A huge factor in the success of the Clean Energy Resource Teams are our steering committee members. As you hopefully know by now, we work via seven regional teams that span Minnesota. These teams are made up of a diverse mix of people: individuals, small business owners, farmers, local utility representatives, members of environmental groups, educators, and local government representatives.
Each team is guided by a local steering committee that sets regional priorities, identifies emerging energy issues and opportunities, and directs grant funding. They volunteer their time with us and become friends in the process.
We’d like to thank the following individuals who have stepped off of our steering committees during the last year:
- Bonnie Abel
- Anni Friesen
- Anne Morse
- Peter Nelson
- Dan Roberts
- Nancy Strand
- Denny Timmerman
- Darryl Tveitbakk
- Leo Wilenius
- Karen Wilson
In addition, we are thrilled to welcome eight new steering committee members who have come aboard in the last several months, one in the Central Region, one in the Metro Region, two in the Northeast Region, one in the Northwest Region, one in the Southeast Region, and two in the Southwest Region. Drum roll, please!
- Central CERT: Jeffrey Baldridge is the president of Greenrange Renewable Energy, LLC. and is a manufacturer of Biodesel and refiner of recycled feedstock oils for use by other biodiesel manufacturers. As of June 2013 Greenrange went off the electrical grid and in 2014 will no longer utilize any fossil fuel source for manufacturing. Jeff also has interests in and is developing several biomass gasification technologies.
- Metro CERT: Yvonne Pfeifer, Community Energy Efficiency Manager at Xcel Energy. Her focus in this role is to work with Minnesota cities, counties, and communities on collaborative efforts to expand the awareness and participation in the energy efficiency program options offered by Xcel Energy. Prior to her current role, she managed the Rebate and Load Management Operations for Xcel Energy in MN, ND, SD, WI, CO, TX, and NM.
- Northeast CERT: Tim Gallagher, Minnesota Power: “My Title is Supervisor of Program Delivery. What this means is that I supervise the delivery of the Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP) for Minnesota Power (MP). The delivery team’s function is to design, implement, track and report on the CIP programs for MP. This includes interactions with other trade organizations, governmental and regulatory bodies, and customers to ensure that are programs continue to serve our customers in the most effective and efficient manner possible.”
- Northeast CERT: Dr. Alison Hoxie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Her education includes a B.A. in Natural Science from the College of Saint Benedict, a B.S.M.E. (2000), and a Ph.D. (2007) from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She has held positions as a consulting engineering in power and energy sector, and as an Instructor at the University of Utah. “My current research focuses on cost-effective methods for efficient utilization of biomass-derived oils in combustion applications. I believe my technical expertise in renewable energy technologies will provide guidance to the steering committee as different projects are considered for funding.”
- Northwest CERT: Shannon Mortenson, City of Warren. “The city of Warren provides electricity and natural gas through the municipality so I have an understanding in those areas. I also have a varied background in renewable energy. I was employed with the City of Kennedy and was instrumental in the conversion of the school building to a Renewable Energy Business Incubator. During the process, I became educated on the positive aspects of renewable energy, mainly geothermal and wind generation. I believe it is vital to our sustainable future to incorporate efficiencies with renewables. I look forward to sitting on your Steering Committee so I can learn more about energy efficiencies. I will bring to the organization a viewpoint from local government.”
- Southeast CERT: Chris Meyer. “My husband and I own a net-zero-energy home in Winona. I’m a certified PV site assessor and currently enrolled in an online program for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy at Denver University. I also sit on the board of the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society and am passionate about promoting sustainability and renewable energy. I spent most of my career writing software for General Mills, but now that I’m retired I spend much of my time as an Extension Master Gardener and bicycling. Thanks for the opportunity!”
- Southwest CERT: Nan Larson is AURI’s Director of Innovative Networks. AURI has developed the Rural Innovation Network to create a systems approach to integrate scientific assistance, development and research, business planning, and targeted network outreach to assist businesses that will produce value-added ag commodities and products. Larson has a 20-year working history in the economic development field, with an emphasis on strategic partnering, facilitation, planning, and management.
- Southwest CERT: Miron Carney is the Mayor of the City of Slayton, MN. Miron also serves as the Board Chair of the Southwest Regional Development Commission and is the President of the Slayton Economic Development Authority.
A warm welcome to all of them!
If you’re ever wondering who is on your region’s steering committee, just head to your region’s page on the CERTs site to see the list:
