AEG Boston

This playlist features New York Advanced Energy Group discussion leaders from the Q2 stakeholder breakfast at Duane Morris. The event brought AEG’s stakeholder members together to discuss the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization.

AEG New York 18Q2 Buildings and Grid Modernization

This playlist features discussion leaders from the Chicago Advanced Energy Group Q2 stakeholder breakfast, held on May 31, 2018 at Holland & Knight. The event brought AEG’s stakeholder members together to discuss the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization.

2018 Q2 Chicago

AEG Washington Stakeholder Challenge. This quarter's topic is Buildings & Construction.

We believe systemic change is best accomplished as a team sport.  
 Every quarter we host the AEG Washington Stakeholder Challenge so all*star leaders, can get on the field as cross sector teams  and play to win at what matters most.

Director Tommy Wells shares his experience participating in this most recent Stakeholder Challenge on Buildings & Construction.

21Q2 AEG DC Tommy Wells, Director, Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE)Testimonial

Audrey Schulman, Executive Director, HEET

Audrey has performed energy assessments on everything from homeless shelters to historic churches. She used utility-reported data to create HEET’s public zoomable natural gas leak maps (the first in the country). She co-led the FixOurPipes.org study to find how to fix gas leaks faster and at less expense through increased municipal/utility coordination. She started the Large Volume Leak Study, which determined a way to identify super-emitting gas leaks so the utilities could repair them. Schulman is the author of five novels, which have been translated into 11 languages, and reviewed by the New Yorker and CNN.

HEET is a nimble nonprofit seeking solution to climate change through research, education, and collective action. Its mission is to cut carbon emissions now by driving systems change. Their current programs all have a goal of transitioning the region from natural gas and other fossil fuels to renewable energy while maintaining their values of integrity, innovation, and compassion. HEET takes practical actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions here and now while helping people live healthier and less expensive lives. HEET listens, learns, and leverages social networks to teach practical skills with a can-do attitude to reduce emissions. By working with a wide range of organizations, they engage people from all backgrounds, income levels, and beliefs. HEET innovates, connects people, leads research, and shares information widely.

AEG Washington 21Q3 Audrey Schulman - Grid Modernization

Zeryai Hagos, Deputy Director, Office of Markets and Innovation, at New York State Department of Public Service

Zeryai is the Deputy Director of the Office of Markets and Innovations at the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS), where he leads the Clean Energy, Wholesale Market Issues, Utility Business Model, and Transportation sections of the Office of Markets and Innovations.

Prior to his appointment to the DPS, Mr. Hagos was the Senior Director of Business Development at Tendril (renamed Uplight in 2019), where he helped grow a new distributed energy resources platform called Orchestrated Energy.

Mr. Hagos began his career at General Electric, where he most recently served as the Growth & Strategy Director for GE’s Power business in the US. Zeryai’s responsibilities at GE included leading cross-business growth initiatives in the electric power sector, managing GE's long-term power market forecast in North America and serving as a subject matter expert for the US power markets in support of corporate strategy.

The primary mission of the New York State Department of Public Service is to ensure safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State’s residential and business consumers, at just and reasonable rates. The Department seeks to stimulate innovation, strategic infrastructure investment, consumer awareness, competitive markets where feasible, and the use of resources in an efficient and environmentally sound manner.

AEG New York 21Q3 Zeryai Hagos - Grid Modernization

Jennifer Schilling, Vice President, Grid Modernization, Eversource Energy

Prior to Jennifer’s appointment as Vice President of Grid Modernization, she was the Director of Grid Modernization at Eversource Energy. She was responsible for all aspects of the grid modernization strategy for the distribution utility serving over 3.5 million customers in New England. She is the leader of cross-functional teams developing and implementing strategies in three states to integrate technologies that improve reliability and support the integration of distributed energy resources.

Eversource Energy is a utility holding company engaged in the energy delivery business. The Company operates through four segments: Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution. The Company also provides water utility services to residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and fire protection, and other customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

AEG Boston 21Q3 Jennifer Schilling - Grid Modernization

Rebecca Ashton, Senior Vice President, Northeast District Lead, WSP

Rebecca Ashton has been appointed New York district lead for WSP USA, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy. Ashton previously served as chief operating officer (COO) for the U.S. Earth & Environment business and has been at WSP for the past 13 years.

