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Ecology Action Staff

Josiah Adams, Program Development Manager profile | email
Victor Aguiar, Information Technology Coordinator profile | email
Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Strategic Development profile | email
Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Molly Attolico, Program Specialist profile | email
Derek Avery, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Alyssa Joy Baker-Blanc, Business Development Associate, Energy Group profile | email
Noelle Bell Copley, Assistant Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Phil Boutelle, Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Group profile | email
Margaret Bruce, Vice President, Climate Group profile | email
Sherry Lee Bryan, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Piet Canin, Vice President, Transportation Group profile | email
Amee Chapman, Systems Analyst profile | email
Kisha Christal, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Colin Clark, Senior Program Manager, Climate Solutions profile | email
Tim Clinton, Operations Analyst, Climate Group profile | email
Dan Coley , Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Amelia Conlen, Operations Analyst, Climate Group profile | email
Greg Copley, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Clarice Coppolino, Operations Administrative Coordinator, Climate Group profile | email
Sharon Evans, Accountant profile | email
Scott Farmer, Sales Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Courtney Faulkner, Assistant Installation Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Gregg Fishman, Government Liaison, Climate Group profile | email
Alethea Flickinger, Contract Administrator, Climate Group email
Brenda Giampaoli, HR Benefits Program Manager profile | email
Jon Green, Sales Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Anthony Harrison, Energy Upgrade Specialist, Climate Group profile | email
Anna Hirst, Communications Coordinator profile | email
Hannah Hodgson, Program Coordinator, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Julia Holl, Administrative Assistant profile | email
Brian Holman, Operations Director, Climate Groupr profile | email
Jeremy Jackson, Energy Upgrade Specialist, Climate Group profile | email
Karl Jacobson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Brennen Jensen, Senior Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Brian Kimball, Director of Energy Programs, Energy Group profile | email
Danielle Kish, Installation Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Cliff Kramer, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Debbie Kranefuss, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Aleah Lawrence-Pine, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Paul Leow, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Jeanne LePage, Program Specialist, Transportation Group profile | email
Kirsten Liske, Vice President, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Bonnie Low, North Coast Regional Senior Program Manager, Climate Group profile | email
Jack Lu, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Henry Mak, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Paul Martinez, Operation Analyst, Climate Group profile | email
Keikilani McKay, Marketing Event Specialist, Climate Group profile | email
Jennifer McNeil, Operations Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Jay Melena, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Michelle Morales, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group email
Arch Mott, Energy Services Applications Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Nick Mucha, Program Specialist Transportation Group profile | email
Jim Murphy, Interim CEO profile | email
Oren Nawi, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Darren Nix, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Carey Odden, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Nancy Ogle, Office Manager profile | email
Evan Parker, Finance Director profile | email
John Peterson, Energy Program Manager, 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
Jennifer Rupnow, Senior Program Manager, Climate Group profile | email
Carlos V. Sedano, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Kyrrha Sevco, Energy Services Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Chaitanya Sharma, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Rob Straka, IT Support Engineer profile | email
Steve Suba, Sales Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Nick Sudano, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/ Zero Waste Group profile | email
Gene Thomas, Senior Energy Analyst, Energy Group profile | email
Kira Ticus, Program Specialist, Transportation Group profile | email
Chuck Tremper, Vice President, General Services profile | email
Bruce Whitehill, Supply Chain Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Peter Whitford, Operation Analyst, Pollution Prevention / Zero Waste Group profile | email
Abby Young, General Services Administrator profile | email

Josiah Adams, Program Development Manager

Josiah is the Program Development Manager for the Energy Division at Ecology Action. In this role he creates, refines, and articulates the designs of programs and services to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings throughout California. As the founder of two successful business, Josiah relishes focusing his entrepreneurial drive to create innovative and effective ways to make buildings more energy efficient.

Josiah joined Ecology Action after finishing his MBA at UC Davis where he was a research fellow with the UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center. While in school, Josiah led a team working on a PIER-funded research program targeting energy efficiency in Multi-Tenant Light Commercial Buildings. Prior to graduate school, Josiah worked for 5 years as a contractor and project manager in the green building industry, and worked for a decade as an educator for the wilderness program Outward Bound. Josiah brings to his work a true passion for efficiency, a love of learning, and a commitment to applying business principles to social and environmental issues.

