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Ecology Action Staff

Victor Aguiar, Information Technology Coordinator profile | email
Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Strategic Development profile | email
Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Noelle Bell, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/ Zero Waste Group profile | email
Sherry Lee Bryan, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Tim Bustos, Program Specialist, Transportation Group profile | email
Piet Canin, Program Director, Transportation Group profile | email
Mandy Caruso Brooks, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Colin Clark, Program Specialist, Climate Solutions profile | email
Gavin Comstock, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Michael Drury, Program Services Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Karl Gee, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Caroline Hawkins, General Services Administrator profile | email
Anna Hirst, Communications Coordinator profile | email
John Holden, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Brennen Jensen, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Virginia Johnson, Executive Director / CEO profile | email
Brian Kimball, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Cliff Kramer, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Debbie Kranefuss, Sales Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Paul Leow, Program Operations Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Jeanne LePage, Program Specialist, Sustainable Transportation Group profile | email
Kirsten Liske, Vice President, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Jack Lu, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Saskia Lucas, Program Specialist, Transportation Group profile | email
Ryan Mack, Program Specialist, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Jennifer McNeil, Senior Installation Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Bonnie McPike, Program Specialist, Transportation Division profile | email
Jay Melena, Operations Analyst/ Energy Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Jim Murphy, Vice President, Energy Group profile | email
Darren Nix, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Molly Ober, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Patricia (Patty) Overstreet, Executive Assistant/Clerk of the Board profile | email
Evan Parker, Finance Director profile | email
John Peterson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Tom Pickering, Reporting and Software Analyst, Energy Group profile | email
Rachel Radcliffe, Installation Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Bill Robinson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Marina Rose, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Kyrrha Sevco, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Gordon Smith, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Gene Thomas, Technical & Administrative Manager Energy Group profile | email
Chuck Tremper, Vice President, General Services profile | email
Bruce Whitehill, Supply Chain Manager, Energy Group profile | email

Victor Aguiar, Information Technology Coordinator

Ecology Action’s senior staff member, Victor now administers Ecology Action's data and communications infrastructure. From the start of his tenure in 1989, Victor has played a primary role in keeping the technology ‘humming along’ while administering waste reduction programs. In 2006, he assumed full-time responsibility in IT. As a manager of “Zero Waste” Programs here, Victor oversaw business waste reduction consulting, was the chief designer of the WasteNot Businesses Assistance Program and Software, managed public recycling and environmental action information resources, and co-formed the award-winning Public Schools Resource Conservation Program. Along with IT expertise, Victor brings a strong background in recycling, energy and environmental education. He got his start working with a traveling entertainment and education project that visited small towns. He managed displays and a series of workshops in energy conservation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Victor holds an A.S. degree in Solar Energy Technology from Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz County, and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from California State University Sonoma.
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Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Strategic Development

Mahlon currently leads the organization’s strategic development of sustainability initiatives with a focus on energy and climate. From its inception in 2001 until 2009, Mahlon led Ecology Action’s energy practice, guiding it through start-up and early rapid growth stages. Since 1989 Mahlon has specialized in designing and deploying programs that assist businesses in upgrading processes and systems to improve environmental performance. This has included work in the the sectors of agriculture, energy, pest management and dry cleaning. Mahlon has also led Ecology Action's program development work for foundations, public agencies and private sector. This included consulting with the Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee on the adoption of their Zero Waste platform for the 2002 Winter Games. Prior to working with Ecology Action, Mahlon designed and established multiple community-based initiatives focusing on ocean protection and solid waste reduction. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1989.
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Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul Astrup has been an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the Rightlights Program since 2005. He is responsible for developing and implementing commercial energy efficient lighting and refrigeration efficiency projects in northern San Mateo County, from Daly City to the City of San Mateo.

Since 1979, Paul has been involved with numerous energy conservation projects throughout California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. His Installation of an Energy Management System at an Oakland hotel won PG&E’s first ever “Grand Management Energy Conservation Award.” In Hawaii, he founded Pacific Rim Energy Management, Ltd., specializing in computerized energy management for Hawaii’s huge lodging industry, and also served as a consultant to Hawaii’s utilities. Returning to California in 1991, Paul became involved in the energy efficient lighting revolution, which was beginning to attract a lot of attention with innovative products such as electronic ballasts, T8 lamps, compact fluorescents, and reflectors. In California alone he has been responsible for the implementation of several hundred new energy efficient lighting systems, ranging in scope from entire school districts and city governments to car dealerships and small retail outlets.

