Who are we?

Craig Perkins provides leadership, oversight and strategic input at TEC for all contracts, programs and policy work. Prior to joining TEC in 2008, he was Director of Environmental and Public Works Management for the City of Santa Monica, where he served for over 25 years. Craig has extensive experience designing and implementing energy programs and policies, which involve outreach strategies to key stakeholder groups, including creation of the Regional Energy Networks, implementation of Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Southern California Regional Energy Center Pilot, directing Santa Monica’s award-winning Sustainable City Plan, Solar Santa Monica Program, and Energy Independence Plan. Craig has played a key leadership role in shaping regulatory policies that have resulted in successful program implementation. Craig holds a B.A. in Sociology from UC Berkeley, and Master’s Degrees in Political Science and Latin American Studies from UCLA and in Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Allison is TEC’s Executive Vice President and serves on TEC’s Board of Directors. Allison provides management and oversight of program implementation with a focus on strategic planning, business development, operations, and leadership development. Prior to joining TEC, Allison was the City Manager for the City of Irvine where she served for 17 years. Prior to her work with the City of Irvine, Allison was the Executive Director of Human Resources for the City of Santa Ana. She has extensive experience leading teams to design and implement public purpose programs and startup organizations. Allison has a B.A. in Political Science and an M.P.A from The University of Colorado, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from USC.

Doris Do, Vice President, leads oversees all administration and operations for TEC. Prior to her current role, Doris implemented the $3.4M Energy Champions Pilot, a community based social marketing pilot, that provided incentives to local non-profit organizations to promote residential energy upgrades within their communities. She also supported the development of the first SoCalREN program proposal in coordination with a diverse team of consultants under the direction of LA County and assisted in the development of the Energy Upgrade CA Los Angeles County Program marketing and outreach initiatives, Community Energy Partnership local government partnerships program implementation, and PEAK Student Energy Actions curriculum development and teacher trainings. Doris holds a B.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine.

As Vice President, Laurel oversees The Energy Coalition’s diverse portfolio of programs and collaborates with stakeholders across the state to advance the organization’s mission of empowering communities to leap into the future of clean energy. She has over 13 years of experience working with local governments and communities to promote energy efficiency action through various Programs. Laurel is a current member of the California Energy Efficiency Coordinating Committee (CAEECC), a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) and a LEED AP O+M. She holds a B.S. in Business Economics from UCSB.

Genaro has more than 12 years of professional experience with a background in mechanical engineering, real estate, commercial retrofits and energy management. He is a graduate of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College and obtained an M.B.A. from USC’s Marshall School of Business. Genaro is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and LEED Accredited Professional (AP).

Marc has more than ten years of experience in the building industry focusing on areas ranging from advanced energy community planning, to federal energy data standards and software development, to state and local government energy policy. Marc is a board member of the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC), a Policy Advisory Committee member of the California Technical Forum, and an Advisory Board member of the Decarbonization Coalition. He has been an advisor to the CEC on AB 802 data regulations and machine learning GIS data efforts, a member of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Task Force to create and implement data exchange standards, and was on the triennial DOE Solar Energy Technology Office investment proposal review team to award National Research Laboratories 2018-2020 funding. He holds a B.S. in Management Science from UCSD, a B.S. in Construction Engineering from CSULB, and is a LEED AP, CGBP, and BOC Level II.

Rebecca leads the implementation of SoCalREN’s Public Agency Programs and ensures that all program goals and objectives are met. With over 7 years of energy efficiency experience in the Public Sector, Rebecca has extensive experience and expertise in managing stakeholder relationships and project management. She provides leadership to the team through her wealth of experience in IOU programs and has led IOU SoCalREN Program coordination efforts since 2013. Prior to her role on the SoCalREN program, she supported a TEC implemented Local Government Partnership program, the Community Energy Partnership. Rebecca also manages an energy services contract with Laguna Woods Village with the goal to assess the Community’s electric infrastructure capabilities to install electric vehicle charging stations and a potential microgrid. Rebecca holds a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA, a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from UCSB and is a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) with a specialty in Operations & Maintenance.