Josiah earned his BA in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College. Outside the office you can usually find Josiah on his bicycle, in the ocean, or with friends.
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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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Molly Attolico, Program Specialist

Molly currently works on coordinating Earth Day Santa Cruz and assists on a variety of other EA programs. Molly began working with Ecology Action in September of 2003 as a program coordinator for the Santa Cruz County Waste Free Schools Program. Since then she has coordinated and assisted on several other programs including the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program, Santa Cruz County Motor Oil Recycling Program, and BikeSmart. Molly's roles have involved program development and implementation, education, outreach, collaboration and quality assurance. She earned her degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Policy from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Prior to working with EA, Molly worked in Santa Cruz as Program Manager at Save Our Shores a marine conservation organization.
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Derek Avery, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Derek is an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the Energy Watch program. He comes to Ecology Action with a diverse professional background that includes financial planning, facilities management, and sales, as well as a B.S. in Management from Santa Clara University. His most recent work experience involved working with IT professionals to make the switch from PC desktop infrastructures to a more energy-efficient, centrally managed virtual environment.

Derek is passionate about making a positive impact on the world's ecosystem and its occupants and enjoys proving that it is possible to reduce energy consumption, save money, and have fun while doing so.
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Alyssa Joy Baker-Blanc, Business Development Associate, Energy Group

Alyssa is the Business Development Associate for the Energy Group at Ecology Action, and joined the team just after completing her degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Alyssa pursued coursework in both Environmental Studies and Politics, and brings to the table five years of non-profit work experience in environmental policy through previous employment with the California League of Conservation Voters. At EA Alyssa assists the business development team with in-depth research and proposal development. Outside of work she enjoys physical activities such as soccer and yoga, tends to a large organic garden, and takes advantage of the natural wonders Santa Cruz has to offer.
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Noelle Bell Copley, Assistant Program Manager, Energy Group

Noelle joined the Energy Division in April 2009 to broaden her knowledge of the environmental arena. 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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Phil Boutelle, Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Group

Phil is an Energy Efficiency Engineer for the Energy Group, providing general engineering support and assisting with the development and approval of new energy efficiency measures. In August of 2010, Phil began working for Ecology Action as a consultant, and in February 2011 he joined EA as an employee. Prior to working at EA, Phil worked for over five years as a NABCEP-Certified project engineer for a solar PV design-build company. One of his last solar projects for that company was to design the PV system on the new EA building in downtown Santa Cruz. Phil grew up in Santa Cruz, where he earned an A.S. in Engineering from Cabrillo College in 2006, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University, graduating Summa cum Laude in 2008. Before pursuing a career that combined engineering and renewable energy, Phil held various jobs that included fabricating custom light fixtures in an industrial arts studio, spending five seasons repairing trails at local state parks, and touring the U.S., Europe, and Japan in a band. Outside of work, Phil organizes and plays on three soccer teams, plays saxophone in a 10-piece ska band, and spends lots of time with his wife Megan and their son Desmond, who was born in 2008.
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Margaret Bruce, Vice President, Climate Group

Margaret leads the Climate Group at Ecology Action, which includes the flagship program Energy Upgrade California (EUC), a state-wide energy efficiency/renewable energy program conducted in collaboration with the California Energy Commission with ARRA funds. EUC includes a significant investment in workforce development and energy efficiency retrofit training. Margaret’s role includes identifying and developing leadership, partnership and service delivery opportunities supporting effective action to reduce climate changing emissions. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Margaret’s professional experience included environmental regulatory compliance programs at businesses and government facilities, and a wide range of environmental policy work, including: climate change, air quality, water quality (including serving on the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board), solid and hazardous waste issues, land use, and product stewardship. Margaret is one of the co-founders of Sustainable Silicon Valley, an environmental public benefit corporation addressing Climate, Energy, Water and other critical issues in Silicon Valley, and served on their board for 8 years.
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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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Piet Canin, Vice President, 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 Boltage school based incentive program and Cabrillo Zero Interest Bike Loan. 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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Amee Chapman, Systems Analyst

