About Michaels Energy

Resource preservation has been in my blood since my days growing up on the farm, where I urged my father to reduce tillage to minimize fuel consumption and preserve topsoil. I landed in engineering and was selected by Michaels to harness that passion as a career.

About Jeff
As the youngest of four kids on a farm, Jeff started working and earning money at a young age. While in college, he worked long weeks in the summer and during winter and spring breaks. Like his current role with Michaels, there were always more things to improve and get done.

Jeff enlisted in the Navy as he finished his senior year at South Dakota State University. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer and spent six weeks at officers’ school in Newport, RI. He was a reactor plant fluid systems engineer for most of his stint with the Navy. He spent several weeks at shipyards observing submarines in overhaul, refueling, and under construction.

Jeff started on the ground floor with Michaels in January 1996, doing energy audits and feasibility studies. He worked his way into managing the energy efficiency practices and the entire company for the last five years. Jeff’s current responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer include program, evaluation, proposal, sales strategies, and discovering the next big thing.

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University. In the Navy, he earned a Master’s in nuclear engineering (classified). Later, he received a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Jeff runs every day, no matter what. He finished twelve marathons, including eight in recent years, and qualified for Boston six times. He enjoys yard work, cutting and splitting firewood, and consuming news and politics, history, economics, marketing, and business management. Entertainment includes driving the beautiful western Wisconsin countryside and writing his blog, the Energy Rant.

Efficiency and continuous improvement have been central to my professional approach. I take great satisfaction in streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary effort to deliver results more effectively. At Michaels, I’m eager to deepen my industry knowledge while continuing to enhance the efficiency and impact of our daily operations.

About Kari

Kari joined Michaels Energy in 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience across consulting operations and a broad spectrum of human resources functions. Her career is distinguished by a strategic and people-focused leadership style, developed through years of working in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Prior to joining Michaels, Kari held key roles in client service, workforce management, and learning and development, then ultimately Chief of Staff at one of the “Big Four” firms. In her current role at Michaels, Kari serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to CEO Jeff Ihnen. As Chief of Staff, she operates as an essential liaison and thought partner to the executive office, helping to align cross-functional initiatives, enhance organizational effectiveness, and drive executive priorities forward with clarity and precision.

Kari earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public History from Emory & Henry College and later completed her Master’s in Human Services at Liberty University.

Outside of the office, Kari enjoys spending quality time with her family—Kel and Reid (8). As a family, they love to travel, often centering their adventures around sporting events, whether cheering Reid on at his games or attending collegiate and professional games. Kari enjoys running, riding her Peloton, and baking homemade breads and sweet treats.

I’ve always been driven to get things done efficiently. And I understand that the world we live in is not getting any larger either, as we continue to compete for energy in a growing population. When the opportunity arose to provide energy efficiency solutions for more people than just myself, it was a win-win situation for me.

About Scott
Scott joined Michaels Engineering in 1997 and began his career designing solutions for cleaning up leaking underground storage tanks, assisting industrial facilities with air pollution permitting, storm water pollution prevention and hazardous waste management. Around 2002, Scott began working in Michaels’ energy division, performing energy analyses, energy audits and investment-grade energy studies. As the company grew, Scott managed the Energy Programs Engineering department, which included all work for one of Michaels’ largest (and longest-term) clients. His duties included client/customer liaisons, program design and implementation, energy analysis and report review, project management, recruiting and mentoring. Late in 2012, Scott took a minority stake in the company.

As of the beginning of 2016, Scott moved into the Chief Operating Officer role for Michaels Energy, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, as well as human resources, accounting and information technology.

Scott earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Beyond work at Michaels, Scott and his wife, Sarah, are busy raising their daughter and loving (almost) every moment of it. Scott also enjoys being outdoors, working and playing on recreational land that he owns with family, removing invasive plants, maintaining hiking trails, picking morel mushrooms, hunting and fishing whenever he can. Winter brings one of Scott’s favorite pastimes – snowmobiling. He is part of the local snowmobile club, and is active in fundraising and maintenance of local trails.

I enjoy showing customers that being efficient doesn’t have to be difficult; outside of costly capital projects there are often many actions that an organization can take to improve efficiency with an attractive ROI. As the power industry continues to change and become more decentralized, it is even more important that we utilize the resources we have wisely, and energy efficiency is still one of the best tools in our kit.

About Bryce
Bryce started his career with Michaels in 2005 as an energy engineer, performing energy analyses, energy audits and investment-grade energy studies. In 2009, he was promoted into a leadership role managing the Energy Program Engineering department, working very closely with a major client. In 2016, Bryce moved into the role of Managing Director of Program Engineering, overseeing all of Michaels Energy’s efficiency program implementation staff and work. In 2020, Bryce moved into the Director of Operations role where he provided operations oversight and leadership, budget and resource management, product development, and client satisfaction. And in 2023, Bryce was promoted to VP of Delivery. Bryce is motivated to build long-term relationships with his employees and clients, and develop new client relationships and future service offerings.

Bryce earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Mathematics, from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).

Outside of work at Michaels, Bryce enjoys cooking, homebrewing, tinkering with electronics, and exploring the outdoors – camping, canoeing, snowshoeing, and biking.

I never thought that my career would take me into the energy efficiency space, but it was a no-brainer once I learned about Michaels and what they do. In my role, I combine my passion for marketing with making a difference (for people and the planet), and I get to work with some incredible people along the way.

About Liz
Liz started her marketing career at an advertising agency, helping clients develop and run their marketing strategies and initiatives from just about every industry you can think of; finance, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, education, and everything in between. She later took on a new challenge at a credit union to build and grow their marketing department as the Director of Marketing. While in this role, she also ran the credit union’s non-profit foundation as its Executive Director and taught marketing courses as an adjunct professor at Viterbo University.

Liz joined the Michaels Energy team in 2020 as the Associate Director of Marketing. She later held the role of Director of Sales and Marketing before being promoted to Vice President of Marketing, where she leads and executes the marketing strategy for the firm, driving brand awareness, lead generation, and client engagement. Liz earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and Spanish from Viterbo University and a Master of Business Administration from the same university.

Liz loves the outdoors and exploring as much of this big, beautiful world as possible. Her favorite hobbies include traveling, scuba diving, hiking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and playing cribbage with a glass of bourbon.

I love working with utilities to develop innovative and effective solutions for their customers. The ever-changing nature of our energy landscape requires continuous invention and collaboration to ensure that we provide best-in-class services and products for customers.  It is truly an exciting time to be in our industry.

About Steve
Steve joined Michaels Energy in January 2025 as Vice President of Business Development. His mission is to spread the word about the amazing solutions and results that Michaels Energy can deliver for utilities and their customers.

Steve has been working with electric, gas and water utilities of all sizes for over 25 years. His responsibilities have ranged from managing large complex business development organizations to performing as an individual contributor in small start-up ventures. Steve has a proven track record of dynamic results in executive leadership, business development, product development, strategic planning, marketing, operations and engineering.

Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA from Northeastern University.

Outside of work, Steve loves spending time with his family, cooking, performing home improvement projects and boating (and, of course, celebrating the many Patriots and Celtics championships!)

 I did not seek out a career in energy efficiency. As someone in the HR field, I just wanted to work in a professional and fun environment. I certainly found that at Michaels and it’s a bonus to support energy efficiency and be able to do my part to help the environment.

About Jill
Jill Hulst has 20+ years of human resources experience. Prior to her start at Michaels Energy, Jill worked in Human Resources and Safety in manufacturing facilities. She started at Michaels in 2012 as the Director of Human Resources. She is responsible for all aspects of human resources at Michaels Energy, including recruiting, benefit administration, employee training, wellness and record-keeping. She’s also a member of the leadership team that sets the strategic direction at Michaels.

Jill has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources and Management from UW-Platteville.

Outside of work, Jill enjoys reading with her book club and watching TV dramas. As a family, they enjoy playing and watching all kinds of sports, going for walks and have fires in their backyard.

Efficiency = maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort. I may not be an engineer, but I certainly strive towards the goal of efficiency in all that I do.  Numbers excite me, but so does getting things done efficiently and timely. I never imagined finding myself surrounded by mostly engineers, but I have quickly found that I fit in pretty darn well!  I have a great appreciation for crunching numbers, creative solutions, and process improvement and love being around this group who share the same drive!  

About David
David joined the Michaels team in April 2019.  David is responsible for financial reporting, billing, payroll, taxes, and various financial analysis and report creation.  David is also involved with budgeting, project set-up, vendor payment, collections, and anything finance-related.

David earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, as well as a Master of Professional Accountancy from the same University.  Prior to joining Michaels, David spent three years in public accounting working as an Auditor with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. He focused on assurance engagements for Construction, Real Estate, and Manufacturing clients along with Employee Benefit Plan audits. David is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Wisconsin.

Outside of work, David is a huge Bucks, Packers, and Brewers fan (or really any live sporting event). He enjoys hiking with his wife, Heather, golfing, and just about anything outdoors (even yardwork)!

Throughout my career, I have been obsessed with efficiency.  Nothing irks me more than wasted time or energy. I also love working with people.  Fortunately for me, I chose a career as an energy professional where I get to think about efficiency from a technical point of view and utilize both my engineering and communications skills to provide value to our clients.

About Christopher
Christopher joined the Michaels team in February 2021 as a Senior Engineer. In May of 2023, he was promoted to Software Development Manager. In April of 2024, Chris was promoted to Director of Information Systems. He brings his experience and expertise to our operations team, managing our software development and implementation across the organization.

Christopher graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering.  Prior to joining Michaels he served as the Lead System Architect for JouleSmart Solutions in Portland, Oregon, an intelligent building solutions company focused on the Small and Medium-sized Building (SMB) market.  A lifetime ago he received an undergrad degree in Theatre and Film from the University of Kansas.

Outside of work you can typically find him with his wife, Jenna, and daughter, Eva, somewhere out in nature hiking, camping or snowboarding.

I didn’t seek out the energy efficiency industry, but it found me. As a self-proclaimed tree hugger, it’s exciting for me to be able to use my marketing skills for a greater purpose – our planet.

About Jessica

Jessica joined Michaels in January 2024. In her role as the Associate Director of Marketing, she oversees all the marketing efforts on behalf of Michaels and its clients. Prior to joining, she spent two years at a non-profit in the energy space leading their program marketing team and before that, six years with Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program leading their marketing efforts.

Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Business Administration. She also earned her MBA from Cardinal Stritch University. To show her commitment to marketing, she earned her Professional Certified Marketer in Marketing Management from the American Marketing Association.

Outside of work, when the weather’s nice, you can typically find her in the garden. She also enjoys reading, making jam, taking her dog for a walk and hanging out with her family.

I feel called to work on energy efficiency, because eliminating waste and changing our behavior serve as the vanguard in restoring balance to our climate. I love when I can help people create a culture of success to achieve better results. Solutions might be “no-brainers” but they still take a lot of brains to implement.

About Carl
Carl Samuelson is grateful that he’s been able to spend his entire career focused on energy issues. Prior to joining Michaels in 2013, he worked on energy via public policy, community organizing, residential energy auditing, and research focused on food service energy efficiency. He’s a graduate of Saint Olaf College, with a degree in Political Science. He also is a Certified Energy Manager.

At Michaels, Carl’s career has evolved as work bridging the technical and the human elements of energy efficiency continue to expand. He helped to develop Michaels’ Strategic Energy Management program, which helps businesses think about energy as a strategic resource.

He’s led research on how electrification can achieve efficiency and carbon reduction for businesses and utilities.  Carl has enrolled dozens of commercial buildings in retro-commissioning study programs. Carl currently manages work for utility clients in Minnesota and Colorado.

Carl is the enthusiastic father of three kids. In the evenings you’ll find him playing catch, reading Where the Wild Things Are, or singing bedtime songs. Carl enjoys cross-country skiing, playing disc golf, traveling, and cooking or eating something new. He’s always happy to get the chance to discuss a good book or a big question over some shared food and drink.

No one drives with a brick on the gas, only using their brake to control their speed because “it’s easier” or “that’s how I’ve always done it”. So why do we see so many buildings operated this way? Finding and fixing these problems requires some detective work and creativity, and that’s what we do best.

About Eric
Eric has been with Michaels since 2008 after he graduated with his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin. Eric has worked in a variety of areas, including energy modeling, retro-commissioning, commissioning, controls specification, energy auditing, LEED facilitation, and program evaluation. Eric is constantly learning new things to try and bring new opportunities forward for Michaels.

In his “free time”, Eric claims to enjoy cross country skiing and mountain biking, but, in reality, primarily serves at the beck and call of his two awesome (but demanding) kids. He’s a huge proponent of biking into work and staying active. He has led the charge to make Michaels a more bike oriented company, and helped put in a workout center in our building. You can find him biking to work even on the coldest Wisconsin mornings, or struggling to lift absurdly light weights over lunch periods.

“I have been fortunate enough to spend my entire professional career in the energy efficiency and decarbonization industry. Knowing that the work I produce each and every day helps play a part in cleaning this beautiful planet provides me with abundant joy.”

About Casey

Casey joined the Michaels Energy team in August 2024. In his role as a Proposal Manager, Casey oversees all aspects of proposal delivery including creating winning strategies, managing timelines and proposal processes, writing content, and project managing content creation across numerous departments and stakeholders.

Prior to joining Michaels, Casey managed proposals at ENGIE Impact for 19 years where he helped clients achieve their decarbonization goals.

Casey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carroll College (Montana) with a double major in Communication Studies and Public Relations: Business Area of Emphasis.

Outside of work, Casey enjoys spending family time with his wife and two sons. They enjoy swimming, visiting amusement parks, playing Super Mario Brothers video games, and watching movies. Casey also enjoys watching any type of sporting event.

I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and our beautiful planet. When I learned about Michaels Energy and all that we do here, I was instantly intrigued. A goal I set for myself was to find a career where I could make a positive impact on the world, and I am happy to say I have found that at Michaels Energy. Every day, I get to make a difference for our planet alongside some amazing people. What a dream!

About Elisabeth

Elisabeth joined Michaels in February 2023. As Marketing Coordinator, Elisabeth contributes to company growth by supporting external and internal marketing initiatives. Her responsibilities include digital marketing activities, graphic and creative development, initiatives that build brand awareness and differentiation, meaningful content, and strategic relationships.

Before joining Michaels, Elisabeth developed her marketing skills within the non-profit industry. Elisabeth is excited to expand her knowledge to a new industry and learn more about energy efficiency along the way.

Elisabeth graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management. During her time at the University of Michigan-Flint, Elisabeth participated in a research project with a focus on creating a hybrid wind and solar turbine to provide energy for low-income homes in Flint, MI. This ignited the spark that established Elisabeth’s love for energy efficiency and conservation.

Outside of work, Elisabeth enjoys adventuring with her dog Pluto, spending time with friends and family, fitness classes, reading, and exploring new breweries/restaurants in Raleigh.

“Growing up in South Louisiana, I’ve seen firsthand how climate change affects the natural landscapes around us. Energy efficiency work is a crucial first step to making a positive impact on this planet.”

About Amanda

Amanda joined the Michaels Energy team in July 2023. In her role as Program Marketing Manager, Amanda brings her years of marketing knowledge and experience to assist Michaels’ utility clients with marketing and promotion of their programs to end users. She works with clients and the internal Michaels sales and marketing team to develop strategies and implement tactics to best meet the needs of the program.

Amanda graduated from Louisiana State University in 2015, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Digital Advertising and minors in Business Administration and Anthropology. Prior to joining Michaels, she served as Marketing Manager for Woodward Design+Build, a New Orleans-based A/E/C firm specializing in integrated design-build. Additionally, Amanda has prior experience working as Project Manager for a small marketing agency.

On the weekends, Amanda lives her life by the classic Cajun motto “laissez les bon temps rouler!” She loves to cook, try new restaurants, play tennis, kayak in the Bogue Falaya river, and spend time with her husband and family.

I’m excited to be in the field because traditionally in doing design, my skill set has been served to help boost revenue. On a larger scale, I may have been swayed that a greater impact would be made in a different career, for instance becoming a nurse or doctor. While my skill set may still be serving the same business organizational purpose, the super cool part is the greater impact that my efforts are having on making our planet a better place.

About Catherine

I joined Michaels Energy November 2023 as a Graphic Artist. Prior to this role I served a variety of clients through consulting under my own business. I attended Minnesota State University Mankato as well as Winona State University, where I obtained my Bachelors in Art Education. Shifting gears a bit, I attended Madison Media Institute to obtain my Associates Degree in Digital Art and Design. I’ve spent time in a wide range of industries from mobile and web application to farming, to organic milling, to also serving smaller entrepreneurs under my business Pineapple Creative. I started the business with this name because I fell in love with the slogan ~ Stand Tall ~ Wear a Crown ~ and Always Be Sweet on The Inside. This is truly what I want for any of the companies I serve to feel about their marketing and branding.

I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors, which includes my husband, bonus daughter, and son. I enjoy staying active or taking time to be still in a yoga class, time with friends, and anything involving putting my creative or artistic abilities to the test

I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve the earth, and I am so fortunate to work for a company that shares and lives that value.

About Stella

Stella joined the Michaels team in October 2024. She coordinates the proposal process to help create winning bids. This includes maintaining proposal content, coordinating responses, and searching for opportunities. She also manages the Michaels Minneapolis office.

Prior to joining Michaels, Stella graduated with a degree in Economics from Wichita State University and worked in the food and agriculture business with a focus on supply chain. She eagerly applies her supply chain background to help understand processes from end-to-end. Additionally, she is passionate about DEI in the workplace and advancing equity in the community.

In her free time, Stella enjoys spending time with friends and cooking. She loves trying different foods and chatting about the weather (seriously, she loves small talk about the weather!).

I’ve always enjoyed appreciating problems from different perspectives and I see Michael Energy continually do the same.

About Mike
Mike joined Michaels Energy in 1999 as an intern in the IT department. In his current role as the IT Manager, Mike now manages the department. The IT department has grown from a single shared computer on a cart to a completely on-premises infrastructure supporting multiple offices throughout the country. Michael directs our migration to cloud services, coordinating with various service companies to support our increasingly remote workforce.

Michael graduated from Western Technical College in 2001 with two associate degrees. He enjoys volunteering in the community, watching science fiction movies, and having a good debate.

Since I was a young child, I have been enamored with the concept of environmentalism. I feel it is an honor to call the earth “home”, and moreover, I feel it is our responsibility as inhabitants of this planet to care for and nurture the environment around us! Though my career did not initially start in the realm of energy conservation–but rather in the realm of human resources–I feel fortunate to bring forth my passion for people, business efficiency, and the planet into my role as a Project Coordinator with Michaels.

About Alyssa

Alyssa joined the Michaels Energy team in October 2022. Alyssa brings several years of experience working in human resources, specifically working on countless organizational process improvement projects. Aside from her HR project work experience, Alyssa also has several years of project planning and coordination experience within the La Crosse community relating to various cultural, social, and volunteerism efforts.

Alyssa graduated from Western Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After obtaining her degrees, Alyssa continued to earn her SHRM-CP certification, allowing her to further apply and expand her HR knowledge within her career.

Outside of work, you can generally find Alyssa scouting for new bars/restaurants, traveling anywhere and everywhere, spending time with her friends and family, adventuring with her husband (Alec) and three pups (Audrey, Addie, & Ash), or binging on the newest “streaming” series.

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.’ – Albus Dumbledore. I think this applies to my passion for supporting others and making an impact on our community. Being part of the Michaels team allows me to bring my positive attitude and can-do personality to all projects, co-workers, and clients.

About Jen

Jen joined the Michaels team in May 2021. She has 15 years of experience in the development, administration, and oversight of program operations and services. Jen was promoted to Operations Support Manager in May of 2024. Naturally wired to communicate and connect with others, she continuously provides high-quality service while cultivating collaborative relationships with all stakeholders. Jen supports clients, project managers, and engineers by identifying challenges and working together to find solutions. Jen also leads a team of Project Coordinators focused on responsive and proactive communication across the company.

Jen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Masters in Sports Administration and a Bachelors of Science in Recreation Management. Prior to joining Michaels, she was a Branch Director at the YMCA.

Outside of work, Jen enjoys reading, playing board games, cheering on her Wisconsin sports teams, anything in the sun, and spending time with her family – husband, Brandon, and daughters, Molly and Erica.

I like things to be as efficient as possible and enjoy helping others.  Keeping our team organized and on track to deliver energy solutions to our clients allows me to do both.  It’s important that I make a positive impact on our planet and that our team has fun doing it. 

About Kelly

Kelly originally joined the Michaels team in 2009.  She has over 25 years of project coordination experience, primarily in engineering.  Kelly has worked with all aspects of Michaels’ energy efficiency offerings, including program technical support, end-user studies, and program evaluation, and has never shied away from learning something new.  Kelly loves the variety of tasks our work provides and getting lost in the details.

Kelly graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.  Before finding her home at Michaels, she developed her affection for engineering at a firm specializing in the design of wastewater treatment plants.

Outside work, you can typically find her spending time with her husband, Matt, and their kids, Mason and Maren, hiking, camping, playing board games, doing puzzles, or a competitive round of mini golf.  She also enjoys golfing and curling up with a good book.

Erica’s dedication to conservation has been a lifelong pursuit. However, it was during late nights spent awake with her newborn, watching sustainability documentaries, that she truly realized her calling to contribute to decarbonization through the built environment. She is deeply committed to being a part of the climate solution for future generations. “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” – Howard Zinn

About Erica

Erica joined the Michaels team as a Project Coordinator in March 2024. With a background in building science and energy management, she is passionate about efficiency, energy conservation, and climate action. Most recently, she served as the Energy Program Assistant at Western Technical College, where she supported the Sustainability Director and managed energy data for the campuses in western Wisconsin.

Erica holds an associate degree in Building Science and Energy Management from Western Technical College. She also graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish.

In her free time, Erica enjoys the company of friends and family, hiking, reading and traveling.

My commercial and residential construction background has become more dialed in, and as my career has grown, I’ve realized how much more of an impact I want to make to the world and those around me (no matter how small). Pursuing a career in energy efficiency with a group of great colleagues felt like the natural next challenge to take on.

About Daniela

Daniela joined the Michaels team in April of 2024. Daniela is a seasoned professional with ten years of experience in the construction industry, specifically in project coordination focused on accounting and subcontract administration. Daniela has worked with several commercial general contractors and residential outfits in the Denver area, where she supported various departments, including C-level executives, and managed accounting and administrative support functions.

Daniela is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management with a specialization in project management from Colorado State University Global. Daniela is excited to continue enhancing her skillset through education.

When she isn’t working or studying, Daniela can be found enjoying time with her husband, Andrew, two daughters, Camila and Emmie, and chocolate lab, Cabella.

“Leave this world a little better than you found it.” – Robert Baden-Powell.  Ever since our son was born, my husband and I have felt an immense calling to ensure we provide him with the best possible world.  This mindset is what lead me to enthusiastically join the Michaels Energy family.  I know that the work being done every day will create a more robust planet for many generations to come.

About Jen

Jen joined Michaels Energy in July 2023. After graduating from UW-Platteville with a degree in accounting and years of experience as a Financial Analyst, Jen most recently found success as a small business owner. By leaning into her business experience and desire to combine her analytic skills and creativity, she built her wedding photography business, Pink Spruce Photography.

As a Project Coordinator, Jen utilized this unique combination of experiences to support Project Managers as well as the Finance and Accounting team at Michaels. She transferred to an Accounting role in February of 2024.

Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband and son. They enjoy outdoor adventures, camping, board games, and (most recently) sailing. They live on a 34-acre farm in Wisconsin growing Midwest hazelnuts. Jen also has a knack for knitting and thrifting and will never turn down a margarita night or a Brewers game with friends.

I have always identified myself as a versatile, multi-disciplinary individual. Throughout the last few years, as I progressed through college, I found myself increasingly disoriented when contemplating my place in the workforce. The options for our future, classically advertised to students, seemed insubstantial and hyper-focused. I strived to work for a place that appreciated diversity and established outside-of the-box challenges. I believe I found it. Michaels does not only allow for integrative development, but it also accepts our common responsibility for an environmentally friendly future. We love that.

About Liz

Liz joined the Michaels team in June 2023, for a Co-Op position through fall of that year. In December 2023, she moved into the Associate Software Developer role. She graduated the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics and a minor in History.

Liz has a background in engineering and computer science, as well as a wide physical knowledge ranging from thermodynamics to quantum mechanics. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Optics in the future, to aid in shaping the technology that helps us and the earth every day. She hopes that energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainability continue to be key values in the development of her career.

Hobbies that Liz usually partakes in are cooking, indoor cycling, reading, eating ethnic foods, and walking around. She enjoys the outdoors especially during the early fall!

The most sustainable energy is the energy you don’t use.

About Hunter

Hunter joined Michaels in February 2024. We use many different computers and software to calculate and save energy for our clients to the absolute best of our abilities. He is an IT Technician that helps configure, troubleshoot, and solve our technological problems/needs. Hunter attended Western Technical College in La Crosse and earned an associate degree in the Computer Support Specialist program. He enjoys hiking, video games, and sports in his free time.

“As the saying goes, the Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones; we transitioned to better solutions.  The same opportunity lies before us with energy efficiency and clean energy.”  ~Steven Chu

About Carlie

Carlie joined the Michaels Energy team in July of 2023 as a Project Coordinator and was promoted to the Product Coordinator role in January of 2024. In April of 2024, she was promoted to Information Systems Program Manager. She brings with her over 20 years of Project Management experience in consulting services for Corporate Real Estate. Carlie’s passion for both energy and process efficiencies helps elevate our operations to the next level.

Carlie graduated from Western Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in CIS Microcomputer Specialist. More recently, she earned her Professional Agile Leadership I (PAL-I) certification, allowing her to further develop and expand her project management expertise using agile methodologies.

Outside of work, Carlie loves spending time with her husband, children, and dogs. Together, they enjoy cooking and baking, cruising the Mississippi River in their boat, hiking, and camping. You can also find Carlie patronizing local live music events, art and craft festivals, and planning her family’s next big adventure.

Insanity is sometimes defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In my role, I get to support our company as well as our customers in helping them reach their efficiency goals. My success is measured by their success. Each day brings a new opportunity to explore new and innovative ideas, which is quite the opposite of insanity.

About Paige
Paige started her career in 2013 as Project Coordinator, later moving into the Senior Project Coordinator role. In 2022 she became a Product Manager  for the Research & Evaluation team before being promoted to Business Applications Manager in June of 2024.

As the Business Applications Manager, Paige is responsible for managing and delivering  Michaels’ Business Intelligence and Software Strategies. Using her more than 10 years of experience in the energy-efficiency industry, she works closely with internal and external clients to development and deliver solutions for supporting Michaels’ portfolio of program offering and services.

Paige earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management as well as a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

Outside of work, Paige enjoys spending time with her husband Adam and black lab, Griffin. On any given day you can find her outdoors, either walking her dog, hiking, gardening, or hunting.

Energy efficiency is a crucial step in preserving our world, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the mission. I’ve always believed you should leave a place cleaner than it was when you arrived, so why not do that for our Earth?

About Devon
Devon joined Michaels Energy in 2025 as a developer to create and maintain reliable, efficient applications for both internal and external use. He graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His graduate studies focused on heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and data analytics, and his research involved wind tunnel testing for high-speed flight configurations. Prior to joining Michaels, he managed databases and developed software for efficient data interaction and analysis.

Outside the office, you’ll find Devon spending time with his family, walking his dog, climbing, and watching good movies. He also enjoys staying active, reading, and playing board games with friends.

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Robert Swan wrote that quote and it speaks to me. We all have a responsibility to lead decarbonization and the energy transition. This is not something we can leave for our grandchildren to do, it is something we must do for them. I view my job as an opportunity to create breakthroughs, thinking outside the box, providing solutions to large scale energy problems.

