Our Staff
Jacob C. Fey
Jake Fey, the Director of the WSU Energy Program, has served in this leadership position for 13 years. He has decades of experience providing leadership in energy and other arenas. At the WSU Energy Program, Fey has built, strengthened and diversified key funder, political and other stakeholder relationships, and enhanced the visibility of the program within the energy community.
Fey recently served as the Chair of the Association of State Energy Research & Technology Transfer Institutions Executive Committee, as well as the National Association of State Energy Officials Industrial Committee. He was also a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional Bioenergy Program Steering Committee and the Northwest Power Planning Council Conservation Resource Advisory Committee. In addition, he served as the Vice Chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Before signing on to lead the WSU Energy Program in 2001, Fey held management roles for the Washington State Energy Office, the City of Tacoma and on many boards –including those for the Puget Sound Regional Council on Transportation Policy, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Fey served as Chair of the Tacoma Public Utilities Board, and President of the Electric League. In 2012, Fey was elected to the Washington State Legislature as a Representative from the 27th District in Tacoma. He is the Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee and a member of the House Education, Environment, and Technology and Economic Development committees. Previously he served as the Deputy Mayor of Tacoma and as a member of the Tacoma City Council.
Todd Currier
Todd Currier, Assistant Director of WSU Energy Program, is the Community Business Programs, Engineering and Fiscal Division Manager. He has three decades of experience in energy efficiency program development, implementation and evaluation – the last 25 of which have been in supervisory and management positions. Currier represents the organization in a variety of forums at the state, regional, national and international levels. He leads staff members who are engaged in building science research, building code development and implementation, indoor air quality improvement, workforce development issues and trends, resource conservation programs, industrial energy efficiency, renewable energy programs, and energy efficiency upgrades for homes and small businesses. He is currently serving as a co-chair of the Industrial and Combined Heat and Power Work Group of the State Energy Efficiency Action Network, and is a member of the Pacific Northwest’s Regional Emerging Technologies Advisory Committee and the Washington State Energy Strategy Technical Experts Panel.
Lee Link
Dr. Lee Link, Assistant Director of the WSU Energy Program, serves as the Division Manager of Clearinghouse Services. His work in energy information and education began after receiving his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Illinois. Since then, Dr. Link has worked with many aspects of energy information, technical assistance and project management, including design and implementation of energy-analysis software, project design and management of Clearinghouse technical services, energy curriculum development for kindergarten through college, and outreach to utilities and their customers. Dr. Link received a U.S. Department of Energy “Power Player Award” for the Clearinghouse’s outstanding work in energy efficiency. In 2010, Dr. Link was honored with the Secretary’s Appreciation Award from Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, recognizing Link’s "superior performance and leadership to assure success for the U.S. Department of Energy in efforts associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."
Sheila Riggs
Sheila Riggs, Assistant Director of the WSU Energy Program, is the program’s Communications, Legislative and Administrative Division Manager. Prior to her time with the organization, Riggs served as both the Member Communications and Seminars Manager and the School Employees’ Retirement System Communications Manager for the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems. She was also a Public Information Officer for the Washington State Department of Information Services. Prior to her state service, Riggs was a Press Secretary for a U.S. congressman and Deputy Press Secretary for a U.S. senator in Washington, D.C. She also worked for the U.S. Department of State. Riggs holds a B.A. from Washington State University with a double major in political science and communications. She also has two M.A. degrees – one from Washington State University in communications and the other from The George Washington University in international affairs.
Erin Armstrong
Erin Armstrong is our fiscal/travel coordinator. She is a skilled office administrator with over 12 years of experience providing office support with a wide range of applications. Armstrong has completed training in business administration, human resources, payroll and accounting.
Adria S. Banks
Adria S. Banks is an energy program analyst at the WSU Energy Program, providing data management, manipulation and visualization support. She also assists in analyzing, interpreting and reporting data for research-based projects and energy efficiency programs. Banks has over 10 years of experience in management and leadership roles in scientific and higher education positions, as well as experience in peer/volunteer coordination, mentoring and working as an effective liaison. She holds an M.S in biology from Western Washington University and a B.S. in zoology from the University of Washington.