Amee joins Ecology Action with many years of experience IT Management and Web Design. After graduating from University of California at Irvine in 1996 she began her career in IT working for an Educational Publishing Company. From there she assisted in moving many non-profits into the technological age by setting up their networks and giving them a web presence. She became a consultant for Ecology Action in 2010 and was hired on in 2011 to assist with IT support and database management. In the meantime, Amee honed her craft as a Singer/Songwriter fronting many different bands in the Sierra Foothills. Her current band Amee Chapman & the Velvet Tumbleweeds plays regularly in Santa Cruz and around the Bay Area.
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Kisha Christal, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Kisha received a Bachelors in Business Management from University of Phoenix, and through that program was able to study International Business and Sociology in Cuernavaca Mexico. Kisha comes to Ecology Action with an extensive background in working with Business Owners, Property Managers and Hospitality Management. For the past 5 years she has worked very closely with management teams in these sectors to identify opportunities to reduce operating expenses and maximize efficiency using advanced technologies. Kisha is committed to helping her customers and strategic partners find ways to promote energy efficiency within their organizations and in turn their client base. To that end, her recent partnership with the San Francisco Energy Watch Program and the nonprofit organization Mercy Housing, assisted the company in recognizing a city wide property reduction of 53 Kilowatts last year. When not working, Kisha enjoys traveling, cycling, cooking and eating good food as well spending time with friends and family.
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Colin Clark, Senior Program Manager, Climate Solutions

Colin joined Ecology Action in 2008 as a member of the then newly formed Climate Group and in this role has worked to support the efforts of the Santa Cruz Climate Action Compact. Additionally, as a member of the Ecology Action Development Team Colin has been integrally involved in the development of several new programs for the Transportation and Climate Groups. Currently, Colin is helping lead the establishment and delivery of the Energy Upgrade California Program.

Tim Clinton, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Tim currently works as an Operations Analyst on the Energy Upgrade California Program. Tim came to EA most recently from West Marine’s IT department. While there Tim worked on many different sustainability projects to help the company become more environmentally friendly. Outside of work he divides his time between his wife, Sandi, his wedding photography company, and his seemingly countless hobbies.
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Dan Coley, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Dan Coley is an Energy Efficiency Specialist with the RightLights program. He trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, He worked as an installer of transparent glass widow coatings, increasing energy efficiency and cutting cost for residential and commercials buildings. Dan has a strong background in sales and customer service. A life long Santa Cruz resident, Dan has been a volunteer for the Surfrider Foundation, and Food not Bombs. He has also worked with AMD Construction in sustainable timber reclamation. His travels have taken him to Europe, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Dan enjoys riding his bike, the beach, and spending time with his wife Anilah, and son Dawson. Dan is committed to protecting and improving the environment for future generations.
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Amelia Conlen, Operations Analyst, Climate Group

Amelia joined Ecology Action in March 2011 as an Operations Analyst for the Climate team, where she will be assisting with Energy Upgrade California. Amelia has interned for the past year with the Transportation team, working on outreach and marketing for the Zipcar program and teaching kids their bicycle turn signals. She has a degree in Community, Environment and Planning from the University of Washington, where she focused on transportation planning and community development around urban agriculture. Amelia enjoys bike touring and experimenting with food preservation, and has pipe dreams of building commuter rail adjacent to Hwy 17.
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Greg Copley, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Greg Copley is an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the RightLights Program. In prior work, Greg worked in St. Paul, MN, recruiting and preparing fee-paying volunteers for international service work all around the world. In addition to these duties, he also traveled and served abroad with organization, did outreach at special events, and helped train new employees. In previous work, he was a lead electrician and plumber on a construction crew that remodeled apartments. Greg holds degrees in International Development and Spanish from the University of Oregon.
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Clarice Coppolino, Operations Administrative Coordinator, Climate Group

Clarice began working at Ecology Action as a Program Coordinator under the Department of Conservation's MultiFamily Recycling Grant. In collaboration with UCSC, Clarice assisted with the development and implementation of the campus residential recycling and Zero Waste campaign by providing outreach and education to students, faculty and families living on campus. She has become an advocate for sustainable practices and coordinating positive behavioral change. In March 2011, Clarice crossed over into the Climate Group by taking position as their Operations Administrative Coordinator. Clarice currently works under the Energy Upgrade California program, a statewide recognized program promoting energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy in homes and businesses. She enjoys traveling, yoga, strumming the ukulele, sewing and bettering her knowledge of alternative health and medicine.
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Sharon Evans, Accountant