Founded in 1885, WSP develops creative, comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions for a future in which society can thrive. Equipped with an intimate understanding of local intricacies, world-class talent and proactive leadership, WSP plans, designs, manages and engineers long-lasting and impactful solutions to uniquely complex problems.

AEG New York 23Q3 Rebecca Ashton - Grid Modernization

Grant McEachran, Regulatory Affairs Director, S&C Electric Company

Grant McEachran is the Regulatory Affairs Director at S&C Electric Company with 24 years of experience in the energy industry. In his current role, Grant is responsible for tracking and analyz­ing trends in electricity policy across a range of jurisdictions with a particular focus on North America, Europe and Australasia. Prior to joining S&C Electric, Grant was a senior economist for the British energy regulator, Ofgem, where he was responsible for developing and implementing key components of the current revenue/rate setting process – the RIIO framework. Grant also previously worked as an economist for the Commerce Commission in New Zealand.

S&C Electric Company is a leading provider of switching, protection, and control solutions for electric power systems. Headquartered in Chicago, S&C is applying its heritage of innovation to address challenges facing the world’s power grids and thus shaping the future of reliable electricity delivery. The mission of S&C is to continually develop new solutions for electricity delivery, fostering the improved efficiency and reliability required for the intelligent grid.

AEG Chicago 23Q3 Grant McEachran - Grid Modernization

Y﻿ury Lui, Director of Energy & Water Management, Technical Operations, Digital Realty

Yury Lui is the Director of Energy & Water Management, Technical Operation at Digital Realty where he is responsible for Strategic Energy & Water Management, including energy audit and master planning across a global portfolio of over 285+ data center properties. Yury leads corporate PUE & WUE implementation and integration, including data reporting, validation, reconciliation, and compliance, oversees energy & water conservation measures and capital improvement projects to achieve energy & water performance improvements, and manages internal and external cross-functional teams on numerous engineering and technical programs. 

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place". Digital Realty's commitment to ESG is helping enterprises cut costs and meet their sustainability goals. Digital Realty does this by: elevating efficiency, reducing waste, building responsibly, and demonstrating commitment. Digital Realty Energy is the only data center company named the Energy Star Partner of the Year by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for our energy efficiency efforts.

AEG Chicago 23Q3 Yuri Lui - Grid Modernization

Marie Steele, Vice President, Integrated Energy Services, NV Energy

Marie Steele currently serves as the Vice President of Integrated Energy Services at NV Energy. Marie has more than 10 years of experience in the energy industry in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. She received her MBA from the ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, with a focus on Sustainability & Strategy where she served as Director of Alumni Relations for the MBA Student Association.

NV Energy has a long history in the state of Nevada, and aims to provide a safe reliable, affordable energy to more than 1.5 million customers. In 2021, NV Energy filed its Transmission Infrastructure for a Clean Energy Economy Plan and Economic Recovery Transportation Electrification Plan that fulfill Governor Steve Sisolak’s and the Nevada Legislature’s vision for Nevada’s new sustainable energy economy – creating jobs and delivering the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy to all Nevadans.

AEG Las Vegas RE+ 23 Marie Steele - Climate, Health & Equity

J﻿ulia Casagrande, Deputy Director, Clean Energy, NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice

Julia Casagrande is the Deputy Director, Clean Energy, NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice since May 2023. Julia is involved in researching and developing policy initiatives and working on strategies for the city to meet its sustainability goals. She has prior experience as a mechanical engineer, providing sustainability consulting and mechanical design services to various public and private sector clients. 

NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice aims to better integrate justice work within the city's comprehensive approach to climate. The office consolidates and unifies existing agencies focused on resilience, sustainability, environmental coordination and environmental remediation. OneNYC promotes environmental policies addresses the sources of disparities in health outcomes such as asthma and cardiovascular disease, as well as the environmental impediments to economic opportunity and neighborhood stability.