About Stan

Stan joined Michaels Energy in February of 2023. He brings a decade of experience in energy efficiency and the implementation of Phase Change Materials for Utility Load Shedding Programs.  He is a patent holder for Thermal Energy Storage using Phase Change Material. His experience is broad in this field in that he has set up sourcing and production in multiple countries, developed proprietary algorithms to meet the ongoing demand of IoT for continuous commissioning, and he is now developing comprehensive utility load shifting programs for aggregating islanded loads for peak demand load shifting. His hands-on approach includes facility assessments targeting specific thermal waste, harnessing thermal mass, developing passive cooling strategies, and logistics coordination to maximize heat load reduction.

Over the past few months, Stan has been consulting with utilities, tax accountants, architects, and engineers on how to maximize tax credits from the new Inflation Reduction Act. Most recently, Stan has developed a retro commissioning program management tool that enables facility managers to track baseline utility consumption against optimization efforts. He has established scope of work for R-TES, and has written commissioning guidelines for installers, distributors, and resellers. Scopes of work included developing baseline energy consumption data, energy models and carbon footprint reduction strategies.

Outside of work, Stan loves the outdoors and is an avid fisherman. He has been recognized for his various accomplishments in salt water fly fishing by the IGFA where he has broken over 160 world records and counting.

Equity moves at the speed of trust.

About Bob

Bob joined Michaels in November 2022 and is responsible for supervising Michaels’ Product Managers and managing new product launches.

Prior to Michaels, Bob prioritized, designed, and managed new programmatic areas for Seattle City Light, including components of its equity-based transportation electrification portfolio. Before that, Bob held a variety of program management and sales support roles with energy efficiency program consultancies that engaged utilities across the country. Beyond his career with electric utilities, Bob previously worked alongside entrepreneurs growing their businesses and was a VISTA volunteer. Bob earned his MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College.

Bob loves tennis and hopes to have a winning record over the 4,000+ matches he’s played. Bob and his wife have two daughters that they cart around to various kid activities.

Working in energy efficiency, I feel like I’m doing my part to pay the rent for living on this planet and leaving things better than I found them. Sharing that passion with others brings me immense joy!  

About Kenny

Kenny joined the Michaels team in 2022. He was promoted from Manager of Account Management to Associate Director of Account Management in 2025. In his role as Associate Director of Account Management, he provides leadership to the Account Management team in addition to bringing experience and expertise to the Programs group focusing on the outreach and delivery to multiple clients across Colorado.

Kenny has spent most of his career in Energy Efficiency. Before joining the Michaels team, Kenny started out his EE career at CLEAResult as a direct install coordinator in Tulsa, OK. He then received a promotion to lead the direct install program in Denver. Kenny then moved into an outreach role that required him to wear lots of hats from launching pilot programs to implementing retail lighting programs and commercial and residential audits. After 7 years, Kenny joined Resource Innovations as an Outreach Service Provider supporting large municipal customers for ComEd.

Outside of work, Kenny enjoys spending time with his family, visiting National Parks, camping, gardening, and making quality pizza.

I find energy efficiency like a great puzzle to figure out. Find out what is wasteful and then find a solution that fits the customer. There are so many new technologies to figure out, or revamps on older technologies. I’m always seeing unique solutions to problems. The vast variety of technologies we deal with makes a consistent and fun learning experience since we are constantly reviewing new technologies.

About Andrew
After six years in the US Navy Nuclear Program, Andrew went to college and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Southern Illinois-Carbondale. From there he joined Michaels Energy in 2008, where he works on feasibility studies, retro-commissioning studies, ASHRAE level two studies, measurement and verification, and custom rebate calculations. He has worked with customers large and small, and projects simple to complex.

Outside of work Andrew likes playing piano, kayaking, cross country skiing, hockey, and mountain biking. He enjoys traveling to new places, meeting interesting people, and how different cultures have adapted to the same problems. Also he loves to watch any big sporting event around (regardless of the sport or culture).

I’ve always been passionate about nature. Working in the energy industry – specifically energy efficiency – allows me to do something beneficial for our environment while tapping into my own obsession with efficiency, reducing waste, and continuous improvement.

About Crystal

Prior to joining Michaels Energy in 2024, Crystal worked in the energy industry for over a decade, with over half of her experience for public utilities.

She graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Environmental Science in 2014. An avid learner, she has read many books, completed online courses, dabbled with grad school, and most recently completed a Micro-Certification in Strategic Product Management.

On the weekends, you can find Crystal curled up with a good book snuggling her fur children in front of a fire or listening to live music with her husband at a local brewery.

My passion for energy efficiency lies in creating more comfortable environments for people to live and work in. 

About Sharie

Sharie joined Michaels Energy in 2022. In April of 2024, Sharie was promoted to Senior Program Manager. In her role as Senior Program Manager, she provides program support to utilities in Iowa and Illinois. Sharie likes to say that she started her career selling air (radio advertising). While in radio, Sharie volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters which lead to a full-time role in volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and marketing with the organization.  In 2007, Sharie joined a gas and electric utility as a Product Manager for demand response and commercial/industrial energy efficiency programs.  Sharie spent 12 years at the utility in energy efficiency, account management and renewables before moving on to a solar installation company as a Project Manager.  One thing Sharie has carried from industry to industry is her enthusiasm for identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Sharie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Development from Upper Iowa University.

Outside of work, Sharie spends a lot of time reading and enjoys photography. She has one child and a large extended family and loves to travel.

Inefficiency bothers me. When something doesn’t work right or as efficiently as it should, I want to find out why and I want to fix it. It’s going to bug me until I figure it out. For that reason, it’s great to have an opportunity to help customers find and implement solutions to the problems that they are having and help them save money and energy at the same time.

About Stephen
Stephen first interned for Michaels in the summer of 2009. He must have made a good impression, as after graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in the spring of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, he was hired on full time. In April of 2024, Stephen was promoted to Senior Program Manager. Stephen works in the Program Engineering Department performing analysis on efficiency projects and managing the day-to-day operation of various efficiency programs.

This work includes monitoring and tracking progress on energy efficiency programs, overseeing program workloads and processes, launching and developing programs, assisting with evaluation and program compliance activities, making recommendations for continuous program improvement, monitoring adherence to program rules and guidelines,  answering technical questions for customers and clients, evaluating technologies or projects for energy saving potential, calculating possible customer incentives, researching and keeping up-to-date on ever-changing energy codes, reporting savings on a per-project level or on a program-wide level, and making sure Michaels Energy continues to deliver top-notch work to our clients. Since 2015, Stephen has been providing energy efficiency program management support for multiple clients in various states around the country.

Outside of work, Stephen is an avid sports fan and attends as many Packers, Badgers, and Brewers games as possible throughout the year. He also enjoys playing sports and being outdoors, particularly for cycling and running. When it’s not warm enough for all the usual outdoor activities, Stephen will still try to keep running (albeit with more layers) but is just as content to hunker down with a good book or movie.

I began this path in energy efficiency without realizing the overall reward I would feel in creating a space for clients and customers we encounter. Creating and executing energy efficiency solutions is the most fulfilling journey I have been on.  

About Tony

Tony joined the Michaels team in June 2023. He has worked in implementation and operations of lighting, HVAC and water measures for over twenty years. Over the duration of his career, he has worked in many functions such as service technician, energy auditor, proposal generator, new program launch coordinator and director of operations.

Tony attended NC A&T State University where he majored in Economics. Prior to joining Michaels, Tony served as Regional AVP at Lime Energy before moving into a similar role with Willdan Energy.

Outside of work you can usually catch him relaxing with his family, wife Datiana, son Jordan, son Franco and daughter Taylor or watching basketball.

I chose to work in the energy efficiency field because it contributes to a healthier future for people and the planet. On a local level, I believe installing energy efficiency measures improves the day-to-day quality of life of the community members who inhabit and the buildings themselves. It is through this improvement that we ensure an environmentally healthier future is possible and that all communities have access to it.  

About Eliza

Eliza joined the Michaels team in August 2023. She brings her experience in community organizing, energy efficiency consulting with k-12 schools, public sector participants and federal grant management to programs in Chicago, Illinois. This entails managing client relations and providing a seamless experience of energy efficiency and decarbonization consulting for k-12 customers.

Eliza graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Prior to joining Michaels, Eliza managed a lead in water mitigation program at Elevate Energy in partnership with the City of Chicago and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. When Eliza lived in San Antonio, Texas she managed the k-12 and public sector energy efficiency rebate program with CLEAResult.

Outside of work, Eliza stays true to her liberal art roots and enjoys writing, sewing, attending live music and art gallery shows. She and her cat Bonnet live in Humboldt Park, Chicago.

Efficiency is the idea that you can do more with less effort, less waste. What’s not to like about that? Energy Efficiency goes even further and can include benefits such as saving money, conserving fuel and emissions, more reliable equipment, better indoor air quality, and comfort. It is incredibly rewarding to be working in this sector of the energy industry, where I get to connect people with the knowledge and resources they need to improve their energy efficiency.

About Rob

Rob joined the Michaels Energy team in November 2023 as a Program Manager. He is providing energy efficiency program delivery and support for utility clients and customers in Colorado.

Before his time at Michaels, Rob was a Team Lead and Product Manager at Xcel Energy, where he managed energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial & industrial utility customers across several states. Prior to his career in the energy industry, Rob was a supervisor at Vail Resorts where he focused on leading teams and delivering amazing customer service. Rob earned master’s degrees in Global Energy Management from the University of Colorado at Denver and in Marketing & Management from the University of Virginia, and his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia.

Outside of work, Rob is an avid skier and loves reading, learning, and spending time outdoors. He loves sharing these pursuits with his wife and three children.

Going on a hike or a walk with me means being bombarded with random facts about the organisms around us, learning how to identify different kinds of plants and trees, and stopping to listen to bird calls frequently. If it’s fungi season, you can forget about a timely summit, as I will need to stop and check every downed log for some of my favorite slime molds. I have had a deep appreciation for the environment and all that it supports since I was a child and found a love for government work along the way. I am lucky to have found a career where I get to make a difference for people and the environment.

About Meghan

Meghan joined the Michaels team in January 2024. Her background in program, project, and product management across all levels of government makes her an integral part of the Product Team. Her efforts are focused on administering the Electrify Denver program with the Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency team with the City and County of Denver. This entails establishing and managing relationships with internal and external partners, managing program budget, and working with our incredible engineers to help electrify commercial and multifamily buildings in the City and County of Denver.

Meghan got her Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Sciences from SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry with a focus in Environmental Law and Policy. She then earned her Master of Public Administration and graduate certificate in Environmental Law, Policy, and Management from CU Denver. Prior to joining the Michaels Energy team, she’s led programmatic and legislative efforts across the State of Colorado focusing in transportation, housing, homelessness, energy, the environment, and smart cities technologies.

Outside of work you can usually (try) to find Meghan out in the woods, on the slopes, or reading a good book.

I have been interested in energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy since I was a young person learning about energy and climate issues and wondering how I could help provide solutions. I found utility programs to be a great place to drive change and am excited to be able to help deliver quality programs throughout Minnesota with Michaels Energy.

About Stephanie

Stephanie joined the Michaels Energy team in May of 2024. Previously, Stephanie worked at Xcel Energy as a product developer on the Clean Transportation team and spent most of her career at Dakota Electric Association in Energy Services representing small-medium sized commercial accounts, developing EV programs, and leading several unique “special projects”.

She has a business administration degree with a natural resource management minor from North Dakota State University and is a Certified Energy Manager®. She spent two summers as an intern for the MN Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.

She enjoys spending time with her extended family located across Minnesota and collecting rocks, bugs and shells with her kids wherever they go. This year, she has been tackling her digital clutter by starting (and sometimes finishing) online photobooks.

I am passionate about building a more sustainable future and lowering emissions by cleaner and more efficient energy use. Working at Michaels allows me to contribute solutions to the climate crisis which aligns with my personal and professional goals. 

About Alie

Alie joined the Michaels team in January 2025. She brings her experience in energy regulation and product management to custom project delivery and program support to energy efficiency projects in the Chicagoland area.

Alie graduated from Indiana University Kelley School of Business with a degree in Marketing and Business Analytics. She then went on to receive her Master’s in Science from a joint-program with the University College Dublin in Ireland and Justus Liebig University in Germany with a degree in Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy in 2023. She went on to work for the Irish utility regulator as a demand flexibility and ancillary services analyst and brings diverse international background to her position.

In her free time, she enjoys long-distance running, embroidery, and dance. She enjoys spending time with her extended family and traveling both domestically and internationally, which provides her the great opportunity to try new and delicious food.

As the demand for energy continues to grow, so will our need for energy efficiency. Being a part of an industry that creates a meaningful impact on our world has given me tremendous perspective and gratification. I am passionate about finding solutions for everyone so that we all can invest in a more sustainable way of life.

About Justin

Justin is a certified Project Management Professional who joined the Michaels team in 2021. He brings his experience and expertise to the Programs group and is focused on the delivery and outreach of Dominion’s Energy Efficiency Programs in Virginia.

Justin received his Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Frederick Community College before transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to receive his Bachelor Degree of Environmental Science. Upon graduating, Justin worked at ICF for 4 years, helping implement the EmPower MD programs. He began as a Project Coordinator before transitioning over as the Account Executive for PEPCO’s Energy Efficiency Programs.

In his free time, Justin enjoys traveling and staying active through a variety of activities including snowboarding, hiking, canoeing, camping, and golf. When he is not busy, he spends most of his time hanging out with his girlfriend, Allision, and Australian Shepherd, Bodie.

“Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another.” – Albert Einstein

Energy efficiency is imperative to the future of humankind. I love finding solutions to complex problems and working with people smarter than me; both are achieved in the energy efficiency field.

About Adam

Adam joined the Michaels Energy team in 2022. Prior to Michaels, he had worked within the ComEd program as a Facility Assessment team member and conducted client outreach. Adam has implemented 14 different incentive programs across the country for an international natural gas and electricity retailer. He has also worked as a Product Engineer, an Applications Engineer, and (fun fact) a toy designer!

Adam graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and has taken coursework towards a Master’s degree at UIC and Loyola University. Adam became a Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional in 2018 through the AEE Seattle Chapter.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys playing pool, skateboarding, biking, snowboarding, surfing, and writing reviews for obscure products online.

As an avid recycler, I believe that every little bit helps the environment. Wanting to conserve the planet has led me to the energy efficiency field to help the environment and encourage others to be more energy efficient.  

About Kathryn

Kathryn joined the Michaels team in 2022 as an Account Manager for Outreach. Prior to Michaels, she worked for contractors and as an Energy Advisor for small businesses and commercial and industrial (C&I) facilities. She has been in the energy efficiency field since 2014.

Kathryn graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Project Management.

Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her dog, Boba Fett, maintaining her betta fish tank, and taking her Firebird Formula out on nice days. She is also a huge Star Wars nerd.

Efficiency is doing better than what is already being done. The energy efficiency industry has given me a platform from which to educate and coach being a better steward of the earth.

About Aaron

Aaron began his career with Michaels Energy in 2022. With 14 years of industry experience, Aaron is an invaluable asset to our outreach team. Whether it’s interfacing with utility customers or the contractors who service the Energy Efficiency programs, Aaron provides insights into the EE culture and benefits that bring value to everyone involved.

Aaron graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Engineering. His past experiences with EMS and industrial systems as the Lead Field Engineer with Profile Systems and past dealings with Energy Efficiency programs have provided him the tools to succeed in his role.

When not engaged in business activities, Aaron enjoys his time off with his children on vacation or a random road trip.

“If someday they say to me that in my work, I have contributed something to the welfare and happiness of my fellow man, I shall be satisfied.” — George Westinghouse

It gives me great joy to work in a field that allows me to not only help owners/operators save money and increase productivity, but also make a positive impact on the planet.

About Michael

Michael joined the Michaels team in 2022. Prior to joining us, he supported the ComEd Standard/Custom Program as a member of the outreach team.

Michael has been in the energy efficiency field since 2012, holding various positions such as Project Manager, Inside Sales, and Purchasing Director. Michael’s experience in various roles gives him the ability to understand and remove potential roadblocks preventing customers from implementing Energy Efficiency measures while considering their operational needs.

When Michael is not working, you can find him enjoying the outdoors fishing, camping, hiking, and taking advantage of the beautiful North Carolina weather.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration…” – Nikola Tesla

I chose to work in a field that allows me to not only aid businesses in becoming more sustainable/efficient but also increase longevity for the planet we call our home.

About Danny

Danny joined the Michaels team in 2022. Prior to joining us, he worked as an Account Executive for Xerox providing tailored technology solutions to improve the workflows of businesses to increase their overall efficiency.

Danny graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and a certification in professional selling. During his time at Northern Illinois University, he also played on the football team for two years.

Outside of work, Danny is a thrill seeker who enjoys skydiving as much as he can in the warmer months of the year. He also enjoys being active and exploring new places in downtown Chicago.

“The greenest energy is the energy we don’t use.”

The headline of an article written by Martin Rossen, in which Rossen emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency solutions as we seek net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

About David

David joined the Michaels team in July of 2023. In his role as Account Manager for a Retro-commissioning program, he is responsible for conducting outreach in the state of Indiana.  He brings 4 years of experience promoting residential, multi-family, and small business energy efficiency programs.

Previously, David worked as a Manufacturer’s Representative, gaining over 20 years of sales, customer service, and marketing experience.

David has a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in Environmental Science.  His certifications include Building Analyst Professional (BPI) and Apprentice Lighting Technician (NALMCO).

Outside of work, David enjoys hiking & biking along the Ohio River, listening to 90’s alternative/grunge music, eating out at independent restaurants (with a good IPA on tap!), cheering on his Boilermakers, and visiting his brother in Hawaii!

I have had an unwavering passion for sustainability and conservation since I was a child that gets stronger every day. Energy efficiency is especially intriguing to me; finding solutions that lead to decarbonization is both necessary and exciting. I am thrilled to work for a company that allows my work to be impactful and make a positive change for both people and the environment. The time to act is now!

About Paityn

Paityn joined Michaels Energy in August of 2023. As an Account Manager in Chicago, she interacts with K-12 school administration and decision-makers for energy efficiency programs. She serves as the main point of contact for the schools and trade allies and converts leads to energy efficiency projects that result in energy savings.

Paityn earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Geology from the University of Michigan. Afterwards, she earned her Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Northeastern University. During her time at Northeastern, she also developed online energy courses and instructed thousands of global learners as an Online Education Program Assistant at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Paityn enjoys traveling to learn about the world from a hands-on perspective and interact with others with worldviews differing from her own. She has stepped foot on all seven continents and is always excited for her next adventure! When she is at home, she enjoys getting outside and spending time with her friends and family.

It truly almost always makes sense to invest in energy efficiency. As a sales professional, there is nothing that I would rather promote.

About Tyler

Tyler joined the Michael’s team in November of 2023 as a member of the account management team. He will be working on engaging with customers to demonstrate the benefits of the Xcel MN demand response programs, and helping those customers enroll in the programs.

Tyler got a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison and then a graduate degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He has worked in and around energy efficiency and demand response programs for most of his career, always working in customer or client-facing roles.

Outside of work, Tyler spends most of his free time playing golf, practicing to be a better golfer, thinking about playing golf, and, towards the end of winter, recklessly spending money on golf equipment. Tyler Lives in Saint Paul MN with his wonderful wife Lindsay and their dog Fifty Cent.

I have a lifelong career in the environmental arena mostly with a focus on waste reduction, recycling and composting. Then Sustainability started to become a thing and encompassed many additional aspects of managing environmental and social impacts within our lives. This is where I was introduced to energy efficiency, and it was a lightbulb moment! I knew I wanted to focus on energy and community impact. This has led me to Michaels Energy where I can utilize my skills to further our goals and create positive change.

About Patti

Patti joined the Michaels team in November 2023 as an Account Manager with a focus on commercial and industrial accounts. She was promoted to Senior Account Manager in April 2025. In this role, she will work with customers to provide energy savings programs such as Strategic Energy Management, Energy Audits, Recommissioning, Compressed air studies and assistance with rebates.

For the past five years, she managed all aspects of the DSM program for Black Hills Energy in Southern Colorado. The DSM portfolio has over 20 programs encompasses residential, commercial and industrial and Income qualified programs She has energy efficiency plan experience including plan design, program development, budget and goal management, EM&V, marketing programs and community outreach

Patti graduated from Delaware Valley University with a Bachelor of Science in Soil and Environmental Science and attended Bard Graduate School of Environmental Studies. She is an associate member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and a lifetime member of the Pa Association of Sustainable Agriculture.

Patti is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Colorado in search of the Pueblo Chile. Her family has a hot sauce company, PexPeppers, and moved west to capture the best tasting chiles! Most of her free time is tasting new recipes, managing the tasting room and shop, and meeting people for sourcing local ingredients. She also has 3 grandsons that love to go on adventures with Gram.

“… an area where the earth and community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” -1964 Wilderness Act

We often perceive ourselves to be above nature rather than a part of it. I am proud to use my personal and professional skills to protect our valuable biodiversity through advancements in energy efficiency.

About Danny

Danny joined the Michael’s team in May of 2024. Working as an account manager within the Minneapolis team, he focuses on customer outreach and enrollment for several utilities retrofitting programs that maximize energy efficiency savings. Danny graduated from Clark University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration. He played intramural basketball and discovered a passion for ultimate frisbee. Prior to joining us he worked as a talent acquisition sourcer for one of the largest hospital networks in Massachusetts. When he isn’t out in nature, shooting hoops at the court or going to concerts, Danny enjoys traveling and meeting new people. Having grown up in various countries across Latin America and Europe, cultural diversity is one of his core values.

Energy efficiency is a journey, not a destination.

 I am approaching a decade in the energy field, and I  could not be more passionate about my career path.

About Robbie

Robbie joined Michael’s Energy in February of 2025, and could not be more excited to be part of this incredible Team!  He has currently been in the energy field for nearly 10 years.  He has been an energy advisor and energy auditor for several companies before joining Michael’s Energy.

Robbie is a sixth generation South Carolinian currently residing in Myrtle Beach. He graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of S.C. with a B.S. in Business.  He is also BPI Certified as a Building Analyst Professional.

As a beach resident, Robbie enjoys all watersports including skiing, surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking.

A wise refrigeration engineer once told me, “There is nothing more efficient than off.” While true, this may not be practical at times. So, finding those alternative solutions is a worthy pursuit.

About Adam

Adam joined Michaels Energy in March of 2024, focused on developing thermal energy storage C&I projects within the cold chain industry. This incorporates business development activity and educating the market on the benefits of thermal energy storage, as well as coordinating commercial activity leading to project implementation and technology adoption.

Adam graduated from the University of Rhode Island and has worked in several commercial roles with start-up and early growth companies commercializing and bringing new technology to the cold chain logistics and temperature management industries. This included developing and managing several utility demonstration projects and assisting clients in participating in state GHG reduction incentive programs.

Outside of work, when not working on their home renovation project, you can typically find him with his wife Leah and Goldendoodle Otto somewhere along the coast and beaches of Northern California.

For as long as I can remember, I have given my time, energy, and money towards creating a more sustainable, conscious, and a just world around me. Fortunately, my career in the energy industry and my decisions in personal life have allowed me to be a part of the solution we all need. This vision allows me to maximize value for our clients through a deeper understanding of efficiently utilizing resources, empowering people, and achieving economic goals.

About Ayush

Ayush joined the Michaels team in November 2023. He brings his experience and expertise to the programs team at Michaels’s Chicago office. Prior to joining Michaels, Ayush worked for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in their Energy Management Services group where he led several building energy projects for the university’s aggressive sustainability and energy efficiency goals.

Ayush graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a Master’s in Energy Systems and from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai (IIT Bombay) with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering.

Owing to his vision of serving others, he is actively involved with several causes ranging from soil sustainability, human wellbeing, creative potential development, and diversity-inclusion-equity to name a few. Outside of work you can find him and his wife somewhere out in nature or road-tripping through the country.

Ever since I can remember I have felt a sense of connection to our natural world. Energy efficiency and sustainability are critical components to maintaining the beauty and habitability of our planet and I feel truly lucky to be a part of this industry.

About Vaughn
Vaughn grew up in California with two younger brothers and two science-nerd parents. His parents would routinely drag the family out into the woods to go backpacking, skiing, bike riding, and camping. This upbringing set him up for a lifetime of hugging trees. At the age of 17, Vaughn moved to Colorado to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Upon graduating, he took a job in Denver working for an engineering consulting firm. There he gained exposure to many facets of the energy efficiency and sustainability world including energy modeling, commissioning, retro-commissioning, LEED consulting, and energy auditing. After 14 years in the industry, Vaughn accepted a position with Michaels in 2021 to focus his work within the existing building sector. Vaughn’s current role includes working with utility programs providing retro-commissioning and energy auditing services. Vaughn lives in Boulder, CO where he is an avid outdoors man. He spends most of his free time outside rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, or skiing. When he is not outdoors you can find him reading a science fiction novel or building model airplanes.

My early exposure to natures’ beauty has given me a deep, life-long appreciation for it. This influenced me heavily when picking an engineering career path. I believe energy conservation holds a crucial weight on our path to a sustainable future. The people and work this industry offers fills me with purpose and hope. 

About Eric

Eric started with Michaels in October of 2023 as a Senior Engineer. He was promoted to Energy Solutions Engineering Lead in January of 2025. In this role, he leads engineering efforts for direct to customer offerings such as energy audits, retro-comissioning (RCx) studies and thermal energy storage solutions.

Eric graduated from Boise State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in applied mathematics. He is registered as a professional engineer in Illinois.

When Eric is not working you might find him outside biking, hiking, playing soccer or on a run. If not outside, he might be reading, listening to music or playing board games.

Energy efficiency not only saves businesses and consumers money, but it also reduces pollution by cutting energy use. I chose this field to try to make a positive impact on the communities I live in and care about.

About Trevor

Trevor Wilder joined Michaels as a New Program Coordinator in January 2025. He graduated from Buffalo State University in 2015 with a degree in Psychology. After completing his studies, Trevor relocated to the front range of Colorado, where he began his career in the IT industry. He gained extensive experience across the education, technology, and construction sectors, leading and contributing to multiple large-scale projects. His diverse professional background provided him with valuable skills that he now brings to his role at Michaels.

Trevor’s educational journey and career have equipped him with a strong foundation in project management, problem-solving, and team collaboration. His transition to Michaels allows him to utilize his skills in a dynamic environment where he helps to manage and coordinate projects.

Outside of work, Trevor is passionate about the outdoors. He enjoys activities like skiing, running, and downhill skateboarding. Trevor is an avid rugby player; he has competed at various levels and is passionate about the teamwork environment that rugby provides.

I became deeply passionate about climate action once I realized my friends and family were subconsciously changing their life plans due to climate fears. Positive change is very much possible, but it will take all of us to pull it off. This position with Michaels Energy is my first step to doing so.

About Connor

Connor joined Michaels Energy in February of 2025. With Michaels, Connor will be working primarily on the Chicago-based ComEd Custom Program, which facilitates energy-saving programs between the utilities provider and clients throughout the city of Chicago. Connor will do this while working out of Michaels’ Colorado office.

Connor went to school in New York and graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Geography, concentrating in GIS technology and urban planning. After graduating, Connor moved to NYC and worked as a project manager for both a construction expediting company and an NGO advocating for human rights. After ten years in New York, Connor moved to Denver, CO shortly before joining the Michaels team.

Having moved to Denver from NYC, Connor is excited to dive into Colorado’s famous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. Besides this, Connor is a part of several film clubs.

Efficiency isn’t just about energy—it’s about how we think, work, and connect. I’m here for the kind of change that moves the needle for people, planet, and performance.

About Tabitha

Tabitha Vigliotti joined Michaels Energy in 2025 as the Continuous Improvement Lead, where she helps enhance internal processes and quality systems that support program delivery and business growth. Her role blends strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving—ensuring that improvement efforts align with Michaels’ values of proactive service, intuitive analysis, and collaborative execution.

Tabitha brings a comprehensive cross-sector perspective to her work, having delivered demand-side management programs across utilities, clean‑tech, and program implementers. She’s worked both in front-line program delivery and behind-the-scenes continuous improvement, giving her a holistic view of DSM delivery and company design.

