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Ecology Action Staff

Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Victor Aguiar, Information Technology Coordinator profile | email
Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Energy Group profile | email
Aaron Brown, Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Sherry Lee Bryan, Program Specialist - Bilingual Outreach, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Tim Bustos, Program Specialist, Transportation Group profile | email
Piet Canin, Program Director, Transportation Group profile | email
Mandy Caruso, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Colin Clark, Program Specialist, Climate Solutions profile | email
Gavin Comstock, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Jason Davis, Project and Administrative Assistant profile | email
Michael Drury, Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Karl Gee, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Caroline Hawkins, General Services Administrator profile | email
Anna Hirst, Communications Coordinator profile | email
John Holden, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Kurt Hurley, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Brennen Jensen, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Daniel Jones, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Virginia Johnson, Executive Director / CEO profile | email
Brian Kimball, Operations Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Cliff Kramer, Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Debbie Kranefuss, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Paul Leow, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Paul Lewis, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy 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
Jennifer McNeil, Program Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Bonnie McPike, Program Specialist, Transportation Division profile | email
Jay Melena, Financial Analyst, Energy Group profile | email
Sarah Mueller, Program Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Darren Nix, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Molly Ober, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Patricia (Patty) Overstreet, Executive Assistant/Clerk of the Board profile | email
Evan Parker, Finance Director profile | email
Heba Petursson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Rachel Radcliffe, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
David Rath, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Marina Rose, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Kyrrha Sevco, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Gordon Smith, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Nick Sudano, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/ Zero Waste Group profile | email
Gene Thomas, Technical & Administrative Manager Energy Group profile | email
Elizabeth Thompson, Program Manager, Climate Solutions profile | email
Chuck Tremper, Vice President, General Services profile | email

Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist

Paul has been an energy efficiency expert since 1979, and has participated in numerous award winning 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 recognizes the unique requirements of individual businesses, and creates lighting systems that work for the customer, the economy, and the environment.

Paul was born, raised, and presently resides in the island city of Alameda. He has a B.A. in Creative Writing from California State University, San Francisco, and has also completed 1.5 years of graduate work in Education. He served 4 years in the US Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, and in his spare time enjoys hiking, singing, coaching basketball, reading, and writing.
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Victor Aguiar, Information Technology Coordinator

Ecology Action's senior staff member, Victor has worked since 1989 as a program director for Ecology Action and brings a strong background in recycling, energy and environmental education. Victor got his start by combining entertainment and environmental education with a project that visits small towns. As the Director of "Zero Waste" Programs here at Ecology Action, he manages all Business Waste Reduction consulting, is the chief designer of the WasteNot Businesses Assistance Program and Software, created Monterey Bay's Regional Materials Reuse Network (ProMAX), manages public recycling and environmental action information resources, and supervises the award-winning Public Schools Resource Conservation Program. Victor specializes in helping businesses and institutions to identify "front end" measures that reduce cost by eliminating waste before it starts. Victor earned his BA in Environmental Studies and Planning, with a certificate in Energy Management and Design from Sonoma State University.
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Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Energy Group

For the past 15 years Mahlon has specialized in designing and deploying programs that enable businesses and individuals to save money by increasing environmental performance. During his work with Ecology Action, he has consulted extensively in the industries of dry cleaning, pest management, and agriculture to help businesses adopt less toxic technologies. Mahlon has also led Ecology Action's work with many public sector clients as well as private sector clients and foundations. Mahlon currently leads Ecology Action’s Energy Programs. He also consulted with the Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee on the adoption of their Zero Waste theme for the 2002 Winter Games. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1989.
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Aaron Brown, Program Manager, Energy Group