Kelly Barton
Kelly Barton currently serves as the personnel and building liaison for the WSU Energy Program. Barton has worked for the organization since 1996. Prior to joining the WSU Energy Program, Barton worked for the Washington State Departments of Labor and Industries, Social and Health Services, and Community Trade and Economic Development, and for the Secretary of State. In addition, Barton is involved in the community, with over 20 years of service as a 4-H volunteer.
Tanya Beavers
Tanya Beavers is an energy professional who works closely with the Building Science Division. She also provides executive support for other areas of the organization, writes communication material and assists in coordinating training classes. Her professional background includes experience in marketing, financial services and technical writing. She holds a B.A. in public relations with minors in business communication and Japanese from Central Washington University.
Michael Bradley
Michael Bradley is a software developer at the WSU Energy Program. His recent focus has been the design and construction of modern web applications that provide enjoyable and efficient user experiences. He also has a diverse background creating desktop applications and is skilled in relational database design. Bradley is the architect and lead developer of the E3Tnw.org web application, a “knowledge base” used to catalog emerging energy efficiency technologies and track research regarding their effectiveness. He also developed the database and software systems used in the State of Washington’s electric utilities’ annual fuel mix disclosure process, as well as many other data resources specific to the energy domain. Bradley has an Associate of Applied Science degree in digital computer electronics, completed extensive additional college-level computer science coursework, and specialized training in various software engineering and construction technologies and techniques. Bradley also has a B.S. in liberal arts from The Evergreen State College.
Sue Brown
Sue Brown is program coordinator of the Plant Operations Support Consortium. She manages the Consortium's custodial support effort, which includes conducting custodial assessments, training and providing work-loading assistance. Brown is on the annual Energy/Facilities Connections Conference coordinating team. In addition, she represents the Consortium to members and potential members, and responds to member requests for assistance and queries. Sue is certified as an ISSA Custodial Industry Management Standard Expert (I.C.E.). Brown joined the Consortium staff in 2005 and has worked for the State of Washington since 1999.
Jennifer A. Carter
Jennifer Carter is the clearinghouse operations manager for the WSU Energy Program. She has 26 years of experience answering inquiries and managing energy-related call centers for the residential, commercial, utility, institutional and industrial sectors. Call center funders include the U.S. Department Energy for their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act efforts and U.S. DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Also the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Bonneville Power Administration, Energy Trust of Oregon, Southeastern Power Administration and the Western Area Power Administration.
Nels Christianson
Nels Christianson serves as a senior software engineer and has worked for the organization since 1996. Christianson has also been a computer analyst and programmer for the Washington State Energy Office, a self-employed computer analyst and programmer, a college instructor at Northern Marianas College, a regional engineer for Africare, Inc., and a service technician for S.C.A. Corporation. He served several times as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer—as an instructor, a district engineer and a computer system programmer. In 2006, Christianson served as an on-site engineer in Sri Lanka in rebuilding efforts after the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia. He has two B.S. degrees – one in computer science/management from The Evergreen State College and one in civil engineering from the University of Washington.
James L. Colombo
Jim Colombo manages the Information Systems Department. He has served as an information technology manager in this organization and in the Washington State Energy Office since 1987. Colombo has over 30 years of experience providing technical service, support and training to citizens, management and employees at state agencies and universities. Prior to his time with the WSU Energy Program, he worked for South Puget Sound Community College and the King County Library System.
Larry Covey
Larry Covey, a LEED Accredited Professional, is a project manager. He has over 12 years of commercial building experience in state and federal venues. Covey’s projects have included major architectural renovations with complex civil, mechanical and electrical systems. He also has extensive experience in cost accounting and alternative forms of public works. In addition to his LEED certification, Covey holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Saint Martin’s University.
