WGES Speakers

2010 Speakers and Invited Guests

Listed Below in Alphabetical Order is the Evolving List of Invited Master Class Lecturers, Class Presenters & Moderators:



Opening Session & Master Class

 

partial list, awaiting BIOS/ Photo


 

Michelle MooreEdward G. Rendell (confirmed)
Governor of pennsylvania

 

Edward G. Rendell, Pennsylvania’s 45th Governor, began a second term of office on January 16, 2007, following a landslide re-election victory. As Governor, Rendell serves as chief executive of the nation’s 6th-most-populous state and oversees a $28.3 billion budget.

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Michelle MooreMichael A. Nutter
mayor city of philadelphia

 

Michael A. Nutter, the 98th mayor of Philadelphia, has set a course for America's sixth largest city aimed at growing the regional economy in a sustainable manner, dramatically improving public safety and investing in education and workforce development.

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Michelle MooreMichelle Moore (Confirmed)

The Federal Environmental Executive (The White House)

Michelle Moore is the Obama Administration’s Federal Environmental Executive, and is responsible for promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the federal government’s operations. Housed within the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Office stewards the implementation of President Obama’s Executive Order on Federal Sustainability (EO 13514) and the GreenGov initiative.

Prior to joining CEQ, Michelle was Senior Vice President of Policy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit organization that developed and oversees the LEED certification system.  She holds a Master’s of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a BA from Emory University.

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Kevin KampschroerKevin KampschroeR (Confirmed)

Director, Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings

Kevin Kampschroer is the Director of the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). This new office within GSA has consolidated and is coordinating Federal efforts in the broad realm of building sustainability, acceleration of industry capability and adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of asset creation, operation, maintenance and disposal. In response to the 2005 and 2007 Energy Bills & Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance, he has created the framework for which GSA responds to the challenges of greenhouse gas emissions reductions and of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s mandate to move GSA’s Federal building inventory toward high-performance green buildings.

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Kevin GeissKevin T. Geiss, PH.D. (Confirmed)

Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations & Environment.

Dr. Kevin Geiss is the Program Director for Energy Security in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment. Dr. Geiss joined the office in 2008 and works on the development, coordination and implementation of the Army's energy security strategy. Prior to this position, he served as the Assistant Director for National Defense in the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President. During his 3 years at OSTP, he conducted policy and budget review of the Department of Defense science and technology efforts and led interagency S&T committees to support national policy development.

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Dr. Steven ChuDr. Steven Chu

Secretary of Energy

As United States Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu is charged with helping implement President Obama's ambitious agenda to invest in clean energy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, address the global climate crisis, and create millions of new jobs.

Dr. Chu is a distinguished scientist and co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics (1997). He has devoted his recent scientific career to the search for new solutions to our energy challenges and stopping global climate change - a mission he continues with even greater urgency as Secretary of Energy.

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Marc LePageMarc LePage (Confirmed)

Advisor Climate Change and Energy, Canada

Marc LePage was appointed Special Advisor, Climate Change and Energy in September 2009. Prior to his appointment Marc was the Consul General at the Consulate General of Canada, San Francisco | Silicon Valley with responsibility for northern California, Nevada and Hawaii. Formerly with Genome Canada, Marc brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, and venture capital. Mr. LePage joined the Trade Commissioner Service of the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce in 1980 and has served abroad in Stockholm, Havana and at San Diego, California. In 1994, Mr. LePage moved to the Medical Research Council of Canada (now the Canadian Institutes of Health Research) to serve as Director of Business Development. Upon its launch in July of 2000, he joined Genome Canada as Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development, the capacity in which he has served to date. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Moncton, New Brunswick.