Aaron joined the Right Lights Team in the Fall of 2003. Having taken time away from his management career to remodel his off-the-grid home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he was looking to count himself as an integral part of something admirable. Aaron has always needed to “believe” in the project at hand. In this, he has often found himself as a Champion of “Lost” Causes. His desire to make a difference for failing entities has seen him through the successful turn-around of numerous independent theatres, bookstores and cafes. Working with community leaders, making strong business relationships, and developing a powerful team that operates on a platform of common sense, dedication, and sincerity, has been a winning combination/mantra. Further, bringing success to challenged businesses has required establishing a strong handle on the need, re-use and waste of materials. Each business he has operated has had its financial successes immediately followed by, what Aaron considers the greater measure of success… a sign, stating to all, The Management and Staff of this facility proudly recycle more than we throw away. He believes that, once the business is succeeding in both these areas, its model can be held as an example for other local businesses and that it has the responsibility to reach outward and engage the community in which it shares success. Aaron is truly grateful for the help and cooperation of all of his coworkers and hopes to be able to continually bring his skills and his passion to Ecology Action. In the end, his primary objective is to leave behind him something better than what was there before and to curb the degradation of what is generally thought of as beautiful or special.
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Sherry Lee Bryan, Program Specialist - Bilingual Outreach, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Sherry Lee Bryan began working with Ecology Action in July of 2002 as a bilingual outreach assistant in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Outreach program partnership with Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority. Presently, she is assisting Ecology Action in the implementation of IPM partnerships in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Sherry also directs the Home Composting education program in partnership with the County of Santa Cruz. Sherry earned her degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Agro-ecology with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has worked in Santa Cruz County in organic farming since 1996. 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. Sherry also assists in other Ecology Action programs as a bilingual outreach educator.
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Tim Bustos, Program Specialist, Transportation Group

As an avid cyclist, Tim’s been working on sustainable transportation projects in a number of capacities for over 20 years. After he received his degree in Environmental Resource Management and Planning in the early 1980s he worked as a Transportation/Air Quality Specialist for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He later went on to work under a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation as the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the seven westernmost counties of Northwest Florida. In the early 1990’s Tim moved back to his home state of California to begin work as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Davis, where he worked for over twelve years. It was during this time that Davis received the “Bicycle Friendly Community” award at the “Platinum” level – the first city in the U.S. to receive this award at the highest level.

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

When he’s not riding his bike, Tim is often found taking part in his other obsession – surfing, which helps to explain why he now calls Santa Cruz home.
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Piet Canin, Program Director, Transportation Group

Piet is a long time staff member who started with EA in 1989. Piet brings a life long passion and enthusiasm for bicycling to his main responsibility of directing the Bike to Work/School program. With his guidance, the Bike to Work program has grown into a Santa Cruz tradition and one of the most successful bicycling programs in the country. The local Bike to Work effort has been recognized by the UN, the League of American Bicyclists, as well as many local agencies. Piet also staffs the Santa Cruz Bicycle Industry Coalition, the Electric Bicycle Commuter Incentive program and Santa Cruz Area TMA outreach effort. 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, the RTC’s Bike Committee, Go For Health and Friends of the Rail Trail (FORT).
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Mandy Caruso, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Mandy joined Ecology Action (EA) in February 2008 as a Program Specialist for the Monterey Bay Area Regional Multifamily Recycling Project. Mandy has worked in local government in Monterey County as a Recycling Specialist for the past 6.5 years. During that time, Mandy was able to foster her dedication to waste reduction and pollution prevention through administration of a variety of programs; Used Oil & Filter Recycling, Business Waste Reduction, Special Event Recycling, Community Outreach and Education, as well as various other reuse and recycling programs. Mandy’s passion for environmental conservation, life, and laughter is evident in both her professional and personal life. Mandy grew up in Eugene, Oregon and moved to the Monterey Bay area in 2001 after living and working in Galway, Ireland. Mandy holds a BS in Natural Resources from Oregon State University. When she is not the “Recycling & Waste Reduction Rock Star”, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, Ty, family, and friends and taking her dogs; Pepper and Murphy to the beach!
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Colin Clark, Program Specialist, Climate Solutions

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

Gavin Comstock 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. Gavin works for the Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste team. He fulfills numerous roles as a bilingual program coordinator in the Pollution Prevention department and enjoys all of them.
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Jason Davis, Project and Administrative Assistant

Jason Davis was born and raised in the East Bay Area of California. Living in a culturally diverse area led him to a major in Anthropology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz and enjoys nature and travel. Most recently he visited Argentina and saw wondrous facets of pristine landscape. Jason is happy to be a part of the Ecology Action Team as Administrative Assistant and excited to learn more about ways to ecologically benefit the environment.
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Michael Drury, Program Director, Energy Group

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

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

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

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

Karl Gee has spent his career in the energy management field. He has served as the energy manager for the Boston Public Schools, as well as a Fortune 500 retail chain with locations in 23 states. His experience includes working as a lighting specialist, performance contracting, alternative energy supply sources (electricity and transportation fuels).