Meaghan leads marketing and outreach activities for TEC and its programs. She recently led all marketing and outreach services for Clean Power Alliance, managing a team of four project partners and coordinating closely with a variety of Clean Power Alliance stakeholders. She supported the development and implementation of the SoCalREN communications plan at program launch and continues to oversee all marketing and outreach activities for the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. In addition, Meaghan helped develop the outreach plan for AB 802 under contract with the California Energy Commission. In these roles she manages program budgets, oversees various subconsultants, develops program websites and corresponding collateral, and provides strategic direction for engagement workshops, conferences and events. As TEC’s communications and marketing manager, Meaghan brings over 15 years of experience in project management, marketing and communications.

Melanie has nine years of diverse experience working with nonprofits, state and local government, public agencies and residents all working towards a healthy environmental future. She specializes in training and curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, and marketing and social media in the areas of energy, urban greening, waste reduction and litter abatement. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Cal State University Fullerton and graduate work in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans.

Melanie serves on the USGBC-OC Green Schools Committee, is a 2014 Fellow of the New Leaders Council, Orange County chapter and is a certified Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) working with at-risk youth. Prior to joining TEC, Melanie managed Affiliate Services for Keep Louisiana Beautiful in New Orleans and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA specializing in volunteer engagement, resource development and disaster relief in Southeast Louisiana following hurricane Katrina.

Chris manages project delivery for public agency energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. He also provides program support for water and waste water projects. Chris previously worked as a sales engineer and technical representative for water and energy projects. He has a M.E. in Sustainable Systems Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Pranesh Venugopal is a Program Manager at The Energy Coalition (TEC) and a registered Professional Engineer with over 15 years of experience. Pranesh currently leads program design and development initiatives for the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs, focusing on the integration of emerging technologies and Normalized Metered Energy Consumption (NMEC) strategies. He has served as technical advisor to the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs for the past 5 years, providing oversight for water and wastewater project development. He previously was a Project Manager with Nexant, Inc. where he worked on SCE’s energy efficiency and demand response programs. Pranesh holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Regional Engineering College, Calicut, India and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Julie Castro, Program Manager, manages project delivery for public agency energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She also develops benchmarking tools to enhance data-driven insights and decision-making. Julie previously worked as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Chia Energy, a behavioral energy efficiency technology start up. She has a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Cal State LA and a B.A. in Global Studies and International Studies from UCSB.

Taylor Chamberlin, Program Manager, manages communications and marketing efforts for TEC. She has over five years of experience in communications for impact-driven companies, nonprofit organizations, and government initiatives. Prior to TEC, Taylor worked as a Senior Analyst at Blue Garnet, a boutique social impact consulting firm. She holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary, where she studied Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Environmental Science & Policy.

Ivana manages engagement, education, and outreach activities for TEC and its programs. She has over eight years of experience serving the energy needs of communities and supporting local governments with energy strategic planning and the rollout of benchmarking requirements to IOU Local Government Partnerships. Ivana has worked with several local governments across southern California assisting them with developing energy efficiency projects, energy action plans, and energy related messaging and outreach. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy from UCSD and an M.A. in Environmental Policy from Colorado State University.

Kristin has more than six years of experience working in the sustainability and environment sector. She is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, a former intern with the City of Irvine’s Environmental Programs department and currently holds a LEED accreditation from the US Green Building Council

Nicol manages messaging, outreach and engagement for the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She leads the enrollment process for new agencies looking to join the SoCalREN and designs and facilitates workshops and webinars for the program. Nicol has a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from Cal State Long Beach.

Tim oversees data management and technology across programs for TEC. He designs and maintains data collection, analysis, and reporting systems and processes. Prior to joining TEC, Tim worked as a scientist and project manager for ERM where he worked on issues related to climate change, sustainability, air quality, and environmental compliance assurance. He has expertise in auditing and verification, GHG emissions, information management systems and green buildings. Tim holds a B.S. from Cornell University in Communications and a Master’s of Environmental Science and Management from UCSB. He also is a LEED-AP and holds certification in GHG Verification from the Air Resources Board.