Paul is a graduate of California State University, San Francisco, and is a member of The Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP).
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Noelle Bell, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/ Zero Waste Group

Noelle joined the P2/Zero Waste team to coordinate work on the Monterey Bay Area Regional Multifamily Recycling Projects. Noelle comes to EA with 6 years of experience in the recycling and waste reduction fields having worked for Eureka Recycling in Saint Paul, MN. Eureka Recycling is a nonprofit recycling hauler and MRF operator where Noelle acted as Customer Service Manager to a wide range of customers from residents to municipalities. She also managed their multifamily recycling programs. Noelle holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul.
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Sherry Lee Bryan, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Sherry Lee Bryan currently manages the County of Santa Cruz Home Composting Program, the Our Water Our World Program, the Monterey Bay Green Gardener Certification Program, and chairs the Clean Beaches Coalition and the Greywater Study Group. Sherry began working with Ecology Action in July of 2002 as a bilingual outreach assistant in an Our Water Our World Integrated Pest Management (IPM) outreach program partnership with Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority. Since then she has implemented several successful IPM business and agency partnerships in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Sherry earned her degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Agro-ecology with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She holds a Qualified Applicators License from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and is a Certified Irrigation Auditor and member of the National Irrigation Association. Prior to working with EA, Sherry worked in Santa Cruz County as an organic farmer and IPM researcher. Sherry's previous research experience in IPM and soil science, her practical experience as an organic farmer, and her Spanish fluency make her an integral partner in Ecology Action's IPM team. .
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Tim Bustos, Program Specialist, Transportation Group

Tim Bustos is a Program Specialist working in Ecology Action’s Sustainable Transportation Group. Tim’s primary responsibilities include working on the education component of the Safe Route’s to School Program, which includes hands-on training in schools throughout Santa Cruz County, as well as training for adults and UCSC students.

As an avid cyclist, Tim has been working on sustainable transportation projects in a number of capacities for over 20 years. He formerly worked as a Transportation/Air Quality Specialist for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He later went on to work under a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation as the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the seven westernmost counties of Northwest Florida. In the early 1990’s Tim moved back to his home state of California to begin work as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Davis, where he worked for over twelve years. It was during this time that Davis received the “Bicycle Friendly Community” award at the “Platinum” level – the first city in the U.S. to receive this award at the highest level.

In addition to his work specifically with bicycle and pedestrian transportation, Tim has also worked in a marine research lab doing aquatic toxicology, managed a countywide para-transit system, has worked on Transportation Demand Management (TDM) projects, pollution control projects, and served on the board of directors of various non-profits around the country that promote sustainable transportation. Some of his proudest work related accomplishments include implementing bicycle education programs into the curriculum of five different school districts, and being certified as a League Cycling Instructor by the League of American Bicyclists.

In addition to his duties at Ecology Action, Tim currently serves on the board of directors for the California Bicycle Coalition (CBC), and teaches classes for UC Berkeley’s Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) on bicycle facilities planning and design.

Tim ‘s educational background includes a B.S. degree in Environmental Resource Management and Planning from the University of West Florida, as well as ongoing training from various institutions around the country.
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Piet Canin, Program Director, Transportation Group

Piet oversees Ecology Action’s sustainable transportation programs, which emphasize healthy, money saving, and environmentally friendly means of travel. Piet has helped implement several innovative programs at Ecology Action, including the Electric Bike / Folding Bike Incentive programs. He also recently worked with former Assembly Member John Laird and former Mayor Ryan Coonerty to establish the Mission Street Bicycle Safety Task Force to improve bicycle and truck safety. Working in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders Piet has also helped develop the Go Green project at Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz county-wide Safe Routes to School effort, and a tri-county Bike Week promotional campaign.

In 2004, Piet was named a United Way Community Hero for his years of service to improve cycling conditions for all residents. Piet is a member of the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, Local Organizing Committee for the Santa Cruz Stage of the 2009 Amgen Tour of CA, Santa Cruz Bicycle Industry Coalition, and Friends of the Rail Trail (FORT). Piet is an avid cyclist and continues to enjoy the outdoor beauty and recreational opportunities in Santa Cruz County. Piet manages development, staff, quality control, and partnerships for the Transportation Division, bringing a life long passion and enthusiasm for bicycling to EA’s many transportation programs.
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Mandy Caruso Brooks, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Mandy is the Senior Program Specialist for the Monterey Bay Area Regional Multifamily Recycling Projects. Mandy joined Ecology Action in February 2008 as a Program Specialist for the Monterey Bay Area Regional Low-Income Multifamily Recycling Project.

