Southern Solar Summit Atlanta - Panelists and Moderators
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Mike Barcik, Director of Technical Services, Southface
Mike Barcik is a senior research engineer and the Director of Technical Services at Southface. His areas of expertise include design reviews, building diagnostics, and energy performance modeling. A graduate from Georgia Tech with a bachelors and masters degree in mechanical engineering, he has previously conducted research in high-efficiency mechanical systems.
With a passion for training, Mike has led thousands of workshops and charrettes on high-performance residential and commercial buildings. He is a RESNET-approved Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Trainer, member of the State of Georgia Energy Code Task Force, ASHRAE member, and a LEED Accredited Professional. He is the only person selected as both a USGBC LEED for Homes and a USGBC LEED - NC Faculty member. Mike lives in Decatur with his much smarter, architect wife Tiffany, two young daughters, and wiener dog in a 1920’s bungalow that they are continuously working on to sustainably improve.
John W. Baumstark, Chairman, CEO, Suniva
John has over 20 years of technology experience in early and late-stage private and public companies. Most recently, John was an Operating Partner at H.I.G. Ventures where he played an active role in the overall strategy of the fund as well as the development of portfolio companies. Prior to joining H.I.G. Ventures, he was responsible for overseeing global operations of IBM’s Master Data Management (MDM) Server unit, part of IBM’s Information Management division within the IBM Software Group.
Prior to IBM, John was president and CEO of DWL, the leader in Customer Data Integration software. Under John’s leadership the company was cash flow positive for 20 consecutive quarters, was profitable and was named one of the fastest growing technology companies in North America three years in a row by Deloitte and Touche. DWL was acquired by IBM in 2005. Prior to DWL, John served as the Chief Operating Officer of TRADEX Technologies. Under John's leadership, TRADEX became the market leader in digital marketplace platforms. In March of 2000, TRADEX was acquired by Ariba (arba) for $5.6 billion, making it one of the largest software acquisitions in history.
Before TRADEX, John directed worldwide field operations for Infinium Software. There he built over $100 million in revenue, led a successful initial public offering and acquired two companies. Before joining Infinium, Baumstark held sales and sales management positions with Management Science America (MSA), a mainframe application software provider. John graduated from Colorado College with a BA in Business / Economics. He is a former director of Procuri, which was sold to Ariba and of Marketmax, which was sold to SAS.
John Bergwell, Director of Project Finance, Chevron Energy Solutions
John Bergwell joined the company in September 2001 as the company’s first Director of Project Finance, bringing 25 years of financing experience to the position. John and his team are responsible for analyzing client needs and concerns and then structuring and coordinating all project financing activities to assure that the optimal form and cost of financing is obtained. Significant time is spent researching funding programs, as well as building and maintaining relationships with leading financial vendors in the energy services arena. In addition, John and his staff work with the project teams in reviewing the financial aspects of proposed energy projects (e.g., interest rate assumptions, capitalized interest calculations, escrow analysis, graduated payment calculations and the financial implications of the project from the client’s perspective) and assists the national sales force in negotiating contracts that are in compliance with local, state and federal statutes, and syndicates financing on behalf of our customers to help them obtain the lowest possible interest rates for their project.
In his career, John has held positions that have enabled him to have first-hand experience in all facets of project financing. He has held banking positions in credit, asset based lending, equipment leasing, securitization and syndication. Over the course of his career, John has been directly involved in the closing of over $3.5 billion in project financings and over $2 billion in securitizations to the secondary market.
Erin Burns, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Knoxville
As the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Knoxville, Erin Burns works to promote a more green and energy-efficient city through government and community-oriented initiatives. One of her primary responsibilities is coordination of the Knoxville Solar America Cities Program, which she'll be speaking about today. Erin is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has four years of professional and extracurricular experience working with energy and environment-related issues.