Karl is a former board member to a publicly traded Bio diesel company and also served as a board member to the Bay Area Energy Association. He was also a member of the American Society of Heating Refrigeration Engineers Association (ASHREA) and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

“25 years of personal experience shows that lighting retrofit has always been one fo the foundational building blocks of a solid energy management program, and generates profits and operating capital to the bottom line of all enterprises”, Karl Gee, Certified Energy Purchaser.
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Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

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

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

Anna has been with Ecology Action since 1997 as a Project Manager for the Safer Technologies in Fabricare Program and various Used Oil Management Programs. During her tenure at EA, Anna has worked with most programs, including the Business Waste Reduction, Electric Bike, ProMAX, and Home Composting programs. She has also assisted with grant writing, office administration, MIS support, and graphic design. 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 returned to Ecology Action in 2004 to focus on public relations and graphic design for the agency. Anna holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1997. She is an avid traveler, deriving her passion for environmental work from experiencing natural ecosystems and diverse cultures worldwide.
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John Holden, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

A native San Franciscan, John graduated with an A.S degree from Heald College in Electrical Engineering. He has worked for Norcal Waste Systems for the past 18 years. John assisted in the implementation of the Green Waste Recycling Program, which allowed businesses to develop a composting regiment throughout San Francisco. He was a Teamster representative and sat on the Norcal Waste System’s pension board. He is a father of a six-year-old son living in Mill Valley. John is excited about his role as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the San Francisco Energy Watch Program.
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Kurt Hurley, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kurt Hurley’s work at Ecology Action has centered around water pollution prevention programs. At Ecology Action, Kurt has benefited from many opportunities to apply his prior, private-sector experience toward the success of environmental work. He has also used his art photography as a vehicle for environmental advocacy.
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Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist

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

Brennen Jensen joined our team in 2007 as a member of the Zero Waste/Pollution Prevention Group. 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. Working toward Zero Waste with our Monterey Peninsula Special Event Recycling & Litter Abatement Program as well as toward Pollution Prevention through our Model School Program, Brennen seeks to infuse the community she serves with a deep rooted conservation ethic catalyzing deliberate yet effortless adoption of daily practices for a better world. She strives to instill a lived understanding of the power of minute actions to generate tremendous positive social and environmental change. 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. Fluent in English and Spanish, Brennen provides bilingual outreach and education in several program areas. 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. In her spare time, Brennen enjoys exploring the splendid cosmos of which we are a part, taking deep breaths, climbing trees, gardening, painting, sipping wine, writing poetry, motorcycle riding, ballet dancing and otherwise sucking the marrow out of life.
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Daniel Jones, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Daniel comes to Ecology Action with over twenty years of technology sales experience. He believes technology can be used to increase sustainability and lessen our impact on the planet. He credits his parents with fostering the lifelong ecological awareness that drove him to participate in the very first Earth Day. Daniel loves outdoor sports of all kinds and is very involved in community work.
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Virginia Johnson, Executive Director / CEO

Virginia is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, with 32 years of business and nonprofit experience, including 18 years as a nonprofit executive director. Since 1985, her marketing and strategic development expertise has substantially increased the level of service delivered by EA to the community. The organization has evolved to perform not only as a grassroots education agency, but also as a technical consulting entity to regional governments and businesses. Prior to her work at Ecology Action, Virginia served as a founding board member, board chair and/or governing board member of several community based organizations: the RotaCare Free Medical Clinic of Santa Cruz, the FEMA Board of Santa Cruz County, the Homeless Shelter Project of the Community Action Board, the HIV Consortium of Santa Cruz County, Above The Line--services for homeless teenagers, the Westside Community Health Center, and the New Life Community Services Family Shelter. Ms. Johnson currently serves as the 5th District appointee to the County of Santa Cruz Energy Commission and is a board member of the Santa Cruz Area Transportation Management Association.
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Brian Kimball, Operations Manager, Energy Group

Brian was educated at the Berkeley campus of the University of California. A first-generation American citizen, he is deeply committed to the improvement of his family's adopted homeland. Brian believes every human being has a duty to contribute to the conscientious stewardship of the planet. The care required to responsibly use and develop Earth's resources for the betterment of man, now and in perpetuity, can only be achieved with the recognition of every individual's personal stake in a sustainably managed and respected environment.
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Cliff Kramer, Energy Efficiency Specialist

