July 30th & 31st, 2026
Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition
Panama Bartholomy is the Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, a highly effective team of 70 staff working with industry, elected officials and regulators to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment. Previously Panama worked as the Advisor on Energy and Natural Resources to California Assembly Speaker John A. Perez, served as Deputy Director of the California Energy Commission’s Efficiency and Renewables Division, and then as an Advisor for Chairwomen Douglas and Pfannenstiel. Panama has worked for the California Conservation Corps on vocational environmental education, ran the Sustainable Schools program for the Division of the State Architect, served on the City of Sacramento Planning Commission and the County of Sacramento Environmental Commission, and is a former board member on the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and past president of the Northern California Chapter of the USGBC.
Executive Director at the Mid-Hudson Energy Transition
Jasmine Graham (she/they) is a passionate advocate for a healthy, sustainable, and just world. She is currently the Executive Director at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, where she is advancing an equitable, local renewable energy transition in the Hudson Valley of New York. Prior to that, she served as the Senior Equity and Affordability Advisor at the Building Decarbonization Coalition, the Energy Justice Policy Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and the Program Manager for New York’s first and largest Community Choice Aggregation at Sustainable Westchester. Jasmine was also appointed to New York City's Climate Mobilization Advisory Board and Sustainability Advisory Board, where she provided recommendations to the City on their building decarbonization laws and climate plans.
Cofounder and chairman emeritus of RMI
Physicist Amory Lovins (1947– ) is cofounder (1982) and chairman emeritus of RMI, which he served as chief scientist 2007–19 and now supports as a contractor and trustee; energy advisor to major firms and governments in 70+ countries for more than 50 years; author of 31 books and more than 700 papers; and an integrative designer of superefficient buildings, factories, and vehicles.
Founder and AOV, Action Oriented Visionary of Drawing Conclusions LLC.
Valerie J. Amor, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD, CC-P, LFA, EcoDistricts AP, Lic. RE Broker, PhD student at The New School, Public and Urban Policy. Valerie Amor, Energy Manager in the Office of Climate Action, is leading climate change, energy efficient and decarbonization responsive policies, programs, and educational opportunities for the City’s built environment. Previously with the New York Department of Buildings, Valerie was a Project Advocate for the Major Projects Program, an Energy Code Compliance Reviewer and Plans Reviewer, and a member of the NYC Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency, Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines Working Group, where she was instrumental in developing the framework for the guidelines and the current pilot phase. She served as a Climate Corps Environmental Defense Fund Fellow consultant to the New York CityHousing Authority, contributed to several South Florida city and regional Sustainability Action Plans as well receiving several National Endowment of the Arts grants as a community engagement public artist. Ms. Amor is the co-founder of Growing Broward, a supporter of local food systems. Ms. Amor is the founder and Action Oriented Visionary of Drawing Conclusions LLC, an architectural firm, engaged in regenerative design, helical research, and the designer of SCALe©, an award-winning educational design charette program.
Chief Executive of A-Peace, LLC Real Estate Development
Ayesha M. Hudson is an asset manager & real estate developer focused on providing sustainable, resident-centered living experiences. She is a native Washingtonian & graduate of Joel Elias Spingarn High School where she was initially exposed to public service. Ayesha began her 24-year career with the District’s Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department & later retired from the Prince George’s County Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department (PGFD) in May 2021. During her tenure with PGFD, Ayesha served as Director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Office where she established a Mediation Program as the Department's first-line tool in alternative dispute resolution for its 1200+ membership body. Ayesha continues her work as a conflict management trainer, executive coach & remains connected to the mediation community.
Principal, Director of Sustainability at CannonDesign
Eric Corey Freed is an American architect and founding principal of organicARCHITECT, which focuses on biophilic and regenerative design. He has been considered to be one of the leading influential green architects worldwide.
Certified Induction Systems Engineer at Ucook Foodservice Equipment Co
As a Certified Induction Systems Engineer, I deliver turnkey solutions for foodservice enterprises.
Founder and CEO of Gemini Energy Solutions
Dr. Anthony Kinslow II is a visionary in equitable clean energy solutions and the founder of Gemini Energy Solutions, a company dedicated to ensuring all communities—especially those historically underserved—can access sustainable and regenerative energy. With expertise in sustainable design and construction, he lectures at Stanford University, where he co-developed and teaches "Racial Equity in Energy" and "Quest for an Inclusive Clean Energy Economy." His mission is to democratize clean energy by prioritizing equity, economic empowerment, and community-driven solutions. Beyond Gemini Energy Solutions, Dr. Kinslow has advised national initiatives on inclusive financing through his work with Clean Energy Works and serves on the Climate Advisory Board for the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building. As the DEI Advisor for the CPUC’s CAEECC, he actively shapes policies that drive accessibility and resilience in clean energy. An NC A&T alumnus, he continues to push for transformative solutions that bridge the clean energy gap and empower communities with accessible technology, community-owned infrastructure, and economic resilience.
Managing Principal at Redwood Energy
Sean Armstrong is the Managing Principal of Redwood Energy, founded in 2011 as the nation’s first all-electric design consultancy. Between 2007 and 2020, Sean led the design of half the ZNE residences built in California, and 1/4th the ZNE residences in North America. Following his mother-in-law’s death in the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, CA, Sean hired leading environmental lawyers in 2018 to devise municipal, county and state legal strategies to ban gas in buildings that were adopted by 80+ governments nation-wide and led California from 1% all-electric construction in 2019 to 80% in 2023; co-authored 7 practical guides to building electrification; and created specifications for “retrofit ready” 120V heat pump water heaters, 120V cold climate window heat pumps, and 120V induction stoves. Sean has received two Innovation prizes for his ZNE projects from the Department of Energy, and Grand Prizes from the California Building Industry (2016) and the United Nations (2017). Sean was inducted into California’s Clean Energy Hall of Fame in 2022 and served the the U.S. State Department in 2023 as a Speaker on Net Zero to Malaysia.
Sean Armstrong is the Managing Principal of Redwood Energy and has worked for 28 years in building electrification, designed the retrofit and new construction of more than 25,000 all-electric residences for disadvantaged populations, co-authored 7 "pocket guides" to building electrification, provided legal and technical support to building gas bans nationwide, and has received Grand Prize awards from the United Nations and the California Building Industry Association. Sean was inducted into California's Clean Energy Hall of Fame in 2022, and in 2023-2024 is working with other nations on their Net Zero goals on behalf of the U.S. State Department.
Principal of The Grid Foundry
An influential thought leader in clean energy and environmental advocacy, McKenna Dunbar is renowned for their unwavering commitment to environmental justice and equitable clean energy transitions. As a key figure and social entrepreneur in the non-profit sector, Dunbar spearheads initiatives dedicated to reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing the electric sector by championing building electrification. Dunbar's exceptional advocacy and social impact initiatives prioritizes frontline and rural communities, skillfully navigating the complex interplay between environmental justice, green workforce development, and net-zero building policy initiatives. Their impactful work has garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including the 2023 Aspen Institute Future Leader, 2022 Truman Scholarship Finalist, 2022 ACEEE Linda Latham Scholar, 2022 BECC Fellow, 2022 Greenbuild Host Committee Scholar, 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice in Social Impact, 2022 + 2023 EPA Environmental Justice Video Challenge Winner, and 2021 Udall Scholar, among others.
Director of Zero Carbon Solutions at McKinstry
Zero carbon, zero energy, and climate solutions pioneer, innovator, and thought leader, with deep experience in leading the design and development of the world's most efficient buildings and communities. --Developer of the first certified zero energy community in the United States, zHome. --Creator of the first worldwide zero carbon building certification, ILFI Zero Carbon, now used by Microsoft, Google, and many others. --Creator of climateresponsible.org. --Launch Director of Living Community Challenge. --Author of a pioneering book on zero energy: The Power of Zero. --Development director of the world's most efficient 24/7 fire station and recipient of international ASHRAE technology award: Maple Street Fire Station. --Cofounder of the ShiftZero zero carbon alliance. --Zero energy/carbon design lead for Catalyst, a pioneering zero energy building developed by McKinstry. --Launch developer of one of the world's largest sewage heat recovery systems. --Codeveloper of one of first US school electrification retrofits.
CEO and Founder of Maiven Energy
Jacqueline has been working in the grid tech, energy, and utility space, a relatively male-dominated industry where Jacquline remembers how her voice as a woman often got bulldozed in meeting rooms full of men.Takingí these challenges as her inspiration, Jacqueline decided to learn everything she could about the field, gain a strong technical background, and eventually launch her own energy company. Now, she’s here to change the way you think about home energy to bring lightspeed and cost efficiency to energy companies and their customers seeking to reduce energy costs and global carbon emissions.
Project Manager at the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Jennifer Gottlieb Elazhari is the Project Manager for the New England Heat Pump Accelerator at the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Prior to joining DEEP, Jennifer was the HUD Director for Public Housing at the CT Field Office and the Assistant City Manager of Norwich, CT. In addition to overseeing housing programs, Jennifer championed energy efficiency programs and programs to support the homeless and working families within these positions. She has a BA in architecture from Columbia University, a JD from Quinnipiac and a certificate in Financing and Deploying Clean Energy from the Yale School of Business and the Environment.