Sharon joined Ecology Action as a part-time accountant in April 2008. In September 2010, we were fortunate to have her join us full time. Sharon has been doing accounting work since the 80's, and earned degrees in Business from Cañada College in Redwood City, and San Francisco State University. In the process of deciding on a career path, Sharon has also worked as an apprentice plumber, Ranger-Naturalist, and was the proprietor of a green building supply store. One of Sharon's fondest memories of her introduction to environmentalism was, as a youngster, collecting bottles and cans around her neighborhood for recycle, pulling the little wagons and carts with her brothers and mother. Sharon says she is proud to be able to contribute her skills to this organization that helps our Mother Earth.
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Scott Farmer, Sales Manager, Energy Group

Scott is an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the RightLights program and has been with Ecology Action since January 2010. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Scott worked as a construction project manager and LEED consultant specializing in developing and supporting sustainable facilities for nonprofit organizations.

Much of Scott’s work has focused on helping property owners and managers develop long-term strategies for sustainable facility operations; including energy use reduction campaigns and implementation of green maintenance and operations procedures.

Upon completion of his undergraduate work at Humboldt State University, Scott received a degree in Regenerative Planning and Design and a minor in Appropriate Technology. Scott is a LEED AP and Certified Green Building Professional.

Scott is excited to be a part of the emerging green economy and looks forward to providing real savings to local small businesses so they can reduce their ecological impact while simultaneously increasing their bottom lines.
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Courtney Faulkner, Assistant Installation Manager, Energy Group

Courtney currently works as an Assistant Installation Manager with the Energy Division. Courtney came to EA most recently from West Marine’s IT department. While there Courtney worked on several of the companies sustainability committees. Helping create and implement sustainable policies and practices. Outside of work she enjoys: Running, Swimming, Biking, Reading and spending time with her Husband Martin.
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Gregg Fishman, Government Liaison, Climate Group

Gregg Fishman has been the Government Liaison for Ecology Action since June, 2011. He spent the first 15 years of his career as a reporter and anchor at KFBK Radio in Sacramento and KGO Radio in San Francisco. He began working as a public information officer at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District on April 1, 1998, the same day that energy restructuring took effect in California. Three years later at the height of the energy crisis in California he started working at the California Independent System Operator—the organization that was in the center of the storm. He has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from CSU Sacramento, and in his spare time he coordinates a tree planting program in his Sacramento neighborhood. In nine years, the neighborhood has planted 1,400 trees to replace old Modesto Ash trees that are in decline.
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Brenda Giampaoli, HR Benefits Program Manager

Brenda joined Ecology Action as the HR Benefits Program Manager in late 2010. Brenda holds a Bachelors in Child Development from San Jose State University and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University.
Brenda has well over 15 years of Human Resource Administration experience. She has successfully worked in a variety of industries from hi-tech, non-profit, start up, and software development to manufacturing. Her passion is sustainability and her heart is in the green community. Before joining EA, Brenda owned her own sustainable kitchen and bath interior design company. She is an active member with the USGBC, the NCHRA and the NKBA, . She was a docent for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Hidden Villa, and Planned Parenthood.

When not up to her knees in benefit administration, she can be found outside enjoying nature with her family. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping, photography and playing ice hockey.
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Jon Green, Sales Manager, 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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Anthony Harrison, Energy Upgrade Specialist, Climate Group

Anthony Harrison joined Ecology Action in August 2011 as part of the Energy Upgrade California team. He works on clean energy financing and commercial retrofit programs with a strong focus on the innovative financing mechanism known as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). He brings with him a background in clean energy and sustainability policy, as well as experience in cleantech venture capital investment. His previous work experience includes working for a member of the State Assembly, Renewable Funding, and Apple. He received a BA in Political Science from San Jose State University. Anthony spends his free time with his beautiful wife and daughter.
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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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Hannah Hodgson, Program Coordinator, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Hannah Joy Hodgson currently works with the Pollution Prevention group focusing on building new relationships with the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in order to expand recycling, encourage zero waste and increase involvement with the community. Her responsibilities as UCSC Program Coordinator include assisting the Multifamily Recycling Group and Earth Day Santa Cruz Committee. Hannah joined the EA team in March 2010 as a P2 Intern giving her the opportunity to work on the Community Assessment Project. Hannah has years experience working with non profits and environmental programs. As a UCSC Community Studies undergraduate alumna, she worked with Monument Community Partnership in Concord, CA to complete her senior capstone on a partnership between the public, private and non profit sector working towards environmental justice.
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Julia Holl, Administrative Assistant