Allen Bradley, Attorney, Stites & Harbeson PLLC
Walter Brown, Chairman, Georgia Solar Energy Association; Senior Vice President of Development and Environmental Affairs, Green Street Properties
Building on almost 20 years of real estate and green building experience, Walter leads all environmental initiatives for Green Street and manages many of the company’s development and zoning responsibilities. Prior to Green Street, Walter was Senior Program Manager of the Southface Energy Institute, where he led key environmental initiatives such as founding the Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable, directing the Greenprints Sustainable Development conference, and helping found the Atlanta Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Prior to Southface, Walter worked for the State of Georgia for ten years, where he was responsible for the rehabilitation of over 5,000 homes for low to moderate-income residents. An Atlanta native, Walter earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Development from Georgia State University, with additional studies at Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. A strong civic leader, Walter currently chairs the Georgia Solar Energy Association and formerly chaired the Moreland Corridor Task Force and the Renewable Energy Action League. He has recently served on the Boards of the Freedom Park Conservancy, the Atlantic Station Project “XL” Taskforce, the Community Housing Resource Center, and the Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable. Walter was also the founding Secretary of the Atlanta Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. He is active in the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization (a past president) and is a former Chair of Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) “N”. Walter is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Billy Byron, Managing Director, AET Solar
Ken Caird, Transmission & Distribution - Systems Engineer, General Electric
Bradley D. Collins, Executive Director of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and Publisher of SOLARTODAY magazine
Brad is Executive Director of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and Publisher of SOLARTODAY magazine. He has guided ASES since February 2001. During his career Brad has served as an organizational manager, chief development officer, foundation executive, fund raising consultant and solar building researcher, designer and builder. He holds an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Colorado and an MBA from Regis University. He represents the Society at functions and events throughout the country and works to educate and advocate for renewable energy technologies among decision makers, educators, media and the public.
Brad and Jody have two children, a lawyer daughter who lives with her husband in Austin and a son who works in the solar industry in the San Francisco bay area. His Prius-driving wife lives part year in their owner-built passive solar house in Montana. Otherwise they enjoy family, hiking in the Rockies, the Broncos, old friends, and the solar hot water in their home in Boulder.
J. David Dunagan, Renewable Energy Program Manager, GA Environmental Facilities Authority
Chuck Eaton, Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission
Chuck Eaton was elected to his first term on the Public Service Commission in December of 2006. He was one of only two statewide Republican candidates in the entire country to beat an incumbent during that election year. Before serving on the Commission, he worked in real estate sales. Prior to moving to Atlanta, he was an Account Executive for a packaging manufacturer in LaGrange, Georgia. Commissioner Eaton also has an Accounting degree from the University of Alabama. He is the past President of the Buckhead Forest Civic Association. Chuck was also a representative to the Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Unit "B" - a citizen group which makes recommendations on zoning, land use, public safety and community issues. In Troup County he served on the Board of Directors for Troup Haven House - a children's shelter. Commissioner Eaton has been involved in the political process for a long time. In 1992, he served as Congressman Phil Crane's Deputy Campaign Manager. In Troup County he successfully managed multiple campaigns for former Representative Jeff Brown. He is a graduate of the Coverdell Leadership Institute - a statewide organization founded by late U.S. Senator Paul D. Coverdell to strengthen leadership and political skills. Chuck lives in Atlanta with his wife Erika, their newborn daughter Lydia and their three rescued dogs. When not working at the Public Service Commission, he enjoys playing golf, target shooting, and boating with his family on Lake Lanier. The Eaton's are members of North Avenue Presbyterian Church.
T. Russell Gentry, Ph.D., PE, Associate Professor, Architecture Program, Georgia Institute of Technology
Russell Gentry is a structural engineer and building materials researcher. He is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Georgia Tech. His research focuses on technical performance aspects of building materials, components, and assemblies. His work has considered mature building materials and systems, with ongoing projects in wood and concrete masonry, and on emerging building materials, with work in FRP (fiber reinforced polymers) and bio-based residues. In his work, technical aspects include structural and mechanical performance, weathering and durability, constructability, material and component representation issues, and environmental impact. At Georgia Tech, Dr. Gentry teaches courses on structural materials and systems, environmental impact of construction, and building energy.