Cliff is a native of California, and was born and raised in San Mateo. After completing his education he joined the Gulf-Atlantic Oceanographic Research Society as a volunteer to sail on a research ship down the coast of North and Central America and through the Gulf of Mexico. After returning home, Cliff became involved in the lighting industry where he has worked for over 25 years. He has worked at home and abroad for both commercial and residential customers and has designed, fabricated, installed and specified a variety of lighting fixtures and systems. Having illuminated everything from art to gazebos, Cliff worked with Sunset Books to help compile and edit their first book on home lighting. In his spare time he has been involved with Habitat for Humanity and The Hunger Project and is a regular blood donor. Since becoming a lighting specialist on the Right Lights Team Cliff has been able to put his lighting expertise to work saving energy and the environment for the community he serves.
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Debbie Kranefuss, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Debbie Kranefuss joined Ecology Action as an Energy Efficiency Specialist in June 2007, working out of the Mountain View office. She has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a BS in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University. Debbie and her husband Ken moved from Massachussetts to California in 1991. They live in Campbell with their dogs, Tobi and Lola, where they enjoy walking on the par course, going to concerts, and entertaining with food, fun, wine and music!
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Paul Leow, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul is focused on using energy efficiency for both economic and environmental profit. While living and working in China, he witnessed the breakneck pace of growth and its affects on people’s lives and the environment. Paul believes in energy efficiency as one of the most effective means of addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development both at home and abroad. Prior to this position, Paul served as Program Manager at the Asia America Multi-Technology Association (AAMA) where he handled all operations, managed the Executive Management Committees, Beijing Chapter, Strategic Alliances, volunteers, and supported the Presidents and Executive Director. His personal interest in environmental technologies led to the most successful Speaker Series event of 2006 – Clean Technology: Investments, Technology, and Policy. Paul also volunteers with The China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Alliance in San Francisco, and is working to install 23 megawatts of wind power on his family wheat farm. He is fluent in Mandarin, enjoys Chinese calligraphy, survival stories, and outdoor adventures.
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Paul Lewis, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul has an extensive background in CAD/CAM engineering and was one of a two-man crew that first translated 3D CAD geometry directly to a CAM application. In 2000 he started an indoor air quality services company that he owned and operated through 2006, during which time he became a CHEERS (California Home Efficiency Rating System) rater for Title 24 new construction. While working in the clean air industry Paul developed an awareness of the importance of energy efficiency. Paul joined Ecology Action early in 2007 as an energy efficiency specialist serving Monterey and San Benito Counties. In May of 2007, Paul received his Natural Gas Fueling Station Operation and Maintenance Certification from the Natural Gas Vehicle Institute and his NGV Cylinder Inspector Certification from CSA International. Paul is excited about the opportunities he brings to local entities through RightLights, whether they are businesses, schools, churches or private organizations. Paul believes that America’s future lies in finding a natively produced transportation fuel that does not require complex processing. He’s also a strong advocate for solar energy.

Paul lives in Hollister with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys reading, cooking, and activities associated with church and a fraternal historical society.
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Kirsten Liske, Vice President, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kirsten's inspiration for her work comes from a strong commitment to bring different segments of the community together to improve our quality of life. Since graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz Environmental Studies (Honors) in 1991 her work has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors where she has gained experience in each of these approaches to doing business. Specifically, this work has focussed on implementing needed next steps in the areas of hazardous waste and resource management, pollution prevention and the oil recycling industry. 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. Kirsten joined Ecology Action in 1999. She currently serves on the management team developing new programs and supporting project managers in their delivery of excellent community service and meaningful project outcomes.
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Jack Lu, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Jack joined Ecology Action in 2007 as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the SF Energy Watch Program. 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 background in working with clients from different cultures. Utilizing his prior sales marketing experiences, he is able to identify the individual needs of different clients and therefore, employ different strategies to maximize set goals. He is determined to reduce the electrical consumption and greenhouse gases for his community. During his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and close friends.
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Saskia Lucas, Program Specialist, Transportation Group