Julia started at Ecology Action in 2007 as front desk support and currently an Administrative Assistant in the General Services Division of Ecology Action, while continuing her education in Business Management and Organization. At EA Julia assist provides support for all programs and administrative staff. She is passionate about her work and loves that she gets to support all the different great work EA is doing.
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Brian Holman, Operations Director, Climate Group

Brian joined Ecology Action as the Climate Group’s Operations Director in late 2010. Brian holds a Bachelors of Business Administration and Finance from the University of New Mexico with a little bit of post graduate study of Environmental Law. Before joining EA, Brian held various roles at Central Coast Energy Services(another local environmental efficiency nonprofit), including Operations Manager, Assistant Director, and Site Manager. Prior to moving into the nonprofit world, Brian worked for many years as a manager in hi-tech manufacturing, safety, and training at both Intel and Honeywell. He is an active volunteer in the community working with Habitat for Humanity and area Beach Clean ups. Brian grew up in the high desert of New Mexico enjoying the sights, sounds, and adventures of living in the wideopen southwest. When not working on the Climate Group’s administration of the Energy Upgrade California program, Brian enjoys mountain biking, working out, kayaking, movies, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
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Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Jeremy has recently joined the Climate Group as a member of the Delivery Team for the Energy Upgrade California 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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Karl Jacobson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Karl joined the RightLights program in 2010 as an Energy Efficiancy Specialist. Prior to working at Ecology Action, he was a Residential Construction Project Manager for 10 years, building sustainable housing in Santa Cruz County. Karl studied Construction management, Marketing/Advertising,and Foreign Language at Cabrillo College, where he was also a scholar-athlete soccer player. He now enjoys coaching his son Xavi’s Soccer team.
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Brennen Jensen, Senior Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Brennen Jensen is currently the Senior Program Manager for the Energy Upgrade California program. With over 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. Fluent in English and Spanish, Brennen provides bilingual outreach and education in several program areas.
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Brian Kimball, Director of Energy Programs, Energy Group

Brian has been with Ecology Action since January 2005, when he began as an Energy Efficiency Specialist. Since then he served as Operations Manager, Program Manager, and now as Director of Energy Programs. In his current role he is responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of the AMBAG Energy Watch, CasinoGreen, LodgingSavers, RightLights, RightLights Plus, San Mateo County Energy Watch, and Silicon Valley Energy Watch programs. He serves on the Resource Management and Climate Protection subcommittee of the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County, is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and studies law at Santa Clara University.
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Danielle Kish, Installation Manager, Energy Group

Danielle currently works as an Installation Manager with the Energy Division. She recently graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A in Environmental Studies and Minor in Kinesiology. While in college she worked to bring Environmentalism to the University with education and outreach activities focused around bicycles and alternative transportation with the Environmental Club and Environmental Resource Center. She has had a life long passion for the outdoors and strives to be an example of how one can live with a small impact on the planet.
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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, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group

As one of the Energy Program Managers for the RightLights, San Mateo Energy Watch, Silicon Valley Energy Watch, and AMBAG Energy Watch programs, Debbie supports the team of Sales Managers and Energy Efficiency Specialists and interfaces with our utility customers to achieve our energy saving goals. She has worked at Ecology Action since 2007 as an energy efficiency specialist and a sales manager. Debbie has experience as a manager in multiple non-profit agencies and has always been a strong advocate of working with community partners to achieve common goals. She 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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Aleah Lawrence-Pine, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Aleah is a Program Specialist in the Climate Division, serving the Central Coast Region for Energy Upgrade California. She has previously worked in Ecology Action's Pollution Prevention Division as a bilingual Program Specialist for the MultiFamily Recycling Program in 2010 and during a prior stint at EA as a Program Coordinator for Annual Coastal Cleanup Day in Santa Cruz County in 2006. She began working with EA as an intern in 2006 on the Community Assessment Project to help the community set goals for the improvements to the Natural Environment in Santa Cruz County. Aleah has extensive experience in community organizing focused on behavior change, social justice and environmental issues. From 2007 to 2009 she designed and implemented education and volunteer programs to reduce plastic pollution in Central California's watersheds and near shore waters while working for Save Our Shores in Santa Cruz. Aleah holds a B. A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz.
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Paul Leow, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul is currently the Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist for the RightLights Program and is focused on using energy efficiency for both economic and environmental profit. Prior to his current position, Paul managed Ecology Action's San Francisco office and has work on both the San Mateo County Energy Watch and the San Francisco Energy Watch Programs. Paul also volunteers with The China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Alliance, addressing the world's largest carbon reduction project, and is working to install wind turbines on his family's wheat farm. He is fluent in Mandarin, enjoys Chinese calligraphy, outdoor adventures, and just started learning to play the guitar.
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Jeanne LePage, Program Specialist, 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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Bonnie Low, North Coast Regional Senior Program Manager, Climate Group