NYC 23Q3 Julia Casagrande - Health, Equity & Energy

Steve Brown, Senior Vice President/Chief Credit Officer, Texas Clean Energy Fund

Stephen is the Global Energy Initiatives Director at Climate Imperative, which focuses on working with policymakers and advocates to align the export of U.S. fossil fuels with our national climate goals. Stephen built Capital Assets Energy LLC, a successful clean energy development consulting firm that specialized in financing retrofits of commercial, non-profit and multi-family properties with energy efficient and renewable energy improvements. He founded the Clean Energy Fund of Texas, Inc., which focuses on making the green economy affordable and just for all Texans.

The mission of the Clean Energy Fund of Texas is to make clean energy resources affordable for all Texans. They believe that an equitable transition to clean energy will mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, eliminate energy poverty, create green jobs and catalyze economic development opportunities in historically under-resourced communities and that they will accomplish this by accelerating the flow of green capital into underserved markets to provide all Texans a healthier, prosperous and just future.

AABE Houston Steve Brown - Health, Energy & Equity

Zeryai Hagos, Deputy Director, Office of Markets and Innovation, New York State Department of Public Service

Zeryai Hagos is the Deputy Director of the Office of Markets and Innovations at the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS), where he leads the Wholesale Market Issues, Clean Energy Standard and (Retail) Market Structure sections of the Office of Markets and Innovations. Prior to his appointment to the DPS, Mr. Hagos was the Senior Director of Business Development at Tendril (Uplight), where he helped grow a new distributed energy resources platform called Orchestrated Energy. 

The Public Service Commission regulates electric, gas, steam, telecommunications/cable, and private water utilities in New York. The primary mission of the New York State Department of Public Service is to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State’s residential and business consumers, at just and reasonable rates, while protecting the natural environment. The Department also seeks to stimulate effective competitive markets for clean, renewable, and distributed energy resources that benefit New York consumers, as well as product and service innovations.

AEG/NECEC 23Q4 Zeryai Hagos - Northeast Clean Transportation Summit

Colleen (Farrell) Wright, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Constellation Energy

Colleen Farrell Wright is the Vice President of Corporate Strategy for Constellation. Wright is responsible for the development of the enterprise strategy at Constellation, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy and the leading competitive supplier of energy products and services to 2 million homes and businesses across the United States. In this role, Wright also advances new technologies, policies, and business model transformations through partnerships, grants and research and development. 

Constellation is the nation's largest producer of carbon-free energy and provides sustainable solutions to homes, businesses, and public-sector customers. To further advance the fight against climate change and accelerate the transition to a carbon-free future, Constellation has set its own ambitious climate goals, including: 95% carbon-free electricity by 2030. 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. 100% reduction of operations-driven emissions by 2040.

AEG Chicago 23Q4 Colleen Wright - Mobility and Clean Transportation

Hillary Scott-Ogunrinde, Deputy Director of Energy & Utility, State of Illinois

Hillary Scott-Ogunrinde was appointed last April 2023 as the Deputy Director of Energy & Utility for the State of Illinois. Prior to joining the State of Illinois, Hillary was the President of NexGen Industries where she supported clients in championing energy investment policies that promote climate preservation and community impact by designing, developing, and financing cutting edge energy conservation projects with positive economic and social ROI. 

Illinois is a state in the Midwestern United States that has a highly diverse economy, with the global city of Chicago in the northeast, major industrial and agricultural hubs in the north and center, and natural resources such as coal, timber, and petroleum in the south. Illinois is a net importer of fuels for energy, despite large coal resources and some minor oil production. Illinois exports electricity, ranking fifth among states in electricity production and seventh in electricity consumption.

AEG Chicago 23Q4 Hilary Scott - Ogunrinde - Mobility and Clean Transportation

Aron Bowman, Chief Operating Officer, ELM Companies, LLC

Aron is the Chief Operating Officer at ELM Companies, LLC. Aron has been with ELM since 2014. Aron has been responsible for leading the FieldSight product line which provides IoT-based products for smart energy, microgrid, distributed energy and compliance-as-a-service solutions while also managing relationships with both customers and strategic partners such as Dell, Intel and Microsoft. 

ELM Companies is a cloud-based technology innovator providing industrial and commercial compliance products and services to various sectors including hospitality, health and safety, utilities, manufacturing, construction and private residences. Protecting utility infrastructure through specific compliance services such as underground locating and regulatory reporting or improving grid reliability and sustainability through the Distributed Energy products are examples of ELM’s commitment to helping its clients achieve their goals.