Over the past 8 years, Mandy has worked in Monterey County’s local government sector in the recycling and resource recovery arena. During that time, Mandy was able to foster her dedication to waste reduction and pollution prevention through administration of a variety of programs; Garbage and Recycling Franchise Administration, Used Oil & Filter Recycling, Business Waste Reduction, Special Event Recycling, Community Outreach and Education, as well as various other reuse and recycling programs.

Mandy holds a BS in Natural Resources from Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 1999 and has been a member of the California Resource Recovery Association since 2001.
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Colin Clark, Program Specialist, Climate Solutions

Colin joined Ecology Action as a Program Specialist in the Climate Group in 2008 with the primary objective of supporting and furthering the goals of the Climate Action Compact; he also works on project development for the Pollution Prevention and Transportation Divisions. Colin holds a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and has worked as a Green Building Program Consultant and for the City of Santa Cruz Planning Department assisting with the administration of the City’s Green Building Program.
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Gavin Comstock, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Gavin is the bilingual outreach and education coordinator for the County of Santa Cruz Home Composting Program, the Our Water Our World Program and the Multi Family Recycling Program. Gavin comes to Ecology Action with an extensive background in Wilderness Education. He has taught youth Natural History, Science, Geology, and Primitive Living Skills in outdoor classrooms across the country.
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Michael Drury, Program Services Manager, Energy Group

Michael joined Ecology Action in 2004, with a range of technical, project management and marketing experience from the high tech industry and the renewable energy field. As Program Director, Michael has overall responsibility for the execution of client contracts. His current role is to provide accountability to PG&E and other utility clients for the successful conduct of RightLights, LodgingSavers and San Francisco Energy Watch Small Business Direct Install programs.

His continuing role is to develop programs for Ecology Action, which inspire energy users with ways to improve their environmental performance.

Outside of his professional life, he continues the drive for reduced dependence on fossil fuels by living in a retrofitted zero-energy home and achieving a sustainable commute option through his use of a biodiesel fuelled vehicle.

Michael was awarded his Electrical Engineering Degree from Imperial College of Science and Technology, London in 1975 and is an Associate of the City and Guilds Institute (ACGI), and a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET). He is currently Board Chair for Central Coast Energy Services, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Watsonville CA, serving low income households in the Monterey Bay Region with payment assistance and energy efficiency solutions.
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Karl Gee, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Karl is the lead specialist working with multi site accounts. He is a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Energy Purchaser through the Association of Energy Engineers. He has served in the capacity of Energy Manager for local, state and private industries.

While working in his capacity of energy specialist he has delivered over 18 MM kWh of deemed energy savings to the program. His professional interest include renewable energy technologies and environmental advocacy and leadership with both local community organizations and international NGOs.
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Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Jon joined Ecology Action as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the RightLights program in 2007. He attended both Santa Clara University and San Jose State University with coursework focused mainly in Economics and Environmental Studies. His career background includes 10 years as a Facilities Manager at a summer camp for children and adults with special needs. John developed an appreciation for nature as a child, getting lost in the woods surrounding his home in South Lake Tahoe. Today, Jon is poised and ready to make a positive impact on the environment. He enjoys volunteering to ensure the preservation of open space as well as spending time in the wilds of his garden trying to prove that anyone can grow their own vegetables.
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Caroline Hawkins, General Services Administrator

In 2008 Caroline joined Ecology Action as their General Services Administrator where she hopes to combine her career of human resources with her interest of sustainable business practices. Her background runs the gamut of working in the dot-com world at Ticketmaster-CitySearch.com, to community organizing in South Central Los Angeles, to drafting developmental disability legislation for S.E.I.U. She graduated UC Santa Cruz in 2003 with a B.A. in Community Studies focusing on Labor and Disability Rights. Caroline has several years experience in human resources, working in the manufacturing and nonprofit sector. She is currently pursuing a GreenMBA in Sustainable Enterprises at Dominican University and, when she is not busy doing homework, she enjoys jogging with her dog in the redwoods, Crossfit, traveling abroad, and volunteering with Green Drinks, Cool Ideas.
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Anna Hirst, Communications Coordinator