Dan Gerding, Managing Principal, Gerding Collaborative
Dan Gerding is a graduate of Clemson University and North Carolina State University. He is Managing Principal of Gerding Collaborative, an Atlanta-based architecture and interior design firm that he founded in 1993. With a portfolio that includes commercial, institutional, recreational, restaurant, retail, and multi-family residential projects, his firm utilizes integrated design to optimize the economic, environmental and humanistic aspects of their projects. The firm’s first LEED project, the Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor Center, was certified Platinum in October 2006. Dan has been a LEED Accredited Professional since 2002 and currently serves as Public Awareness Director for the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Dan Gretsch, P.E., Vice President, Solar H2Ot
Dan Gretsch graduated with both his bachelors and Masters degrees in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech. He has 20 years of manufacturing experience including working on energy efficiency and conservation projects in the U.S., Mexico, South America, and Europe. He has written for and been published in Home Power magazine. He is currently Vice President for SolarHot, a solar heating manufacturing company. Dan lives in Cary North Carolina with his wife and four children.
Rich Golick, Representative, Georgia House of Representatives, (R) Smyrna
Rich Golick is serving his sixth term in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the 34th State House District in Cobb County based in Smyrna. He is the Chairman of the Judiciary (Non-Civil) Committee and serves on the Insurance, Appropriations and Retirement Committees. Rich served as Governor Sonny Perdue’s Administration Floor Leader in the State House from 2003 through 2008.
Rich graduated from Emory University with a degree in Political Science and earned his law degree at Georgia State University. During law school summers, Rich served as a law clerk in the criminal division of the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. during the Administration of President George H.W. Bush, and he subsequently clerked in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Prior to his election, Rich served as legislative aide to the Senate Special Judiciary Committee as well as Special Counsel to the State Senate Republican Caucus. During his tenure in the State House Rich has been recognized by various groups for his legislative achievements, including the Georgia District Attorneys Association, the Georgia Association of Educators, the Georgia Hospital Association, Georgia Conservation Voters, Cure Autism Now and Georgia Watch. Georgia Watch, Georgia’s premier consumer watchdog group, recently recognized Rich with its 2008 Legislator of the Year Award for Rich’s legislative work on behalf of Georgia’s consumers. WSB radio host and consumer advocate Clark Howard presented Rich with the award.
Ervan Hancock, Manager, Renewables and Green Strategies, Georgia Power
Ben Hill, Enterprise Innovation Institute and Adjunct Professor, Georgia Tech
Kurt Johnson, Business Development Manager, Utilities & Power Plants, SunPower Corporation
Mr. Johnson is the Business Development Manager for the Utilities & Power Plants division of SunPower Corporation. He leads SunPower’s efforts to deploy utility scale solar PV in the Southeastern US. Mr. Johnson was formerly the Southeast Regional Sales Manager for SunPower Corporation. He managed a dealer base for both commercial and residential systems from Maryland to Florida and the Caribbean. The systems ranged from 1KW to 1MW and were primarily grid-tied systems that were either roof top or ground mounted. Mr. Johnson is a former contractor, with over 20 years experience in construction and photovoltaic’s. Prior to joining SunPower, Mr. Johnson worked as the Director of Operations for PowerLight’s new home division, as a Project Manager for GE / AstroPower’s solar division, and as a builder and solar contractor in North Carolina. Mr. Johnson attended both Purdue University’s and University of Florida’s construction management schools.
Dell Jones, Board Member, NABCEP; VP Renewable Project Development, Regenesis Power, LLC
Dell works in the development of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, projects and programs. Duties include interfacing with financial, utility and industrial users to build on site projects. Evaluating, engineering procurement and construction of energy assets are also primary duties. Dell has consulted for FPL Energy on repowering a 350 MW existing solar thermal electric plant and also work on a new solar thermal electric plant near Kramer Junction and Harper Lake, CA. Large-scale deployment of solar energy in distributed energy programs are in the development stages with several utility partners. As the Chairman of the NABCEP Solar Thermal Committee, Dell is beginning the fourth year of work on the Certified Solar Thermal Installer program, a nationally recognized certification of renewable energy installers. Previously at Sterling Planet, Inc., Dell’s roles included development and management of solar and wind projects, policy development of Tradable Renewable Certificates / TRCs and renewable program development and energy policy.
