Our Staff
Jacob C. Fey
Jake Fey is the Director of the WSU Energy Program, with over 32 years 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, as well as heightened visibility of the program within the energy community. He serves as Vice Chair of the Association of State Energy Research & Technology Transfer Institutions Executive Committee and is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional Bioenergy Program Steering Committee, the Washington State Energy Strategy Committee and the Northwest Power Planning Council Conservation Resource Advisory Committee.
Before signing on to lead the WSU Energy Program in 2001, Fey served in 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, President of the Electric League and Vice-Chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. He has served as the Deputy Mayor of Tacoma and is 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 Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University with a double major in political science and communications. She also has two Master of Arts degrees; one from Washington State University in communications and the other from The George Washington University in international affairs.
Erin Armstrong
Erin Armstrong is a 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/Customer Service Specialist, providing customer service by responding to requests for information related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. She also assists in analyzing, interpreting and reporting clearinghouse program data. 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 a Master of Science degree in biology from Western Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Washington.
Kelly Barton
Kelly Barton currently serves as the Personnel Liaison and Building Manager. 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 nearly 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 Bachelor of Arts in public relations with minors in business communication and Japanese from Central Washington University.
Michael Bradley
Michael Bradley is a database designer and software developer. He is experienced in constructing data-driven web and desktop applications and associated databases. Bradley developed software systems used in the State of Washington’s electric utilities’ 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, a number of additional college-level courses related to computer programming and database design, and specialized training in various software engineering and construction technologies and techniques. Bradley also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from The Evergreen State College. He has developed software systems using Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Basic, and Active Server Pages.
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.
Helen (Nono) Burling
Nono Burling has served as a Librarian with the WSU Energy Program since 2007. In addition to reference work, she performs bioenergy research, updates databases and publications, prepares documents about federal energy bills, and maintains the Energy Program archives. She also has experience as a reference librarian for community college and regional library systems. Burling has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester and a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University.
Jennifer A. Carter
Jennifer Carter is the Clearinghouse Operations Manager. She has 22 years of experience answering hotlines and managing call centers for residential, commercial, utility, institutional and industrial manufacturing plant energy-related inquiries. A seasoned professional, Carter handles strategic and budget decisions, resolves issues with programs and funders, and successfully manages customer service staff in a fast-paced atmosphere.
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 Bachelor of Science 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 Bachelor of Science degree 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 Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University.
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 Bachelor of Arts degree 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 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 Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Chicago.
Sally Zeiger Hanson
Sally Zeiger Hanson is a Workforce Research Associate. 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 in addition to 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 Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Education in student development administration from Seattle University.
Alan Hardcastle
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. Hardcastle holds a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education from the University of California, Los Angeles.
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 Bachelor of Arts degree 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 Bachelor of Arts degree from Grinnell College, Iowa.
Pauline Jensen
Pauline Jensen is a Technical Support Specialist, focusing on various bioenergy and industrial energy efficiency projects. Jensen serves on the Bioenergy Coordination Team to develop bioenergy policy and projects. Previously, Jensen served as EnviroHouse Coordinator for the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department, where she educated visitors about energy efficiency, solar power, and building and landscaping sustainably. Jensen is experienced in program development, training, educational material development, and database development and management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.
Erin Kanoa
Erin Kanoa is a Biofuels, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Specialist. She has over 13 years of professional experience in the fields of hydrogen and fuel cells, geothermal and biofuels applications, green chemistry, farm energy, 3D modeling, project management, building science, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Kanoa has a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental engineering/geology from Western Washington University and has completed post-graduate coursework in energy management and design, and project management.
Marcia L. Karr
Marcia Karr is an Energy Engineer with over 33 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/plumbing designer (commercial, institutional and residential), and project engineer. Karr has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and is a licensed Commercial Buildings Energy Code (NREC) Plans Examiner.
Gary Kaufman
With more than 20 years of experience in customer service and project/program management, Gary Kaufman is an Energy/Customer Service Specialist providing customer service by responding to requests for information related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. He also assists in analyzing, interpreting and reporting clearinghouse program data. Kaufman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College.
Rick Kunkle
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 Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering.
Phil Lou
Phil Lou is a Solar Energy Specialist. He has 17 years of experience in the building industry, culminating in two years of experience designing and installing modern photovoltaic systems. Lou holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon and certifications in photovoltaic design and application, solar thermal design and application, and energy audit and weatherization. He developed curriculum for and taught courses in the clean energy technologies program at a local community college.
Cris Love
Cris Love is the Industrial Services Manager with over 18 years 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 throughout the Pacific Northwest. She also is the lead for stakeholder relations in 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 Bachelor of Science degree 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 degree from The Evergreen State College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Beloit College.
Gilbert McCoy
Gil McCoy, a registered Professional Engineer, is a senior energy systems engineer. 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 Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Washington and a Master of Science degree 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 Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College and a Master of Science degree 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 Bachelor of Science degree and completed Master of Arts coursework at Washington State University.
Karen Messmer
Karen Messmer is a Senior Program Manager. 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 and support for 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 Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology/environmental studies from the University of Washington and is a former member of the Olympia City Council.
Judith Metcalf
Judith Metcalf is a Librarian and Energy Specialist. She contributes to utility-related projects for the Energy Program’s contract with the Western Area Power Administration. Metcalf has been a librarian since 1971, with experience in public, government agency and academic libraries. She has published articles in American Libraries and other professional periodicals. She has an Bachelor of Arts degree in French and a Master of Library Science from the University of California at Berkeley.
