy. He is also a local musician and songwriter who performs in the band Deep Cricket Night.
anavolio@mwalliance.org
312.784.7263
Andrew Navolio serves as MEEA’s Membership and Marketing Associate. He helps coordinate outreach to current and prospective members, as well as managing MEEA membership promotion and marketing campaigns. After graduating from the University of Dayton with a B.S. in International Studies, Drew moved back home to Chicago and started working for SmithBucklin, the world’s largest association management company. In his time with the company, he worked to help membership development for industry associations such as, the National Paper Trade Alliance, North American Floor Covering Distributors and the International Business Brokers Association. After three years with SmithBucklin he was offered the chance to come to MEEA and assist with the development and direction of its rapidly growing membership, and is very excited to have been given the opportunity to merge his passion for non-profit work with an issue as important as energy efficiency. In his life away from MEEA, Drew enjoys being outside and being as active possible. Golfing, working on his podcast, and grilling out are a few of the things that he does to pass the time.
lsims@mwalliance.org
312.784.7241
Lisa Sims serves as MEEA’s Office Associate, doing administrative support for MEEA’s staff, Board and membership. Before joining MEEA, Lisa worked for the Chicago Public Charter School system as Administrative Assistant/Office Manager. Lisa is a native Chicagoan, but has also lived in Texas where she attended college at Prairie View A&M University. Currently, Lisa is on track to complete her Bachelor's degree in the field of education at National Louis University in December 2011. Lisa has always had a passion for travelling which why she chose an early career as a Flight Attendant for American Airlines. Lisa enjoys taking trips to local and international places and going to the movie theater. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Sims and her husband, Gerald, have two children, Noel and Nathaniel.
gsmith@mwalliance.org
312.784.7251
Gloria Smith is the Senior Accountant at MEEA. She recently joined the staff after serving as Controller for the Howard Area Community Center. She has worked in accounting for associations and not for profit organizations for most of her career. Gloria is originally from Northwest Indiana and has also lived In Kansas City, MO. She has a Bachelor's degree from Purdue University and an MBA from DePaul University. Gloria volunteers at the North Lakeside Cultural Center, an arts organization in the Edgewater neighborhood. She enjoys the exciting arts and theatre scene in Chicago. Gloria lives in Rogers Park on the far north side of Chicago.
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