Anna has been with Ecology Action since 1997 and currently acts as the Communications Coordinator, implementing public relations and marketing strategies while also providing in-house graphics and desktop publishing support. During her tenure at EA, Anna has worked as a Project Manager for the Safer Technologies in Fabricare Program, and has managed various Used Oil Recycling grants. She has also assisted the agency with grant writing, research, office administration, MIS support, graphic design and desktop publishing. In 2002-03, Anna took a break from Ecology Action and worked for Outward Bound West’s sailing and kayaking program as a Logistics Manager in Washington State. Anna holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1997. She is an avid traveler, deriving her passion for environmental work from experiencing natural ecosystems and diverse cultures worldwide.
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John Holden, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

John is currently working as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for Right Lights and was formerly a top performer with San Francisco’s Energy Watch program. Prior to working for Ecology Action John implemented the Commercial Green Waste Composting Program and the Commingled Recycling Program for Norcal Waste Systems in San Francisco. He is a LEED AP candidate and has an A.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. A native San Franciscan, John is very committed to water conservation and volunteers his time supporting educational and environmental non-profits.
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Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Jeremy entered Ecology Action as a member of the RightLights program. He left his home in Boulder Creek to pursue an academic career at California State University Chico. While attending the University, Jeremy was involved in a project that prevented the development of virgin lands. He returned from Chico with a Bachelors degree in History and a family of his own. Prior to his employment with the organization, he worked in the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Industry for 11 years, ranging from cellar work to sales and marketing. Jeremy has always worked towards preserving the environment and believes passionately in the goals of Ecology Action.
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Brennen Jensen, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Working toward Zero Waste for California’s Central Coast, Brennen Jensen currently coordinates the Monterey Bay Area Regional Tourism Recycling Project as well the Campus portion of the Monterey Bay Area Regional Multifamily Recycling Project. Building on the past success of the Monterey Peninsula Special Event Recycling & Litter Abatement Program beginning in 2007, Brennen has continued to expand regional zero waste opportunities to include additional Restaurants, Bars, Hotels and Special Events as well as Multifamily Housing and University Campuses throughout the region. In addition, Brennen has worked with the Model School Program to help local schools adopt pollution prevention best management practices. Fluent in English and Spanish, Brennen provides bilingual outreach and education in several program areas.

With nearly a decade of experience in waste reduction, conservation and environmental education, Brennen brings with her a deep passion and infectious energy for promoting environmental consciousness. Brennen has a BS in Environmental Science Technology with concentrations in Landscape Ecosystems and Wilderness Conservation and a BA in Spanish from Humboldt State University. A background in government, private and non-profit organizations, Brennen works to build innovative cooperative partnerships that maximize benefits for all parties, while expanding waste reduction and pollution prevention opportunities throughout our region.
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Virginia Johnson, Executive Director / CEO

Virginia is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, with 32 years of business and nonprofit experience, including 18 years as a nonprofit executive director. Since 1995, her marketing and strategic development expertise has substantially increased the level of service delivered by EA to the community. The organization has evolved to perform not only as a grassroots education agency, but also as a technical consulting entity to regional governments and businesses. Prior to her work at Ecology Action, Virginia served on the governing boards or advisory groups of several community based organizations: the RotaCare Free Medical Clinic of Santa Cruz, the FEMA Board of Santa Cruz County, the Homeless Shelter Project of the Community Action Board, the HIV Consortium of Santa Cruz County, Above The Line--services for homeless teenagers, the Westside Community Health Center, and the New Life Community Services Family Shelter. Ms. Johnson currently serves as the 5th District appointee to the County of Santa Cruz Commission on the Environment and is a board member of the Santa Cruz Area Transportation Management Association.
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Brian Kimball, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group

Brian is the Energy Program Manager for the RightLights, San Mateo Energy Watch, Silicon Valley Energy Watch, and AMBAG Energy Watch programs. In his time at Ecology Action, he has also served as an Energy Efficiency Specialist and Operations Manager. Brian was educated at the Berkeley campus of the University of California.
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Cliff Kramer, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Cliff has been an energy efficiency specialist with the Lodgingsavers program since April 2007 where he has worked with hotels, motel and lodges from Yosemite to Half Moon Bay reducing electric, gas, and water usage. His journey with Ecology Action began in February 2004, where he worked much of the San Francisco peninsula as a lighting specialist for the RightLights program using state-of-the-art technology to deliver energy savings, improved equipment performance and a cleaner environment. Prior to that, he worked with the City of Palo Alto Utilities RightLights program, helping the city become a greener city. Previously, he was involved in the lighting industry where he worked for over 25 years at home and abroad for both commercial and residential customers specifying, designing, fabricating and installing a variety of lighting fixtures and systems. Having illuminated everything from art to gazebos, Cliff worked with Sunset Publishing to help compile and edit their first book on home lighting.
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Debbie Kranefuss, Sales Manager, Energy Group

As sales manager, Debbie supports the energy efficiency specialists, assures that program goals and quality standards are met and interfaces with team members and clients to provide optimal, efficient and value-added energy conservation services. From 2007 -2009, as an energy efficiency specialist with Ecology Action, she saved businesses in Santa Clara County over 4 million kilowatt hours of energy. Debbie has extensive experience as a manager in non-profit agencies and has always been a strong advocate of working together with community partners to achieve common goals. Debbie holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of San Francisco and a BS in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University.
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Paul Leow, Program Operations Manager, Energy Group

As the manger of Ecology Action's San Francisco office, Paul is focused on using energy efficiency for both economic and environmental profit. He originally joined the organization as an Energy Efficiency Specialist, and has helped hundreds of businesses in San Francisco save energy and reduce their carbon footprints. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Paul served as Program Manager at the Asia America Multi-Technology Association (AAMA) where he handled all operations, managed the Executive Management Committees, Beijing Chapter, Strategic Alliances, volunteers, and supported the President and Executive Director. Paul also volunteers with The China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Alliance, addressing the largest carbon reduction project in the world, and is working to install 23 megawatts of wind power on his family wheat farm. He is fluent in Mandarin, enjoys Chinese calligraphy, Aikido, and outdoor adventures.
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Jeanne LePage, Program Specialist, Sustainable Transportation Group

Jeanne manages the encouragement portion of the Safe Routes to School Program for Ecology Action. This program brings together her profound love of teaching and passion for advocating for alternative transportation. In her previous career as a documentary filmmaker, she produced a number of independent documentaries which have aired on public television and are still in distribution. Her three-part bilingual series on bicycle advocacy and safety is used throughout the country and won several awards including the SCCRTC award and the Assoc. of Commuter Transportation Outstanding Service Award. She was a founding member of the SC Community Traffic Safety Coalition, a research associate at the Mineta Transportation Institute and helped to develop the Bicycle Program at UCSC where she served as its’ coordinator for five years. She holds a MA from Stanford University in Documentary Film and a BA in Environmental Studies from UCSC. A long-time resident of Santa Cruz county, she most enjoys spending time with her two children and husband -- preferably outside!
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Kirsten Liske, Vice President, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kirsten currently leads the Pollution Prevention and Zero Waste Division at Ecology Action, work which is fueled by a strong commitment to bring different segments of the community together to improve our quality of life. In this role she develops strategic initiatives and programs with division staff and teams with Kyrrha Sevco to manage the division in achieving high employee satisfaction and project accomplishment.

Since graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz Environmental Studies (Honors) in 1991 she has succeed in developing strategic programs with broad stakeholder engagement in the public, private and non-profit sectors to reach resource conservation and pollution prevention goals. As a result of her efforts and service, she was awarded a legislative resolution from the California State Assembly commending her significant and vital contribution to the state's household hazardous waste programs.
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Jack Lu, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Jack joined Ecology Action in 2007 as an Energy Efficiency Specialist. A native of San Francisco, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from San Francisco State University in August 2006. He has a broad sales background in working with different types of clients. Utilizing his marketing abilities, he is able to identify each individual’s needs and therefore, employ different strategies to reduce the electrical consumption and greenhouse gases through the Silicon Valley Energy Watch program. During his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
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Saskia Lucas, Program Specialist, Transportation Group

Saskia Lucas runs Ecology Action’s Bike Smart! Youth Bicycle Safety Program. Since taking over leadership of the new program in 2004, she has lead Bike Smart’s development into the area’s only on-going, hands-on bicycle training program for youth. In addition, Saskia conducts Bicycle Street Skills trainings for adults, including parent groups and college students. She is also a regular contract instructor for the County of Santa Cruz Bicycle Traffic School program.