Donna Cowsert
Donna Cowsert serves as a management analyst/fiscal officer. With over 28 years of experience in the accounting field, she provides financial/grants management services, and reviews and submits proposals. Cowsert assists with subcontract set-up, submitting match documentation, and resolving grant issues with the sponsor, principal investigator and university. Her prior experience includes serving as accounts receivable manager, responsible for building and coaching a team for effective implementation of grants, contracts and interagency agreements.
Ken Eklund
Ken Eklund is building science team leader. He focuses on energy code implementation, building science research and training. Eklund has over 30 years of experience in energy efficiency and renewable energy research, training, demonstration, program development, implementation and management. He served for 26 years in supervisory and management positions in the energy field, has worked on the Regional Technical Forum of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, and has authored peer-reviewed papers in technical and program implementation areas. Eklund holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law and B.A. from Stanford University.
Piers Excell-Rehm
Piers Excell-Rehm is a web developer, responsible for developing and maintaining websites, building custom applications for the web, and customizing third-party applications to meet clients’ needs. Excell-Rehm focuses on usability and layout for websites and web applications. He holds a B.A. from The Evergreen State College.
Chris Fuess
Chris Fuess is a software and web systems analyst/developer, responsible for developing Visual Basic applications and creating web applications to assist staff with budgeting and research needs. Fuess also develops energy accounting software programs such as AIRMaster+ and MotorMaster+, and writes installation programs for all of the software that the WSU Energy Program develops. He graduated from The Evergreen State College with a B.S. in physics/energy studies/mathematics.
Andrew Gordon
Andrew Gordon is an energy specialist in the Building Science Division with over 20 years of experience providing high-quality implementation and management services to site-built and manufactured housing industries, is a trainer for building science and energy efficiency certifications, and is an accomplished author and collaborator on numerous technical papers, articles and reports. Gordon holds a B.A. in English literature and performing arts from Alfred University.
Marla Hacklander
Marla Hacklander is an energy project analyst and is the office manager of the WSU Energy Program’s Spokane office. She has over 23 years of experience in project management, office management, administration, customer service and bookkeeping/accounting. She has also worked as a program manager for Performance Tested Comfort Systems, a contract accounting employee for Two Rivers Energy Services and a training coordinator for Inland Northwest HVAC Association.
David Hales
David Hales is a building systems specialist, leveraging more than 30 years of experience in building science and construction to provide skills training, curriculum development, field research and technical support. Previously, Hales was an energy specialist for the Washington State Energy Office and a managing partner for Sun Construction. Hales has a B.S. in physics from the University of Chicago.
Sally Zeiger Hanson
Sally Zeiger Hanson is a workforce research associate at the WSU Energy Program. Zeiger Hanson facilitates training providers’ use of labor market and economic analyses, skill standards/job task analyses, and the evaluation of system and program outcomes to create curriculum, pathways and programs that meet Washington’s workforce needs. She has private sector experience as a Chamber of Commerce director and more than 15 years of policy and program development for K-12, college, university and proprietary education systems, focusing on economic development and workforce training. Zeiger Hanson holds a B.A. from the University of Washington and a M.Ed. in student development administration from Seattle University.
Alan Hardcastle, Ph.D.
Dr. Alan Hardcastle is a senior research associate. He designs and directs research projects, and has 23 years of experience providing leadership for research and consulting projects with public/private-sector clients and stakeholders in industry, education, workforce and economic development. Dr. Hardcastle holds a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Luke Howard
Luke Howard is a building science specialist. With a decade of academic and professional experience researching, analyzing and implementing sustainable and resource conservation building design strategies, Howard educates industry and the public about resource and energy conservation practices. Howard is a Residential Energy Services Network quality assurance designee/trainer, a certified sustainable building advisor, is certified in duct sealing and heat pump commissioning, and is an infrared thermographer, Level 1. He has a B.A. from The Evergreen State College.
Karen Janowitz
Karen Janowitz is a program coordinator with over 20 years of experience in project leadership and management, facilitation, small group skills, environmental education, communications and administration. Janowitz holds a B.A. in geology from the University of Colorado and a Master of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College.