As a Program Manager with The Energy Coalition, Siria oversees and manages relationships and projects associated with statewide utility partner contracts and is the Instructional Design Lead for curriculum development for workforce and education training programs. She holds a BA in Liberal Studies from Point Loma Nazarene University and an MA in Education from the University of Phoenix. Siria holds a California Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential with a Bilingual, Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) certification. Throughout her career, Siria has served as a general manager and regional trainer with a national optical retailer, as a guest educator in the South Bay Union and Chula Vista Elementary Schools District, and a classroom educator with South Bay Union School District.

Lauren manages project delivery for public agency energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She also reviews energy policy impacts for the program. Lauren previously worked as an energy industry research specialist and was an Energy Fellow at the DOE. She has a Masters in Public Affairs with a focus on Energy Policy from University of Texas-Austin and a B.A. in International Affairs and Spanish Literature from University of Nevada-Reno.

Angela supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Angela also analyzes utility level energy data and is a team lead for the Comparative Energy Analysis program. She has a M.S. in Environmental Studies from Cal State Fullerton and a B.A. in Communications from Michigan State University.

Prior to joining TEC, Emma was a staff accountant at Irvine-based Abaris, Inc. where she managed the Oracle 11i R12 financial system and all the billing for staff and contractors. Prior to that, she served as a tax paraprofessional at Deloitte Tax LLP where she provided compliance and tax research to accountants and senior managers. Emma holds a B.A. in Business Organizational Management with emphasis in Accounting from Vanguard University.

Bio coming soon!

Christina provides analytical support across programs in The Energy Coalition’s portfolio, working with various partners in obtaining, wrangling, and analyzing data, and then presenting the outcome of analysis to stakeholders. She previously worked for VaynerMedia as a Data Analyst and holds a B.S. in International Business with a minor in Cultural Anthropology.

Mariana is responsible for reviewing contracts, consultants and consulting agreements, as well as processing all invoices for TEC. Throughout her professional career, Mariana developed expertise in financial statements and reports, planning budgets and reporting, accounts payable/receivable, QuickBooks accounting software, claims/restitution payments and record keeping. Mariana hold a B.S. in Economics & Accounting from the Academy of Economic Studies of Bucharest, Romania and a diploma in Accounting and Business Management for Stratford Career Institute.

Erica Alvarez supports operations as a project accountant for The Energy Coalition. She has over 3 years of experience in accounting. Erica previously worked as an accountant at AB Construction LLC. Erica has a B.A. in International Relations Global Business from the University of Southern California. In the past, Erica has also worked on different policy issues such as closing the education gap within lower-income communities which is why she feels that her position at the Energy Coalition is a perfect match for her since she is passionate about business and policy work. Erica Alvarez supports operations as a project accountant for The Energy Coalition. She has over 3 years of experience in accounting, and previously worked as an accountant at AB Construction LLC. Erica has a B.A. in International Relations Global Business from the University of Southern California. In the past, Erica is passionate about business and policy work and has previously worked on policy issues such as closing the education gap within lower-income communities.

Socheata provides Human Resources support for The Energy Coalition. She has over two years of experience in recruiting, employee relations, benefits, and compliance and she studied Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. She knew from early on that she was interested in learning about human behaviors and wanted to incorporate ways to help businesses design products, build better workspaces and foster healthy behavior. Her career in Human Resources started during her last semester of college when she worked as an HR intern at Anaheim University. From then on, she expanded her skills and knowledge in Human Resouces by working in a variety of industries such as education, environmental, and manufacturing/distribution.

Jake manages various aspects of the North Orange County Cities Local Government Partnership Program at TEC, including the development of a benchmarking workshop for partnership cities. Prior to TEC, Jake worked as a Sustainability Consultant for FirstCarbon Solutions where he served as the lead technical expert and project coordinator to aid customers in voluntary corporate sustainability reporting. Jake holds a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Science with a minor in Global Sustainability from UCI.

Corey Bullock, Project Manager, supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs and is the lead Project Manager responsible for the advancement of performance-based retrofit projects through SCE’s HOPPs program. He has expertise in comparative energy analysis, data collection and reporting, and financial analysis. Corey has previously worked as a Business Administrator for Environmental & Chemical Consulting. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of Arizona.