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Allan Abela, CCO & EVP, EPC Power

Allan Abela is the Co-Founder, Chief Commercial Officer and EVP of EPC Power. In his role as CCO & EVP, Allan manages customer relationships from acquisition through product or service delivery, ensuring that all functions of the organization are aligned to meet the strategic and commercial objectives of EPC Power. Allan is responsible for driving expansion and growth of EPC Power into new market segments and partnering with leaders in the Energy Storage space.

EPC Power, a San Diego based smart inverter manufacturer, is primarily focused on the utility scale Solar and Storage market, EPC's inverters can be found powering a variety of applications including electric semi-trucks, remote microgrids and agricultural farms. EPC Power creates innovative power conversion products that are stable, powerful and compact.

Puerto Rico Energy Week 2023 - Aron Bowman & Allan Abela

Jing Yu, Chief Executive Officer, Fortress Power

Jing Yu is the CEO of Fortress Power. She has been in the renewable energy industry for the past decade. Jing was previously the Vice President of WINAICO USA from January 2009 to December 2018 where she was responsible for all of US' operations, including business development. Jing established the US operation in 2012 and successfully distributed high efficiency solar panels throughout the US.

Fortress Power is a premium Lithium Battery Manufacturer based outside of Philadelphia with a mission to provide affordable, highly reliable and user-friendly energy storage solutions for homes and businesses. Fortress is committed to providing superior battery energy storage solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Their systems are designed to be safer and easier to use for both end customers and our installer partners.

Puerto Rico Energy Week 2023 - Jing Yu

Robert Vargas, Energy Infrastructure Independent Consultant

Robert Vargas is an Energy Infrastructure Independent Consultant. Robert has worked with Burns & McDonnell for 16 years under various positions and decided to take a career break last July 2022 to take a sabbatical to focus on personal enrichment and professional development.

During those years, Robert supported different roles, including engineering, project management and business development. Robert led the execution of some of the most complex Transmission and Distribution projects in the U.S. Robert is passionate about identifying opportunities to streamline processes and operations with the goal of reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Puerto Rico Energy Week 2023 - Robert Vargas

Vennela Yadhati, Vice President, Renewable Development, NYPA

Vennela Yadhati rejoins NYPA as Vice President for Renewable Development. Yadhati’s responsibilities at NYPA involve leading the renewable project development team to successfully execute projects and develop business plans to advance new initiatives and strategies, according to Toia. She also manages related interconnection needs.

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.

AEG New York 24Q1 Vennela Yadhati - Critical Infrastructure and Resilience

Ian McNamara, Senior Vice President, Northeast District Lead, WSP

Ian McNamara is a senior vice president who joined WSP as director of strategic initiatives in 2020 and most recently served as the East region development director, where he was responsible for leading and supporting major pursuits across all business lines. McNamara’s diverse career background includes project development, operations management, urban planning and mobility, as well as serving as investment director for infrastructure programs.

WSP is a globally recognized professional services firm providing strategic advisory, engineering and design services to clients in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, power, energy, water, and mining sectors.

AEG New York 24Q1 Ian McNamara - Critical Infrastructure and Resilience

Christopher Diamond, Director of Sustainability, Port Authority of NY & NJ

Christopher Diamond is the Director of the Office of Sustainability at the Port Authority of NY & NJ where his primary directive is to lead the Port Authority to its goal of Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050! He has more than 30 years of multi-faceted experience in civil and structural engineering, architecture, consulting, finance, and government with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, decarbonization, and climate resilience. Prior to the Port Authority, Mr. Diamond served as Director of the Office of Sustainability, Resilience, and Commissioning for the New York City Department of Design & Construction (DDC) where he spearheaded DDC’s thought leadership for sustainability, climate resilience, decarbonization, and geothermal energy systems. 

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the country's most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets through air, land, rail, and sea. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was the nation’s first bistate agency. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a financially self-supporting public agency that relies almost entirely on revenues generated by facility users, tolls, fees, and rents. The Port Authority maximizes non-toll and non-fare revenues—which represent nearly two-thirds of the agency’s revenues—and leverages private sector investment in its facilities.