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Ronald BowmanRonald H. Bowman, Jr. (Confirmed)

Executive Vice President Tishman Technologies Corporation

As Executive Vice President of Tishman Technologies Corporation, Bowman is responsible for the organization's operations and its project management and construction management assignments, as well as providing services to its clients in all aspects of Mission Critical Data Centers: strategic site location and evaluation, life-span assessment, total cost of ownership, sustainable design and construction, alternative energy implementation, and commissioning. He has served as a project manager on trading floor and data center installations in some of the world's most competitive markets, including New York, London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Paris, and Shanghai. He has managed 50 trading floor and 100 data center installations for such companies as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, E-Speed, Cantor Fitzgerald, DLJ, Mitsubishi, and Charles Schwab. Tishman Technologies

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Ronald BowmanDr. Greg Caplan (Confirmed)

Director for Energy & Environment in Lockheed Martin

Dr. Greg Caplan is Director for Energy & Environment in Lockheed Martin Washington Operations, gathering policy-driven market intelligence to align and inform the pursuit of the business objectives of the corporation’s Energy & Environment division.  In this capacity, he manages relationships with Federal agencies involved in clean energy policies and programs, as well as with relevant stakeholder associations, and supports product line business development efforts to shape and capture opportunities in the Federal energy market.  Previously, he worked in business development and program operations for Lockheed Martin in the homeland security market, managing capture efforts and program start-up on Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security programs.  Before joining Lockheed Martin, he worked in government relations and strategic development for nonprofit organizations, domestically and internationally, and on the presidential campaign of General Wes Clark (ret.).  Dr. Caplan earned his Ph.D. in European history and his Master of Arts in European Studies from Georgetown University.

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Michael Amante (Confirmed)

Evening Gala Special Performance
Opening Ceremony (National Anthem)
World-Renowned Recording Artist

World-renowned recording artist has performed to sold out audiences across the country. He has also given performances to countless dignitaries including former US Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Pope John Paul II, Luciano Pavarotti, to name a few. He performs to sold-out audiences across the country including New York's Lincoln Center. He has performed for a myriad of nationally televised events and at well known arenas including Camden Yards, Shea Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Fox borough Field, The US Open, The Belmont Park Raceway, and Giants Stadium. Michael's latest project is focused on the production of a patriotic album, providing financial support to organizations benefiting United States Disabled Veterans.

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Class Sessions (In Alphabetical Order)

partial list, awaiting BIOS/ Photos


 

Joseph A. Auteri (Confirmed) - Class moderator

President of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia

Mr. Joseph A. Auteri received a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with a dual major in Finance and Economics in 1993 from Drexel University. Joe participated in the Co-Operative education program while attending Drexel and worked as a Special Benefits Coordinator at CIGNA Corporation. Joe is a member of the faculty at Drexel University's LeBow College of Business where he serves as an adjunct professor of marketing. Joe teaches a course called "Services Marketing" a study of the evolution of the U.S. economy over the last 300 years. Joe has also appeared as a guest lecturer for over 15 years at the university where he continues to lecture on the opportunities in the entrepreneurial world.

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John L. Banks (Confirmed)

Lead Business Development Specialist

John L. Banks, a native of Philadelphia, PA has over 29 years working for the Small Business Administration (SBA). John is currently serving as the Lead Business Development Specialist overseeing SBA’s Economic Development, Government Contracting, and Lending Programs for various counties throughout the Philadelphia District. Prior to this appointment, John has served as the head of the 8(a) Business Development Program. This program provides contractual, financial, management and technical assistance to firms that are owned, controlled and managed by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

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Keith Blakely(Confirmed)

CEO of NanoMech, LLC

Keith Blakely is a life-long entrepreneur who has been involved in energy, environmental, and infrastructure technologies throughout his career. He is, at present, the CEO of NanoMech, LLC, an award-winning technology commercialization company focused on the development and manufacturing of patented and proprietary application-specific nanomaterials, nanoparticle-based coatings and coating deposition systems, and nano-enabled products. He also serves as the cofounder and Director of R3 Fusion – a company focused on disruptive water purification technology being exploited in frac water, biofuel synthesis, and desalination.

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john costlow (Confirmed)

CET, CRM Director of Technical Services Sustainable Energy Fund

John Costlow is the Director of Technical Services for Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF). Prior to joining SEF, Mr. Costlow has been employed as Vice President of Operations for Energy Control Companies, Marketing and Energy Conservation Manager for Florida Public Utilities, Technical Support Manager for Johnson Controls, and Nuclear Reactor Operator. Mr. Costlow is a Graduate student at NYIT, has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University, is an honor graduate of Naval Nuclear Power School, and 1 of 38 Certified Carbon Reduction Managers in the North America. Mr. Costlow is also a member of Association of Energy Engineers, Association of Energy Service Professionals, and Alternative & Renewable Energy Development Institute.

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David C. Dickson (Confirmed) - Class moderator

District Director U.S. Small Business Administration

David C. Dickson, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, is serving as the District Director for the Philadelphia District Office of the Small Business Administration. As District Director, Dickson is responsible for the delivery and management of the Agency's financial and business development programs throughout the eastern 40 counties of Pennsylvania. In 1975, he graduated as an Industrial Engineer from Youngstown State University in Ohio, after which he served honorably for over 11 years as an officer in the United States Army. While in the Army, Dickson earned his Masters of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology and attended the Defense Systems Management College in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

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John F. Fleming (Confirmed)

Lead Business Development Specialist

John F. Fleming, a native of Springfield, Pennsylvania, is serving as a Lead Business Development Specialist for the Philadelphia District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a Lead Business Development Specialist, Fleming is responsible for the delivery and management of the Agency’s financial and business development programs throughout 18 counties of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Fleming started his SBA career in 1992, and has served in various positions including Chief Credit Officer, Marketing Specialist, and Public Information Officer.

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Keith J. Forbes (Confirmed)

Senior Climate Change and Sustainability Analyst, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Mr. Forbes has fifteen years in climate change, corporate sustainability reporting, and sustainable development. His expertise developed in the public and private sector in the U.S., Europe, and Africa, includes developing, managing, financing, and implementing project and programmatic work. His domain knowledge includes global climate change (impacts, adaptation measures, stakeholder outreach, mitigation, GHG inventories, climate change and land use, biofuels), corporate sustainability reporting (CSR) and strategy, and environmental governance.

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Jennaphr Frederick (Confirmed) - roundtABLE MODERATOR

Co-host “Good Day”

Jennaphr Frederick joined the "Good Day" team in September, 2003. Prior to becoming a morning person, Jennaphr was a general assignment reporter for Fox 29.

Before joining the FOX family in October 1999, she worked for two years as an investigative reporter for WKBW-TV, the ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY. A diverse background has helped Jennaphr to develop a proficiency in newsgathering. Before working at WKBW-TV, she was part of the morning team for WTVR-TV in Richmond, VA, a CBS affiliate. She speaks Spanish fluently and takes pride in having worked as an anchor and investigative reporter for KGNS-TV in Laredo, TX, an NBC affiliate and bilingual station. It was there that she started her career and frequently reported stories in Spanish.

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Adam Garber (Confirmed)

Penn Environment

As the field director for PennEnvironment, Adam helps to coordinate PennEnvironment's efforts to heighten public education about the state's most pressing environmental issues, increase civic participation, and garner media coverage to inform concerned Pennsylvanians. Before joining PennEnvironment in the fall of 2007, Adam worked as the energy and consumer associate for the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG). During his tenure at NJPIRG he helped to pass one of the nation's strongest renewable energy standards, promote energy efficiency, and promote clean, safe energy production in New Jersey. In addition, Adam has run citizen outreach office in New Jersey and Georgia to mobilize citizens around environmental issues. Adam graduated from St. John's College- Annapolis in 2005 with a degree in liberal arts.

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Joann garbin (Confirmed)

Johnson Controls INC.

JoAnn Garbin is the Program Director of Energy & Sustainability Information Services for Johnson Controls. She has 10 years experience in information technology development and deployment and sustainability business analysis and consulting. She serves as a Subject Matter Expert for organizations developing sustainability strategies that include creating inventories, mitigation plans, education and outreach programs, and internal and external reporting for domestic and foreign, voluntary and regulatory programs.

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Patricia Griffin (Confirmed)

President and Founder “Green” Hotels Association®

Patricia is an avid traveler, and a self-appointed cheerleader for all “green” hotels. She is very enthusiastic about protecting our environment especially through simple, good practice methods. She is particularly interested in encouraging the greening of the hospitality industry by informing not only hoteliers, but also travel agents, meeting planners, tour guides, business and pleasure travelers and government agencies. Ms. Griffin is a native Texan, owns a farm in Central Texas where she has wild horses and gentle cows. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Business degree.

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Jennifer Hazelman (Confirmed)

GSA Business Development Specialist

Jennifer Hazelman is a business development specialist with the GSA Center for Facilities Maintenance and Hardware. She is the team leader for the Energy Management Services Strategic Team and has led the team in their efforts to build the energy management services offered through the schedules program into a more comprehensive energy management services solution.