Tabitha’s Texas upbringing around the Texas oil industry gave her an early education in navigating strong opinions, bridging divides, and translating between perspectives. That grounding now informs her clean-energy focus and coalition-building across diverse stakeholders.

Tabitha holds two master’s degrees from Duke University in public policy and in environmental management & economics and a University of Florida bachelor’s degree in ecology. She is certified in change management, Lean and Six Sigma. She’s a lifelong learner with a talent for connecting dots and building alignment across teams. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking Colorado’s trails, scuba diving, making mixed-media art, and salsa dancing.

As a kid, I loved the book 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth because it showed how small changes can accumulate to create major impacts. So, in retrospect, it is not surprising that I found a calling in energy efficiency. Beyond helping others save energy, what I love most about my role as a consultant is helping clients answer questions and solve problems. Very often, the answer is right there and is relatively simple – it only takes an outside perspective to bring it to light and to identify the steps needed to create major changes.

About Jake
Jake joined the Michaels Energy team in 2020. Throughout his career, Jake has utilized research methodologies to meet clients’ strategic needs. Since 2007, Jake has evaluated and conducted research for a wide variety of energy efficiency programs in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. His experience evaluating utility, state, and national portfolios has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of how energy efficiency and renewable energy programs are implemented and what is needed for successful evaluations of their impacts and processes, for quantifying their benefits and costs, and for estimating their potential. Jake has extensive experience conducting market actor and customer research to better understand customer decision making, barriers, and attribution and how these impact program performance and the uptake of energy efficiency.

Jake earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Politics from Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) and a graduate certificate in the Foundations of Business from UMass Lowell.

Outside of work, Jake likes to go on adventures with his wife and three kids. As they grow older, Jake is excited to incorporate his kids into his hobbies of running, playing music, ultimate Frisbee, making bread, and exploring New England on foot, bike, ski, and kayak.

My obsession with energy efficiency and energy conservation started in college, and it has only become stronger over time. My job has not only allowed me to help customers optimize their energy use to save costs and reduce their environmental impact, but it has helped me gain perspective about how all the little things we do impact the natural world around us. As an avid outdoorsman, anything that I can do to help people be more stewardly of our natural resources and preserve them for generations to come is always worth the effort.

About Joel
Joel joined the Michaels team in 2011 as part of the Research & Evaluation group. He has extensive experience with utility program evaluation, energy monitoring and data logging, building energy models, and utility market studies. Joel also helps the Michaels team with energy audits and custom rebate analyses and manages the company’s inventory of data loggers and other field equipment.

Joel graduated from Dordt University in 2011 with bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and Physics. He is a licensed P.E. in the state of Wisconsin.

Outside of work you can often find him building something in the workshop, exploring state & national parks, fishing, or in the garage restoring old cars.

I’ve reinvented my career to focus on energy systems and protecting the natural environment. At Michaels, I’m fortunate to work with the people and technologies at the vanguard of energy efficiency and help move the needle towards a sustainable future.

About Jeff

Jeff joined the Michaels team in August 2022. He brings his professional experience and academic tenacity to the Research and Evaluation group. His experience working in local government and surveying energy professionals across the country has exposed him to various energy efficiency programs. Jeff has designed and performed residential energy efficiency audits and loves spending time with people to educate them on energy efficiency resources and technologies.

Jeff recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning. His focus areas included utility-scale renewable energy systems modeling, incorporating artificial intelligence into natural disaster recovery and preparedness, and non-motorized transportation infrastructure. Before grad school, Jeff served as a Project Manager, mitigating waste and recovering fuels from industrial hazardous materials. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University and an Executive Project Management certificate from Loyola University Chicago.

Outside of work, Jeff spends time with his wife, Amanda, and daughter, Lyla. Jeff likes to golf, ride his bicycle, read books, and relax at the lake. However, Jeff’s favorite activity is cooking delicious meals for friends and family.

“Perhaps the biggest influence that led me to where I am today was an environmental economics course.  On the first day of class the professor proclaimed that the course was not about how to save the planet or to promote environmental conservation. Rather, the focus was on the allocation of scarce resources, market intervention strategies, and learning the tools to estimate costs and benefits of market interventions and regulations, and data needs to inform policy decisions.  About a third of the class did not return after that first day, but I definitely stayed!”

About Jennifer

Jennifer joined Michaels Energy with over 25 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry. Jennifer began her career as an evaluator of the energy and demand impacts of utility-administered energy efficiency programs, primarily in California.  As policy and regulatory objectives shifted, her experience broadened to include market baseline and market effects studies, pilot program design and evaluation, and process evaluations and workflow analysis. Jennifer later served as the Evaluation Director and then the Business Development Director for a small energy industry consulting firm. Most recently Jennifer has served as staff for the California Technical Forum (Cal TF) through which she led cross-functional teams to advance processes and standards for deemed energy efficiency measure development and documentation, and regulatory review workflow.

Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Mineral Economics (Energy and Environment track) and her Bachelor of Science of Economics from Penn State University. Much of her graduate research involved contingent valuation studies to estimate non-market impacts and risk perceptions related to coal mining, transportation, and coal-fired generation.

When she is not working, you can find Jennifer in Santa Cruz, California walking the beach, at local restaurants, and enjoying live music with her partner Marc, friends, and her cherished dog “Rudy”.  She has two daughters who are currently attending college (but not quite out of the nest yet).

I always knew I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, but didn’t always know how exactly how I’d do that. I realized I could use my engineering degree to help mitigate climate change (duh) after teaching in Mexico, some soul searching, and a little documentary called An Inconvenient Truth. Working in energy efficiency allows me to continuously learn, feel that I am a part of something larger than myself, and know that I am doing all I can to make the world my little ones will inherit a livable one. Energy efficiency isn’t just my job, it’s my passion.

About Andrea
Andrea joined the Michaels Energy team in 2019. As Research and Evaluation Consultant, Andrea’s role was to help utilities and other entities working in energy efficiency understand whether their programs are working, and where improvements can be made to ensure energy savings are maximized. As Managing Consultant, she helps with research projects aimed at better understanding customers, market conditions, and barriers to the adoption of energy efficiency. Andrea has also supported the Sales & Marketing team as a Proposal Coordinator, assisting with proposals and other various projects.

Andrea began her career designing (and sometimes even installing – despite her fear of heights) solar PV systems. She performed feasibility studies, participated in design charrettes, and prepared design documents for permitting and interconnection.

It was at this job that Andrea noticed a disconnect between utility programs and the needs of customers and contractors. Paperwork could be onerous and rebates took too long to process. This disconnect was a problem, and Andrea’s next move was to try to help solve it.

In 2010 Andrea began her work in demand-side management programs. She researched best practices in program design, tracked and presented on new technologies for utilities to consider incorporating into their portfolios, and published reports on changes in the industry. She also evaluated utility programs, performed research to inform baselines, hours-of-use, and other technical parameters, and conducted interviews with market actors to discover non-technical, human-based factors that created barriers to the adoption of energy efficiency.

Andrea earned both her Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics and Master of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Andrea also earned a certification in DEI from Cornell University. She was selected to be a member on AESP’s DEI Council for 2025-2026.

Outside of work, Andrea cherishes family time with her husband and two boys. Her newest interest is in mindfulness, meditation, and the mind-body connection. She loves reading, cooking, exercising (especially in the beautiful Colorado outdoors) and taking time to connect with family and friends.

I have always liked this quote by the author Cormac McCarthy – “If it doesn’t concern life or death, it’s not interesting.” I think this explains my fascination with energy systems and belief that studying the way people use energy is the most insightful way to understand the history of civilization and the future of our planet.

About Blake
Blake joined Michaels Energy in May of 2025 as a Senior Research & Evaluation Analyst responsible for analyzing data to identify novel strategies for influencing markets and improving residential, commercial, and industrial energy efficiency programs. Before this, Blake worked at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations researching the commercialization of emerging clean energy technologies.
Blake served in rural Morocco for two years with the Peace Corps, where he taught English, guitar, and chess to underserved children in a local youth center. Prior to his service, he attended Indiana University (IU), double-majoring in Italian and Cognitive Science and double-minoring in Psychology and Anthropology. After the Peace Corps, he returned to IU on a foreign language fellowship and earned a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) with a concentration in statistics for program evaluation. In addition to his native Hoosier English, he speaks French, Italian, and Arabic.
Blake enjoys playing guitar and soccer, nurturing many houseplants, reading books, and baking bread when he’s not helping his wife chase their young daughter around their Atlanta, GA neighborhood.

Whether it is material scrap on a production line, confusing processes, or inefficient energy use, I’ve always been on a mission to reduce waste in whatever I do. I want to optimize everything and make full use of the available resources. If one combines those ingredients with a love for thermodynamics and solving “energy puzzles”, it becomes clear why I am at Michaels. I believe that every user of energy deserves to get the most out of what they are paying for and I am fortunate to be able to quantify that and impact energy use in dozens of buildings.

About Rob
After discovering that manufacturing engineering wasn’t the right fit, Rob went back to school and his number one priority became finding a job in energy efficiency. He wanted to conserve resources, both environmentally and financially, and this job allows him to do both. In his time at Michaels, Rob has been able to work on a variety of projects – research projects, impact evaluation studies, technical reference manual review and development, custom rebate analyses, retro-commissioning studies, industrial new construction projects, industrial refrigeration analyses, and more recently, strategic energy management and energy information systems. The potpourri of work always keeps things exciting. He’s excited to now lead our engineering group, maintain Michaels’ excellent technical proficiency and customer service, and help our engineering staff grow professionally.

Rob received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University, specializing in manufacturing engineering, before briefly working in the semiconductor industry. After deciding that wasn’t the right environment for him, he completed his Master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Texas A&M, focusing this time on energy and HVAC systems, and was lucky enough to find Michaels after graduation.

When not working, Rob loves spending time with his wife and daughter, watching baseball (go Red Sox!), playing with his dog Angus, volunteering with Iowa FIRST LEGO League, spending time up north on the lake, or playing a musical instrument: bass guitar is his primary one, but he dabbles in mandolin, guitar, harmonica, piano, and others.

This career was a natural progression for me. I have always had a passion for reducing my own carbon footprint, and in turn, wanted to pursue a career that would enable me to help others do this as well.

About Andrew
Andrew joined the Michaels Energy team in March of 2020. In his current role as an Assistant Engineering Manager, Andrew manages and coaches our Colorado engineering team while also focusing on the implementation of our SEM program. He balances his time between the technical engineering aspect of energy savings calculations and providing recommendations and interaction with customers.

Prior to Michaels, Andrew spent 6 years working as a Project Engineer, providing energy-efficiency consulting to utilities and energy enterprises. He received a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, where he also competed as a Division 1 Varsity Cross Country Ski Racer.

Andrew and his wife own and operate their own professional mountain bike team, where they travel around the world competing in professional events across several cycling disciplines. Aside from cycling, his passions include coffee, his dog Callie, traveling, XC Skiing, running, and music.

We see such a variety of systems in this business.  But no matter the facility, there is always a way to optimize or gain efficiency somewhere or somehow. I enjoy the challenge of determining the best solution for all parties involved.

About Joe
Joe came to Michaels in 2012 after working in the efficiency industry in San Diego, CA, for seven years.  Since that time, he has performed energy analyses for custom rebates, energy audits, and investment-grade studies.  These efforts involve performing detailed data analysis, field investigations, and data logging. Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and is a licensed professional engineer in California and Minnesota.

Outside of work, Joe is usually chasing his kids around the house or tinkering the yard.  When the weather turns cold, he can often be found playing drop-in hockey somewhere.

I love logic puzzles, and in a way, energy efficiency at any building is just one giant logic puzzle. Audits consist of identifying the pieces of the puzzle and how they currently fit together and then identifying new ways to fit the pieces together or remove them entirely. Some methods will be common, but sometimes some very dedicated thought, effort, and imagination are required to find a truly ideal solution to a unique situation. The challenges offered along with knowing I am making a positive impact on the world by saving energy are big reasons why I work in this field.

About Patrick

Patrick started his engineering career doing level two and three ASHRAE energy assessments for the State of Illinois on commercial and public sector buildings. During this time he learned all the ins and outs of an energy assessment, how to maintain good client relationships, and how to manage multiple projects at once. This allowed him to eventually jump to a role in Chicago where he managed several programs over the years, primarily focusing on leading the Industrial Assessment Center. Patrick joined Michaels Energy in the fall of 2022.

Patrick received his Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering with a minor in Physics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. One of his passions has always been weather and climate change, and a few years later Patrick enrolled and completed a Master’s Degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Patrick sincerely believes that energy efficiency and climate change are linked closely together and looks to continue to expand his knowledge in both fields.

Patrick loves to travel with his family and explore the world in his free time. When at home he enjoys reading books, playing board games, playing ultimate frisbee, and enjoying long walks in the city and nature.

Growing up, I spent much of my time outdoors. Running, camping, biking and snowboarding ingrained in me an appreciation for the natural world. A brief study in environmental sciences led to a full-time pursuit in the built world of energy efficiency, where I felt I could make a more substantial impact.

About Nate

Nate joined the Michaels team in December 2022. As a part of the engineering team, he implements custom projects in the commercial sector for the northern region of Illinois.

Before Michaels, Nate spent 5 years as the technical lead for an energy efficiency program serving public housing and low-income customers. Early in his career, he served as the lead engineer in an Illinois-sponsored program providing energy savings products and technical guidance. To optimally address gaps in the state’s energy efficiency potential, Nate conducted audits in the excess of 1800 public sector facilities.  He has authored numerous ASHRAE level 2 reports and has extensive experience in building energy analysis and assessments.

A native of Chicago, Nate graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. He earned a Master of Energy Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Nate continues to spend as much time enjoying the outdoors and being active as he can. He loves to bike, camp, golf, and snowboard and enjoys walks with his wife and their pups.

Learning the best energy-efficient design practices and sustainable strategies have been a passion of mine since early in my career. Understanding the reasons why the status quo exists is the only way to carve a better path forward.

