Meet our Accomplished 2026 Mentors!

Liz Anderson

Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

Bio: Liz Anderson was appointed as a Commissioner to the Department of Public Utilities in October of 2025. Anderson was the Chief of the Energy and Ratepayer Advocacy Division (ERA) in the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell before her appointment to the Commission. As Division Chief, Anderson oversaw ERA’s ratepayer advocacy at the DPU, ISO-New England and New England Power Pool (NEPOOL), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as ERA’s consumer protection enforcement practice related to retail electric suppliers and solar companies. Anderson also served on the Executive Committee for the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) and spent time as Vice Chair of the NASUCA Consumer Protection Committee as well as Chair of the Coordinating Committee for ISO New England’s Consumer Liaison Group.  Anderson is a graduate of New England School of Law and received her B.A. from the University of Virginia.

Maija Benjamins

Director, Strategic Project Development, Eversource

Bio: As the Director of Strategic Project Development at Eversource, Maija Benjamins leverages her extensive leadership experience guiding the full development of complex, strategic solutions in the electrical transmission and generation field for utilities nationwide, including offshore wind. Her focus is on innovative clean energy solutions that support nationwide clean energy goals. Maija began her career in the utility industry in California after completing her MS in Ecology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Her most notable accomplishment for Southern California Edison included the siting, permitting and construction of one of the largest wind and solar interconnection projects in the western United States, the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP), bringing over 4500 MW of renewable power generation to meet state requirements. At Eversource, Maija has managed the siting for some of Eversource’s most complex projects. She brought leadership and vision to developing a strategic approach for Eversource’s offshore wind program as the Manager of Siting, bringing over 4,000 MW of clean energy to New England and spearheading the successful strategic development of Eversource’s innovative and award-winning Greater Cambridge Energy Program. Maija’s current focus includes leading over 100 individuals across the company through cross-functional collaboration to build out a robust execution plan for the Massachusetts Electric Sector Modernization Plan, and developing a successful strategy for pursuing federal funding opportunities to facilitate the interconnection of renewable energy resources.

Marie C Berninger

Director of Business Development, Con Edison Transmission

Bio: Marie Berninger leads market development, origination, and partnerships in electric transmission for Con Edison Transmission. Marie previously served as director, Utility of the Future, where she led various initiatives to drive the clean energy transition. She has extensive experience in wholesale markets, federal and state energy policy, clean energy technology, and transmission development. She was a core member of the team that established New York Transco and its original portfolio of projects. She also previously served as director, Business Development at the New York Power Authority where she was responsible for pursuing opportunities in large-scale renewables, transmission, and utility-scale storage. As an engineer early in her career, Marie worked on developing innovative designs and demonstrating new technology on the electric system in New York City. Marie joined Con Edison in 2006. Marie holds a master’s degree in business administration from New York University Stern School of Business and bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lafayette College.

Lisa Bertola

Vice President, Health Consultant, and Sustainability Project, Segal

Bio: I am focused on the health and welfare of working families. My consulting is focused on the unique needs of collectively bargained populations in the building trades, service industries, education, and public works. I am a member of SEGAL’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, the WWCMA (Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts) and NEEBC (New England Employee Benefit Council). I work closely with members of both the Massachusetts and Connecticut Coalitions of Taft-Hartley Funds. As a subject matter expert and student of ASAMs ECHO program and Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine, I address substance use and disorder challenges in population health. I have expertise and lived experience in ways to enhance engagement in behavioral health benefits using peer support, community, and EAP resources. I am a mother of three. Other interests include American History (the study of “work” as central to American culture), being outdoors, dance, and sailing. I am Chair of Scituate’s Community Choice Aggregation Committee and President of Sustainable Scituate, MA. I am a consensus builder and environmental steward.