As a Senior Technology Advisor for JEA's Solar/ Renewable Energy program, duties included program and project management for the 315 MW Clean and Green Power Program. Products and programs include photovoltaic, solar thermal, DSM, wind, conservation, biomass and other clean energy technologies. Dell has been responsible for identifying potential projects, training managers in solar technologies and their applications / economics. Dell was part of the technical and market assessment team for executive management on long-term capacity planning, program development, and integrated resource planning of renewable technologies. Other duties include implementing solar thermal projects, working with vendors, and writing specifications.
Prior to his work at JEA he held the position of Sales Director for AET and Thermafin, manufacturers of solar thermal collectors and systems, selective surface coating technology and balance of system components. Since 1979, Dell has diverse work history including being a principal of the largest distributor of low temperature collectors world wide; installing over 80,000 square meters (60 MW)yearly in the South Florida alone. Dell has a great deal of experience in deployment of renewable energy systems globally and has lived and worked in Asia, Australia, West Indies, and Europe.
Dell has served on industry boards, been a panelist, key note speaker and subject matter expert for investors, government agencies and industry since 1979.
Steve Kalland, Executive Director, North Carolina Solar Center
Katie Kirkpatrick, P.E., Vice President Environmental Affairs, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Named vice president of environmental affairs for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in August 2007, Katie Kirkpatrick oversees the Chamber’s public policy work on water, air and quality growth issues – playing a key role in bringing the region’s environmental stakeholders together to find long-term solutions to pressing sustainability issues.
For 12 years, Kirkpatrick served in various positions, including director of environmental engineering for Gold Kist, Inc. Her duties there included designing wastewater treatment and air quality control systems that totaled more than $20 million in capital investment, overseeing environmental compliance and site remediation, working with regulators and media and advising the company’s board and chief executives.
In previous roles, Kirkpatrick served as chairman of the board of the Georgia Industry Environmental Coalition, chairman of the National Chicken Council’s environmental committee and as an environmental assistant for the Georgia Poultry Federation. She currently serves as a board member for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and incoming Chairman of the Board for the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership, Inc. She is also a 2008 graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute. Kirkpatrick holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Auburn University in Alabama, and is a registered professional engineer in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. She is a member of numerous professional associations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Water Environment Federation, and the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. Kirkpatrick also serves as a community board member for the Garden Hills Pool and Park Association. She and her husband, Dow, live in Atlanta with their two children.
Tom Lane, President, ECS Solar Energy Systems
Tom Lane, CEO of ECS Solar Energy Systems, has been in solar contracting since 1977 as documented by the U.S. Department of Energy, and was inducted into the International Solar Hall of Fame in 2006. In October 2008, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) awarded the ISPQ Independent Master Training Certification to Tom. This was the first ISPQ Independent Master Trainer issued and directed specifically to solar thermal design, installation, solar hot water and pool heating systems. The ECS Solar Academy offers Advanced Solar Contractor Training and is located in Gainesville, Florida. Mr. Lane’s book, Solar Hot Water Lessons Learned 1977 to Today, is considered the bible of the solar thermal industry. This book has been adopted by the Florida Energy Center and many Community Colleges throughout the United States. Mr.Lane wrote the Solar Thermal Study Guide for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners,www.nabcep.org. He also works closely with IREC on their thermal certification programs.
Chris Lau, Green Power Project Manager, World Resources Institute
Christopher Lau is the Manager of the Green Power Market Development Group at the World Resources Institute (WRI) and focuses on increasing corporate adoption of renewable energy in the US. He has served as a consultant to various renewable energy and advocacy organizations, including the American Wind Energy Association and The Nature Conservancy of Massachusetts. Prior to joining the public sector, Chris was the senior manager for investment management products at Thomson Reuters and was responsible for revenue growth in the US, European, and Latin American markets. Chris holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and a M.S. in Engineering Management from Duke University.
Mandy Mahoney, Director of Sustainability, City of Atlanta
Mandy is Director of Sustainability for the City of Atlanta. This initiative is aimed at improving the city’s green programs and policies such as water and energy conservation, reducing our solid waste, reducing emissions, and improving the rates of recycling. Mandy is proud that she was part of the team that launched the BeltLine. Other work experience includes Ahmann, Weeks Properties Group and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. She serves on the Board of the Atlanta Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, the Green Chamber of the South, Urban Sustainability Directors Network and runs GoGreenInStyle.com, a green lifestyle website, with her husband Sean. Mandy graduated from Duke University with a master’s degree in environmental management. She also earned a law degree and a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from Emory University.