About Nick

Nick joined Michaels in 2022 after working as a Building Mechanical Design Consultant in the construction industry for twelve years. He specializes in building mechanical assessments, new work and renovation design, and building automation controls.

Nick graduated from the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a degree in mechanical engineering. From there, he stayed in the Northeast Ohio building construction industry for several years before transitioning into the high-performance building market of Portland, Oregon for a few years. Now his home is in Richmond, Virginia and he’s loving it.

Outside of work you can typically find him with his fiancée, Cheyenne, and her son, Silas, playing in local parks, running outdoors, at the local gym, or on their next hiking adventure.

To me, energy efficiency is a microcosm of engineering. Engineering simply means identifying a problem and finding its solution, i.e. problem-solving! Every day is different, every day offers new problems, and every problem needs a new solution. That’s what makes this job so fun, and that’s why efficiency is a fun challenge!

About Zack
Zack joined the Michaels team in the Fall of 2018 and was promoted to Engineering Manager in 2024. He is primarily an engineer for the Research and Evaluation team, but he plays the role of a traveling Swiss Army Knife for the company. Zack spends as much time in the field as he can (when allowed and not in a pandemic). A lot of his projects at Michaels are study-based and require a lot of hours in the field. So far, he has worked in Wisconsin, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. And the list will continue to grow!

Before joining Michaels, Zack attended the University of Colorado in Boulder. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering and minors in Business Management and International Engineering. He worked from high school through college and beyond in three different ice rinks in Colorado, perfecting the art of ice-making on a Zamboni. Zack and his brother Alex helped run events for CU-Boulder athletics while they were attending school. From football and basketball to club hockey and lacrosse, no sport was untouched by the Thompson-Twins. Zack also spent a summer interning with the European Commission, based in Paris, France, studying efficient refrigeration technologies.

Zack loves to travel both for work and pleasure. He is most happy when exploring somewhere new and enjoys it even more in the company of his friends and family, or at least his twin brother Alex. His favorite hobbies include skiing, hunting, hiking, and watching the Packers. He keeps track of places he’s traveled for fun, for work, and to ski!

I’m happy to say that I work in an industry where there are always problems to fix. If there weren’t challenges, what would I do all day? The limitless opportunities of critical thinking and the immediate gratification of problem solving have allowed me to enjoy the work I do in an industry I love – saving energy!

About Colin Brennan
Colin joined the Michaels team in the Fall of 2019. He started on the Research and Evaluation team where he was involved in two studies in Michigan and California. Shortly after returning home from California, Colin took on a new role for the Programs team as the lead engineer for the Xcel Energy Information Systems (EIS) Program in Minnesota. In this program, Colin works directly with customers over a three-year period to implement energy-saving measures while also helping them build an energy team and tools to track and improve their energy usage. He is also involved in various recommissioning studies and product development for upcoming energy-saving equipment and controls. Colin was promoted to Engineering Manager in January of 2024.

After finding interests in chemistry during his freshman year of college, Colin pursued a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Iowa State University. During his time at Iowa State, Colin was heavily involved in Engineers for a Sustainable World where he served as the chapter president for three semesters. His main career interest was environmental or green engineering. At the career fair his freshman year, Colin discovered Michaels Energy and received an internship the following summer. He enjoyed it so much, he wanted to come back!

In his spare time, Colin enjoys playing his many instruments or traveling to new places and breweries. Every fall, you can find him down in Ames at Iowa State football games and the tailgating lots with his friends and family.

I have long been fascinated with solar energy as a way to heat & power buildings with little purchased energy. Once so abundant, coal and gas are becoming costly to extract and burn cleanly. I’m convinced that well-known efficiency approaches and technologies will continue to be an important way to drive down the energy impact of our homes and workplaces.

About Chris
Chris joined the Michaels team in January 2007. He is an experienced engineer who manages the Industrial New Construction program within the Implementation Group. Those efforts include performing design assistance and energy simulations for commercial buildings and investment grade analysis of industrial process equipment opportunities for new industrial facilities. Specific tools used include automated DOE-2 simulations, Equest, OpenStudio, and numerous spreadsheet calculations. Chris has been certified by ASHRAE as a BEMP (Building Energy Modeling Professional) and is also a certified LEED professional that has served as energy modeler or facilitator for over a dozen LEED projects.

Chris graduated in 1985 from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. From there, he served as an engineer in the navy for five years, worked a couple years as a project engineer for a Pacific Valves, a couple more as technical support staff for WI Demand-Side Demonstrations, and then taught high school math and physics for ten years before coming to Michaels.

Chris has two children Samuel and Jane (and two cats Pebble and Petra). Some of Chris’s favorite activities are watching movies, playing cards, enjoying the outdoors, or gardening.

Working in energy efficiency is all about eliminating waste, and communicating the results of those efforts to your customers. And I get really excited about both.

About Aaron
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 2011 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Aaron started as a product development engineer with Modine Manufacturing Company. His role included product design and testing for large vehicular heat exchangers. In 2014, Aaron moved to Minneapolis and began his career at Michaels. He specializes in retro-commissioning, energy audits, custom technical analyses, and dabbles in program evaluation. Aaron has also been a part of several CARD-funded research studies with the state of Minnesota.

When he’s not in the field scouring for energy savings, you can find Aaron at home attempting full puff pastry with his wife, arguing balls and strikes at a Twins game, or looking foolish during the sound round at pub trivia.

Energy conservation is arguably the single greatest and cleanest energy resource we have. The choice to focus on this field is an easy one for me. It allows me to utilize a technical skillset to benefit society in a positive, non-controversial way. I’m passionate about serving our clients and customers to enable them with the ability and knowledge to work towards an efficient future.

About Josh

Josh joined the Michaels team in August 2022. His primary focus is to serve SEM, energy audit, and retro-commissioning customers in Colorado. This includes data collection, performing energy analysis, conducting energy audits and retro-commissioning studies of commercial and industrial buildings, assisting customers with implementation issues and rebate applications, holding recurring check-in meetings, and conducting customer presentations.

Josh graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He first worked as a Project Engineer in the HVAC industry. He then underwent a 3-year round-the-world solo bicycle tour over 5 continents. Upon return to the US, Josh decided to pivot his experience with engineering and HVAC towards building energy efficiency in order to continue his love of engineering while having a positive impact on energy usage and the environment.

Outside of work, you will often find him riding a bike (albeit shorter distances) around Colorado. You may also find him hiking, camping, snowboarding, or partaking in many of the other outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer.

I grew up around artists and have always liked to fine-tune things: whether it’s a guitar, an engine motor, or a pump controller. From an early age, I wanted to understand the world and how we interact with it. I’m also an avid kayak angler, climber, and gardener. It’s not surprising that I ended up as a mechanical engineer and now work in energy efficiency, helping clients fine tune their energy usage and conserve our planet’s valuable resources.

About Jonny

Jonny joined the Michaels team in January 2023 after working on large commercial buildings as a controls engineer for the past 8 years. Jonny brings extensive field experience to his role as a Senior Engineer in the Richmond, Virginia office.

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Jonny has a B.S. in mechanical engineering with a minor in physics. He is a machinist by trade, and has worked in automotive product design. At Michaels, Jonny works on the Dominion Energy rebate program, conducting energy audits, modeling building designs and helping clients find innovative ways to save energy.

When he’s not working, Jonny is playing with his young sons Avery and Arthur, planning the next house renovation project with his wife, Bekah, and spending as much time as possible outdoors.

I chose Energy Efficiency as my profession nearly four decades ago. One of the challenges in making energy efficiency improvements is that it can be difficult to analyze, measure & track energy & cost savings to justify complicated energy efficiency projects. I have been a part of an Energy Efficiency team helping customers analyze, implement, measure & verify energy & cost savings since the beginning of my career.

About Rajan

Rajan graduated from the University of Calicut, India in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Though Rajan completed training in Marine Engineering immediately after graduation, he accepted a job with Indian Airlines in the maintenance department as an Aircraft Technician. Rajan migrated to the United States in 1981 after marriage and joined the University of Minnesota for MS in Mechanical Engineering. Rajan graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1983 with MS Mechanical Engineering with Mathematics minor.  Rajan did various non-engineering jobs before joining State of Minnesota’s Energy Conservation department in 1985 as Graduate Engineer 2. State of Minnesota promoted Rajan to Senior Engineer after passing Minnesota Professional Engineering exam and later to Principal Engineer. Rajan accepted the Technical Consultant job with Xcel Energy in 2007, later promoted as Senior Engineer and retired from Xcel on April 4, 2023. Rajan joined Michaels Energy on June 26, 2023, currently works on custom electric and natural gas projects.

Rajan enjoys spending time with wife, children & grandchildren.

I have been concerned about the impact our consumption of fossil fuels has on the environment since I was in elementary school. As an energy engineer, I find ways to reduce fossil fuel use one facility at a time. I believe that making energy efficiency improvements ultimately helps facilitate society’s transition from fossil fuels to non-carbon energy resources.

About Kevin

Kevin joined Michaels Energy in October 2023. Based in Colorado, he supports energy efficiency and electrification programs nationwide by auditing facilities and providing energy efficiency recommendations. Kevin has over a quarter of a century of experience in the energy services sector, both in developing and implementing retrofit projects.

Kevin graduated from the University of California – Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Colorado. Kevin has also taught courses in mathematics, physics, and energy resources at the high school and college levels.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys gardening, riding his bicycle, traveling, dancing Tango and spending time on the Poudre River.

“There’s never a dull moment in energy efficiency” – Phil Dunlay

About Cody

Cody joined Michaels Energy in October of 2023 as a Senior Energy Efficiency Engineer. Prior to joining, he worked at Xcel Energy for 6 years in the DSM engineering group. He spent time in the residential and business teams specializing in lighting, cooling, building automation and demand response.

Cody attended Colorado School of Mines from 2013-2017 and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He received his professional engineering license in 2022.

Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids.

My goal is to promote innovation, excellence, and respect for the long-term sustainability of our environment. My experience working in the energy efficiency industry in different locations in the US and the international market has given me a great deal of knowledge of how to interact with other people and express my ideas while constantly working in a team environment.

About Luis

Luis joined the Michaels team in March 2025. He brings his experience and expertise to the Implementation group and is focused on the Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency CASR program in Colorado.

Luis Graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Global Energy Management. Prior to joining Michaels, he served as an energy engineer in the analytics team at LONG Building Technologies, utilizing Fault Detection and Diagnostics FDD tools. Luis also worked as a Measuring and Verification M&V Engineer for NORESCO with projects in different parts of the US, Europe and Asia.

Outside of work, you can typically find him with his wife, Bianca, exercising outdoors, snowboarding, biking, or hiking. Additionally, he’s an avid swimmer and enjoys gardening at his house. He really enjoys traveling and immerging into the local cultures.

Throughout my working life, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of industries that offer technical challenges and a true sense of accomplishment. Early in my career, I realized that both of these elements were essential to my overall satisfaction with the work I was doing. When presented with an opportunity to work in the energy field, I didn’t hesitate. Working as an engineer in energy efficiency has not only provided me with the previous personal and professional goals, but also the feeling of contributing to something that benefits everyone.

About Kelton

Kelton is a Senior Energy Efficiency Engineer who joined Michaels Energy in April of 2025. Previously, he worked as a federal contractor for the General Services Administration, where he performed ongoing commissioning to help the GSA reduce energy usage. Prior to that role, Kelton worked at Siemens as a Building Automation Specialist and at Trane as a Mechanical Field Technician.

He graduated from James Madison University in 2010 with a BS degree in Geographic Science, where he studied environmental science and geographic information systems.

Most of Kelton’s free time is spent rock climbing with his partner, Kristin. He also loves raising his two daughters, Manali and Megha. In addition to those interests, he enjoys backcountry snowboarding, kayaking, gardening, and cooking.

I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that had a positive impact on the world. Michaels Energy provided the perfect opportunity to use my technical background towards creating a more sustainable future.

About Abbey
Abbey joined the Michaels Energy team as an Energy Efficiency Engineer in 2018 after graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering from UW-Madison. Abbey is a member of our engineering team and focuses on delivering high impact energy efficiency programs for our clients.

She has worked on a variety of custom rebate analyses from both the implementation and evaluation side. She also has experience conducting research, collecting metered data, and working on studies.

When Abbeys not at work, she enjoys traveling, camping, and playing board games with friends and family.

Throughout my life, I have focused on achieving and maintaining efficiency. From calculating the MPG of the GMC Safari I drove in high school, to manually adjusting the dampers to only cool the areas that were necessary for my Tucson apartment. I am incredibly fortunate to work in a field where I can leverage my technical aptitude and interpersonal skills to recognize and deliver efficiency gains for our clients.

About Michael

Michael joined Michaels Energy in February of 2023. He brings experience with Retro-Commissioning and BAS controls installation. This includes conducting facility surveys, customer relations, recommending improvements, and implementing energy savings measures. With the effort of not only saving energy but decreasing maintenance and increasing reliability and stability for the customer.

Michael graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Before joining Michaels Energy, he worked as an RCx analyst and Assistant Project Manager at Bernhard.

An avid adventurist, Michael spends much of his time outside of work with his wife, Sarah, and their two dogs camping, running, riding bikes, or skiing.

Being energy efficient provides benefits to all those involved. During my time in the automotive industry, decreasing energy consumption was viewed as a cost-saving by the company and a benefit to the utility. At Michaels Energy, I can provide the same services to a wider range of applications.

About Jesse

Jesse joined the Michaels Energy team in August 2022. He serves as an Engineer serving custom rebate customers in the Chicago area. This includes data collection, energy analysis, on-site metering, and utility rebate applications.

Jesse graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, including a minor in Physics and an E.I.T. certification. Prior to joining Michaels Energy, he worked as a manufacturing engineer, energy efficiency program engineer, and manufacturing engineering supervisor for a camshaft manufacturer for automotive companies. His work as an energy efficiency program engineer included both energy management and industrial energy efficiency.

In his free time, Jesse enjoys Olympic weightlifting, running, golfing, and traveling with his fiancé, Tillie. He has played the piano since a young age and is a collector of quality bourbons. He recently moved to Chicago from Champaign, Illinois, and is looking forward to all the great food the city has to offer.