Jim Jensen
Jim Jensen is senior bioenergy and alternative fuels specialist. Throughout more than two decades of work in the private and non-profit sectors, Jensen has provided profit-enhancing assistance to businesses in dozens of industries, assisted corporate social responsibility programs, and supported new green technologies and products. His technical knowledge and experience cover research, development and implementation of projects in the voluntary carbon market, renewable energy, recycling, waste prevention, anaerobic digestion and composting. Jensen holds a B.A. from Grinnell College, Iowa.
Marcia L. Karr, P.E.
Marcia Karr, a registered Professional Engineer, is an energy engineer with the WSU Energy Program. She has over 30 years of experience in commercial building design, construction and maintenance. Her positions have included code plan reviewer, union trades manager, design/build engineer, field construction engineer and project coordinator, HVAC designer (commercial, institutional and residential), and project engineer. Karr has a B.S.in mechanical engineering and is a licensed Commercial Buildings Energy Code (NREC) Plans Examiner.
Gary Kaufman
Gary Kaufman is a technical support specialist for the WSU Energy Program. With more than 20 years of cross-functional experience in business strategy, operations, and product and project management in the private and public sectors, Kaufman currently works with the U.S. Department of Energy Northwest Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership, the Bioenergy Coordination Team, and other collaborative energy efficiency improvement efforts within the Energy Program’s portfolio. He holds a B.A. from The Evergreen State College.
Rick Kunkle, P.E.
Rick Kunkle, a research engineer, has over 23 years of experience applying a unique combination of engineering, planning, evaluation, research and management skills to improve the quality and performance of energy efficiency programs and energy systems. He has conducted over 30 program evaluations and research on a range of topics, such as solar technologies, product procurement, use of residential ventilation systems, peak load management and telework. A particular research interest is improving understanding of how markets and consumers adopt and apply energy-efficient technologies and practices. Kunkle is a registered Professional Engineer with B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering.
Phil Lou
Phil Lou is our solar energy specialist. He has 20 years of experience in the building industry, culminating in five years of experience designing and installing modern photovoltaic systems. Lou holds a B.S. from the University of Oregon and certifications in photovoltaic design and application, solar thermal design and application, and energy audit and weatherization. He developed curricula for and taught courses in the clean energy technologies program at a local community college.
Christine Love
Christine Love, the industrial services manager with the WSU Energy Program, has over two decades of expertise in project management, stakeholder development, customer relations and program development. Love develops and manages state and federal industrial services grants and contracts that provide technical support and training to manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest. She is the WSU Energy Program lead for stakeholder relations within the industrial sector, serves on multiple industrial advisory committees in the region, and is a founding steering committee member of the annual Northwest Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit.
Michael Lubliner
Michael Lubliner is a building science specialist. He has worked in the energy conservation and renewable energy field for over 30 years, starting his career as the Pacific Northwest regional distributor for Grumman, Bio-Energy Systems and other renewable energy products. In 1983, Lubliner began working for the Washington State Energy Office and then the WSU Energy Program, where he helped develop, implement, evaluate and refine the Northwest Power Planning Council’s Model Conservation Standards, state energy codes and Super Good Cents site-built and manufactured housing programs. He works in support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Program. Lubliner has a B.S. in energy engineering from The Evergreen State College.
Luke Mattheis
Luke Mattheis is an energy efficiency analyst in the Building Science Division. He performs field-based data acquisition and energy audits on a variety of existing residential structures. With data gathered through field testing and utility billing, he also develops cost/benefit analyses using energy modeling software. Mattheis holds a Master of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College and a B.A. in music from Beloit College.
Gilbert McCoy, P.E.