John Megna, Senior Sales Manager, SMA America, Inc.
John Megna is the Sales Manager, Eastern North America for SMA Solar Technology. SMA Solar Technology is the world’s leading solar inverter manufacturer. He works with renewable energy equipment distributors, solar and wind system integrators, utilities, and government agencies. John has worked directly with state legislative bodies and other government organizations to enhance their support for the rapid deployment of renewable energy. Previously, he spent 20 years in engineering, product management, marketing, and sales roles at companies in the telecommunications industry including Scientific Atlanta, Panasonic, JDS Uniphase, and Emcore. John has been awarded four US patents for broadband fiber optic telecommunications equipment and has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois.
Jake Morgan, Manager of Alternate Energy and Business Continuity, Cox Enterprises
Lee Peterson, Tax Attorney, Reznick Group
Lee Peterson is a licensed attorney and Senior Manager for Reznick Group’s National Tax Practice. He leads the Atlanta Tax Research and Planning Department and is a member of Reznick Group’s National Tax Practice. Lee has broad tax knowledge and experience in the area of income taxation of partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations. To date, Lee has been a critical tax advisor in over $1.8 billion of renewable energy projects within the U.S. His clients include the U.S. Department of Energy, Fortune 100 companies, state and local governments and renewable energy project developers and tax equity investors. He is also responsible for advising Reznick clients on green building and renewable energy transactions, with a significant focus on transactions that involve real estate and federal, state and local tax and financial incentives.
Lee is a regular speaker at professional education and industry events dealing with renewable energy finance, real estate, tax credit finance and federal and state tax policy. He is an adjunct professor at Clayton State University and a guest lecturer for the J. Mack Robinson MBA program at Georgia State University as well as the Terry School of Business at the University of Georgia, in addition to guest lecturing to business and accounting students at the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Other speaking engagements include Green Business Works EXPO, Southeast energy Efficiency Alliance, Georgia Society of CPAs, Atlanta Business Magazine’s LEED or Follow Event, The International Fuel Cell Seminars, the North American Waste-to-Energy Conference, GovEnergy, and many more.
Kelly Provence, Solar PV/Thermal Trainer, Solairgen
Kelly Provence is the president of Solairgen Inc., a Renewable Energy company located in Dahlonega Georgia. He is a member of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA) and is also a board member of GSEA.
He is a NABCEP certified PV and Solar Thermal installer as well a licensed Master Electrician. Although his college major was in marketing and management his interest are clearly more focused on science and technology. A long history of construction management and contracting provides him with an ability to understand all aspects of construction and communicate well with those connected to the industry. Combining a keen interest in renewable energy technology, a desire to help mitigate our environmental impact and a background in construction lead him to the path of starting a renewable energy company.
After several years of designing and installing solar energy systems in this niche market industry, the demand and interest began to grow rapidly. The lack of training and educational support for this marginally understood industry lead Kelly to change the model of Solairgen to include classes and workshops. His primary motive is to provide an educational service that strengthens this industry by increasing competency and understanding for all professionals and consumers involved.
The courses developed by Kelly are monitored by his staff to help hone the delivery and content so that the attendees get the most out of these courses. Although most of the material presented is proprietary in content and structure the use of ATP’s Photovoltaic Systems is also integral in training development. Kelly is working with some of the technical colleges in North Georgia to help facilitate the development of their Solar Thermal and Solar PV training classes.
Bob Reedy, Director, Solar Energy Division, Florida Solar Energy Center
FSEC's mission is to research and develop energy technologies that enhance Florida's and the nation's economy and environment and to educate the public, students and practitioners on the results of the research. The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) was created by the Florida Legislature in 1975 to serve as the state’s energy research institute. The main responsibilities of the center are to conduct research, test and certify solar systems and develop education programs. As Florida's legislatively-chartered "Type I" energy research institute with a 30-year history of unique expertise, experience and infrastructure, we are leading research and development efforts to bring our vision of Energy Independence to fruition.