Alan Mountjoy-Venning
With 28 years of experience in energy efficiency project management, energy policy analysis and energy data research, Alan Mountjoy-Venning’s current focus with the WSU Energy Program is on new and emerging energy efficiency technologies. Mountjoy-Venning holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in natural resources/public policy from The Evergreen State College.
Josiah M. Narog
Josiah Narog is an Energy/Customer Service Specialist. He provides customer service by responding to requests for information related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. He also assists in analyzing, interpreting and reporting Clearinghouse program data. Narog served in the U.S. Marine Corps for several years, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Washington and is a candidate in the Master of Environmental Studies program at The Evergreen State College.
Gary Nordeen
Gary Nordeen is Senior Building Science Specialist with extensive knowledge relating to building, energy and ventilation codes. He has worked with a variety of state and utility energy conservation programs for the last 25 years. Currently, Gary 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.
Tamara Parrish
Tamara Parrish is an Administrative Program Manager. Parrish handles accounts payable and purchasing, oversight and review of organization-wide financial service centers, and reports/tracks fiscal deliverables. She also advises senior management of budget issues and solutions. Parrish has served the organization in this capacity and others since 1994. Previously, Parrish was a manager for Friden Neopost, where she directed a division of staff members, served as a field office liaison and was a program coordinator.
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 Program Coordinator of the Plant Operations Support Consortium. Partington, who joined the Consortium staff in 2002, responds to day-to-day member requests for assistance and manages numerous training events, including the annual Energy/Facilities Connections conference. Additionally, Partington is active in 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 Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in business administration.
Rob Penney
Rob Penney, a Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager, is the Senior Energy Engineer. In this capacity, 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. Penny is also lead engineer for the organization’s Clearinghouse Services programs. Previously, Penny 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 is a Technical Assistant. She provides administrative assistance with the Energy Efficiency Emerging Technologies project for Bonneville Power Administration and helps manage the Energy Experts Database (www.EnergyExperts.org). Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts degree 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.
Rich Prill
Rich Prill, a nationally recognized expert in indoor air quality for residential, commercial and institutional buildings, is a Building Science and Indoor Air Quality Specialist. His areas of focus include indoor air quality in schools and tribal buildings, residential energy conservation and weatherization, ventilation, radon, mold/moisture, and renewable energy systems. Prior to his time with the WSU Energy Program, Prill was an energy specialist for the Washington State Energy Office, a senior research associate at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a contractor at Solar Water Heating Systems, a project manager/lead instructor at Midland Energy Institute, and a building technologies instructor at De La Salle High School. Prill has a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Missouri State University.
Gerry Rasmussen
Gerry Rasmussen, who has served as our graphic designer since 2004, is instrumental in keeping the program’s publications, website and presentations looking professional. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree 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 both government and private industry.
Carolyn Roos
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 Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering, Roos developed software to aid in the design of high-temperature solar concentrating furnaces.
Angela Santamaria
Angela Santamaria is the WSU Energy Program Library Manager. She has extensive experience in various types of libraries, including school, academic, public and technical libraries. Santamaria has also served in a management role in non-library settings, such as a city housing authority and a state-based humanities program funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Santamaria is a graduate of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Washington, with a Master of Librarianship awarded with distinction.
Vince Schueler
Vince Schueler is a Program and System Analyst. He has over 27 years of experience providing customer research, performance management, process improvement program evaluation, policy analysis, and strategic planning in state government and the private sector. He has a practical, result-oriented focus on energy efficiency and resource conservation. Schueler holds a Master of Business Administration in quantitative methods from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban studies from the University of Maryland. He also earned a Lean Six Sigma Certificate of Achievement from Villanova University in 2008 and completed training at the Northwest Public Health Leadership Institute.
David Shepherd-Gaw
David Shepherd-Gaw is an Energy Services Clearinghouse Manager, where he delivers energy information and services to U.S. businesses and consumers, manages special projects and implements 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 Bachelor of Science degree in energy studies from The Evergreen State College.
David Sjoding
David Sjoding is a Renewable Energy Specialist. His current focus is on bioenergy/bioproducts, hydrogen/fuel cells, clean heat and power (CHP), geothermal energy and green chemistry. Sjoding is team leader for both the Pacific Regional Biomass Energy Partnership and Northwest Clean Energy Application Center. He has 32 years of experience in the energy field, serving several years as an assistant director at the Washington State Energy Office and chairing 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 and is a Certified Energy Procurement Professional from the Association of Energy Engineers.
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 Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington, is a State of Washington Engineer in Training, is certified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Industrial Assessment Center and is a DOE AirMaster+ Qualified Specialist for Compressed Air Systems.
Melinda Thiessen Spencer
Melinda Spencer is a Communications Specialist responsible for producing educational and promotional materials and providing technical communications support for all program areas. Spencer is an award-winning writer with over 28 years of experience in technical and scientific communication, community right to know, user-centered design and online content development for high-tech companies and environmental organizations. She holds a Master of Technical and Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio; Master of Philosophy from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; and Bachelor of Science in biological sciences/pre-med from the University of California, 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 Bachelor of Science degree 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 Bachelor of Science degree 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 Bachelor of Arts degree 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 Bachelor of Science degree 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 Master of Arts degree in art history and a Master of Science degree 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 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 Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College, an Associate of Applied Science degree 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
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, thermal and membrane concentration, and wastewater treatment. He previously worked for more than 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 Bachelor of Science degree 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. 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 Bachelor of Science 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, a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and a bachelor degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. Zeiger is a Certified Energy Manager and has Level II Building Operator Certification.