Gil McCoy, a registered Professional Engineer, is a senior energy systems engineer with the WSU Energy Program. He provides technical assistance and energy auditing services to industrial and public sector clients. McCoy’s areas of expertise include optimization of industrial systems (motor/drive, compressed air, steam, combined heat and power, and pumping). He served as lead engineer for development of software products including MotorMaster+ (motor energy management), International Motor Selection and Savings Analysis, AirMaster+ (compressed air system assessment) and BallastMaster (lighting system/ballast selection) software. McCoy is a U.S. DOE Qualified AIRMaster+ Specialist and a Qualified Steam Tools and Process Heating Specialist. He holds a B.S. in metallurgical engineering from the University of Washington and a M.S. in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Talia Mathews
Talia Mathews is a research and reference librarian. She has six years of experience working in public, corporate and special academic libraries, with a particular focus on energy, environmental studies and natural resources topics. Mathews holds a B.S. in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College and a M.S. in library studies from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Craig Meredith
Craig Meredith is an energy engineer with more than 23 years of experience in conservation, analysis and industrial machine design. Meredith has expertise in compressed air testing, auditing and analysis, agricultural systems, infrared thermographs, pumping and hydraulics, low-pressure pneumatic conveying, industrial processes, and refrigeration. He holds a B.S. and completed M.A. coursework at Washington State University.
Karen Messmer
Karen Messmer is a senior program manager at the WSU Energy Program. During over 30 years of employment in the public sector, Karen has worked at the local and state levels to research, coordinate and manage energy programs. Her efforts in the residential and nonresidential sectors resulted in significant savings of public and consumer funds. Messmer currently manages the WSU Farm Energy Program, provides management guidance for the Community Energy Efficiency Program, and mentors resource conservation managers. She previously managed the WSU Energy Program Industrial Services team and developed an innovative Shared Resource Management Program for local governments, school districts and other public-sector agencies. Messmer holds a B.A. in sociology/ environmental studies from the University of Washington. She currently serves as the Chair of the Intercity Transit Board of Directors and is a former member of the Olympia City Council.
Gary Nordeen
Gary Nordeen is a senior building science specialist with the WSU Energy Program. For the last 25 years, Nordeen has worked with a variety of state and utility energy conservation programs, cultivating extensive knowledge relating to building, energy and ventilation codes. Currently, Nordeen serves as the manager of the WSU Energy Codes Program; provides code training for building department staff, designers, builders and the general public; assists with code development for the Washington State Building Code Council; and provides technical assistance to local jurisdictions and the public.
Martha Parsons
Martha Parsons is an energy project analyst/librarian. Previously, Parsons worked at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Technical Library. She conducts in-depth literature searches and coordinates reference and research strategies and workflow. She also organizes content on various websites, and created and maintains the Washington State Energy Legislation Tracking Tool. Parsons is past president of the Washington Library Association.
Phil Partington
Phil Partington is a program coordinator of the Plant Operations Support Consortium. Partington, who joined the Consortium staff in 2002, is responsible for responding to day-to-day member requests for assistance and managing numerous training events, including the annual Energy/Facilities Connections conference. Additionally, Partington provides program, web and outreach development for the Consortium. Partington is a writer and editor of the Consortium’s newsletter, Shop Talk, and assists Consortium members with grant-writing opportunities and project management endeavors. He graduated from Saint Martin's University in 2003 with a B.A. in English and a minor in business administration.
Rob Penney, P.E.
Rob Penney, a Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager, is the senior energy engineer at the WSU Energy Program. He oversees a team of engineers and energy specialists to provide comprehensive technical responses, research, training, and publication development on a wide variety of building energy systems topics for the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors. Penney also served as lead engineer for the organization’s Clearinghouse Services programs. Previously, Penney was the director of engineering services for Southface Energy Institute, where he managed projects such as energy auditing, building science research and training. He was also a mechanical engineer for Rosser Fabrap International, where he performed HVAC, plumbing and fire protection design calculation, layout and specification writing for commercial and industrial facilities.
Angela Phillips
Angela Phillips, a technical assistant, provides administrative assistance with the Energy Efficiency Emerging Technologies project for the Bonneville Power Administration and helps manage the Energy Experts database. Phillips holds a B.A. in business administration, with an emphasis on management and operations, from Washington State University.
Michael Pierson
Michael Pierson is an information technology support specialist. He is the primary contact for technical support for all outside client networks contracted by the WSU Energy Program. Pierson also supports the Energy Program’s day-to-day operations and works with the network administrator to upgrade network architecture and servers.