Janet Gail Besser

Independent Consultant, Janet Gail Besser LLC

Bio: Janet Gail Besser is an energy policy and regulatory strategy expert, with over 40 years in the electricity/energy industry as a regulator, clean energy business association leader, utility executive, developer, consultant, and consumer advocate. She is taking on select consulting projects and recently concluded three years moderating the New England Electricity Restructuring Roundtable. Previously, Janet served as Vice President/Senior Vice President/Executive Vice President at the Smart Electric Power Alliance, the Northeast Clean Energy Council, National Grid, Lexecon and Analysis Group. She was also Chair and Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities during electricity industry restructuring. She began her energy career in New Hampshire as a low-income energy advocate and developing small hydro projects. She is the chair of the Power Options Board, serves on the VEIC Board, where she chairs the Impact and Evaluation Committee, and recently joined the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) Board. Janet has an MPP from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Williams College.

Laurel Boivin

CEO and Leadership Coach, Flux+Flow Professional Coaching

Bio: Laurel Boivin is a leadership coach, speaker, and co-host of the Beautiful Work Beautiful Life podcast. She brings together neuroscience, emotional regulation, and reflective practice to support sustainable leadership and burnout prevention. With decades of experience in corporate, legal, environmental, and energy sectors, she coaches high-performing professionals who want to build leadership capacity without burning out.

Audrey Booth

Manager, Strategy Development, National Grid

Bio: Audrey is an electric utility professional with over 14 years in the industry. Currently, Audrey is a strategy development manager at an electric utility. She is on two project teams, both focused on improving the technology and processes used by the distribution control center. She enjoys working at the intersection of IT and operations, especially at a time when distribution system is becoming more automated and renewable. Audrey’s experience deploying ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System), maintaining an EMS (Energy Management System), and running real-time operational studies (thermal, voltage, and stability studies) has contributed to her appreciation of details and technical finesse. However, she is also interested in learning broader communication, management, and strategic skills that will allow her to influence and lead more effectively.

Martha Broad

Executive Director, MIT Energy Initiative

Bio: Martha Broad is MITEI’s executive director. As part of the leadership team, she works to link science, innovation and policy to transform the world’s energy systems. She has a track record of successfully partnering with business, government and nonprofit stakeholders to support the clean energy transition. At MITEI, she works closely with member companies who collaborate with MIT researchers on a spectrum of topics, including the Future Energy Systems Center.

In addition, she spearheads MITEI’s collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy to design, manage, and host the annual Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Women in Clean Energy Symposium and serves as a C3E Ambassador.

Previously, as part of the senior management team of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), Broad led programs and studies that focused on the commercialization of clean energy technologies. By collaborating with universities and public and private partners, she helped facilitate the state’s successful installation of hundreds of megawatts of wind and solar systems.

Melissa Chan

Senior Director of Ecosystem Development, Analog Devices

Bio: Melissa Chan has spent her career at the intersection of energy systems, technology innovation, and social equity—working to ensure the clean energy transition delivers meaningful benefits to everyone, not just early adopters. Today, as Senior Director of Ecosystem Development at Analog Devices, she leads efforts to bring intelligent, grid‑edge technologies to market by building partnerships that unify utilities, energy providers, software innovators, policymakers, and regulators. Her work focuses on creating the conditions—technical, commercial, and regulatory—that allow transformative energy solutions to take root at scale. Before joining ADI, Melissa became widely recognized as a leader in vehicle‑to‑everything (V2X) innovation during her time at Fermata Energy. She helped shape new interconnection standards, guided utilities through their first V2G rate demonstrations, and led groundbreaking deployments that proved V2G can dramatically reduce the cost of driving an EV. One of her proudest accomplishments was designing programs that used V2G revenue to make clean transportation accessible to low‑income households—a vision rooted in her belief that technological advances should expand opportunity rather than widen gaps. Melissa’s perspective is also shaped by her entrepreneurial journey as the founder of both a cleantech commercialization consultancy and a smart‑home energy startup, experiences that taught her how to translate frontier technologies into solutions real people can use. Earlier roles at Navigant (now Guidehouse), the U.S. Department of Energy, and Harvard gave her a grounding in energy markets, policy design, and infrastructure planning—skills she now integrates to build collaborative ecosystems around emerging technologies. Beyond her corporate work, Melissa serves as Board Member at All In Energy, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that multilingual and low‑income households are fully included in the energy transition. She also mentors student entrepreneurs at Carnegie Mellon University’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship. Melissa holds a PhD in Engineering & Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University. She is motivated by a simple but powerful idea: that the transition to a clean, intelligent energy future must be both technologically excellent and socially inclusive—and that the most innovative solutions are those that expand access, resilience, and opportunity for all.

Ann Collier

Senior Manager, Research and Industry Strategy, Smart Electric Power Alliance

Bio: Ann Collier is a Senior Manager, Research & Industry Strategy at the Smart Electric Power Alliance. She creates convening and learning opportunities for a wide range of power system stakeholders on the strategies available to navigate energy transitions in ways that are clean, affordable, and build resilience. Her current focus includes the energy policy and regulatory implications of AI, data center load growth, and emerging clean technology. Ann holds a BS in Biology, MS in Resource Economics, and has prior experience consulting on economic analysis and energy program planning and evaluation.

Kathryn Cox-Arslan

Senior Director, Grid Analytics, New Leaf Energy Inc

Bio: With over 15 years of experience navigating the complexities of the U.S. power grid, I am passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders in the renewable energy transition. Currently, I serve as the Senior Director of Grid Analytics at New Leaf Energy, where I lead a team specialized in market and grid analysis for utility-scale solar and storage projects. My career journey offers a unique “360-degree” view of the industry. I spent over a decade at National Grid mastering the utility and transmission side of the business before transitioning to the developer side with New Leaf Energy. Along the way, I’ve navigated the nuances of interconnection policy, served on the Massachusetts Grid Modernization Advisory Council, and led teams through the evolving landscape of RTO markets and state and federal policies.

Celina Cunningham

Deputy Commissioner, Maine Department of Energy Resources

Bio: Celina Cunningham was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources in 2025. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy Director for the Governor’s Energy Office. As Deputy Commissioner, Celina advises the Governor and state leaders on energy policies and programs and leads the policy and markets team. She brings extensive experience in energy, climate, and natural resource management in the public and private sectors. Previously, Celina served as Vice President and Chief of Staff for the Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington, D.C. Before that, she served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of the Interior and as a Legislative Director for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, in Washington, D.C. Celina holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Colorado College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maine.

Melissa Downes

Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Coach, CLEAResult Consulting 

Bio: I’ve built my career working in complex systems where policy, data, and people intersect. I enjoy roles that require creativity, judgment, and collaboration over pure implementation. Mentoring is a meaningful way for me to support others to embrace the journey, build buy in, and design work that reflects their values and strengths. I’m especially interested in supporting women who are navigating creative careers with real impact. I have experience with pivoting my goals and roles.

Dounia Elkhatib

Assistant Professor, US Coast Guard Academy

Bio: Dr. Dounia Elkhatib is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Her teaching and research focus on environmental sustainability, water quality, waste management, and innovative materials for environmental applications. She integrates experiential learning into her courses through laboratory work, field studies, and collaborative projects that address real-world environmental challenges. Dr. Elkhatib’s research explores topics such as recycling plastics into construction materials, polymer degradation in marine environments, and sustainable waste management strategies. She collaborates with partners including the Coast Guard Research and Development Center and academic institutions to develop solutions that support environmental stewardship and resilient infrastructure. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and is passionate about mentoring future engineers, promoting sustainable practices, and connecting engineering education with practical environmental problem-solving.

Amber Fearon

Vice President, Strategic Growth and Client Engagement, WSP

Courtney Feeley Karp

Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy General Counsel, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

Bio: Courtney Feeley Karp is the Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy General Counsel at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). She works across multiple divisions to strategize on implementation of the Commonwealth’s goal to ensure a clean, affordable, resilient, and equitable energy future. Prior to working at DOER, she served as senior counsel of Klavens Law Group, P.C. for over a decade. She advised clients in understanding and leveraging federal and state renewable energy incentives, drafted and negotiated a broad range of energy transaction documents, including power purchase agreements, PILOT agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and strategized with clients on asset management, including ongoing relationships with offtakers and utilities. She also appeared before the Department of Public Utilities on a range of matters for clients. In addition, she represented various municipal entities advising them on energy policy and strategy, including decarbonization compliance.