Saskia Lucas joined the Santa Cruz Area TMA team in 2004. She is a credentialed teacher (San Jose State University, French) who has been riding a bicycle for transportation and recreation ever since she learned to ride at 5 years old. A certified instructor with the League of American Bicyclists, Saskia has been teaching youth about bicycling since 2001, first through a summer bike camp she designed and ran, and most recently through her education work with Bike Smart! Youth Bicycle Safety Program. In addition, Saskia conducts bicycle safety trainings for adults, including parents groups and college classes. Saskia is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love of bicycling and teaching to advocate safe, responsible bicycle use.
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Jennifer McNeil, Program Specialist, Energy Group

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

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

Jay joined Ecology Action in 2007 as the Financial Analyst for Energy Programs, bringing with her an extensive background in the local non-profit sector including non-profit and financial management experience. Originally from Palo Alto, Jay graduated in 2003 with a BA in Community Studies, focus in Economics, and a BA in Art, from University of California, Santa Cruz. She continues her studies in business and non-profit management, as well as studying the multi-faceted sustainable energy industry. Jay also has diverse work experience in residential building, sustainable transportation, media, web programming, and teaching. In her spare time, Jay bikes, backpacks, runs, climbs, gardens, photographs, and plays with web sites. She is also on the Board of Directors for another local Santa Cruz organization.
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Sarah Mueller, Program Specialist, Energy Group

Sarah joined the Ecology Action staff in 2004, as the Project Coordinator in the new Mountain View office of RightLights. She grew up in the Bay Area, where she attended an alternative grade school which was instrumental in shaping her social and environmental values. She then attended Menlo-Atherton High School, where she became actively involved in youth environmental groups including MA’s Environmental Club, and Bay Area Action. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Oregon State University, Sarah returned to the Bay Area in 1997. Since college, she has worked in various businesses, ranging from a medical office to a voice recognition software company. When her former employer, Aaron Brown, asked her to join the Ecology Action team, she jumped at the chance. Sarah is happy to return to an environmental organization and thrilled to be a part of something she really believes in.
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Darren Nix, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Darren joined Ecology Action in 2007, as an Energy Efficiency Specialist, with the RightLights Program. He graduated from University California, Santa Cruz, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. He has a passion for lighting and artistic design, and has always sought out the latest and most efficient/environmentally friendly lighting for his art projects. The integration of fiber optics, LED’s and electroluminescent lighting into various art projects sparked his interest in alternative lighting. He now finds himself in a position where he can offer businesses creative and effective ways to design their lighting while improving their energy efficiency.
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Molly Ober, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Molly joined Ecology Action as the Program Manager for the Waste Free Schools Program in September of 2003. She also manages the Santa Cruz County Motor Oil Recycling Block Grant and assists with the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. Her experience includes working with the Sierra Club as a Field Manager and with Save Our Shores as a Program Manager and Environmental Policy Analyst. Molly graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Policy and Planning in 2000. She is an avid hiker and surfer and finds inspiration in nature. Molly is excited to be part of the innovative award winning WFS program and feels that teaching children and engaging them in resource conservation will help provide a brighter future for our environment.
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Patricia (Patty) Overstreet, Executive Assistant/Clerk of the Board

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

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

Heba Petursson is originally from Reykjavik, Iceland. She has spent the last 9 years in San Francisco where she graduated from San Francisco State University with an M.A in Environmental Planning and Resource Management. Heba also works with Starlight Children’s Foundation where she helps seriously ill children and their families. Heba feels environmental problems are crucial to address, and looks forward to helping San Francisco businesses decrease greenhouse gases through the San Francisco Energy Watch Program.
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Rachel Radcliffe, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Rachel joined Ecology Action in 2007 as the Program Coordinator for our San Francisco Energy Watch program. Rachel is a lifelong fourth-generation Bay Area native, not counting a year of her childhood in England. She graduated from Woodside High in 1997 and continues her general education towards a degree in Business and Environmental Studies. She has a diverse professional background in retail floristry, wholesale horticultural operations, and photography. An avid snowboarder and photographic journalist, Rachel is both an outdoorswoman and an activist for social change and environmental awareness. She is thoroughly committed to the goals of Ecology Action and is thrilled to be on our team.
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David Rath, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