Gerry Rasmussen
Gerry Rasmussen has served as our graphic designer since 2004. He is instrumental in keeping the program’s publications and presentations looking professional. He holds a B.A. in fine arts/graphic design from Washington State University. Rasmussen worked more than 30 years as a graphic designer in Washington state government, including serving as manager of the graphic communications unit at the Washington State Department of Transportation. Rasmussen has also freelanced for over 45 years, lending his graphics expertise to clients in both government and private industry.
Carolyn Roos, Ph.D.
Dr. Carolyn Roos is a mechanical engineer leveraging more than 20 years of experience in industrial and building systems energy efficiency, mechanical design in hydroelectric facilities, solar thermal applications and biopower. Currently, Dr. Roos provides technical assistance on commercial and industrial building energy system efficiency projects. She also provides technical support to the Northwest Clean Heat and Power Application Center, with a focus on biopower and waste heat to power applications. She started her career as an energy management engineer at Puget Sound Energy, where she performed energy efficiency analyses for commercial and industrial customers. Dr. Roos also worked at the Army Corps of Engineers Hydroelectric Design Center. For her doctorate in systems science and mechanical engineering, she developed software to simulate simultaneous heat and moisture transfer in building environments. For her M.S. in mechanical engineering, Roos developed software to aid in the design of high-temperature solar concentrating furnaces.
David Shepherd-Gaw
David Shepherd-Gaw is an energy services manager, responsible for delivering energy information and services to businesses and consumers, managing special projects, and implementing energy outreach programs. He also develops new business opportunities and develops communication and marketing strategies. Shepherd-Gaw has worked on projects for the American Public Power Association, Bonneville Power Administration, Microsoft, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Northwest Power and Conservation Council, Northwest Public Power Association, Southeastern Power Administration, U.S. DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Western Area Power Administration, and utilities across the country. He has a B.S. in energy studies from The Evergreen State College.
Anthony J. (Tony) Simon
Tony Simon is an energy systems engineer. He has experience assessing and analyzing energy systems used in manufacturing facilities, such as motors, air compressors, pumps, fans, steam, refrigeration and cooling towers. Tony holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Washington, is certified by the U.S. DOE Industrial Assessment Center and is a DOE AirMaster+ Qualified Specialist for Compressed Air Systems.
David Sjoding
David Sjoding is a combined heat and power (CHP)/renewable energy specialist. His current focus is on CHP, bioenergy/bioproducts and district energy. Sjoding is the director of the five-state U.S. DOE Northwest Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership and team leader for the Pacific Regional Biomass Energy Partnership. He has 32 years of experience in the energy field, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate change, energy policy and distributed generation. He recently received the national CHP Champion award from the CHP Association. Sjoding served several years as an assistant director at the Washington State Energy Office before coming to the WSU Energy Program in 1996. He chaired the Power Washington Review Committee, which ultimately allocated over $95 million in oil settlement funds. Sjoding has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington, a strong understanding of northwest energy policy framework and structure, and is frequently invited to speak at energy conferences.
Melinda Thiessen Spencer
Melinda Spencer is our communications specialist, responsible for producing technical, educational and promotional materials for all program areas. Emphasizing plain language and user-centered design, Spencer has worked since 1985 in many professional communication capacities, including positions as a university writing instructor, instructional designer, web content developer, textbook co-author and editor, and community involvement specialist. She holds a Master of Technical and Scientific Communication from Miami University, Ohio; an M.Phil. in international peace studies from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; and a B.S. in biology from U.C. Davis.
James Squire
James Squire serves as the computer network administrator. He has over 35 years of experience in the personal computer/mainframe field, installing and maintaining computer equipment, networks and telecommunications systems. Squire previously worked as a computer technical specialist at the Washington State Energy Office, service director for Idea Works, Inc., computer engineer and manager for a variety of private companies, and data systems technician in the U.S. Navy.
Mike Steele
Mike Steele is an information technology specialist, responsible for maintaining day-to-day operations of the computer network, assisting staff with technical issues, offering training on new technologies and tools, and serving as a primary network support for several of the WSU Energy Program’s outside clients. Steele has a B.S. in computer engineering technology from DeVry University.