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Kent L. Hibben (Confirmed)

United States Department of Energy

Mr. Kent L. Hibben serves as the US Department of Energy's (DOE) HQ Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) subject matter expert and spokesperson on energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) issues. His accounts include the DOE EERE and Science offices, and the DOE SBIR/STTR program. He is also Team Leader of the OSDBU Business Opportunity Session activities, advocating for small companies seeking to do business with the US Department of Energy. In his previous (EERE) position he served as a contracting officer representative (COR) for several support service contracts for both the Research and Development (R&D), and the Business Administration sides of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Office. These $25 million in contracts were for a range of business sizes and ownership structures, including small/8(a) firms and Mentor-Protege teaming arrangements.

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Dr. Parsaoran Hutapea (Confirmed)

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Director of Composites Laboratory at Temple University

Dr. Parsaoran Hutapea is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Director of Composites Laboratory at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received his BS (1995), MSc (1997) and PhD (2000) all in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. He has authored and co-authored over sixty research articles, most of which have been published in international journals or presented at international conferences in the fields of mechanics of composite materials and structures, smart materials, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. His primary research interest in energy is fuel cells and their applications for transportation.

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Gary Jenkins (Confirmed)

U.S. General Services Administration

Gary Jenkins has been with the General Services Administration for 20 years. As a Business Development Specialist for the GSA Center for Facilities Maintenance and Hardware, his experience includes advertising and promoting the Center's 2 Multiple Award Schedules 51V & 03FAC, Develop Marketing Material for the Center, Attend Events/Shows and conferences, Train Federal Agencies, Assist Contractors in getting a GSA Contract and marketing their services and products, and Business Development for the Center. The GSA Center for Facilities Maintenance and Hardware (CFMH) provides federal agencies with a streamlined procurement tool to acquire all of the services necessary to maintain and manage a facility or marine vessels.

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David Kaiser (Confirmed)

Temple University Fox School of Business

David Kaiser has served as the Director of Enrollment Management for the Fox School of Business since July 2004. He is responsible for all recruitment and retention activities for the Undergraduate Programs at the Fox School. He also serves as the advisor for the Fox School College Council of Presidents, a cooperative council of the student professional organizations.

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Hunter McIntosh (Confirmed)

Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at The Boat Company

As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at The Boat Company – a company started by his father with the purpose of conserving and protecting the largest remaining temperate rain forest in the Northern Hemisphere – Hunter considers himself an honored guardian of this founding mission. His work there takes him from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, carting eco-adventure travelers; to Capitol Hill, where he lobbies for the preservation of the forest and remaining pristine wildernesses found in Southeast Alaska.

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Jeremy Peang-Meth (Confirmed)

Partner of Blue Sun Renew

Jeremy Peang-Meth is partner of Blue Sun Renew, a firm specializing in the building and site integration of wind energy and other renewable energy systems. Blue Sun Renew has focused on vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs), managing projects in the US and abroad, including installations for the State Department, US Air Force, NC Museum of Science and United Nations. Current projects include the design and CFD studies for a roof-mounted VAWT installation in New York City, and assistance with the use of VAWT technology for a research study underway at California Institute of Technology. Mr. Peang-Meth's combined experience in architecture, commercial development and high-end construction has provided the expertise to incorporate clean energy technologies in more complex projects.

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Emile Monette (Confirmed)

GSA FAS Director

Mr. Emile Monette currently serves as the Director, Program Analysis Division the Federal Acquisition Service at the United States General Services Administration (GSA). In this position, he provides leadership for the GSA’s initiatives to create and promote a more sustainable federal supply chain. Mr. Monette has broad experience in the field of federal procurement, in both the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. federal government, including active duty military service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, as a Senior Procurement Advisor to the Executive Office of the President, and as a Professional Staff Member with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He is a graduate of The George Washington University Law School, in Washington D.C, and San Diego State University, in San Diego, CA.

