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MEEA's Staff
A Passion for the Environment and for Future Resources
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, from walking or biking to work every day, to eating low on the food chain with vegetarian diets, to volunteering with personal, social, and political causes, 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
amckibbin@mwalliance.org
312.784.7265
Anne McKibbin serves as MEEA's Policy Manager, responsible for tracking the status of energy policy in the Midwest and managing MEEA participation in the public process through coalition-building, written and verbal testimony, and development of supporting materials, among other responsibilities. Anne came to MEEA from the Citizens Utility Board, where she served as attorney and policy analyst. Prior to her time at CUB, Anne served as an economist with the Texas Public Utility Commission, extern with NRDC and EPA, and wildlife keeper at a bird-of-prey rehabilitation facility in South Florida. Anne has economics degrees from Berry College and Texas A&M University and a law degree from the George Washington University School of Law. When not working toward an environmentally sustainable economy, Anne enjoys hiking, bird watching, and preparing extravagant dinner parties with her boyfriend Dirk and friends.
bfarnsworth@mwalliance.org
312.784.7259
Brian Farnsworth serves as Program Associate, working closely with Director of Programs in designing and developing energy efficiency programs for regional electric and natural gas utilities. He has been working to promote the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program through contractor outreach to HVAC, plumbing, and insulating contractors in order to develop a contractor network, which is vital to the success of the Program. Brian also serves as the contact and administrator of the Participating Energy Efficiency Contractor (PEEC) Network. Mr. Farnsworth relocated to Chicago from Evergreen, Colorado, where he directed the Information Network for Responsible Mining (INFORM), a small environmental non-profit organization. His responsibilities included tracking hard-rock mining projects through state and federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Energy. Additionally, he was able to work with a diverse group of environmental advocates to produce public comments for agency consideration, while promoting grass roots support. After spending most of his life exploring the mountains of Colorado, and enjoying many outdoor activities the state has to offer, he will now learn to appreciate what the great city of Chicago has in store. Mr. Farnsworth has a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Economics, with an emphasis in Public Policy from Western State College of Colorado.
chenning@mwalliance.org
312.784.7269
Caitlin Henning serves as a Program Associate for MEEA’s Commercial Programs where she works with the Building Operator Certification team to administer, market, and expand the program into more Midwestern states. Before joining MEEA, Caitlin worked in sustainability strategy consulting for Environmental Resources Management. While at ERM she led the design and delivery of an energy efficiency training course for facility managers, and she is excited to work on energy efficiency education and outreach every day at MEEA. Caitlin graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in English and Environmental Policy and Culture. For a few months after graduation, she worked for her alma mater in Costa Rica, evaluating volunteer programs in national parks for potential student placement. Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys cooking from scratch, being outdoors, a good book, and road trips with friends.
cbulman@mwalliance.org
312.784.7275
Chad Bulman is MEEA's Residential Program Manager, administering a portfolio of programs that focus on affordable home lighting, educating students on efficiency, and lowering energy costs for low-income families. He also serves on several workgroups charged with plotting the future of energy-efficient technologies. After earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Iowa, Mr. Bulman decided to redirect his career toward the points at which environmental technologies interact with policy, diplomacy, and law. He crystallized his interest in environmentalism while earning an M.A. in International Relations from Leeds University in England, focusing his studies on international environmental policy. Mr. Bulman has been involved in volunteer efforts with a number of altruistic organizations, and enjoys the challenge of addressing the Midwest's need for smarter energy practices.
cpagnusat@mwalliance.org
312.784.7243
Christina Pagnusat is MEEA's Commercial Program Manager. Christina manages MEEA's Building Operator Certification (BOC) program in six Midwestern states. Christina is responsible for program growth and development, providing support to over 20 BOC sponsors and partners, and program marketing and promotional efforts. Christina has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Missouri - Columbia and professional experience in public service, corporate sales and program management. Christina is an active member of the Chicago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and serves as Co-Chair of the Professional Development committee. Christina's professional interests include energy management, efficient building design and maintenance, and workforce development. Christina was raised in Chicago and is passionately devoted to her family and friends, yoga practice, leading a healthy lifestyle, and searching out the best desserts in Chicago.
gehrendreich@mwalliance.org
312.784.7273
Gregory Ehrendreich is MEEA's Research Analyst, 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" to seek 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 passions for the environment , the labor movement, 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.
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.
jpena@mwalliance.org
312.784.7277
James Pena is MEEA's Program Associate. Providing administrative support for the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program, he coordinates training events, manages participant records, and assists in marketing the program. After earning his B.S. in Biology with an Environmental Studies concentration from Haverford College, James moved to Chicago where he searched for a career in a sustainability-related field. While serving as an intern at MEEA, he confirmed his interest in energy efficiency and discovered an enthusiasm for the organization's programs. James is excited to be working towards a more sustainable, energy efficient economy during a crucial time. He has also spent some time working in Family Programs at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Outside of work, James enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, spending time with his girlfriend Esther, and exploring Chicago.
jpeters@mwalliance.org
312.784.7261
Jamie Peters serves as Program Associate and is responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of several residential energy efficiency 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. She's an active member of the US Green Building Council's Chicago Chapter and has volunteered at numerous locations including the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
Prior to coming to MEEA, Ms. Peters served as Lincoln Park Zoo's first ever Coordinator of Environmental Initiatives. In this role, she improved the zoo's ecological footprint by commencing and managing projects ranging from 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 in South Bend, Indiana. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio and is thrilled to be able to work toward advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest. When not at work, Ms. Peters enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, using the Lakefront Trail, and taking in all that the great city of Chicago has to offer.
jwrobel@mwalliance.org
312.784.7245
Jay Wrobel serves as the Program Director at MEEA and has over 10 years experience in the energy, efficiency and sustainability fields. Jay joined MEEA 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.
jcollingsworth@mwalliance.org
312.784.7241
Jessica Collingsworth serves as the Office Associate, responsible for office administration and assisting the Executive Director and other staff members. Ms. Collingsworth came to Chicago from Gainesville Florida, were she worked at 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. She looks forward to continuing her work in the non-profit sector here at MEEA, and to expanding her knowledge of energy efficiency issues in the Midwest.
rkilman@mwalliance.org
312.784.7247
Ms. Kilman joined MEEA in September of 2008 as our Policy Intern. She is responsible for researching legislation concerning energy efficiency within MEEA’s footprint, writing up reports for various projects and the MEEA Minute newsletter, and assists MEEA staff with miscellaneous tasks as needed. Ms. Kilman received her Bachelor degree in Public Policy Studies from DePaul University in June of 2008 and has been involved in community-based and environmental service for the last 5 years, including study/service trips to Yucatan, Mexico and Nairobi, Kenya. She is currently pursuing her Masters degree in International Public Service at DePaul University and plans to graduate in June of 2010.
sparadis@mwalliance.org
312.784.7267
Stacey Spencer Paradis is Director of External Relations for 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.
wjaehn@mwalliance.org
312.784.7271
Wendy Jaehn serves as MEEA's President and Executive Director is responsible for the operational, financial, program, policy, membership and strategic management of MEEA. Ms. Jaehn came to the Midwest from Denver, Colorado, where she served as an analyst for Millennium Energy, an environmental and renewable energy consulting firm. At Millennium Energy, Ms. Jaehn worked closely with the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on various contracts ranging from photovoltaic system feasibility studies, Million Solar Roofs Initiative local and national partnership support, and Energy Savings Performance Contracting analysis. Prior to Millennium Energy, Ms. Jaehn was a Project Manager for the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) where she managed the TEAM-UP program, a national multi-million hardware photovoltaic system buy-down initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Ms. Jaehn received her Bachelor's Degree (BS) in environmental systems technology from Cornell University and her MBA at the Kellogg School of Management. Ms. Jaehn and her husband, Brad, have two sons, Hunter and Holden.
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. Bill currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for Esperanza Community Services, a local non-profit school and life skills training facility serving the developmentally disabled. 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.
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