Lisa Terefenko
Lisa Terefenko is a software engineer. With a solid background in application/web development, management and customer service, Terefenko plays a key role in launching and maintaining major websites and works with the Energy Program’s industrial services team to develop and distribute the International Motors Selection and Savings Analysis software tool. As a private consultant, she worked with clients such as Microsoft, Chevron and the University of Washington. Terefenko holds a B.S. in computer science from The Evergreen State College.
Edwin L. Valbert
Edwin Valbert, manager of the Plant Operations Support Consortium, offers over 34 years of experience in strategic planning, quality improvement, construction project management, public speaking and customer service. Valbert manages daily and strategic operations of the Consortium, which includes over 100 organizations from state, higher education and local public agency venues; manages four professional staff responsible for delivering powerful program offerings in a self-sustaining environment; and leads and inspires the annual Energy/Facilities Connections Conference. Previously, he worked as a construction coordinator and asset manager for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, commercial program supervisor with the Washington State Energy Office, technical assistance director for Seattle University, associate faculty at Washington State University, and field technician and residential home builder in the private sector. Valbert holds a B.A. in architecture from the University of Washington.
Kristin Webster
Kristin Webster is an energy engineer. With nearly 20 years of experience in oil and petrochemical process engineering and pumping systems, Webster’s current focus is on steam and process heating system energy assessments and waste heat recovery. Webster holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.
Anne L. Whitney
Anne Whitney is a librarian with over 30 years of experience in the library field, including positions as cataloger, indexer, library information specialist, head of a cataloging service, cataloging instructor and art college librarian. Whitney holds a M.A. in art history and a M.S. in information and library science from Case Western Reserve University.
Bruce Whitney
Bruce Whitney is a senior software developer. He develops and maintains in-house and distributed software applications, as well as web applications and interfaces. Whitney holds bachelor's degrees from MIT and The Evergreen State College.
Cindy Wills
Cindy Wills is an energy project analyst, responsible for answering hotline calls and providing technical responses to inquiries about lighting and the Washington State Energy Code. She also writes technical fact sheets, journal articles and web content on a variety of technical topics. Wills has a B.A. in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College, an Associate of Applied Science in energy management from Lane Community College, and is a Certified Energy Manager. She is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers and the Northwest Ecobuilders Guild.
William H. (Bill) Wilson, P.E.
Bill Wilson is a senior industrial energy systems engineer. Wilson’s areas of energy-related expertise include steam, pumping systems, process heating, compressed air, fan and blower systems, refrigeration, CHP (combined heat and power) system application, wastewater treatment and waste heat recovery. He previously worked for over 30 years in energy-intensive food and non-food manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Canada and abroad, where his responsibilities included process engineering, project engineering, plant engineering, maintenance direction and operations management. Wilson is a U.S. Department of Energy Qualified Steam Tools and Process Heating Specialist and Steam Energy Expert. He holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
Laurie Wingate
Laurie Wingate is the information systems coordinator. Wingate purchases and inventories computer hardware, software and supplies for the organization, and provides technical support for the office printers. Wingate has served the WSU Energy Program since 1997.
Linda Witham
Linda Witham is a project manager with the WSU Energy Program. Her responsibilities include management, writing, program planning, website development and customer relations. She has planned, implemented, managed and evaluated energy information programs for state, regional and national programs since 1983. Prior to coming to the Energy Program, Witham performed energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture technical assistance and publication development work at the Idaho, Michigan and Washington state energy offices and the National Center for Appropriate Technology. Witham has a B.S. degree in natural resource development from Michigan State University and a Master of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College.
Jack Zeiger
Jack Zeiger is an energy engineer currently focusing on new and emerging energy efficiency technologies. As a mechanical engineer, Zeiger has over 15 years of experience in energy, manufacturing and product design. Zeiger holds a Master in Teaching from The Evergreen State College, and two bachelor's degrees – one in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and the other in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. Zeiger is a Certified Energy Manager and has Level II Building Operator Certification.