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Natalia Olson Urtecho (Confirmed)

Director of Global Initiatives

Chair, Philadelphia 2010 WGES Planning Committee

Natalia Olson-Urtecho is the founder and President/CEO of the Ecolibrium Group, a company dedicated to helping public and private entities become more profitable through environmentally friendly and socially responsible planning and strategies. She serves on the Wharton/UPENN Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership Faculty Advisory Committee, the Philadelphia's Urban Sustainability Forum Committee, the Delaware Valley Green Building Council Policy Committee, Mayor's International Task Force and is one of the founding members of the Philadelphia Green Economy Task Force where she serves as the Co-Chair of the Policy Committee. She is also the representative for a new program of the U.S. DOE, US-India-China Integrated Cities for Energy and Environment.

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Dino Ramos (Confirmed)

Chief Operating Officer, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia

Dino Ramos oversees implementation of such programs as the Pennsylvania Export Program, Developing International Opportunities for Industry Clusters, the International Design and Engineering Consortium, and the American Business Practices for International Students. Dino has over 25 years experience in international trade management. As Export Sales Manager for the Hunt Corporation, Dino was responsible for sales and marketing in over 50 countries. His long tenure at Hunt included managing all international sales, export sales forecasting, sales and operational planning, export administration, international marketing, and marketing services. Prior to Hunt, Dino spent five years working in Singapore as Far East Sales Manager for King Press Inc. and another five-year assignment in Vietnam and Thailand for the U.S. General Accounting Office. Dino holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from East Tennessee State University and attended George Washington Graduate School of Business Management. He is familiar with Greek and French and has some understanding of Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and Arabic.

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Cody A. Ray (Confirmed)

President of Drexel Smart House

Cody A. Ray has served as President of Drexel Smart House since December 2008. He is responsible for leading renovation efforts to transform an abandoned, historic home into a living laboratory for student research, and for collaborating with faculty, staff, and industry to establish a sustainable design and technology incubator. He leads project teams in developing sustainable technologies that simultaneously enhance occupant well-being and decrease their environmental footprint.  Mr. Ray is a sustainability researcher and a LEED AP. He is also a graduate student of electrical engineering at Drexel University, concentrating in intelligent systems and controls.

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David Restaino (Confirmed)

Partner Fox Rothschild

David provides dynamic litigation, transaction, regulatory, and strategic counsel for complex commercial matters in state and federal jurisdictions. He focuses his practice in environmental matters, including development, permitting, compliance, recycling, and reporting, as well as real estate matters. David has also litigated a variety of insurance contribution and subrogation cases.

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Jerry Skaggs, P.E (Confirmed)

Professional Civil Engineer

Jerry, a Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the UL DQS Programs and Business Line Manager - Environmental including: ISO 14001; Occupational Health and Safety Assessment System (OHSAS 18001); Responsible Care (RC14001 and RCMS); and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) review team, a member of the American Water Works Association’s standards writing committee for the G100 – G300 Series, General Interest, Utility Management System Standard and the US TAG ISO/PC 242 for the emerging ISO 50001, Energy Management Standard. Jerry also audits ISO 9001 and the International Bottled Water Association standards. He has over 25 years of experience in environmental engineering and program management. Jerry joined UL in 1999 and has brought his knowledge of environmental management and compliance to our Assessment Team.

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Richard J. Sobelsohn Esq. (Confirmed)

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

Richard J. Sobelsohn Esq., Attorney earned his accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). As a LEED AP, Richard has in-depth knowledge of the LEED Green Building Rating System, the globally accepted rating and certification program for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings. He represents developers, corporations, financial institutions and individuals concerning a variety of commercial real estate transactions including sustainable development, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, condominium offerings and leasing. Richard is a Fellow in the Institute of Green Professionals, serves as a member of the National Legal Working Group of the U.S. Green Building Council, an adjunct professor of law at both Brooklyn Law School and New York Law School, and lectures extensively on the subject of sustainable development.

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David Walls (Confirmed)

Managing Director, Energy
Emerging Energy Technology

David Walls earned his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and has over 28 years experience in emerging energy technologies, business planning and strategy. Mr. Walls is currently leading a major project for the US DOE Office Electricity to support the $4 billion Smart Grid Investment Grant and Smart Grid Demonstration programs. Navigant’s role involves developing the processes; approaches and analysis of the project build metrics, impact metrics and overall benefits. This will be a 5 year program involving approximately 140 major smart grid and energy storage projects aimed at understanding the benefits and business case for smart grid and energy storage technologies and investments.

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