Lisa Frantzis

CEO and Director, Aligning Energy Solutions

Bio: Lisa brings over 40 years expertise in the clean energy field, and is currently the CEO and Founder of Aligning Energy Solutions. She was a Partner at Guidehouse, a 17,000-person+ global consulting firm, where she led go-to-market strategies around hydrogen, eMobility and renewables. Before Guidehouse acquired Navigant Consulting in 2019, she led Navigant’s Renewable and Distributed Energy business for 11 years. During that time, she grew the business from its infancy into a leading global consultancy. From 2013 – 2022, Lisa served as Senior Managing Director at Advanced Energy United (Formerly Advanced Energy Economy – AEE), a national business association whose mission is to transform state/Federal policy to ensure a more secure, clean, and affordable U.S. energy system. At AEE, she led the Utility Advisory Committee and CEO/Executive Forums that addressed business model reforms and regulatory changes needed to accelerate the transition to a 21st Century Energy and Transportation System. Lisa was appointed to the Department of Energy’s Electricity Advisory Committee in 2021 and is an Emerita Ambassador for the U.S. Clean Energy, Education & Empowerment (C3E). She was given the NEWIEE Leadership Award in 2019 and serves on the Boards for EDP in Portugal, the Alliance for Climate Transition (ACT), LineVision, and NuGen Capital. She is a former Board member for the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE); Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA); and Solar Business Association of New England.

Mary Beth Gentleman

Board Member, FirstLight

Bio: Former Massachusetts Asst. Secretary of Energy for Policy; former Co-chair of Foley Hoag’s Energy & Climate practice; currently retired from practice; now serving on boards of energy companies

Dana Goodman

Solar Consultant and Outreach Director, NEC Solar

Bio: Dana Goodman is a Solar Consultant and the Outreach Program Director at NEC Solar, with over 10 years of sales experience in solar and battery storage for residential and commercial projects. She launched the outreach team at NEC, using RI’s workforce development internship to introduce over 25 local university students to their first jobs in the solar industry. Dana is the president of the board at 15 Minute Field Trips, and a board member of both the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and Friends of the Moshassuck River. She volunteers at Save the Bay as a Beach Captain for the annual International Coastal Cleanup. Dana’s holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU, and a Master’s Degree from the International Development, Community and Environment program at Clark University.

Mrunmayee Gujar

Head of Transmission and Interconnection, Granite Source Power

Bio: Mrunmayee Gujar is a clean energy professional with over 10 years of experience in transmission and interconnection strategy for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across U.S. power markets. She currently leads interconnection strategy at a renewable energy developer and enjoys supporting others as they grow into confident technical leaders. What I can mentor on: career pivots within clean energy, building technical confidence, leadership development, navigating complex regulatory environments, and work–life balance in demanding roles.

Kate Hearns

Senior Director – Portfolio management, PPL

Bio: Kate Hearns is the Senior Director, Portfolio Management at PPL Corporation. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in aligning technology strategies with business objectives to enhance operational efficiency and achieve measurable outcomes. Adept at creating robust financial management and governance capability for market leading, profit, non-profit, and regulated international organizations, I empower teams to create solutions that balance financial stability with sustainable growth. Known for fostering collaboration and innovation, my commitment to thoughtful leadership and data-driven strategies ensures impactful and inclusive outcomes across organizations. Kate is passionate about delivering results through building inclusive and highly engaged cross-functional teams aligned with shared goals. She also prioritizes the professional development of her team by encouraging mentorship and coaching and actively supporting their involvement in the broader community. Before assuming her current position, Kate served as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at RI Energy, a PPL Company. She has also held increasingly responsible roles in finance, strategy, and performance management at National Grid. Kate earned a BSc in Accounting from Cardiff University, UK, and is a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA). Kate currently serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board for the Gas Guild of Managers, where she oversees financial activities and supports fundraising initiatives, and is a member of England Lacrosse Board. She has also completed two terms as a Regional Board Member and as Northeast Chapter Chair for the MA American Red Cross and was Treasurer on the Executive Board of RI Public Expenditure Council for 3 years.

Ariel Horowitz

Data Center Energy Lead, Anthropic

Bio: Ariel Horowitz is the Data Center Energy Lead for Anthropic. She most recently served as Head of Market Strategy at Eolian, where she focused on scaling impact in the private sector. Before Eolian, she served as Deputy Director of Grid Modernization at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she built and led an organization responsible for delivering complex, high-priority national-scale energy programs. Previously, Ariel held the position of Senior Program Director at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, overseeing multiple energy programs, as well as serving as Director of Technology Development. Early career experience includes tenure as a Senior Associate at Synapse Energy Economics and a Research Fellow at Project Drawdown. Ariel holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Swarthmore College.

Reihaneh Irani-Famili

President, Viridi Edge

Bio: An executive turned entrepreneur, I am passionate about turning energy challenges into opportunities for people and the planet.

Nancy Kaplan

Assistant General Counsel (Sustainability, Environment, Real Estate, and Siting), Eversource Energy

Bio: Assistant General Counsel for Eversource Energy covering Sustainability, Environment, Real Estate, Siting & Culture and Engagement, for three states and federal compliance; Former General Counsel for Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection; former Environmental Partner at Keegan Werlin; mother of three; and recently published my debut children’s book, “Polly’s Sparkling Water Friend.”

Katelyn Leahy Barb

Senior Manager, Energy Transformation, Energy New England

Bio: Katelyn Leahy Barb is the Senior Manager of Energy Transformation at Energy New England (ENE), where she leads programs in transportation electrification, marketing, and commercial efficiency. With a background spanning mathematics, education, and credentials as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), Katelyn is known for bridging technical concepts with practical, community focused implementation. As collaborative partner to municipal light plants and industry stakeholders, she helps translate complex information into clear, actionable strategies that advance beneficial electrification and decarbonization. She also actively supports women’s leadership in the sector, as a current committee member and previously Board Member and Mentorship Chair for the Council of Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL).

Gina McCann

Director, Design & Engineering, GeoSpatial Innovations, Inc.

Bio: Gina McCann is the Director of Design and Engineering at GeoSpatial Innovations, Inc. (GSI). Prior to joining GSI in 2021, Gina spent 27 years at Allegheny Power and FirstEnergy, with positions in IT, operations and engineering. Gina is responsible for sales and marketing of GSI’s design and engineering software solution, Distribution Design Studio (DDS). Gina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, and an MBA from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has been a member of the Distributech International Advisory Committee since 2023.

Joyce McMahon

President, McMahon Communications

Bio: Joyce McMahon has 40 years of professional experience, including more than three decades in the energy and environmental sectors. She offers a broad perspective on how communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement help move complex projects forward. Her experience includes renewable and nuclear energy, energy efficiency, utility programs, grid reliability, and environmental issues. As president of McMahon Communications, she helps clients navigate challenges at the intersection of technology, policy, community, and public understanding. She welcomes opportunities to mentor young women in energy and environment, including technical professionals seeking to build confidence and expand their leadership and communication skills.

Matt Nelson

Principle Consultant, Apex Analytics and PJM Board of Managers, PJM Interconnection

Bio: Matt Nelson is a Principal at Apex Analytics LLC and a former Chair of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. He currently serves on the PJM Board of Managers and brings 20 years of experience in utility regulation, energy transition, and stakeholder facilitation across New England and beyond.