Bonnie is the Regional Program Manager for Energy Upgrade California in the North Coast and Capitol Regions. In this capacity, she coordinates the delivery of the Energy Upgrade California program throughout an eleven-County area that includes Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, Siskiyou, Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, San Joaquin and Solano counties. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Bonnie developed the sustainability consulting firm Greenleaf Project Management which serves clients in the public and private sector as well as various non-profits in the areas of sustainability, recycling and green jobs development. Bonnie is an experienced grant writer and specializes in non-profit development and project management. Prior to launching her consulting firm, Bonnie spent eighteen years in local government in northern California working in Public Works, Recycling and Municipal Utilities.

In addition to a fulfilling professional career, Bonnie is the mother of three boys and co-owner of H & H Farms where she and her family specialize in heritage breed livestock and heirloom fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bonnie has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson University and a California teaching credential.
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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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Henry Mak, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Henry joined Ecology Action in September 2010 as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the Right Lights Program in San Mateo County. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Henry was the energy specialist and trainer for PG&E’s Energy Partners Program (EPP). EPP is the largest energy saving program for residential dwellings in California. He had helped more than 1000 residents in the bay area to make their homes becoming more energy efficient, and to improve their living conditions. Henry is excited to continue the energy efficiency mission in the business arena.
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Paul Martinez, Operation Analyst, Climate Group

As Operations Coordinator, Paul works for our Climate Group focusing on the Energy Upgrade California Program. Paul’s past experience has included operations support for several local technology company startups and customer advocacy work at Central Coast Energy Services. Paul has a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Marketing from San Jose State University.
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Keikilani McKay, Marketing Event Specialist, Climate Group

Keikilani McKay joined the Climate team in May 2011 as the Marketing Event Specialist in the Climate team. Her goal is to educate and launch the regional outreach events for Energy Upgrade California. Keiki has a BA in Politics from University of California Santa Cruz and a MA in Public Policy from UW Madison in environmental policy. She has over 15 years in marketing, program development, and event management experience. Keiki grew up on Kauai raised on zero waste and solar principals and is committed to preserving the environment.
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Jennifer McNeil, Operations Manager, Energy Group

Jennifer McNeil joined Ecology Action in 2004. As Operations Manager she is responsible for supervising the Installation Management team and supporting the Energy Division's full portfolio of programs. This team receives and fulfills work orders for energy efficiency retrofit jobs, managing third party contractors, ensures consistent and effective workflow of program operations, documents, and defines program processes. The team is also responsible for the accurate collection and reporting of program data, and manages installation quality assurance. As Operations Manager, Jennifer is a key contributor to the continued development of the software tool used to deliver these services, and is responsible for coordinating with Program Managers, Sales Managers, and Energy Services to deliver successful programs with outstanding customer and client satisfaction. Jennifer's depth and knowledge of how the programs operate is wide and deep, because of this she has been called the "go to person" and hub of information.

Jay Melena, 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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Arch Mott, Energy Services Applications Manager, Energy Group

Arch is involved with the design, implementation and support of the applications that the Energy Group uses to conduct business. Arch started as a consultant with Ecology Action in November of 2009, helping with the deployment of the EnergyOrbit system, and joined EA as an employee in June 2010. Arch has been involved with Information Technology and Energy for more than 20 years, including a 9 year stint at the National Renewable Energy Lab (formerly Solar Energy Research Institute) in Golden, Colorado. More recently Arch worked with a Santa Cruz-based solar energy contractor, focusing mainly on systems to monitor solar energy production.
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Nick Mucha, Program Specialist Transportation Group

Nick Mucha manages the Bike-2-Work, Go Green Cabrillo and Car Share programs for Ecology Action’s Sustainable Transportation division. He has been with Ecology Action since December, 2009.