Natalie supports TEC’s Local Government Partnership programs where she provides marketing, outreach and event support to partner cities. Prior to TEC, Natalie served as a Powersave Intern as part of CSU Long Beach’s participation in the Alliance to Save Energy’s Powersave Schools program, where she worked with CSU Long Beach facilities management to educate students, staff and faculty on energy efficiency and supported campus retrofit efforts. Natalie holds a BA degree in Environmental Science and Policy with minors in Anthropology and Geography from CSU Long Beach.

Ken Gonzales, Project Manager, provides energy efficiency project management for public agencies at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Ken has over 15 years of experience in energy efficiency and has worked with utilities, government organizations, private companies and school districts. Prior to joining TEC, Ken worked at KW Engineering as a Senior Energy Analyst where he served as the main point of contact with SCE’s CSI program to inspect and review energy efficiency project applications, performed pre and post-installation verification inspections, and conducted ASHRAE audits for government and commercial customers. Ken holds a B.A. from Rio Hondo College.

John Gravelin provides Project Manager support for The Energy Coalition by engaging public agencies through energy efficiency opportunities. He has over 10 years of experience in environmental consulting and resilient design planning. John previously worked in Los Angeles at Ecomotion as a Project Manager / Solar Specialist, and in Cambridge, MA at Linnean Solutions as a Project Manager, Sustainability & GIS Consultant. John has a Bachelor of Design Studies in Architectural Technology from the Boston Architectural College and received the President’s Award from his work on the college’s first climate action plan.

Nataiia Hamidi manages project delivery for public agency energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Prior to TEC, Nataiia worked with Cooperative Strategies, LLC as a sustainability consultant, where she focused on school energy efficiency initiatives. She holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy/Sustainability from the Scripps Institute at the University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelors and Masters in Geography and Environmental Management from Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Robert has over five years supporting various energy efficiency programs and more than three years of experience in media and branding through education and outreach. Prior to TEC, Robert was a Program Assistant at Global Healing, where he supported a wide range of communications and technical activities, including managing online engagement. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley.

Meghan Kamper manages engagement and enrollment efforts for the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She is the lead in coordination and management of outreach activities and supports the design and facilitation of workshops, webinars and presentations for the programs. Along with enrollment efforts, Meghan also supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Meghan has a B.A. in International Studies with a minor in Anthropology from Cal State Long Beach. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University and is on track to graduate Spring 2021.

After graduating from Cal Poly SLO with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Kyle joined The Trane Company in Los Angeles. At Trane, Kyle was an Account Manager focusing on commercial real estate and large entertainment facilities. Kyle helped them maintain, upgrade, and replace aging equipment and controls to improve their facility operations. After 5 years with Trane, Kyle moved to Climatec in Orange County as an Account Manager, focusing on the Westside LA market. Here he furthered his experience in BAS and other facility types including schools, hospitals, and multi-family residential. He left Climatec to pursue an MBA at Pepperdine University. While completing his MBA, he worked for RiptideIO, a Santa Barbara startup focused on cloud-based building automation and mobile applications.

Samantha supports TEC’s Partnership programs, specifically Local Government Partnerships, where she provides marketing, outreach and event support to partner cities. Prior to TEC, Samantha worked as a Recreation Leader II with the City of Santa Clarita. She also served as an intern with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in Michigan, where she assisted with fundraising, handled communications to donors and members, researched water resource issues, created and distributed educational resources, and maintained the website. Samantha holds a BA in Sustainability and Urban Planning from Arizona State University.

Vanida Ngeam, Project Manager, supports marketing, communication, and outreach across TEC, focusing on education & training initiatives and SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Prior to her current role at TEC, Vanida served a Climate Corp fellow at The Energy Coalition, planning an executing hands-on STEM events and activities for K-8th grade students. She also interned with the University of California, Irvine’s Housing and Sustainability department, where she facilitated sustainability trainings. Vanida holds a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a Minor in Global Sustainability from the University of California, Irvine.

Casey manages project delivery for public agency energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She also coordinates and oversees all GIS projects for the program. Casey previously designed and implemented educational outreach campaigns for the Humboldt State Office of Sustainability. She has a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Environmental Ethics from Humboldt State University.

Megan supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She also tracks, reports and analyzes metrics on attaining program level goals. Megan previously worked on solar projects for in need communities in Tijuana. She has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from UCSD.