Vice President of Summit Appliances
Experienced in consumer goods, household appliances with years of vast experience in product management, product development, regulatory compliance, brand management and marketing functions in various positions since 1995. Sazi has spearheaded the exponential growth of two brands in the US by introducing unique product solutions with energy conservation and preservation of natural resources being prioritized. Introducing the first compact heat pump dryer in the US following years of development with both safety and regulatory work with various agencies including DOE, EPA and NEEA back in 2015 with superb energy efficiency was one of the successful launches of the Blomberg branded appliances in multifamily residential projects across the US and Canada. Sazi Bugay’s recent work to enable 120V induction cooking range project is another commitment to global decarbonization initiative with the many stakeholders, manufacturing partners combined with Summit Appliances’ strength in developing the product with many forms and sizes to enable a smooth transition from gas to electric on many communities which are budget and time challenged. Sazi has earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from Boston University, and he holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Director of Operations at the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
With a focus on team leadership and innovation development, this professional contributes to VEIC as the Director of Operations. They currently oversee a $430M New England Heat Pump Accelerator program, emphasizing budget management, quality assurance, and process optimization. Their leadership has been instrumental in establishing a new division to support program delivery, champion team growth, and ensure continuous improvement. With extensive expertise in energy efficiency and decarbonization, this professional has significant experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and implementing strategic initiatives. They are committed to driving sustainable solutions and improving operational efficiency, aligning with their goal of creating a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.
Commercial Architect & GTM Strategist
Fifteen years operating inside the space. First commercial hire at the residential solar operator that scaled to 2.2 billion in revenue and is now Lumio. Founder of three operating companies in energy and adjacent hardware since. Cortex Momentum is what got built once the pattern was clear enough to systematize. The practice runs in days, not quarters. No retainer template, no junior staff, no top-of-funnel work. Each engagement is scoped to a specific stalled deal or a specific upcoming committee window. The output is the language, data, and artifacts the internal champion needs in the room.
Newsletter Writer for Climate-Colored Goggles
Sammy writes Climate-Colored Goggles, a newsletter about climate and culture. If we want climate progress in energy, transportation and agriculture, we also need progress in pop culture, media and sports. I'm encouraging America's most influential storytellers to get in the game, and helping them figure out how.
Founder of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
Roishetta Sibley Ozane is the founder of The Vessel Project of Louisiana, a small mutual aid and environmental justice organization. She is the Gulf Fossil Finance Coordinator with the Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund. Roishetta is an award winning, internationally known environmental justice advocate and has spoken on stages Nationally and abroad including in Egypt, Canada, and Malaysia championing for Black, indigenous, people of color communities and their right for clean air, clean water and sustainable communities that aren’t overburdened by fossil fuel buildout. Roishetta is a member of several organizations including National Association of University Women, McNeese State University Black Alumni, and a She Leads Fellow Alum for the Power Coalition of Equity and Justice. Additionally Roishetta is a single mom of 6 and her children are who she’s trying to make the world a better place for. Roishetta truly believes that no one is good until we are all good and she proves that daily through her giving heart and philanthropy.
Architect and Certified Energy Manager at SoCal Edison
Licensed Architect with a broad range of skills and experience in both commercial and residential projects. Special focus on sustainable design strategies and implementation, including building decarbonization, energy efficiency, water-use reduction, healthy indoor environments, and environmentally responsible materials use. Has overseen projects through Green Building certifications, including LEED and GreenPoint Rated.
Director of Fleet Electrification at Climate Solutions
As a Director for the Breaking Barriers Collaborative at Climate Solutions and a Board Member for the City of Seattle's Green New Deal Oversight Board, my contributions have centered on advancing equitable decarbonization strategies and renewable energy transitions. My expertise spans public policy, social sustainability, and DEI-centered program development, working to empower communities and organizations toward impactful climate solutions. I'm passionate about addressing systemic barriers, efforts focus on leveraging policy, philanthropy, and education to support underserved communities and drive progress in social sustainability and renewable energy initiatives.
Co-founder and Executive Director of Electrify DC
I am an executive with 25 years of experience in corporate law, regulation, policy, advocacy, engagement, and strategic communications. I have worked in the private sector, in intergovernmental organizations, and in scrappy not for profit startups. I now work for my children, to ensure they can live healthy lives on this planet. The nonprofit I lead accelerates the decarbonization of residential buildings in the DC region, and, by ripple effect, across the United States. Electrify DC engages, educates, and convenes stakeholder across sectors and income levels to increase energy affordability, improve health outcomes, and reduce carbon emissions. Check what we do here electrifydc.org/about. I have a law degree from Université de Lausanne, a masters of laws from University College London, and a master in business administration from INSEAD. I am quoted in publications such as The Washington Post and The Atlantic. I have worked on four continents, speak five languages, and have three kids.