Laura Olton

Principal, LSO Energy Advisors, LLC

Bio: Laura is the Principal of LSO Energy Advisors, LLC, a consulting and legal practice she founded based on her public and private sector leadership in the fields of energy and regulatory law. Laura provides regulatory, strategy, and legal services to corporations, non-profits, developers, municipalities, community energy aggregators, utilities and others navigating the New England energy industry. Prior to establishing LSO Energy Advisors, Laura served as General Counsel of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, where she was the chief legal advisor to the Commissioners responsible for implementing and enforcing numerous new clean energy policies during a time of great change. Laura supervised a large legal staff and oversaw all adjudicatory proceedings, rulemakings and Department orders regarding the electric power and natural gas industries in the Commonwealth. Prior to the DPU, Laura was General Counsel of Narragansett Electric, National Grid’s Rhode Island subsidiary. Her practice included representing the company in all regulatory proceedings as well as advising on rates, customer service, business services, energy efficiency, competitive supplier issues, contracts and procurement matters. Laura also held various other senior legal positions at National Grid, practiced energy law at the firms of McDermott, Will & Emery and Rubin & Rudman LLC, and she clerked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Laura has been actively involved in municipal work, serving on the Town of Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee for ten years, seven of which she was Chair. In this role, she helped lead Town departments and the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant toward reducing carbon emissions through a variety of climate action programs and projects, including becoming a Green Community and formally establishing a Climate Action Plan. Laura is a graduate of Boston University School of Law and Tufts University. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and New York.

Nina Peluso

Senior Consultant, Energy Futures Group

Bio: Nina Peluso an experienced energy policy practitioner, operations leader, and systems modeler. Currently, she is a senior consultant at Energy Futures Group where she advises nonprofit and governmental clients on resource planning, ratemaking, and siting matters. Previously, she led the Project Execution team in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, where she directed contract management, built internal infrastructure to support an array of grid modernization programs, and led energy justice implementation. Nina has also held roles at Form Energy, Synapse Energy Economics, ICF, and DTE Energy, with work spanning power systems modeling, regulatory and legislative strategy, and applied policy research. Nina earned her SM in Technology & Policy from MIT and BA in Public Policy from the University of Michigan.

Charity Pennock

Founder/Principal, North Street Group

Bio: Charity is a trusted executive coach and advisor to senior leaders and leadership teams in mission-driven organizations particularly those in clean energy and public service. She spent over 20 years building organizations, launching programs, and managing complex initiatives at the intersection of business, government, and nonprofits. That work taught her how to see past what leaders say the problem is to what’s actually getting in the way – and how to help them build the capacity to solve it.

Anya Petersen

Principal Software Engineer, Building Technologies & Science, National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly NREL)

Bio: Anya is a Principal Software Engineer and Principal Investigator with 14+ years of experience at the intersection of building operations, energy systems, and cybersecurity. She specializes in integrating software, data, hardware, and simulation to bridge organizational silos and de-risk the deployment of complex, real-world systems.

Terri Poussard

Vice President, Power Generation Practice Lead, HDR Engineering, Inc.

Bio: I have more than 35 years experience in the Power Generation Industry working for engineering consulting firms, EPC contractors and Owner/Operators. I am a mechanical engineer and have helped clients through every phase of the power project development cycle from concept and design through construction, startup and operations. My expertise spans a wide range of power technologies including all forms and sizes of gas generation from <1MW to more than 1,000 MW as well as solar, batteries and wind. I am currently, HDR’s Power Generation Practice lead, driving strategic growth and operational excellence across our global practice.

Ivy Powers

Deputy Legislative Director, Executive Office of Energy and Environment (EEA)

Bio: I always knew I wanted to work in politics, but without established connections, I began my career in the private sector to make ends meet. After being laid off during COVID, I took the opportunity to pivot—earning my Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University. While in graduate school, I worked at a hospital supporting a senior executive who later invited me to join her mayoral campaign. That experience led to a role at the Massachusetts State House working for Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem. After completing my degree, I continued building relationships that brought me to my current role, which I love: serving as a liaison between the Governor’s Office, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, its agencies, and the Legislature. I’m constantly learning and motivated by the impact of the work.

Joy Prescott

Principal Project Manager/Practice Lead, Stantec Consulting Services

Bio: Twenty years of experience in renewable energy permitting, as well as building teams and practices.