My undergraduate degree is in Mechanical Engineering, which offers a wide array of career opportunities. When I was trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life, the concept of renewable energy always took the spotlight and seemed so exciting. I thought that was the field where I could make the most positive impact on the environment. Once I learned more about the energy efficiency industry though, I realized that this is where I can have the most impact. The first step to making the world more sustainable is using less energy.

About Cassandra

Cassandra joined the Michaels team in June 2023. Cassandra works on a variety of programs in the Implementation group. These programs require energy audits and custom desk reviews. Cassandra graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Physics. Upon graduation, she went directly into a graduate program at UW Madison where she received her Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Her thesis explored fin designs for a 3D-printed dry-cooled heat exchanger.

Cassandra previously worked for Guidehouse on the Evaluation side of Energy Efficiency programs, mostly for Illinois utilities. In the year before joining Michaels Energy, Cassandra worked as a high school physics teacher in West Chicago, IL.

Outside of work, Cassandra spends most of her time with her husband, Austin, and her daughter, Elliott. One of her favorite activities is to go on family runs together.

From college to the U.S. Navy to Michaels Energy, my passions have remained the same: working towards a sustainable future and helping others. Energy efficiency is all-encompassing and requires enduring relationships with clients and stakeholders. I’m grateful to spend each day bringing my experiences and skillsets to my role at Michaels Energy.

About Lucas

Lucas joined Michaels Energy in October 2023. He is an Engineer assigned to the Chicago team, supporting various Demand Response programs and Retro-commissioning projects.

Lucas graduated from Duke University with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy in 2016. Prior to joining the Michaels team, he served as a nuclear-trained submarine officer in the U.S. Navy based out of Pearl Harbor, HI. Following his initial nuclear training and time at sea, Lucas worked at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL, providing support in the training and indoctrination of all enlisted Sailors joining the Navy.

When not at work or underwater, Lucas can be found with his partner, Lexi, and his dog, Avocado. He enjoys working out, hiking (preferably in Hawai’i), watching sports, and binge reading any book written by Malcolm Gladwell.

Since college, I had an enthusiasm for learning about energy. Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Dynamics those classes excited me! It drove me to pursue a career in energy and in particular helping others improve the efficiency of how they use their energy. I love to grow relationships with people and as an energy engineer, I’m blessed with the opportunity to do just that, while providing them insight on their energy efficiency.

About Cody

Cody joined the Michaels team in July 2023. He joins the Engineering team in Minneapolis, Minnesota to perform recommissioning studies and ASHRAE level 2 energy audits. Prior to Michaels Energy, Cody designed HVAC and plumbing systems for commercial and industrial buildings and performed commissioning on both new and existing buildings.

Cody graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Business Administration. Cody has his Professional Engineer license for the state of Minnesota.

When Cody isn’t exploring mechanical rooms, you can find him indoor rock climbing at Vertical Endeavors, biking around Minneapolis, learning new grooves on the drums, and making cocktails for friends.

Fueling my passion for energy efficiency, I find joy in converting numbers into narratives, embracing sustainability through the art of calculating energy savings—a journey where each digit illuminates the path toward a greener, more efficient future.

About Rasel

Rasel joined Michaels Energy in December 2023 as an Engineer based in Charlotte, NC, where he embarks on a dynamic role conducting retro-commissioning studies and energy audits for customers.

After completing his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering in Bangladesh, he gained experience working for a power generation and distribution organization. Subsequently, he graduated with his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research is focused on fault detection and diagnosis of rooftop units.

Rasel loves to spend time with his family—wife, Firoza, and their two vibrant boys, Arham and Irham. They take pleasure in gardening a variety of leafy plants during the summertime.

As a kid, I always enjoyed figuring out how things work, so when I had the opportunity to work in the vast field of energy efficiency, I knew that I would have the privilege of having a career solving real problems that would make a positive impact in our world. 

About Allyson
Allyson joined Michaels as an Associate Engineer in 2021 after earning her degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. She was promoted to Engineer in April of 2024. As part of the engineering team, she has worked on research and evaluation projects in the Pacific Northwest, the commercial Strategic Energy Management program in Colorado, as well as energy audits and RCx studies throughout Colorado and the Midwest.

When Allyson is not working, she enjoys hiking, listening to music, going for walks, and watching movies. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Being efficient becomes second nature when you grow up in an environment with limited resources. Once you become aware of all the resources for human needs are limited, you want to do anything in your reach to fight that. One of the greatest threats to life today is the byproducts of energy production, and energy efficiency is the effective way to mitigate those adverse effects. Hence, I worked to get into the energy efficiency industry.

About Anvesh
Anvesh joined Michaels in July 2021 as an Associate Engineer. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University in India. He then went on to pursue a Master’s in Energy Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Anvesh was promoted to Engineer in April of 2024.

Anvesh’s hobbies vary from time to time with no rhyme or reason. At this time, they include reading books that aren’t super long and have a happy ending, playing tennis when it’s not too hot out, and thinking of ways to annoy his mom.

My experience with the Engineers Without Borders Club at UW-Madison taught me many things. Above all, it taught me that when people work together, hugely important impacts can be made. While working on a potable water distribution project in Zapote, Guatemala, I gained even greater respect and understanding of the value of our world’s resources. That experience fueled my passion for all things surrounding resource management and energy efficiency, and ultimately lead me to pursue a career at Michaels Energy.

About Sam
Sam joined the Michaels Energy Team in 2021 as an Associate Energy Engineer, primarily supporting the Research and Evaluation Department in baseline studies and impact evaluations. Sam has worked on a commercial Strategic Energy Management Program in Colorado since 2022 and was promoted to Engineer in April of 2024.

Sam graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2019 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Before joining the Michaels team in 2021, Sam worked in commercial real estate as a Due Diligence Analyst.

In her free time, you can find Sam playing cards with her family, spending the weekend on the Mississippi, going on an evening hike, or having a long talk over a hot beverage with a friend.

My whole career I’ve been passionate about helping customers get the most out of what they have. Whether that’s helping them use their equipment more efficiently, or helping them create plans to reduce their carbon footprint, I have strived to help them meet their individual goals.

About Jessica
Jessica joined Michaels Energy in April 2025 as an Engineer to support the Dominion Energy programs in Virginia. She works on customer engagement and energy saving projects for utility rebate programs. Prior to Michaels, she was a project manager and worked on developing proposals for energy-reducing and electrification projects for both government grants and real estate investment firms. She also worked as an Energy Engineer and developed several retro-commissioning projects as well as chilled water plant optimization projects.

She has extensive experience with Siemens building automation systems, as well as building automation controls. Her experience in deciphering and analyzing trend data allows her to develop insights into customer building systems.

She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and she is a Certified Energy Manager. She also is an Engineer In Training (EIT) in the State of Virginia.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys cooking gourmet meals and crocheting various projects. She lives with her two cats in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

I have always advocated for climate action. Improving energy efficiency and preventing pollution is one of the most challenging and important obstacles to overcome. Working for Michaels Energy gives me an opportunity to use my skills and knowledge toward preserving natural resources for future generations!

About Aman

Aman joined Michaels in March 2022 as an Associate Engineer. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. In this role, Aman primarily works on research and evaluation projects in the Pacific Northwest.

Growing up in Kazakhstan, Aman witnessed the slow but steady destruction of the Aral Sea. Caused by water overuse, one of the largest lakes on the planet has slowly become a salty desert. This sparked Aman’s passion for preserving the planet’s natural resources. He truly discovered his passion for energy efficiency during his Pollution Prevention internship with the Iowa DNR.

During his free time, Aman likes to stay active and artistic. His hobbies include bouldering, snowboarding, painting, and exploring the outdoors.

While I was pursuing my undergraduate degree, I found my passion for sustainability and efficiency. Nothing excites me more than figuring out how to do things as efficiently as possible, no matter how small. I knew that a career in energy efficiency will allow me to combine my passion with my engineering background to solve real issues that make an impact in sustaining our environment.

About Jumobi

Jumobi joined the Michaels Energy team in September 2022. She is a member of our engineering team and focuses on a custom rebate program in Chicago. This entails data collection, performing energy analysis and metering, writing technical reports, and assisting customers with implementation issues and utility rebate applications.

Jumobi graduated with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota Duluth, after obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in the same field. Prior to joining Michaels, she worked on energy efficiency and water conservation projects at an industrial and commercial facility.

Outside of work, Jumobi spends time with her loved ones traveling and trying out different cuisines. She also enjoys crocheting gifts for friends and family.

I’ve always envisioned having a life that contributes to the betterment of everyone, so I find working in the energy efficiency and conservation field to be very fulfilling.  Furthermore, my role at Michaels allows my natural skillset and training to be realized to the same end.  I’m truly proud to be working in an industry that is part of a solution to one of the biggest challenges of our generation. 

About Katie

Katie joined Michaels as an Associate Engineer in May 2023 after earning her degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan. In this role, she will primarily be focusing on the Public Schools Carbon Free Assessment program and custom rebate projects in the Chicago area.  

Before Michaels, Katie had an internship at the University of Michigan where she researched the growth of polymer nanofibers using chemical vapor deposition.  

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, golf, tennis, and trying out new coffee shops. Katie also loves to spend time with friends and family.  

I see the greatest lesson of life being to be the change you want to see in the world. Once I found science, environmental and energy efficiency opportunities seemed the most essential and rewarding. Now, my passion is using my skills in problem solving and critical thinking to deliver solutions to the decarbonization changes the world needs to see.

About Nacarri

Nacarri joined the Michaels team in April 2023 with 7+ years of engineering experience and is focused on delivering decarbonization plans to all public schools in the ComEd Territory in Chicago. This entails performing facility audits and providing recommendations for energy savings measures. Nacarri graduated from the Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Spelman College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. In Nacarri’s free time, you can find her behind a camera, on an airplane to the next city or country on her list, or being outdoors with family and friends.

Throughout my project teams in school, I always found myself gravitating towards the energy aspect. By my senior year of college, I had really built a liking to performing all types of energy analyses and trying to squeeze every bit of performance out of our design. After stumbling across energy engineering and eventually Michaels, I knew it’d be a perfect fit.

About Adler

Adler joined Michaels Energy in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering. While in Boulder, he also earned minors in Business and Biomedical Engineering.

As an Associate Engineer in the Chicago office, Adler is focused on serving the standard and custom rebate teams, along with the ComEd Schools Carbon-Free Assessment Program. This involves data collection, performing energy analyses, on-site metering, conducting decarbonization audits, writing technical reports, and assisting customers with implementation issues and rebate applications.

Outside of work, Adler loves everything about sports. Although he’s no longer skiing the Rockies, Adler enjoys playing soccer, running, and lifting weights. He’s always got some kind of sporting event on at his house whether its soccer, basketball, or formula 1 racing. Lastly, Adler can’t live without music. He plays guitar and just recently started learning piano.

“The scientist does not aim at an immediate result… our work is like that of the planter – for the future. Our duty is to lay the foundation for those who are to come and point the way.” –Nikola Tesla

This quote from Tesla rings invariably true—especially in the energy industry. The climate crisis that I and Michaels Energy battle is the single greatest challenge faced by humankind. Accordingly, this is not a problem to be solved overnight, and most certainly not by a single individual. Working toward a more sustainable society is an iterative process involving the best and brightest for decades to come. We work toward this goal knowing that we may never fully enjoy the fruit of our labor, but we continue forward knowing that we are producing a brighter future for us all.

I have always wanted to be a member of—and a leader in—this fight for a better tomorrow. When thinking of what I wanted from a career, I had to look no further than the energy industry to utilize my technical prowess, interpersonal skills, and imaginative thinking to their fullest extent. The job satisfaction that comes with this position is unrivaled, so to do it at a wonderful company like Michaels was an absolute no-brainer!

About Jared

Jared graduated from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in May of 2023. While at UNH, he made lifelong friends with whom he helped to form the UNH Energy Club (UNHEC) which seeks to connect students to the energy industry. He looks forward to bringing his passion for unity and progress to Michaels and his clients!

Jared joined Michaels in June of 2023 as an Associate Engineer with the Research and Evaluation team. He has earned the informal title of “Road Warrior,” visiting Commercial and Industrial (C&I) facilities coast-to-coast as needed for projects. As his first full-time career out of college, Jared is incredibly excited to begin his professional life at Michaels.

When out-of-office, you can find Jared exploring his new home state of Delaware with his partner Katie, visiting his family in Boston, traveling to new places, trying out new recipes, working out, gaming, or modifying his Dodge Dart.

Everything can be made more efficient: a building, a specific system, people’s habits, etc. Everything has its own unique differences though, too: a different purpose, location, structure. There’s no silver bullet for making the most energy efficient buildings. Having the chance to learn and use each tool, each step in creating the best outcome for a diverse community of clients and customers excites me to be part of this industry.

About Sylas

Sylas joined the Michaels team in July 2023. His primary focus is to support the retro-commissioning clients in the Carolinas. This includes data collection, energy analysis, energy audits, and retro-commissioning studies of commercial and industrial buildings in the area.

Sylas grew up in Viroqua, WI and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After graduating with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2019, he worked for Daikin Applied Americas as a development engineer to redesign their commercial rooftop units to be more efficient and eco-friendlier. In 2022, Sylas spent a quick year in grad school at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Outside of work, Sylas is searching for the perfect cast while fishing, mainly for musky or trout. He also enjoys kayaking, camping, hiking, and cooking with his partner Jordan.

I have a great appreciation for the natural world, aspiring to find innovative solutions for our current and ever-growing energy demands to achieve a more environmentally sustainable way of life!

About Brendan

Brendan joined the Michaels team in October of 2023. He is on the Chicago team and is focused on providing field support and building energy analysis for the team’s clients. This includes gathering building information through visual inspection, customer communication, and measuring & data logging.

Brendan graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Before Michaels, Brendan participated in multiple internships and organizations during his time at UIUC. This included being the Mechanical and Plumbing Team lead for the Illinois Solar Decathlon Design Team as well as the Photovoltaic and Electrical Team lead for the Build Team. In addition, Brendan was an SEM Program Intern and SEM Data Intern at CLEAResult.