Ajeet Rohatgi, Ph.D., Founder, CTO, Suniva
Dr. Rohatgi received the B. S. (E. E.) degree from Indian Institute of Technology in 1971, the M. S. (Materials Engineering) from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1973, and the Ph.D. in Metallurgy and Materials Science from Lehigh University in 1977.
He joined the Westinghouse Research and Development Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1977 and became a Westinghouse Fellow while working on the science and technology of photovoltaic and microelectronic devices.
Dr. Rohatgi joined the ECE faculty at Georgia Tech in 1985 and started a program on photovoltaics, which has become one of the best in the country. He has become an internationally recognized leader in photovoltaics. He is the founding director of the first university-based DOE Center of Excellence in Photovoltaic Research and Education. He is the author of more than 300 publications and holds 10 U.S. patents. Dr. Rohatgi has received numerous awards and distinctions from professional societies and Georgia Tech.
Research Interests
• Modeling and fabrication of low-cost high-efficiency silicon solar cells
• Growth and characterization of low-temperature and high-performance dielectrics
• Defects and carrier lifetime in semiconductors
• Rapid thermal processing of silicon devices
• Growth and optoelectronic properties of compound semiconductors
Distinctions
• Westinghouse Fellow
• Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Georgia Tech Distinguished Professor Award
• William Cherry Award from the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
• Thomas D. Callinan Award from the Electrochemical Society
• Rappaport Award from the U.S. Department of Energy/NREL
• Founding Director, University Center of Excellence in Photovoltaics Research and Education (a U.S. DoE-funded center)
Jason Rooks, Principal, Clean Energy Strategies LLC
Jason is a Principal with Clean Energy Strategies, LLC a government and legislative affairs consulting firm focusing on clean energy technologies. Previously Jason had been a lobbyist for the Georgia Conservation Voters representing environmental and conservation clients. Jason was also co-founder and General Counsel of Avido Systems, Inc. and a practicing attorney at Whelchel & Dunlap. Jason has a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from the University of Georgia.
Vikram Sami, Senior Building Performance Analyst, Lord Aeck Sargent; Solar Buildings Division Chair, American Solar Energy Society
Mr. Sami is an integral member of the Lord, Aeck & Sargent team bringing exceptional expertise in the field of sustainable building design, daylighting and energy analysis. Mr.Sami excels in using computer simulation as part of the design process to produce integrated design solutions that are high performance while maintaining their architectural aesthetic.
Mr. Sami has experience with a wide range of project types including residential, commercial and institutional. His research interests include thermal comfort and ventilation, building simulation techniques, and global carbon reduction techniques. He currently serves as Chair of the Solar Buildings division of the American Solar Energy Society, as well as the Energy and Atmosphere committee of the Atlanta AIA COTE chapter, and is a past Chair of the Georgia Solar Energy Association. He is a visiting lecturer at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a Masters Degree in Building Science from Arizona State University and is a frequently published author and researcher.
William Silva, Solar Training Coordinator, Lanier Tech; NABCEP certified PV Installer; Director of Operations, United Renewable Energy, LLC
William Silva is the Director of Operations for Georgia based United Renewable Energy, LLC, Georgia's leading commercial photovoltaic solar power system integrator.
Mr. Silva has 15 years of experience in large scale systems, solar power generation, and education. A former adjunct professor with Johns Hopkins University, he holds a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Buffalo, and a Masters Degree in Systems Engineering from George Mason University.
He began his career with General Electric Corporation, and later with Lockheed Martin and SAIC engineering large scale systems on sensitive Government programs, including both data centric and physical assets. Later in his career, Mr. Silva served as director of sales for Memex, Inc. an international software corporation based in Scotland, and has delivered successful criminal intelligence management systems to five US States and six foreign nations, as well as fortune 500 companies such as AIG. Mr. Silva has held DoD TS SCI security clearance.
Mr. Silva has designed solar electric power generation systems from 80 watt remote charging systems to over 500 kW commercial systems. He has supervised solar PV system design and installation for utilities, Government, and Fortune 500 companies. He is a NABCEP certified Solar PV InstallerTM,the only certification for PV installers in the industry. He is currently Training Coordinator of the Lanier Tech Solar PV Program.