AEG New York 24Q1 Christopher Diamond - Critical Infrastructure and Resilience

Natalie Hammer, Business Growth Manager, Grid Management, Itron

Natalie’s focus as a Business Growth Manager at Itron revolves around leveraging technical knowledge in Grid Management to drive customer success in the evolving landscape of electrification. Her dedication to helping utilities succeed has enabled Itron to establish strong connections between clients and innovative strategies, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive market.

Itron is a world leader in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), connecting critical electricity, water and gas infrastructures that power more than 200 million devices all over the world. Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure services to communities in more than 100 countries. Itron's proven portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps customers better manage energy and water for the people they serve.

Puerto Rico Energy Week 2024 - Natalie Hammer

Michael Gough, President, Quanta Services Puerto Rico

Michael Gough is an executive with diverse leadership, operational, and program management experience. He has proven success as the chief executive of dynamic organizations and for-profit businesses. He is also an expert in team leadership, business strategy, profit and loss management, and process improvement. Michael is also a decorated military veteran, accomplished teacher, instructor, and mentor. 

Quanta Services Solutions is based out of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and aggregates and applies the breadth and depth of Quanta Services expertise to construction, maintenance, and service projects throughout Puerto Rico.

Michael Gough

Sarah Cullinan, Senior Director, Net Zero Grid Program, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Sarah Cullinan's focus of study is on climate change impacts, risks, and adaptation economics, with particular interest in coastal infrastructure and systems.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.

AEG Boston 24Q3 Sarah Cullinan - Grid Modernization

Dale Player, Vice President, Engineering & Smart Grid, ComEd

Dale Player is the Vice President for Engineering and Smart Grid at Commonwealth Edison. Dale has been working within the electric utility industry at Commonwealth Edison in Chicago for the past 14 years and currently leads the Distribution Automation team. Within this role, Dale has responsibility for developing innovative solutions to create a smarter and more resilient next-generation distribution system. Dale also has engineering experience within Asset Management, Material Condition, Protection & Control Engineering, and Substation Relay Commissioning.

Within his time in the electric utility, Dale has led initiatives to develop multi-billion dollar investment portfolios to create a more reliable and resilient grid, prepare the grid for the impact of renewables, and creation of a communications infrastructure to support grid equipment and give it greater capabilities. Dale holds a BSEE and a MSEE from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and is also a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois.

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois or 70 percent of the state’s population. ComEd was recognized as Most Resilient Power Grid in the U.S. With 2022 ReliabilityOne® Award.

AEG Chicago 24Q3 Dale Player - Grid Modernization

Utopia Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Reactivate
Utopia Hill is the Chief Executive Officer at Reactivate. Utopia provides leadership and strategic direction to a diverse, rapidly growing, innovative team. In her role, she manages and fosters relationships with industry partners, businesses, and communities, while also growing the company to ensure positive environmental and social impacts to the communities served by Reactivate projects. Utopia previously served as Head of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) at Reactivate and as Vice President of Renewables Construction for Invenergy.

Reactivate, an Invenergy company, is a mission-driven company that develops, owns, and operates renewable energy solutions to improve low-to-moderate income and energy transition communities across the country. Focus areas include community solar, commercial & industrial solar, small utility scale solar, energy storage, and EV charging projects. By delivering renewable energy, energy cost savings, job opportunities, workforce training, and opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, Reactivate creates positive social and environmental impact.

AEG RE+24 Utopia Hill - Energy, Health & Equity

Franchesca Diaz, Director, Bronx Regional & Community Affairs, Con Edison

Franchesca Diaz is leading Con Edison’s Regional and Community Affairs team for the Bronx.
As director, Diaz heads up a group that builds and strengthens relationships with customers, elected officials, community boards and business organizations.

The team keeps the community up to date on Con Edison’s clean energy, reliability and energy efficiency initiatives, and updates stakeholders on construction projects, new electric vehicle charging stations, the company’s philanthropic programs and other topics including environmental justice and the renewable jobs pipeline. The Bronx team is staffed around the clock during extreme weather events and other emergencies.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $15 billion in annual revenues and $67 billion in assets. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam, and serves 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.