Nick has over six years experience developing and implementing community-based programs. His experience working with community and environmental programs stems back to 2004 when he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, Central America. Since then he has founded and directed his own community development organization, Project WOO, which serves Latin American coastal communities. While serving as the Executive Director, Nick helped Nicaraguan villages organize and launch public transportation systems to meet their basic needs.

Nick graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2002 with a B.A. in Political Science.

He enjoys surfing, running, live music, coffee and travel.
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Jim Murphy, Interim CEO
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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Oren Nawi, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Oren joined Ecology Action in July 2010 as an energy efficiency specialist for the Right Lights Plus program in the City of Palo Alto. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Oren worked as an energy efficiency consultant for a home performance company in the east San Francisco Bay Area helping residents to make their homes more comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient.

Before pursuing his career in the energy efficiency field, Oren left his home in Israel and spent several years traveling and living with rural communities around the world. This inspired him to pursue a BA degree in International Development Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. As a student he lived in Vietnam and performed a comparative study of the rural farming practices of two ethnic minority communities in North Vietnam. Also through UC Berkeley he lived in Brazil and worked with the US-Brazil Consortium on Agro-ecology and Sustainable Rural Development. As part of a small team, he helped develop a network among small farms and their customers in Brazil to promote and support sustainable farming. Oren also worked in micro-finance, successfully promoting an innovative domestic micro-lending program for small businesses, recruiting participation from several micro-credit organizations around the US.

Oren is excited at the opportunity to promote energy savings and sustainable living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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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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Carey Odden, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Carey is the Program Manager for the Monterey Bay Area Regional MultiFamily Recycling Project for the Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Division. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Carey worked for the State of Idaho for three years as a Grants Specialist and Grant/Contracts Officer. She became familiar with Ecology Action while working at the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County for seven years, partnering on the Livestock and Land program. Carey has extensive experience writing grants and managing grant funded projects for programs focused on environmental issues including water quality improvement, sediment reduction, fuel load reduction and fish passage improvements. She has worked with local, regional and state government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups including volunteering locally with the Coastal Watershed Council and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. She also served in the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project in Humboldt County doing fisheries and watershed work.

Carey grew up in Santa Cruz, went to Bay View, Mission Hills, and Santa Cruz High. She holds an A.S. in Biology from Cabrillo and a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Humboldt State University. She is excited to be contributing to an organization that focuses on both community and environment.
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Nancy Ogle, Office Manager

Nancy joined Ecology Action as Office Manager at the end of 2010, just before the move into our new green headquarters. She began recycling at Ecology Action in the late 70’s at our old Live Oak location, and then at the substation near her home on the west side. She’s been a regular bike-commuter to previous positions in accounting and office management at small businesses and non-profits in Santa Cruz, where over the years she instituted recycling, helped initiate Green Business Certification, and participated in a Climate Action Team. Nancy is an avid ocean rower, hiker, and organic gardener. Long-time home-composters and vermiculturists, her family recently installed a greywater system.
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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 Program Manager, 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.

Jennifer Rupnow, Senior Program Manager, Climate Group

Jennifer Rupnow is the Regional Program Manager in the Central Coast Region for Energy Upgrade California, a statewide program to encourage improved efficiency measures in homes and other properties in California. Jennifer’s role involves program implementation, education, outreach, collaboration and quality assurance. Prior to joining Ecology Action, Jennifer’s professional experience included green construction and management, real estate management, sustainable development, conservation science and institutional analysis. Jennifer has a MS in conservation science and a BA in education and environmental sciences.
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Carlos V. Sedano, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Carlos Sedano is an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the LodgingSavers Program where he serves the Central San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast and surrounding areas to help the hospitality industry reduce electric, gas and water usage. Carlos has worked with LodgingSavers and other energy efficiency programs for many years as an installation contractor. He has been involved with the specification and installation of various energy saving measures such as guest room energy management systems, energy efficient lighting upgrades, HVAC tune-ups, refrigeration measures, as well as low-flow shower heads and aerators. Carlos has sought to further his understanding of the technologies of the energy efficiency industry having attended many training courses from respected companies such as Telkonet, Lodging Technology, Entergize, and Field Diagnostics. In 2006 Carlos received a certification in HVAC Training and (EPA) Universal from the Institute of Technology Clovis Ca.
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Kyrrha Sevco, Energy Services Manager, Energy 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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Chaitanya Sharma, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Chaitanya Sharma joined Ecology Action in September 2011 as a Senior Energy Efficiency Engineer. Chaitanya has over 4 years of experience in energy efficiency with a focus on retro-commissioning (RCx). Chaitanya started his career as a commissioning authority (CxA) and did retro-commissioning (RCx), monitoring based commissioning (MBCx) and new building commissioning projects. Subsequently, he moved into energy efficiency and worked with clients within several sectors including hospitality, healthcare, commercial offices, university campuses and data centers.