Saskia is a credentialed teacher (San Jose State University, French) and Certified Instructor with the League of American Bicyclists. An avid bicyclist since learning to ride when she was 5 years old, she has been teaching youth bicycling skills since 2001, first through a summer bike camp she designed and ran, and most recently through her education work with Bike Smart! Saskia is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love of bicycling and teaching to advocate safe, responsible bicycle use.
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Ryan Mack, Program Specialist, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Ryan currently works on the on the Monterey Bay Area Regional Multifamily Recycling Project. Ryan comes to Ecology Action from the University of San Francisco (USF), where he worked as the university’s Recycling Manager. While at USF, Ryan expanded the university’s nationally renowned recycling and composting programs throughout the campus, increasing the overall recycling rate to nearly 60%. Prior to his work at USF, Ryan advised the City of Providence, RI on climate change policy as a part of Clean Air – Cool Planet’s Community Climate Fellowship program. Also fluent in Spanish, Ryan assisted local governments in Peru to design and implement solid waste management systems while serving with the Peace Corps. His experience in the non-profit sector includes organizations such as Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) as well as California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). He is currently working on his thesis for a Master of Science in Environmental Management.
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Jennifer McNeil, Senior Installation Manager, Energy Group

Jennifer McNeil joined the Ecology Action team in 2006 as the Program Specialist for RightLights Santa Cruz region. She grew up in California, and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Womens Studies from Humboldt State University, in May 2001. She has an extensive background working with diverse clientele, and as a Supervisor and Program Coordinator, Jennifer has become very familiar with program development and organization, office and staff management, community resourcing, and team & community based planning. She enjoys biking to work, and is excited to be a part of Ecology Action and the RightLights team, where she can be an integral part of building a healthier community.
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Bonnie McPike, Program Specialist, Transportation Division

Bonnie McPike joined the Ecology Action team in 2007 as a Program Specialist primarily for the Bike to Work/School Day program. She graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, with an emphasis in sustainable development. In 2005, Bonnie organized the UCSC Slug Bike Fest for Spring Bike Week and helped draft the UCSC Bicycle Plan as part of the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program (CUIP). In 2006, Bonnie spent a year in Indonesia volunteering with the international non-profit Right to Play to organize and implement sport and community events for youth affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
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Jay Melena, Operations Analyst/ Energy Program Manager, Energy Group

Jay joined Ecology Action in 2007 with a background in non-profit management, education, and residential building. She enjoys a dual role within the Energy Group, supporting operations and development of current and future Energy Programs, and managing the City of Palo Alto Utilities RightLights program.

Jay began her environmental career as an intern with Bay Area Action, a Palo Alto-based environmental organization, now Acterra. Her initial interest in energy and lighting was sparked by a college-age gig as an electrician with the New York Shakespeare Festival. At Ecology Action, Jay is able to parlay two passions – for the built and natural environment.

Jay graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2003 with 2 degrees: B.A. in Community Studies - focus in Economics – and B.A. in Art. She also attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York, prior to transferring to UCSC. She served 3 years on the Board of Directors of Triangle Speakers, a Santa Cruz non-profit organization.
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Jim Murphy, Vice President, Energy Group
Jim currently leads Ecology Action's Energy Group in the implementation and delivery of all of the organization's Energy programs. Jim has over 15 years experience marketing, managing, and developing strategic growth products and services for public, and private companies. Jim has held executive management positions in divisions of marketing, product marketing and professional services. Jim also spent two years providing management consulting services to energy efficiency, renewable energy and green building businesses. He holds a B.S. in Vertebrate Zoology from the University of California at Berkeley, 1991 and a M.S. in Computer Simulation from California State University Chico.
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Darren Nix, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group

Darren oversees the implementation of the LodgingSavers program, an energy efficiency rebate program serving the hospitality industry. Driving towards a holistic approach, his interest in new technologies and desire to provide superior customer service enabled LodgingSavers to surpass the program goals during the 06-08 cycle. His goal is to ensure that each customer receives a fully comprehensive and individualized portfolio of recommendations that appreciate property owners’ concerns. Darren is a graduate from University California Santa Cruz with a degree in Neuroscience.
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Molly Ober, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Molly manages the Santa Cruz County Waste Free Schools Program and the Santa Cruz County Motor Oil Recycling Program and has been with Ecology Action since 2003. Molly also assists in the promotion of Certified Green Businesses, is a integral part of the Earth Day Santa Cruz planning committee, and assist on County of Santa Cruz Master Composting Program. Her experience prior to working with Ecology Action includes working with the Sierra Club as a Field Manager and with Save Our Shores as a Program Manager and Environmental Policy Analyst. Molly graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. In Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Policy and Planning in 2000.
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Patricia (Patty) Overstreet, Executive Assistant/Clerk of the Board