Alex supports business development and data analysis for TEC. He has 3 years of experience working in energy efficiency consulting and energy research. Prior to TEC, Alex worked at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability researching community energy issues. He has a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCSD.

Stefan Slattery, Project Manager, works on the Energy Services team at TEC. Stefan has years of experience as an energy professional across a number of different roles. He has experience in the commissioning and design of HVAC systems for commercial buildings. Stefan also spent three years working in renewable energy for a large scale wind turbine manufacturer, where he supported the sales and planning of wind farms. Stefan holds a BEng in Building Services Engineering and an MSc in Sustainability Technology and Innovation.

Sumin supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects for the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Prior to joining TEC, Sumin was a Project Manager at EcoMotion, where she managed a portfolio of school districts for the California Clean Energy Job Act (Proposition 39) program. She is passionate about cross-sector collaborations and has experience working in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Sumin earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a joint MBA/MPP degree from Harvard University. She has a certificate in Global Sustainability from UCLA Extension as well as accreditation in LEED AP O+M.  

Shawn has 28 years of experience in both public and private sector engineering; 23 of those years she worked at the City of Irvine. At the City she worked on plans for district cooling systems and microgrids, coordinated with UCI APEP to install an electric vehicle car-sharing program at the Irvine Transportation Center and, in 1999, created sustainability strategies and a new Energy Element for the Irvine General Plan update. Shawn also developed a green building program, complete with marketing, outreach and worker training, for home developers in the City. As the City’s first Energy Manager, she developed the City of Irvine’s Energy Plan which was adopted by the City in 2008. Shawn has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona, a Professional Engineer’s license in CA and is a LEED AP O+M.

Minh supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects for the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Minh previously worked as an Environmental Health and Safety consultant and an assistant Director of Operations for a bioremediation technology startup company. He has a B.S. in Environmental Science from UCSB and a Certificate of Financing and Accounting from Santa Barbara City College.

Amy supports engagement, education, and outreach activities for TEC and its programs. She works with educators across San Diego County to train and implement science and energy curriculum. Amy is also a co-chair for the Environmental Education Working Group in San Diego, which connects STEM professionals and resources to the larger San Diego community. Amy has a B.A. in Environmental Studies with concentration in writing and a B.A. in Sociology from Gettysburg.

Cody Bruder, Project Coordinator, supports project delivery for over 10 public agencies’ energy efficiency projects through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. He serves as lead coordinator on investor-owned utility program updates and has expertise in statistical analysis, financial modeling, triple-bottom line model building, and energy-related policy. Cody previous worked in the offices of Congresswoman Norma Torres and Senator Dianne Feinstein. He holds a Masters in Science in Environmental Policy & Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Evolutionary Anthropology from the University of Michigan.

Tinuviel Carlson, Project Coordinator, supports the TEC Education and Workforce Development Team in Northern California. Prior to her current role at TEC, Tinuviel worked as a CivicSpark Climate Fellow with the City of Antioch, where she worked with numerous public agencies to develop and expand climate programs across the Bay Area and increase the capacity of local governments. In addition, she was instrumental in the project management, development, and community engagement for a 2-year pilot project to engage community members in a countywide online sustainable action platform called The Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. Tinuviel holds a B.A in International Studies with a concentration in Environment and Development, and a double minor in Latin American and Legal Studies from the University of San Francisco.

Robinson Chigiti, Project Coordinator, supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. He has over five years of coordination experience in the energy industry and over fifteen years in the nonprofit sector. Prior to TEC, Robinson provided paralegal assistance to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and served as an administrative assistant for the Center for Community and & Fam Services, Inc. Robinson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Punjab University (India), a post-graduate degree in Laws from Pune University (India), and a paralegal certificate from El Camino College.