Sara Pyne

Associate Director, Incentive Programs, Connecticut Green Bank

Bio: Sara Pyne is an Associate Director of Incentive Programs at the Connecticut Green Bank. Sara focuses on several aspects of the unique incentive programs Connecticut Green Bank administers and co-administers. Sara got her start at the Green Bank on the Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP), which was the state’s incentive program that helps reduce the upfront cost of installing solar, making it more affordable and accessible to homeowners across the state. Sara actively still contributes to RSIP by monetizing the Environmental Assets associated with that portfolio and helps to maintain the Connecticut Green Bank’s solar PV production data monitoring platform. She assists stakeholders in Connecticut with questions regarding solar PV and Energy Storage. Sara supports regulatory efforts related to incentive programs, contractor training, consumer protection, and other Green Bank initiatives. Sara has been a part of the solar industry since 2009, previously employed as a Construction Coordinator and a Project Coordinator at Solar Developer, gaining valuable hands-on solar operations experience. Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Connecticut State University, is OSHA 10 and NABCEP Associate Certified. She is also a Yale FDCE Alumni from 2020 and CEED Alumni 2024.

Caroline Resor

Senior Associate, Synapse Energy Economics

Bio: Caroline Resor is an experienced energy policy and climate resilience strategist with a background in renewable energy finance, solar development, consulting, and climate adaptation. As a Senior Associate at Synapse, she provides research, analysis, and consulting services on behalf of public interest clients on topics including resource planning, energy and climate policy, and electric utility customer programs. Prior to joining Synapse, Ms. Resor earned a dual M.S. in Environmental Policy and MBA from the University of Michigan’s Erb Institute, School for Environment and Sustainability, and Ross School of Business. In 2023, she completed a summer on the Utility Business Models and Regulation team at RMI. During the summer of 2022, she completed an internship on the Community Solar Development team at Cypress Creek Renewables, focusing on community engagement strategy. Through the dual degree program, she led the Erb Coaching program in addition to serving as a coach for two years. Caroline comes to Synapse from a background in renewable energy finance and flood risk strategy and communication. Originally based in Annapolis, MD, she managed a portfolio of solar and wind energy assets at HASI (formerly Hannon Armstrong) and supported investment research and screening on a variety of renewable energy portfolio transactions. Her experience in climate change resilience started with a summer at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center as a consultant for the Howard County, Maryland Department of Emergency Management. Continuing this work, she took on a strategy role at the American Flood Coalition in Washington, D.C., where she helped flood-affected communities use policy, funding, and technology tools to adapt to climate change.

Alice Rosenberg

Deputy Director, Consortium for Energy Efficiency

Bio: Experienced energy professional with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry. Skilled in sustainable development, climate change, energy efficiency, and design research. Background facilitating committees of program administrators across the US and Canada, building consensus positions, and identifying roles where bi-national consistency can significantly impact the market. Interested in enhancing relationships with relevant industry associations and manufacturers. Strong program and project management professional with a Bachelors of Arts from Colgate University and a Masters of Architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Carissa Sedlacek

Director, Transmission Interconnections & Solutions, Eversource Energy

Bio: With more than 30 years of experience, Carissa is very familiar with the New York and New England utility industry. In her current role, as the Director of Transmission Interconnections and Solutions Carissa provides the Eversource Transmission organization with the direction and oversight of all aspects of transmission generator and large load interconnections, including implementing federal and state rules; negotiation with developers of wind, solar, battery storage and other resources; administering existing and new agreements, including financial and operational terms and conditions; and managing relationships with ISO-NE staff and third parties such as generators, utilities, public power and select large customers such as data centers. Prior to joining Eversource, Carissa was employed by ISO New England for more than twenty-two years. As Director, Planning Services, Carissa Sedlacek was responsible for the development of the New England Regional System Plan (RSP), Economic Studies, ten-year load forecast and Installed Capacity Requirements used in the multi-billion Forward Capacity Market (FCM). She manages long-term resource adequacy assessments, fuel diversity analyses, and resource mix evaluations to ensure reliability into the future. Between 2006 and 2019, she led the FCM qualification process with emphasis on the design and implementation of market rules for qualification of both new and existing generators and demand response resources. Her work on generator availability has been published in the IEEE Power Engineering Review. Prior to joining the ISO in 1999, Carissa worked at the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project providing engineering support to ensure the 2,500 MW hydroelectric facility and its associated transmission system operated reliably. Carissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University and Master of Business Administration from State University of New York at Buffalo. Carissa is an active member of NECA, SWE, NEWIEE and IEEE. She serves as the co-chair for the NECA Renewables Committee and actively participates in planning events for NEECE.