Patty joined Ecology Action in 2007; she is the Executive Assistant to Virginia Johnson and Assistant to the Ecology Action Climate Team and Clerk of the Board. Her diverse and extensive experience in protecting our natural resources was a perfect fit in becoming part of the Ecology Action Staff. As a Petty Officer in the U. S. Coast Guard for ten years, she was part of an elite National Strike Team that responds to oil spills and accidents in our coastal waterways and conducted environmental inspections. Her desire to have once in a lifetime experiences is evident in her unique professional journey as a Maritime Law Enforcement Officer, Public Affairs Specialist, Harbor and Port Security Inspection Officer in some of the most exciting coastal communities such as Miami, Key West, San Francisco and Puerto Rico. Patty held an Administrative position at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Housing, Dining and Child Care Services for four years and received an award in developing an efficient Housing Eviction Process. She attended AIC Business College in Iowa and held Senior Administrative positions with Intel Corporation for nine years, in which she also served as a Board Member with the Intel Latino Network, Newsletter Editor and Board Member for the Women at Intel Network. Patty received numerous recognitions and awards from Intel Corporation, co-workers, and the community for her relentless energy and creativity in participating in community outreach programs, cultural awareness, mentoring to our youth and raising substantial funds to help Katrina victims.
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Evan Parker, Finance Director

Evan joined the staff of Ecology Action of Santa Cruz in January 2000. Prior to this, working for a certified public accountant, he conducted field audit work of non-profit corporations. In 1983 he served as the Managing Director for George Coates Performance Works in San Francisco where he developed his expertise in non-profit accounting. From 1984 to 1998, he was the business manager and lighting designer for a dance company located Santa Cruz. He serves as a consultant to various arts organizations in Santa Cruz advising them as to sound accounting practices and actively maintains the books for others.
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John Peterson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

John joined Ecology Action in 2008 as an Energy Efficiency Specialist. John attended UC Davis and University of Arizona pursuing a degree in Political Science. John was a “Green” General Contractor for 5 years and utilized energy efficient and sustainable building practices long before there were green building certifications or standards to follow. Growing up in Santa Cruz County, John is deeply committed to the environmental health of his community and enjoys utilizing his vast network of contacts to bring energy efficiency to Santa Cruz County businesses. After only 6 months with Ecology Action John has already saved the local business of Santa Cruz County over 4 million kilowatt hours.
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Tom Pickering, Reporting and Software Analyst, Energy Group

Tom is the Reporting and Software Analyst for EA's Energy Division. Prior to joining EA, Tom provided consulting and marketing services to local businesses with the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. Tom brings to the table five years of experience in business analysis, data processing and automation. In his free time, he assists sustainability aligned UC Santa Cruz student organizations with strategically developing their programs and funding instruments. He received a B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies focusing on Ecological Economics from the Santa Cruz campus of the University of California.
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Rachel Radcliffe, Installation Manager, Energy Group

Rachel is currently an Installation Manager for the Right Lights energy efficiency program. Rachel joined Ecology Action in 2007 as the Program Coordinator for San Francisco’s Energy Watch program, where her focused project management skills and teamwork helped make the program a success. A lifelong fourth-generation Bay Area native, not counting a year in England, Rachel has a professional background in retail floristry, wholesale horticultural operations, and is an avid photographic journalist, outdoorswoman and activist for social change and environmental awareness.
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Bill Robinson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Bill is Energy Efficiency Specialist for the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) Energy Watch Program. AMBAG Energy Watch is focused on municipalities, non profits and special districts in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties. Bill became active in conservation and energy issues while attending the University of Vermont. He holds a BA in Political Science / Economics and has spent the past ten years in the construction industry focusing on green and clean building practices.

Bill has twenty plus years of sales experience in service related industries including freight, construction and financial services. He moved to California in 2006 from Nantucket Island, MA and chose to live in Santa Cruz County because in a strange way, it is quite similar to Nantucket.
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Marina Rose, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Marina is currently supporting businesses in the Right Lights program to save energy. Previously she worked for two years retrofitting lighting and refrigeration with San Francisco’s Energy Watch program. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Marina worked as a management consultant specializing in sustainability. Trained in Organization Change at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Marina coached business leaders in how to lead their organizations to be more efficient and sustainable. A native San Franciscan, Marina earned a Masters in Communications from San Francisco State University. She has lived in Asia and Europe.
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Kyrrha Sevco, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kyrrha co-manages the Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste division, helping to develop and maintain systems for tracking programs and supporting team members to achieve both their personal and organizational objectives. When Kyrrha started in 2005, she managed the Pesticide Research and Identification of Source and Mitigation grant, where two environmental programs were co-created with partners around the State – the Green Gardener and the Model School program. Both programs were refunded in 2007 and have brought significant environmental benefits to the community. Earlier in her career, Kyrrha managed other sustainable and social justice programs including the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail and the rideshare agency for Monterey County. Kyrrha holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from San Jose State University, 1999.
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Gordon Smith, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Gordon is an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the LodgingSavers Program. In this capacity he assists lodging proprietors decrease their energy usage through the implementation of various energy saving measures. He joined Ecology Action in 2005.