Bryan Iwamoto supports implementation of the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs for The Energy Coalition. He recently completed a year-long Fellowship through the AmeriCorps CivicSpark program. Bryan previously worked in San Luis Obispo with County and City staff on energy and climate initiatives and with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy on resource and land management. Bryan has a degree in City and Regional Planning with a minor in Sustainable Environments from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Maxime Le Mevel, Project Coordinator, supports the implementation of a portfolio of energy efficiency projects at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. He previously worked as a Customer Success Manager at FINALCAD in Paris, as a Field Engineer at VINCI, and conducted an Industrial & Research Project on micro-electric power for UNESCO World Heritage Site in Albania. He is also involved in coordinating TEDx events at UCLA. Maxime holds an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UCLA, an MS in Civil Engineering from ESTP Paris, and a BS in Engineering from ESTP Paris. He is a certified LEED Green Associate.

As Senior Project Coordinator with The Energy Coalition, Elaina supports regional partnership coordination, engagement and enrollment goals, and supports Local Government Partnership projects. She previously worked with the City of Santa Clara’s Municipal Utility, Silicon Valley Power, as an Energy Conservation Specialist supporting outreach and education efforts to residents in the local community. Elaina holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Energy from San Jose State University.

Spencer supports project delivery for a portfolio of energy efficiency projects for The Energy Coalition and has expertise in customer relationship management, comparative energy analysis, and outreach. Prior to TEC, Spencer worked as a Sustainability Coordinator with Gawad Kalinga (GK) in the Philippines, where he implemented innovative self-irrigating systems for several farms, designed the installation of low-cost solar torches, and devised action strategies for the reorganization of GK’s platform for social entrepreneurs. Spencer has a dual degree in Environmental Science and Economics with a minor in Global Sustainability from the University of Virginia.

Michelle Nguyen, Project Coordinator, is responsible for supporting energy efficiency projects for over 12 public agencies at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She serves as lead coordinator on Council of Governments coordination and energy audit administration. Prior to her role supporting SoCalREN at The Energy Coalition, Michelle worked and interned with public agencies and environmental organizations. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies with a concentration in climate change from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Meghna Patnaik, Project Coordinator, supports TEC with energy efficiency project delivery for over 8 public agencies through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She has expertise in financial metrics and serves as lead coordinator on procurement collaboration with Gordian. Meghna previously worked as a Design Engineer and Project Coordinator with SunPower. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Sustainable Environmental Design with a minor in Global Poverty & Finance from the University of California, Berkeley.

Rachel Pennington, Project Coordinator, supports the implementation of SoCalREN Public Agency Programs at TEC. She has over three years of experience supporting environmental and energy conservation initiatives. Prior to TEC, Rachel served as a Program Coordinator for the University of California, Irvine, where she designed and implemented programming related to renewable energy, zero waste, environmental justice, and local environmental issues. Rachel holds a B.A. in Environmental Science with a Minor in Global Sustainability from the University of California, Irvine.

Natalie supports implementation of the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs for The Energy Coalition. Over the course of a 10-month fellowship through the Climate Corps program, she worked with staff and faculty at the Los Angeles Community College District to implement a campus-wide energy-saving competition along with other energy and climate initiatives. Natalie holds a degree in International Economics and Spanish with a minor in Political Science from the University of Kentucky.

Elsie Varela, Project Coordinator, supports energy efficiency project delivery for public agencies at TEC through the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. She is passionate about environmental engineering, has four years of experience in learning and knowledge management, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Before TEC, Elsie obtained a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.

Ian Wright, Project Coordinator, supports the implementation of SoCalREN Public Agency Programs at TEC. Ian previously worked in transportation safety for the State of Wisconsin as the Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Program Manager. Ian has a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

As Project Coordinator with The Energy Coalition, Mallory supports engagement and enrollment goals, assists with educational events, and supports Local Government Partnership projects. She previously served two AmeriCorps VISTA terms in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she supported a variety of initiatives, including acquiring funding and developing curriculum for a Makerspace in an off-grid rural school. She also worked five summers at a Girl Scout camp in Prescott, Arizona, starting as an Art Instructor and Unit Counselor and moving to Assistant Camp Director. Mallory holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Northern Arizona University.

Jennifer Valerio, Project Coordinator, provides executive and secretarial support to TEC’s Vice President, including coordinating meetings and tracking reporting deliverables. She also provides project delivery manual change management support for the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs. Jennifer has over twenty-two years of experience working in complex, highly sensitive, and rapidly changing office environments, providing a wide array of executive, secretarial, and administrative support. She holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from Long Beach City College.