David came to Ecology Action as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the LodgingSavers program in May 2007. He graduated from Sonoma State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Physics. At Sonoma State David studied Energy Management and Design and became passionate about improving the energy efficiency of our society. Before graduating he interned at a utility consulting service where he contributed to a variety of energy efficiency programs. After graduating David worked as a field tech in the environmental field. David believes that when saving the planet we are actually helping humanity preserve our future. He hopes to work with individuals and businesses to increase profitability and help our environment by improving energy efficiency.
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Marina Rose, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Marina has been a business consultant since the early 1990s helping small, medium and large businesses become more effective, efficient and sustainable. Trained in Organization Change at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Marina has coached business leaders in how to upgrade their technologies, marketing communications, and daily operations to be more profitable and green. Using her media background Marina has also promoted green businesses and their products via Internet web-videos. Marina believes that change is a constant in today’s business world. Upgrading technology systems every few years to stay competitive is the norm, and lighting is no exception. A native San Franciscan, Marina was educated at Lowell High School and the University of California at Davis. She earned a Masters in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from California State University, San Francisco. Marina loves to hike, swim in the bay, dance and travel. She has lived in Asia and Europe.
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Kyrrha Sevco, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kyrrha recently joined Ecology Action as the Project Manager for the Pesticide Research and Identification of Source and Mitigation (PRISM) grant, where she will be working with schools to provide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training and technical assistance as well as working in depth with six schools to adopt IPM policies, district wide. She comes to Ecology Action with over ten years of project management experience including formulating and articulating goals, objectives, and strategies; program research; maintaining schedules and budgets; and evaluating and supervising staff and their work products. Earlier in her career, Kyrrha worked on such projects as the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail, a 60-mile trail that is proposed to be a multi-use recreation and interpretive pathway that will link existing and newly established trail segments into a continuous coastal trail around the Monterey Bay. She has also successfully managed the rideshare agency for Monterey County, Commute Alternatives. Kyrrha holds a Bachelor of Science degree (Cum Laude) in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from San Jose State University where she also received the Dean’s Scholar Award. Her community involvement activities include: class member of Leadership Santa Cruz County, class member and past board member of Leadership Monterey Peninsula, and past board member of the Association for Commuter Transportation.
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Gordon Smith, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Gordon began working for Ecology Action as Energy Efficiency Specialist with the SmartRinse program. He transitioned to the LodgingSavers program in October of 2006 where he helps lodging providers decrease their energy usage and costs, through the implementation of various energy saving measures. Gordon earned his Bachelors Degree from Fresno Pacific University. The emphasis of his undergraduate studies was in Management and Organizational Development. Following his undergraduate work, he completed a program focused on Energy Resource Management through the University of Maryland. He is very interested in technologies and strategies that help to reduce energy usage and dependence on fossil fuels.
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Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

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

Gene joined Ecology Action in mid-2002 to manage Ecology Action’s energy efficiency program efforts and to help grow EA’s energy conservation program portfolio. Gene brings to Ecology Action a passion for helping individuals and businesses benefit from the latest energy efficiency technologies and practices. He currently manages RightLights, a CPUC-funded contract targeting small commercial lighting retrofits which has become the largest direct installation lighting program in California. Gene also works on the development of new project proposals, provides key research and analysis and assists in representing EA’s interests to legislative and local government entities. Prior to joining Ecology Action, he served as National Director of EnergyCheckup, managing and coordinating their third-party energy efficiency programs for investor-owned utilities in Southern California and Texas. In this capacity Gene developed 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 for Inspectech Corporation as Director of Recruitment and Special Projects, where he developed and implemented the firm’s first Environmental Testing Program. Prior to his tenure with Inspectech, Gene built a successful track record in key account sales, sales management and training, program development, and multi-location retail management.
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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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Elizabeth Thompson, Program Manager, Climate Solutions

Elizabeth brings a background in project design, fundraising, financial management and staff management to her work in climate solutions. She began her career as a research associate in a Paris-based consultancy then moved to Silicon Valley to work in marketing for Hewlett Packard. She later transitioned to documentary filmmaking, which led to a 15-year career as an Emmy Award-winning producer/director. She founded two production companies and twice served as adjunct professor at Stanford University. A lifelong passion for environmental sustainability – sparked in college while researching the impact of deforestation on Howler monkeys in Costa Rica – inspired her in 2005 to begin research on a film about climate change. Eventually she decided that rather than observing this story, she’d roll up her sleeves and try to shape its outcome. So in April 2007, Elizabeth joined the Ecology Action team to manage the Climate Solutions Program. She holds a BA from Duke University (1986) and an MA from Stanford University (1994).
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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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