Sustainability Manager for the City of San Luis Obispo
Technical Lead and Advisor for Electrify DC
Doing my best to make a difference in the clean energy space. Energy is the most basic fundamental need for every living thing. I’m an engineer but I believe making a difference requires collaboration across tech, policy, and economics. Implementation matters. Market reforms and cool tech unfortunately can’t solve everything. We need to be intentional in how we enable control of power for common people, and how we eventually make energy access a non-issue.
Principal Consultant at Artemisia Energy
Greg's career began at Redwood Energy in 2013, studying real-world performance in state-of-the-art all-electric multifamily buildings in California. He has continued to work with Redwood as a partner in various other endeavors while at Build It Green, Franklin Energy, and now as principal at Artemisia Energy which provides research services, data analysis, modeling, and general consulting services for the energy industry. Greg lives in Reno, NV with his partner and two dogs.
Electrification Research Assistant, Redwood Energy
Alistair graduated from The University of Cambridge with a focus on electrical and control engineering. His latent passion for energy efficient buildings took a back seat while following a career in tech. Deeply curious, a lifelong learner, a bit of a polymath, he has dug deep into the Electrotech revolution, understanding the forces in decarbonizing our grid and what it takes to electrify our lives and buildings for a better more comfortable environment.
CEO and Co-Founder of Stepwise
Stepwise makes it easier, faster, and more affordable for homeowners to electrify, by removing the barrier of costly and time consuming electric panel upgrades. We are on a mission to make mass electrification a reality, while uplifting the installers and future proofing the electric grid. I am a socially-conscious entrepreneur looking to make green technology more accessible to all. Having worked for an EV charger OEM in Asia, I saw the availability of technologies but also the gap required to improve adoption. This led me to start my first business, where I helped homeowners to install EV chargers. What surprised me was that many people living in older homes faced high installation costs due to electric panel upgrades, which were prohibitive to many. Stepwise came out of this frustration. My professional experiences span across strategy & operations, EV charging, and startups. I believe that the future is electric but that future needs to be inclusive to all. We are only one step in that electric future, but we need like-minded partners.
Technical Leader in the Advanced Buildings and Energy Storage Programs at EPRI
Policy Director & Senior Researcher at Building Electrification Institute
Dani Makous (she/her) is Policy Director and Senior Researcher at Building Electrification Institute (BEI). Dani partners with local governments and community partners across the U.S. on equitable building decarbonization research, program design, and policy adoption. The dominant focus of Dani's work is at the energy and housing affordability nexus. Dani previously worked on the City of Oakland’s Sustainability team, where she helped develop Oakland's 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan and implement key actions focused on building electrification, transportation electrification, and climate resilience.
Policy Director & Senior Researcher
Caytie (they/them) joined BEI in 2020 and focuses on helping cities analyze community and building data to inform the design of equitable programs and policies, with a focus on engaging local community groups in the process. They believe that reshaping how cities collaborate with historically marginalized communities can help identify and scale up solutions that meet housing, public health, economic, and climate goals, which will be necessary to achieve a truly just transition to clean energy. Caytie previously worked at the City of Berkeley managing the City’s energy disclosure requirements for the single family residential and commercial building sectors.
Founder & Principal of PS Ventures
Shane Pollin has worked in real estate ventures in the Washington Metropolitan area for over 20 years. A leader in sustainable building development, Shane curates highly functional teams with a focus on functionality and durability in the built environment. Shane has a passion for building science and understanding how buildings interact with their environments. An understanding of how heat, air, bulk water, and vapor interact within buildings is viewed as fundamental to risk mitigation. Shane brings a natural ability to simply frame and persuasively communicate complex topics. Shane has successfully led the development of an impressively broad array of projects across a range of product types.
CEO of New Buildings Institute
Recognized visionary and strategic thinker with a proven track record of driving innovation in energy efficiency and sustainability—spearheaded ten multi-million-dollar initiatives and featured as a speaker at 60 conferences and 250 public webinars. Highly capable leader and successful fundraiser—built a dozen high-performing and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver impactful results. Subject matter expert with 20 years of professional experience and a robust network spanning research, policy, and industry—authored more than 60 high-quality peer-reviewed publications and collaborated with over 400 organizations.
Director of Engineer at MaGrann Associates
Professional Engineer working with project teams to design new buildings and retrofit existing buildings to be green, energy efficient and healthy.
