About Us Topics

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
Molly Attolico, Program Specialist, Transportation Group profile | email
Noelle Bell, Assistant Program Manager, 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, Program Director, Transportation Group profile | email
Colin Clark, Program Specialist, Climate Solutions profile | email
Carla Classen, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Tim Clinton, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Gavin Comstock, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Greg Copley, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Scott Farmer, Sales Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Jon Green, Sales Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Caroline Hawkins, General Services Administrator profile | email
Anna Hirst, Communications Coordinator 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, 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, 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, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Paul Martinez, Operations Coordinator 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, Vice President, Energy Group profile | email
Oren Nawi, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Darren Nix, Energy Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Carey Odden, Senior Program Specialist 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
Laura Revilla, Program Specialist Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Bill Robinson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Angela Rocchio, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Kyrrha Sevco, Energy Services Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Elaina Smith, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Gordon Smith, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Steve Suba, Sales Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Gene Thomas, Technical & Administrative Manager Energy Group profile | email
Kira Ticus, Assistant 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, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention / Zero Waste 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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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).
back to top

Molly Attolico, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Molly helps coordinate and implement the Bike Smart! Youth Bicycle Safety Program. Bike Smart! encourages youth to bicycle for fun, transportation and health through hands-on bicycle education at local schools. Bike Smart’s bicycle skills "rodeos" (obstacle courses) inspire and empower kids to hop on a bike and leave mom and dad's car at home. Youth of all ages learn essential bicycling knowledge and skills, such as helmet fit, traffic laws, being visible and riding predictably. She also assist on other programs within Ecology Actions Sustainable Transportation Division. Prior to joining the Sustainable Transportation Division Molly worked within Ecology Actions Pollution Prevention Division managing the Waste Free Schools Program, the Santa Cruz County Motor Oil Recycling Program and assisted on the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. 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.
back to top

Noelle Bell, 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.
back to top

Margaret Bruce, Vice President, Climate Group

Margaret leads the Climate Group at Ecology Action, which includes the flagship program CaliforniaFIRST, a two year, state-wide energy efficiency/renewable energy pilot project. 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. Margaret lives in the San Lorenzo Valley where she likes to play outside.
back to top

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. .
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Carla Classen, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Carla joined Ecology Action in 2009 as an Energy Efficiency Specialist. She spent 10 years as an Architectural and Landscape designer in San Diego. In her landscape design practice she stressed the use of low water plants and water conservation. In the architectural design practice she focused on creating energy efficient environments and stressed the use of non-toxic materials. Carla was educated at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago where she studied Interior Architecture. That included a focus on Green Building and Design, the use of indigenous materials and the impact of both transportation and materials manufacturing in the overall calculation of the carbon footprint of a project. She has always worked towards preserving the environment something that was instilled in her from a young age. Her professional interests include renewable energy technologies and environmental advocacy something she pursued with the California Center for Sustainable Energy in San Diego and Beach Cleanup efforts.
back to top

Tim Clinton, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Tim currently works as an Energy Efficiency Specialist with the Energy Division. 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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Virginia Johnson, Executive Director / CEO

Virginia serves as Executive Director/CEO of Ecology Action, Inc., a role she has held since joining the non-profit in 1995. As Executive Director/CEO, Virginia has effectively leveraged three decades of experience in strategic business development and marketing to exponentially increase Ecology Action’s mission-driven service offerings and revenues.

Virginia also brings to Ecology Action deep knowledge of non-profit management through her service on governing boards and advisory groups for many community based organizations, some of which include: RotaCare Free Medical Clinic of Santa Cruz, the FEMA Board of Santa Cruz County, Homeless Shelter Project of the Community Action Board, the HIV Consortium of Santa Cruz County, Above The Line (services for homeless teenagers), Westside Community Health Center, and New Life Community Services Family Shelter.

Under Virginia’s leadership, Ecology Action has evolved into a leading environmental consultancy that includes four divisions: Climate and Community, Energy, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste, and Transportation. These four divisions are responsible for operating dozens of local and regional programs, partnering with numerous public, private and non-profit organizations.

Virginia serves as the 5th District appointee to the Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment and is a board member of the Santa Cruz Area Transportation Management Association.