AEG NYC Action Challenge Franchesca Diaz - Health, Energy & Equity

Lydia Wiener, Policy Advisor, Clean Energy, NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice

Lydia Wiener is a Policy Advisor on the Clean Energy Team at the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, where she works to mobilize a just clean energy transition and make sure NYC meets its clean energy mandates.  In this role, Lydia leads efforts to streamline solar and storage permitting and energy market policy. Prior to the Mayor's Office, Lydia worked in energy procurement to provide affordable and multifamily portfolios access to tailored and stable clean energy rates. She holds a BA in Environmental Policy from Middlebury College. 

NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice aims to better integrate justice work within the city's comprehensive approach to climate. The office consolidates and unifies existing agencies focused on resilience, sustainability, environmental coordination and environmental remediation. OneNYC promotes environmental policies that address the sources of disparities in health outcomes such as asthma and cardiovascular disease, as well as the environmental impediments to economic opportunity and neighborhood stability. 


AEG NYC Action Challenge Lydia Wiener - Health, Energy & Equity

Cristina Botero, Sr. Manager - Beneficial Electrification, ComEd

Cristina leads ComEd's Beneficial Electrification (BE) strategy and implementation of the company's BE Portfolio of programs, which includes transportation electrification (electric vehicles) and home electrification offerings for customers. Prior to her current position she was Sr. Manager of Distributed Energy Resources Engineering and Sr. Manager of Reliability Programs, also at ComEd. She was a Energy Systems Engineer - Postdoctoral Appointee at Argonne National Laboratory, where she conducted research on the planning and operation of energy infrastructure worldwide to support high penetration of renewables. Cristina has also held engineering positions at Tesla and BP, among other organizations. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois or 70 percent of the state’s population. ComEd was recognized as Most Resilient Power Grid in the U.S. With 2022 ReliabilityOne® Award. 


AEG Chicago 24Q4 Cristina Botero - Mobility & Clean Transportation

Jeffrey Roy, State Rep., 10th Norfolk District, MA House of Representatives

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 10th Norfolk District in 2012. He was appointed Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. He is the House-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. 

In 2011, he was elected to the Town Council in Franklin, Massachusetts. In January 2012, he was selected to chair the town’s Master Plan Committee. Prior to that, he served on the School Committee, and served as its Chairperson for 9 of his 10 years of service with that board. He also co-chaired Franklin’s Anti-Bullying Task Force.

AEG Boston 24Q4 Jeffrey Roy - Mobility & Clean Transportation

Josh Ryor, Assistant Secretary of Energy, Massachusetts EEA

Josh Ryor is an energy policy expert with more than a decade of experience. He has extensive experience in sustainable technologies, utility regulation and business models, public policy processes, and clean energy program and market design. Josh also has a proven leadership and project delivery track record, leading teams of 5-40 and complex initiatives over multiple years.

Josh has an academic background in economics, physics, and engineering. He received the Nugent Gold Medal in 2010 from the College of the Holy Cross as the top physics graduate and completed his Master of Science with distinction in 2013. Josh also received the inaugural Luminary Award from the Connecticut Power and Energy Society in 2021.

Currently, Josh is the Assistant Secretary of Energy at the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA).

AEG Boston 24Q4 Joshua Ryor - Mobility & Clean Transportation

Geoffrey Urbach, Product and Partnerships Lead for Emerging Technology, City of San Antonio's Office of Innovation

Geoffrey Urbach is the Product and Partnerships Lead for Emerging Technology at the City of San Antonio's Office of Innovation, a position he has held since August 2024. He is also widely recognized for leading the SmartSA Partnership, a collaboration of numerous public agencies working to enhance city services through technology.

The City of San Antonio is a major metropolitan hub in South-Central Texas known for its rich history, vibrant Hispanic culture, strong military presence, and booming modern industries. It is the seventh-most populous city in the United States and the second-most populous in Texas.

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Geoffrey Urbach - Fleet Electrification

Jonathan Tijerina, Vice President of Corporate Development, CPS Energy

Jonathan Tijerina is the Vice President of Corporate Development at CPS Energy. He has a diverse background in the energy sector and has been recognized for his leadership and innovation in the field

CPS Energy is the nation's largest community-owned public power, natural gas, and electric utility company, established in 1860. It is municipally owned by the City of San Antonio and provides service to over 970,000 electric and 390,000 natural gas customers in San Antonio and surrounding counties. 
The company focuses on providing safe, reliable, and competitively-priced services, while generating significant revenue for the City of San Antonio (over $10.1 billion since 1942).