As a member of both the American Solar Energy Society, and the Georgia Solar Energy Association, he speaks frequently on topics of renewable energy to industry groups, utilities, building professionals, and associations. He has been featured on WABE, the local NPR affiliate, discussing topics of renewable energy legislation in Georgia.
Mr. Silva's straightforward, practical approach to photovoltaic power generation systems ensures that customers will gain a valuable, insiders perspective on reliable solar electric power system design, sales and installation.
Doug Stoner, Senator, Georgia State Senate, (D) Smyrna
Senator Doug Stoner is serving his third term in the Georgia State Senate, representing South Cobb County from Senate District 6, following one term in the House of Representatives. He chairs the Intermodal Rail & Transit Subcommittee and is the current Vice Chair of the Senate State Institutions & Property committee. Senator Stoner also serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, the Senate Ethics, Regulated Industries & Utilities, Retirement, and Urban Affairs committees along with the MARTA oversight committee.
Doug is a past chair of the Cobb Transit Board and is well-versed on all modes of transportation and other under consideration to enhance mobility in and around Cobb and surrounding counties.
Senator Stoner is a lifelong resident of the 6th Senate District and is a third-generation South Cobb business owner and a member of the Smyrna Downtown Development Authority. He graduated from Campbell High School and Kennesaw State University. He and his wife Della are raising their two children, Gray and Honor, in his home community of South Cobb.
He is past president of the King Springs School PTA and an member of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and Smyrna First United Methodist Church. He also supports many community and youth programs.
In 2004, Doug was elected to represent District 6 in the Georgia State Senate. Doug was re-elected to the Senate in 2006 and 2008, both times with 61 percent of the vote. During his service, he has received the following awards:
• Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services Star of Life Legislative Award (2007 and 2008)
• Georgia Association of Educators Legislator of the Year (2005)
• Cobb County Association of Educators Cheryl C. Rice Friend of Education Award (2005)
• Georgia Conservation Voters Environmental Leadership Award (2006, 2008 and 2009).
Doug is currently the Senior Business Development Manager for the PBSJ Corporation.
Ivan Urlaub, MEM, MPP, Executive Director, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association
Ivan Urlaub brings eleven years of state, national and international experience in the energy and water fields to his work as Executive Director of the NC Sustainable Energy Association. He has extensive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors in policy analysis, governmental affairs, resource economics and integrated resource management, regulatory review, emergency response planning, strategic planning, project management, and organizational/ agency design and change management.
Soon after joining NCSEA as Policy Director in February 2005, Urlaub co-led North Carolina’s 30-month effort to pass the first state Renewable Energy and Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) law in the Southeastern United States. Regularly quoted in the media, Urlaub has delivered over 160 presentations to local, state, regional and national forums on how to turn NC and Southeast energy challenges into economic opportunities through an integration of public policy, energy information and market development.
Urlaub serves on the Advisory Board for “Charlotte USA – The New Energy Capital,” an initiative led by the Charlotte Regional Partnership to turn the Charlotte region into a bigger player in the new energy economy through a range of initiatves - from expanding manufacturing and research to increased job training. He also serves as a commissioner on the NC Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change and as a member of the NC Climate Action Plan Advisory Group. In 2006, he served as Policy Chair on the American Solar Energy Society and as an advisor to the NC Utilities Commission’s study of the costs and benefits of a state Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Urlaub holds a B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Studies with minors in Biology and Philosophy from the George Washington University and a Master of Environmental Management and Master of Public Policy from Duke University, where he focused on energy, economic globalization, and global change sciences.
Michael Whiteside, President, Green Power EMC
In January 2009, Michael joined Enervision as Vice President of Business Development. Recently retired from Coweta-Fayette EMC, a Georgia electric cooperative, Michael served more than 35 years retiring as President/CEO. Michael attended Middle Georgia College, DeKalb Technical School and Georgia State University. After graduating, he worked as a consulting engineer for the Southern Engineering Company of Georgia prior to joining Coweta-Fayette EMC in 1974. Along with serving as President/CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC, Michael was also President/CEO of Relyco Resources, Inc.—a commercial/residential security subsidiary, President/CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC Natural Gas, Inc.—with 20,000+ gas customers, and President of Green Power EMC—an organization of 38 participating Georgia EMCs that offer renewable energy from Georgia resources.