Virginia graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a 25-year resident of Santa Cruz County, where she and her husband raised her three children.
back to top

Brian Kimball, Director of Energy Programs, 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.
back to top

Danielle Kish, Installation Manager, Energy Group

Danielle currently works as an Assistant 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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Debbie Kranefuss, Energy Program 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.
back to top

Aleah Lawrence-Pine, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Aleah returned to Ecology Action’s Pollution Prevention Programs as a Program Specialist for the MultiFamily Recycling Program in 2010. She began working with EA as an intern, working on the Community Assessment Project, a community based process to goals for Environmental Improvements in Santa Cruz County. Following her internship, Aleah worked as a Program Coordinator for EA to organize the 2006 Annual Coastal Cleanup Day efforts in Santa Cruz County. Aleah has extensive experience in community organizing focused on social justice and environmental issues. Most recently 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.
back to top

Paul Leow, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul is currently the Energy Efficiency Specialist for the San Mateo County Energy Watch 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 successfully delivered savings for hundreds of businesses. 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, Aikido, and outdoor adventures.
back to top

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!
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Ryan Mack, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

A native of Northern California, 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 campus, increasing the overall recycling rate to 60%. He also served as an active member of the university’s sustainability committee. Prior to his work at USF, Ryan advised the City of Providence, RI on climate change policy. 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 holds a M.S. in Environmental Management and is a LEED AP.
back to top

Paul Martinez, Operations Coordinator

As Operations Coordinator, Paul supports the CaliforniaFIRST municipal financing program, facilities management, IT, and HR. In the past, Paul worked at CCES (Central Coast Energy Services) in Watsonville as an Office Manager supporting energy conservation and customer advocacy within the HEAP, Weatherization, CARE, and Water Reduction programs. Paul’s past experience has included operations support for several local technology company startups. Paul has a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Marketing from San Jose State University.
back to top

Jennifer McNeil, Operations Manager, Energy Group

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Carey Odden, Senior Program Specialist

Carey joined Ecology Action in 2010 as a Senior Program Specialist for the Pollution Prevention / Zero Waste Team. Carey worked at the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County for 7 years, partnering with Ecology Action on the Livestock and Land program which aimed to work with rural landowners to improve water quality in our local watersheds. Carey has extensive experience writing grants and managing grant funded projects for programs focused on water quality improvement, sediment reduction, fuel load reduction and fish passage improvements. She has volunteered and worked with local, regional and state government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups including the Coastal Watershed Council, Swanson Hydrology and Geomorphology, and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. She also served in the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project in Humboldt County area 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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Laura Revilla, Program Specialist Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Laura joined Ecology Action in 2010 as a Program Specialist for the Multi Family Recycling Project implementing and administering project work, working with multi-family housing facilities, local public agency waste reduction offices, local solid waste haulers and related private sector service providers to increase waste diversion in the Monterey Bay Area.

Previously, Laura worked for the Local Conservation Corps in Marin County and the city of San Jose as both a Recycling Program and Special Event Coordinator. She has worked closely with managers and DOC representatives to produce grant proposals and subsequently successfully achieve grant goals and program requirements. She has experience working with recycling haulers to coordinate pick up schedules, rates and other issues at both the county and city level. In addition, as a Program Coordinator, she has supervised recycling education supervisors as well as supported crews of youth at risk. Most recently, her work focused on greening Special Events in the city of San Jose. Together with the city’s Environmental Services Department she implemented a comprehensive resource recovery system that yielded record waste diversion numbers for the city.

Laura graduated from San Jose State University in 2002 with a BS Environmental Studies, minor in Biology.
back to top

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.
back to top

Angela Rocchio, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Angela joined Ecology Action in February 2010 as a Program Specialist for the Multi Family Recycling Program. Prior to joining Ecology Action, she worked with United Way of Santa Cruz County as coordinator of a Watsonville-based youth advocacy program, Jóvenes SANOS which aims to implement policy and system change on the issue of childhood obesity. This program received recognition on a local, state and national level and their successes were featured a nationwide conference in August of 2009. As part of her work with United Way, Angela was able to work closely with Ecology Action’s transportation team the past two years assisting with the coordination and implementation of Bike to School Day in South County. She comes to Ecology Action with extensive experience developing and managing community based programs. While in college, Angela worked as an environmental educator and guided backpacking trips for youth. She graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Natural Resources.
back to top

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.
back to top

Elaina Smith, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Elaina joined Ecology Action in 2010 as a Program Specialist for P2/Zero Waste Division. Elaina has worked in the solid waste and Recycling industry for 25 years with hands on experience as a driver picking up recycling for 12 years, as a manager for a brand new Material Recovery Facility with over 40 employees for four years, and subsequently transitioned to a position as a recycling coordinator for 12 different jurisdictions. While in the recycling coordinator position she performed waste assessments for local commercial business, schools, colleges, State Parks, multi-family housing and many more locations. She also handled all outreach at special events, schools, colleges, commercial businesses. Elaina has worked in coordination with several different programs/groups, CCRMC, 3R, litter embankment and recycling task forces.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Kira Ticus, Assistant 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.
back to top

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.
back to top

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.
back to top

Peter Whitford, Program Specialist, 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.
back to top