Prior to his employment with Ecology Action, Gordon worked in various fields, including education and retail for 5 years and 25 years respectively.

Gordon has a variety of education, training, and affiliations that help him to better serve his clients. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Energy Resource Management from the University of Maryland University College, a BA in Management and Organizational Development from Fresno Pacific University, completed undergraduate coursework in Architecture and Building Construction Science at College of the Sequoias. He has attended various energy efficiency training events at PG&E, SCE, Build It Green, and West Coast Green. He is a Certified Green Building Professional, Green Card member of Clean Tech Open, and recently joined the Passive House California Group.
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Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Steve Suba joined Ecology Action and the RightLights team as an Energy Efficiency Specialist in January 2007. He brings the team over 28 years of experience in manufacturing, marketing, and sales of high technology products in the semiconductor and disc drive industries. He has worked for leading edge companies like Intel, LSI Logic, and Peak International. Steve’s experience and high standards from Silicon Valley make for a natural transition into the dynamics of the human factor of business relationships necessary to implement important energy saving imitatives. His goal is to leave the world we live in a better place for our future generations. Steve has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
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Gene Thomas, Senior Energy Analyst, Energy Group

Gene joined Ecology Action in 2002 to manage RightLights, a publicly-funded Ecology Action program targeting small commercial lighting retrofits which has since grown to become the largest third-party direct install lighting program in the country.

Since helping launch RightLights, Gene’s role has evolved and now supports administration, operations and strategic planning across EA’s suite of energy programs. In addition to serving as the primary client interface for reporting program achievements and responding to data requests, he provides analysis and operational recommendations on program performance including incentive levels, measure mix, and target business/market mix. Gene also works on new project development, helping write proposals, develop work papers and cost-effectiveness analyses. During implementation he is responsible for tracking program metrics, providing recommendations on program-related pollution and greenhouse gas reductions, and managing coordination with CPUC-contracted program evaluators.

Prior to joining Ecology Action, Gene served as National Director of EnergyCheckup, managing and coordinating third-party energy efficiency programs for investor-owned utilities in Southern California and Texas. In this capacity Gene developed successful energy efficiency initiatives and proposals to state utilities and federal agencies, and helped train over 200 building industry professionals as Certified Home Energy Raters.

Previously, Gene worked as Recruitment Director and Special Projects Director for Inspectech Corporation, a national home inspection firm, where he developed and implemented the company’s first Environmental Testing programs. Prior to Inspectech, Gene built a successful track record in sales management and training, program development, key account sales and multi-location retail management.

Gene majored in Marine Biology at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California and is a Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater.
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Chuck Tremper, Vice President, General Services

Chuck Tremper brings a wide range of experience and expertise to his work at Ecology Action. While living in Washington, DC, he founded the Nonprofit Risk Management Center and helped to launch the AmeriCorps national service program. He has also been a professor with a joint appointment in Law and Psychology, served as Chief Information Officer for an association and for a think tank, held administrative, marketing, and technical positions for software companies, provided management consulting services, and conducted a variety of policy research and evaluation projects. He is the author of three books, including As the Oceans Rise: Meeting the Challenges of Global Warming. Chuck earned his B.A., law degree, and Ph.D. from UCLA.
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Bruce Whitehill, Supply Chain Manager, Energy Group

Bruce joined Ecology Action in 2009. Bruce brings over twenty years of experience in Solar Construction, and Scientific Equipment industries. As Supply Chain Manager, Bruce helps to coordinate the efforts of the equipment manufacturers, the distributor network and the team of subcontractors to optimize the energy retrofits Ecology Action provides to its clients.

Bruce has a BS in Business Management from San Jose State University. His career path took him to the scientific equipment industry focusing in materials management for engineer-to-order companies. Most recently Bruce headed up purchasing and planning for Independent Energy Systems in Santa Cruz, helping them install over 500 Solar PV systems in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Bruce is self-taught in all aspects of residential construction, completing two major remodels of San Lorenzo Valley fixer-uppers without the help of contractors. In his off-hours Bruce enjoys gardening, Jazzercise, and spending time with his wonderful wife and daughters.
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