Chaitanya holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, 2006 and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Thermosciences) from the Stanford University, 2008. Chaitanya is a Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer registered in the state of California (PE), a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C) and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

Outside of work Chaitanya enjoys playing and following all sorts of sports and is slowly becoming a fan of American sports - Basketball, Baseball and Football (which of course meant soccer to him back when he was in India)!

Rob Straka, IT Support Engineer

Rob grew up in San Francisco and later attended Cal Poly Pomona where he double majored in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology and “Being Awesome”. While at Cal Poly Rob was heavily involved in the Cycling Club and held various officer positions as well as the Presidency for 2 years.

Rob moved to Santa Cruz in 2005 and began a home-based computer consulting business while working at a local bike shop, Family Cycling Center. One of Rob’s first consulting clients was Ecology Action when the office was located in the NIAC building on Front Street. Also in 2005, Rob completed his first Marathon with the group Team in Training whose goal is to cure blood cancers. Since then Rob has fundraised and trained for 7 endurance events with Team in Training including the Honolulu marathon, San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon and the Wildflower Half-Ironman Triathlon. In the Spring of 2006 Rob also served as head coach for the Santa Cruz/Monterey Team in Training Triathlon Team.

In 2007 Rob became a full-time IT Support Specialist at Cooper Technologies where he often worked with MIS/IT Coordinator Victor Aguiar. In late 2010 Rob joined Ecology Action to fill the newly created IT Support Engineer position with the primary task of preparing the new building for Ecology Action’s growing technology needs.
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Steve Suba, Sales Manager, 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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Nick Sudano, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/ Zero Waste Group

Nick joined Ecology Action in October 2008 with over a decade of experience in the Environmental industry. His previous experiences include over eight years if program/project management for groundwater monitoring and remediation in the private sector. Nick has additionally worked in the public sector assisting with Household Hazardous Waste Programs, Recycling Programs and youth focused Environmental educational programs. He holds an Environmental Studies degree from San Jose State University and is enthusiastic to serve and grow the Livestock & Land program.
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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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Kira Ticus, Program Specialist, Transportation Group

Kira joined Ecology Action in 2009 as a Program Assistant for the Sustainable Transportation Division , dividing her time between several programs: EA Transportation Membership Services, BikeSmart!, Bike to Work/School Day and Bike Week, and Go Green Cabrillo. Kira initially came to EA as a volunteer for some of the Sustainable Transportation Program events, subsequently interning for several months. Kira is an avid bike commuter and holds a BA in Environmental Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz.
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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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Peter Whitford, Operation Analyst, Pollution Prevention / Zero Waste Group

Peter Whitford started his career as an Industrial Engineer after graduating from Penn State University. He moved to California to start the Green MBA program at Dominican University where he graduated in 2009. While attending school, he put his resource efficiency and analytical skills to use helping to develop business opportunities around recycling for Native American tribes in Northern Nevada and developing a business plan for a waste and recycling transfer station for the La Jolla Indian Reservation. He also brings outreach experience working with the city of Palo Alto on business recycling to his new position at Ecology Action as a Program Specialist working on the Monterey Bay Area Regional Tourism Recycling Project.
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Abby Young, General Services Administrator

Abby joined Ecology Action in January 2011 as Contracts Administrator, after seven years as Program Coordinator for the STEPS Institute at UC Santa Cruz. At STEPS, she was responsible for promoting interdisciplinary research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and policy, as well as coordinating the annual Fred Keeley Lecture. Her career includes extensive experience as a project manager, proposal writer, and grant administrator for both educational and community organizations. She is very pleased to be contributing her energy and experience to the important work of Ecology Action.
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