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Jonathan Tijerina - Fleet Electrification

Joyce Deuley, Co-Facilitator & Civic Innovator, Advanced Energy Group (AEG).

Joyce Deuley is currently listed as a Co-Facilitator & Civic Innovator for the Advanced Energy Group (AEG). In this role, she helps guide discussions and initiatives that drive actionable collaboration on clean energy and smart city goals within communities, particularly in the San Antonio area

The Advanced Energy Group is a unique business platform that orchestrates stakeholder engagement rather than being a traditional utility company or a single corporation providing energy.

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Joyce Deuley - Fleet Electrification

Kara Hill, Director of Strategic Projects, Port San Antonio

Kara Hill is the Director of Strategic Projects at Port San Antonio, where she focuses on connecting military missions, industry partners, and innovators to educational, career, and business opportunities. She is also a prominent champion of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology and an advocate for the Port's plan to build one of the nation's first vertiports.

Port San Antonio is a large, 1,900-acre technology innovation campus and integrated logistics hub located in San Antonio, Texas. It was created in 1995 following the closure of Kelly Air Force Base and has since been redeveloped into a center for leading global industries, generating significant economic activity in the region. 

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Kara Hill - Fleet Electrification

Lyle Hufstetler, Natural Resources Project Administrator, Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG)

Lyle Hufstetler is the Natural Resources Project Administrator at the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), a role in which he manages key environmental initiatives, particularly those related to air quality and sustainable transportation in the San Antonio region. He also holds the title of Clean Cities Coordinator.

AACOG is a voluntary association of local governments that serves as a regional planning and coordination body for 13 counties in the Alamo area. It is not a regulatory agency but acts as a forum and resource center to help local communities address shared challenges. 

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Lyle Hufstetler - Fleet Electrification

Sarah Carabias Rush, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), greater:SATX

Sarah Carabias Rush is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of greater:SATX Regional Economic Partnership (formerly known as the Greater San Antonio Development Agency in a broader context of local development). She was appointed to the CEO role in August 2025, having previously served as the Chief Economic Development Officer since 2022.

greater:SATX is the leading economic development organization (EDO) for the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area. It is a private-sector-led and public-sector-supported joint venture that drives transformative growth through a regional economic development strategy. 

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Sarah Carabias Rush - Fleet Electrification

Tobias Glitterstam is the Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at Navistar, Inc., which is an affiliate of the International® brand. International refers to International Trucks, the brand name for commercial vehicles produced by Navistar. 

Navistar, Inc. is a purpose-driven company that produces International brand commercial trucks and engines, and IC Bus brand school and commercial buses. The company has a history of innovation dating back to 1831 and is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois. 

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Tobias Glitterstam - Fleet Electrification

Valerie von Schramm, Manager of Strategic Research & Innovation, CPS Energy

Valerie von Schramm is the Manager of Strategic Research & Innovation at CPS Energy, where she has worked since September 2000. She is a highly accomplished engineer known for her work in clean energy research and her contributions to breaking gender barriers in the field. 

CPS Energy is the nation's largest community-owned natural gas and electric utility, based in San Antonio, Texas. As a public utility, it is owned by the City of San Antonio and provides services to nearly a million electric and natural gas customers. The company focuses on safe, reliable service and reinvests profits back into the community and infrastructure development. 

AEG San Antonio 25Q4 Valerie von Schramm - Fleet Electrification

In this special installment of the AEG Podcast, New York Advanced Energy speaks with Richard Cohen, Vice President of Facilities Operations for NYU Langone Health. Mr. Cohen provided New York Advanced Energy with a rigorous rundown of the facility’s power management systems, resiliency efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and more. Throughout the interview, Mr. Cohen also discusses broader topics related to the distribution of energy through critical infrastructure such as medical facilities and universities as well as the necessity for clean, consistent, and reliable power.

AEG Podcast

Richard Cohen, Vice President of Facilities Operations, NYU Langone Health – March 2017

On May 24, 2018, New York Advanced Energy Group held its stakeholder breakfast at the Duane Morris offices. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization and this episode features one of the Q2 discussion leaders: Damian Sciano, the Director of Distribution Planning at Con Edison.