Heather Sites

Senior Counsel, Eversource Energy

Bio: I am senior counsel at Eversource Energy, supporting internal business clients on the Sustainability, Environmental, Real Estate, and Siting legal team. I work closely with the transmission siting, project engagement, and project management teams to facilitate the permitting and construction of electrical transmission projects. In this role, I partner with our clients within the Company to permit infrastructure projects at both the municipal level and the state level as the Commonwealth implements the 2024 Climate Act to streamline clean energy infrastructure permitting. I come to my role at Eversource after almost 20 years working as an attorney, project manager, and environmental engineer on heavy civil construction projects and industrial remediation/redevelopment projects in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maryland.

Kelly Smith

Onshore Package Manager, Ocean Winds

Bio: I have been with Ocean Winds and SouthCoast Wind since September 2020, now serving in the role of onshore package manager. I received a master’s in offshore wind engineering from Tufts University, with a focus on transmission and grid interconnection in the U.S. northeast. Before pivoting to a career in offshore wind project development, I spent eight years as a water resources engineer and environmental consultant in the greater Boston area, working for a mix of energy and transportation clients. I have experience with project management, civil engineering, permitting/siting, and water resources modeling. I’m a registered professional civil engineer in Massachusetts, and I’ve served on NEWIEE’s Board since 2019.

Pat Stanton

ED, E4TheFuture

Bio: Career in energy & environment across private, government and nonprofit sectors with most recent years focused on energy efficiency as critical component of a successful energy transition.

Ann Marie Toss

EVP, Community Solar, Solar Landscape

Bio: Ann Marie is responsible for oversight of community solar subscriber acquisition and management at Solar Landscape, a solar project developer/owner/operator. She has over ten years of experience in the energy industry having primarily overseen residential customer operations for service providers operating in restructured markets across over a dozen states. Ann Marie earned two masters’ degrees from Yale University, including a sustainability-focused MBA.

Toni Vaccaro

Manager, Talent and Corporate Administration, Unitil Service Corp.

Bio: I oversee administration and recruiting, with primary responsibility for talent and leadership development. As a Certified Professional Leadership Coach and DiSC-certified practitioner, I’m passionate about helping individuals and teams grow to their full potential. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, husband, and dog, and love staying active through walking, the gym, swimming, golf, and travel.

Anna Whitlock

Director, Team Operations, BETA Technology

Bio: Anna Whitlock Anna’s career tour spans biotech, startup ecosystems, clean energy, and a stretch of odd jobs that maximized travel and life experience. She studied history and cultural studies at UNC Chapel Hill, which explains her curiosity about people’s experience and the world. Outside of work, Anna attempts to pet all friendly and furry creatures, volunteers with Meals on Wheels, dips in the closest swimming hole, and offers solicited advice on travel destinations far and wide.

Suzanne Wood

Senior Director Sustainability and Campus Services, UMass Chan Medical School

Bio: Suzanne Wood is the Senoir Director of Sustainability and Campus Services at UMass Chan, where she leads the Office of Sustainability and drives campus sustainability and decarbonization efforts, focusing on reducing energy and carbon emissions through innovative strategies and technologies. Suzanne’s additional responsibilities include Campus Services where she plays a pivotal role in integrating sustainable practices into key areas such as parking, environmental building services, distribution services, transportation, food service, and fitness facilities.