During his free time, Brendan likes to spend his time with family and friends. He finds a lot of joy in being around nature, whether it’s taking a walk, driving around, or riding a bike. He also likes to take care of his fish tanks and the various plants he has (Including a pineapple he planted from the grocery store).

Energy has always been an interest of mine because it makes everything function. Without energy, we are not able to move. I chose a career in the energy efficiency field to learn how to make the most out of energy and help people use it efficiently.

About Wesam

Wesam joined the Michaels team in January 2024 as an Associate Engineer. He works mostly on energy audits and custom rebates, although he might be involved in other projects. He is very passionate about energy efficiency and has made it his mission to help others be more energy efficient.

In 2023, Wesam graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before Joining the Michaels team, he was a Mechanical Engineering Intern at NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, where he gained experience working in a highly regulated field.

When he is not at work, Wesam enjoys watching and playing sports, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

During my time in college, I became passionate about energy, where it comes from, how the technology has advanced, and how we use it. I wanted to pursue a career in the energy field with a focus on energy sustainability to make a positive impact on the world. I’m grateful to have found Michaels which I believe is a perfect fit.

About Evan

Evan joined Michaels Energy in January 2024 to primarily work on the Demand Response program in Minnesota. He recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering. Additionally, while at Madison, Evan earned a certificate in Engineering in Energy Sustainability. Evan completed a co-op and internship in research and design with Pyran before graduation, a company focused on making important chemicals from renewable sources instead of oil.

While Evan wasn’t doing classwork, he joined numerous club and intramural sports, including track, racquetball, volleyball, teqball, basketball, and innertube water polo. He was an original member of the new founded disc golf club which qualified and traveled to the Colligate Disc Golf National Championship in North Carolina in 2023.

Evan spends most of his free time trying to be outdoors in nature, whether it’s running, hiking, or the disc golf course. When he can’t be outside, he enjoys reading, cooking, and thinking about disc golf.

In the context of humanity, we’re at a fulcrum point, both in terms of energy and equity. Thinking globally, energy efficiency is important to me because it’s our first defense against resource depletion and is at the core of the ongoing energy transition. Having this role is a privilege because our work is so far-reaching and the basis for the mark I want to have in this world.

About Tierney

Tierney grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she developed a deep appreciation for winters and multicultural communities. There, she was lucky enough to attend a French immersion primary school and is currently trying to add Spanish to her repertoire. In 8th grade, after having her bike stolen, Tierney took a job at a local bike shop and developed a lifelong passion for grease and transportation justice.

This passion led Tierney to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she specialized in energy and international engineering. While in Madison, she studied abroad in France and directed the Nordic Ski Team. With a strong commitment to a just energy transition, Tierney then continued her education in Energy Systems at the University of California, Davis. While in Davis, she played for the UC Davis Ultimate Frisbee team and worked with Facilities Management to manage campus energy use and meet carbon neutrality goals.

Besides working at Michaels and the bike shop, her favorite job was delivering donuts across the Twin Cities in a manual transmission while watching the sun rise and listening to NPR. In addition to her professional pursuits, Tierney is an avid traveler and religiously tracks her visits to National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites (amongst other things) in a much-adored spreadsheet. Finally, music is one of Tierney’s great loves, and she enjoys discovering new artists and genres and making playlists. If you want to start a conversation with Tierney, tell her the best place to visit in your hometown or your musical guilty pleasure.

When not working, Tierney hopes to use her free time for Nordic skiing, playing Ultimate, or trying out new things, but laying on the couch with her doggo, Theo, is a top passion too. Tierney is driven by a desire to make the world a better place by mitigating energy waste and reducing inequity in our energy system.

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed. The first law of thermodynamics has resonated with me since childhood. From cleaning up creeks and maintaining trails in Cub Scouts to leading group hiking trips in college, the road has always led toward a career in the energy industry. Our resources on this planet are finite and energy efficiency is more important than ever.  I hope to make a difference in solving our energy and climate challenges.

About Andrew

Andrew joined Michaels in April 2025 as an Associate Engineer to support the Research and Evaluation department and the CBSA in the Pacific Northwest. He recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He had been working at AECOM as an engineering assessor. This entailed performing facility condition assessments for capital planning purposes.

Andrew graduated with a mechanical engineering degree and a minor in engineering management. During his time in Boulder, he worked on campus, participated in three different internships, and held multiple leadership positions. Andrew was a teaching assistant for a computational methods class and a career development class. He was a grader for a thermodynamics class. He worked the front desk of the Idea Forge (a prototyping facility on campus with a machine shop, wood shop, and other lab spaces). His internships spanned multiple industries: he worked for a carbon sequestration company, general contracting construction company, and the US Navy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock. He held the position of Treasurer for the Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi, for two years. He was an officer of the CU Hiking Club for two years and a member for two years.

Andrew spends most of his free time staying active and being outside. He is probably training for a marathon right now or some other absurd distance race. He also enjoys hiking, skiing, camping, backpacking, weightlifting, traveling, climbing, biking, and watching sports.

As a child, my favorite questions were “how does this work” and “why”. Now, I am increasingly curious to answer “how could this work better” – both for the environment and for the people interacting with systems. I am excited to explore the energy efficiency profession – practicing technical and human-centric systems thinking. I am even more excited to learn from wonderful people who believe in the ‘why’ of their work!

About Riley

Riley joined Michaels for the summer of 2024 and started as a full-time Engineer in July of 2025. She is based in the Colorado office, helping to support energy programs. In her capacity as an Engineer, she will be assisting with calculations, report generation, and accompanying engineers on site visits.

Riley studied Integrated Design Engineering at CU Boulder, focusing on Environmental and Energy Engineering. She works as a Course Assistant for sustainability-focused engineering projects classes, helping students practice the engineering design process and bring their ideas to life. She is involved with the CU’s Presidents Leadership Class, often coordinating community events and volunteer opportunities that promote environmental stewardship and civic engagement.

In true Colorado fashion, Riley’s hobbies include hiking, skiing, and running. When not exploring trails, she loves to bake pie and read historical fiction.

I chose a career in energy efficiency because it blends purpose with measurable impact—helping organizations operate more sustainably while improving performance and reducing waste. With a background in operations and customer support leadership, I’m passionate about driving smart, effective change. At Michaels Energy, I’m proud to be part of a team that empowers businesses to make data-driven energy decisions that benefit both their bottom line and the environment.

About Mike

Mike Flockhart serves as the Associate Director of the Customer Support Center at Michaels Energy, where he brings more than two decades of leadership experience in operations, customer experience, and learning and development. Known for his strong commitment to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, Mike plays a critical role in enhancing service delivery and team performance to support Michaels Energy’s mission of advancing energy efficiency solutions.

Before joining Michaels Energy, Mike held several leadership roles at Transamerica, where he spent over a decade developing and guiding learning strategies for retirement operations and customer service teams. His work consistently focused on building high-performing, customer-focused cultures through coaching, process optimization, and impactful training programs.

Mike’s approach is grounded in a passion for empowering others, fostering innovation, and creating practical solutions that elevate both customer and employee experiences. He believes that investing in people and process is the key to driving sustainable results.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Nicole, and their two daughters, Mikayla and Lexi. He’s an avid sports fan and enjoys golfing and playing cornhole with friends and family—though he readily admits he’s more passionate than proficient at either.

I have always had this idea that I could save the world. I learned fast that this was not possible alone, but I’ve learned that there are many things I can do to help. Being more energy efficient and wasting less is very important to me and my family; working at Michael’s and helping our customers save energy and money is so rewarding for me.

About Kelly
Kelly joined Michael’s Energy in 2017 as a Customer Service Representative. She started as a temp with duties including rebate processing and taking incoming calls from customers with questions about claims and rebates. With the desire to come on full time and continue working in energy efficiency, she joined the Michaels team full time in 2021.

When she’s not at work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family. She has four children and they love to spend time outdoors. Camping, fishing, and visiting water and amusement parks are just a few of their favorite things to do. She has a dog named Nino and two cats, Sassy and King.

I believe in always providing a positive attitude and using my skills to effectively fill passion for excellence.

About Valerie
Valerie joined Michael’s Energy in 2014 as a Customer Service Representative. Her main responsibilities include gathering and organizing Alliant Energy rebate claim requests, managing processing of requests, and assisting customers with rebate questions and payments. She also provides technical and program support to help our team when needed.

Valerie calls herself a home body now that she has two dogs, two cats, and a roommate in her basement. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, gardening, kayaking, and taking motorcycle rides. She also enjoys watching wrestling and football.

Energy efficiency was initially ‘just a job’ when I started. As time went on, I became more educated on the subject and evolved alongside the industry; personally experiencing the many benefits energy efficiency provides.

About Michele
Michele joined the Michaels Energy team in 2013. It was at this time that Michaels took over the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program for Alliant Energy, where Michele was working as a Customer Service Representative.

In her current role, Michele processes rebates, assists customers with rebate questions and concerns, and helps out with the appliance recycling program. She has experience working with a variety of energy management projects, from new home construction, commercial and residential lighting, geothermal, and commercial insultation. Michele is also a go-to for new hire training.

Outside of work, Michele is all about sports! Whether she’s attending sporting events for her nieces and nephews or watching the Hawkeyes and Cowboys on TV, she is always surrounded by sports action.

I’m dedicated to energy efficiency because I want to leave behind a better place for my child and their children to live and thrive. Reducing my carbon footprint, teaching my child to be environmentally responsible, and helping others to do the same is very important to me.

About Melanie

Melanie started working for Michael’s Energy in 2022 as a Customer Support Representative. In this role, Melanie uses some of her top strengths every day: empathy, patience, and discipline.

Melanie is a talented bilingual professional (Spanish and English) who was raised in Puerto Rico until the age of 18. After moving to North Dakota, she discovered her love for helping people. For the next 7+ years, she took on various customer service roles to use her talents and passion.

After graduating high school, Melanie put her college education on hold to pursue opportunities in the United States. As a driven and motivated individual, she knows that she will continue her educational dreams in the near future.

Melanie’s biggest hobby is doing educational and fun activities with her young daughter.

Being a part of making the world a healthier place is very important to me. My family is always actively trying to be as energy efficient as possible and be less wasteful. I enjoy following a career path that allows me to help others do the same while also saving them money.

About Emily

Emily joined the Michaels Energy team in 2021 as a customer support representative. She started as a temp which included duties related to energy efficiency projects such as making outbound calls to customers and taking incoming calls from them as well. Emily enjoyed working for a company that’s all about energy efficiency, so she accepted a full time position with the team in 2025.

Before coming to Michaels Energy, Emily attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She spent four years there and earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending most of her time with her two daughters. They love traveling, amusement parks, and spending time outdoors either taking walks or visiting different parks. Emily also has four dogs she loves going home to and she is passionate about rescuing animals. One of her other favorite pass times is reading. She loves a good mystery book!

I have always been mindful of efficiency in my life and my work experiences. This job is my first experience with energy efficiency, but I am already excited about learning and implementing efficiency methods to help our customers and the environment.

About Justin
Justin joined Michaels Energy in mid-February 2025, driven by his passion for making the world a better place through clean energy solutions. He brings 14 years of experience in customer service, having assisted customers with mortgage concerns over the phone and managed files and documents behind the scenes. In addition, Justin dedicated 14 years to providing overnight support and security for individuals with disabilities.
He earned an Associate’s Degree in Art from Ellsworth Community College in 2006 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from the University of Northern Iowa in 2008, with the goal of pursuing a career in Graphic Design. However, when a temporary position didn’t materialize, he shifted to customer service, honing his computer and communication skills, primarily in the real estate sector.

In his free time, Justin enjoys hiking at parks, watching movies, and listening to music with his wife, Tesia (pronounced Tea-sha), and their three children—Jayda, Madison, and Micah. He also has a passion for reading, drawing, and painting.

I grew up with family creating the mindset of respecting nature and leaving it a better place. Now, I’m working to create pathways to save our resources, which seemed like the next logical step.

About Katherine

Katherine joined Michaels Energy in July 2025. She has spent most of her previous career teaching overseas until 2020, when Katherine moved back home and changed paths into data entry/customer care with TransAmerica.

Katherine studied at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, focusing on performance /liberal arts. She transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, where she graduated with an Elementary Education degree, focusing on Teaching English as a Second Language. Katherine enjoys traveling, gardening, felting and other crafts, as well as a good book.

“Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch.”

When I was offered a Customer Support work assignment with Aston Carter, I didn’t hesitate to accept the position. Although I needed the job at the time, I felt a deeper calling as well. For me, there was a spiritual connection to the company’s name. I chose to take on this assignment because it aligns with my passion for environmental sustainability and my desire to learn something new while making a positive impact. This opportunity enables me to gain knowledge and contribute to a greener future by helping to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and encourage others to adopt practices that benefit our environment.

About DeAngela

DeAngela joined Michaels Energy in February 2025 as a temporary employee through Aston Carter. In her role as a Customer Support Representative, she communicated with customers via telephone and email to provide information and assistance related to energy services and rebates. She accessed customer accounts and made notes of her interactions with them.

In her previous position, DeAngela worked as an Administrative Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids. Her responsibilities included managing customer relationship management systems, specifically related to donor information, pledges, and contributions. Unfortunately, she was laid off due to budgetary constraints. After that role, she secured a position at BFHO, Inc. as a Data Entry Processor in a warehouse environment.

DeAngela attended the Minnesota School of Business in Richfield, MN, to obtain an associate’s degree in business administration.

In her leisure time, she embraces the beauty of life by taking peaceful walks through the scenic trails of Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, where nature’s vibrancy and the calming river sounds rejuvenate her spirit. She is passionate about a range of activities that add color to her life. She believes dancing allows her to express herself freely, while singing brings her joy, whether she’s in the car, on a walk, or surrounded by family in joyful gatherings (Please note that DeAngela likes to say she can sing, but not that well.) Additionally, she values volunteering her time, as she believes it’s important to give back to the community.

Crafting and painting ignite her creativity, as each piece she creates reflects her heart and imagination. Most importantly, she cherishes the moments spent with her family and grandchildren, whose laughter and energy fill her life with warmth. These precious interactions are the true essence of joy and connection, reminding her of the beauty that surrounds us every day.