Damian Sciano, Director Distributed Resource Integration, Con Edison

On May 24, 2018, New York Advanced Energy Group held its stakeholder breakfast at the Duane Morris offices. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization and this episode features one of the Q2 discussion leaders: Frank Norcross, Vice President of Hudson Yards Energy, Related Companies

Frank Norcross, Vice President, Hudson Yards Energy, Related Companies

On May 24, 2018, New York Advanced Energy Group held its stakeholder breakfast at the Duane Morris offices. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization and this episode features one of the Q2 discussion leaders: Gregg Fischer, the Director of Energy Systems under the Design + Construction Sustainability and Utilities division of Tishman Speyer.

Greg Fischer, Director of Energy Systems, Tishman Speyer

On May 24, 2018, New York Advanced Energy Group held its stakeholder breakfast at the Duane Morris offices. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization and this episode features one of the Q2 discussion leaders: Janet Martin, Director of Network Transformation at Verizon.

Janet Martin, Director Network Transformation, Verizon

On May 24, 2018, New York Advanced Energy Group held its stakeholder breakfast at the Duane Morris offices. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization and this episode features one of the Q2 discussion leaders: John Rice, a Partner at AFK Group.

John Rice, Partner, AFK Group

On May 31, 2018, Chicago Advanced Energy held its stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Kyle Hendricks, Senior Manager of Energy and Sustainability at the CBRE Group.

Kyle Hendricks, Senior Manager, Energy and Sustainability, CBRE

On May 31, 2018, Chicago Advanced Energy held its stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Mark Bettin, the Vice President of Engineering and Sustainability at the TheMART (A Vornado property).

Mark Bettin, Vice President, Engineering and Sustainability, TheMART (A Vornado property)

On May 31, 2018, Chicago Advanced Energy held its stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Sadzi Martha Oliva, the Commissioner at the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Sadzi Martha Oliva, Commissioner, Illinois Commerce Commission

On May 31, 2018, Chicago Advanced Energy held its stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Matt Thibodeau, Vice President of Sargent & Lundy.

Matt Thibodeau, Vice President, Sargent & Lundy

On May 31, 2018, Chicago Advanced Energy held its stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Steve Humes, a Partner at Holland & Knight.

Steve Humes, Partner, Holland & Knight, LLP

On June 14, 2018, Boston Advanced Energy held its Q2 stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Dennis Villanueva, Senior Manager for Energy & Sustainability at ‎Partners HealthCare System.

Dennis Villanueva, Senior Manager, Energy & Sustainability - ‎Partners HealthCare System

On June 14, 2018, Boston Advanced Energy held its Q2 stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Jim Hunt, SVP for Regulatory Affairs & Chief Communications Officer at Eversource Energy.

Jim Hunt, SVP for Regulatory Affairs & Chief Communications Officer, Eversource Energy

On June 14, 2018, Boston Advanced Energy held its Q2 stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: CommissionerJudith Judson of the ‎Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.

Judith Judson, ‎Commissioner, ‎Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

On June 14, 2018, Boston Advanced Energy held its Q2 stakeholder breakfast at Holland & Knight. The event focused on the topics of Smart Buildings and Grid Modernization. This episode features one of the event's discussion leaders: Joe Dalton, Project Director of Engie's MATEP LLC/Longwood Medical.

Joe Dalton, Project Director, MATEP LLC/Longwood Medical (Engie)

Commissioner and Undersecretary of Energy at Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Patrick Woodcock, discusses his vision and commitment to a clean, equitable Massachusetts. Roger Kranenburg, Vice President of Energy Strategy & Policy at Eversource Energy, talks about Eversource's groundbreaking commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.  Judith Judson, former Commissioner and now Vice President of Distributed Energy Systems at Ameresco shares private sector solutions.

20Q2 AEG Boston Speaker Roundtable

Advanced Energy Group is a consortium of dedicated stakeholders committed to developing and delivering advanced energy solutions for Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Washington D.C. By enabling a collaborative, focused framework of dedicated leaders and experts, Advanced Energy Group drives needed change today.

The AEG Podcast features a collection of select speakers from various Advanced Energy Group events and interviews - from breakfasts and one-off collaborations to industry conferences and beyond. Guests include speeches from and conversations with discussion leaders, stakeholder members, individuals from partner organizations, and more.

AEG Podcast

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