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Ecology Action Staff

 
 


Paul Astrup
, Energy Efficiency Specialistprofile | email
Victor Aguiar
, Information Technology Coordinator profile | email
Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Energy Group profile | email
Aaron Brown, Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Sherry Lee Bryan, Program Specialist - Bilingual Outreach,
Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Piet Canin, Program Director, Transportation Group profile | email
Mandy Caruso, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Jason Davis, Project and Administrative Assistant profile | email
Peter DeMare, Operations Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Michael Drury, Program Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Karl Gee, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Aaron Glade, Program Specialist profile | email
Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Jennifer Harrison
, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Anna Hirst, Communications Coordinator profile | email
John Holden, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Kurt Hurley, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Brennen Jensen, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Daniel Jones, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Virginia Johnson
, Executive Director / CEO profile | email
Brian Kimball, Operations Manager, Energy Group profile | email
Cliff Kramer, Energy Efficiency Specialist profile | email
Debbie Kranefuss, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Paul Leow, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Paul Lewis
, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Kirsten Liske, Vice President, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Jack Lu, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Saskia Lucas, Program Specialist, Transportation Groupprofile | email
Jennifer McNeil
, Program Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Jay Melena, Financial Analyst, Energy Group profile | email
Sarah Mueller, Program Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Darren Nix, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Molly Ober, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Groupprofile | email
Evan Parker, Finance Director profile | email
Heba Petursson, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Rachel Radcliffe, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
David Rath, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Marina Rose, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Kyrrha Sevco, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group profile | email
Gordon Smith, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group profile | email
Gene Thomas, Technical & Administrative Manager Energy Group profile | email
Elizabeth Thompson, Program Manager, Climate Solutions profile | email

Virginia Johnson, Executive Director / CEO

Virginia is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, with 28 years of business and nonprofit experience, including 14 years as a nonprofit executive director. Since 1985, her marketing and strategic development expertise has substantially increased the level of service delivered by EA to the community. The organization has evolved to perform not only as a grassroots education agency, but also as a technical consulting entity to regional governments and businesses. Prior to her work at Ecology Action, Virginia  served as a founding board member, board chair and/or governing board member of several community based organizations: the RotaCare Free Medical Clinic of Santa Cruz, the FEMA Board of Santa Cruz County, the Homeless Shelter Project of the Community Action Board, the HIV Consortium of Santa Cruz County, Above The Line--services for homeless teenagers, the Westside Community Health Center, and the New Life Community Services Family Shelter.  Ms. Johnson currently serves as the 5th District appointee to the County of Santa Cruz Energy Commission and is a board member of the Santa Cruz Area Transportation Management Association.
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Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Energy Group

For the past 15 years Mahlon has specialized in designing and deploying programs that enable businesses and individuals to save money by increasing environmental performance. During his work with Ecology Action, he has consulted extensively in the industries of dry cleaning, pest management, and agriculture to help businesses adopt less toxic technologies. Mahlon has also led Ecology Action's work with many public sector clients as well as private sector clients and foundations. Mahlon currently leads Ecology Action’s Energy Programs. He also consulted with the Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee on the adoption of their Zero Waste theme for the 2002 Winter Games. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1989.
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Evan Parker, Finance Director

Evan joined the staff of Ecology Action of Santa Cruz in January 2000. Prior to this, working for a certified public accountant, he conducted field audit work of non-profit corporations. In 1983 he served as the Managing Director for George Coates Performance Works in San Francisco where he developed his expertise in non-profit accounting. From 1984 to 1998, he was the business manager and lighting designer for a dance company located Santa Cruz. He serves as a consultant to various arts organizations in Santa Cruz advising them as to sound accounting practices and actively maintains the books for others.
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Kirsten Liske, Vice President, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kirsten's inspiration for her work comes from a strong commitment to bring different segments of the community together to improve our quality of life. Since graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz Environmental Studies (Honors) in 1991 her work has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors where she has gained experience in each of these approaches to doing business. Specifically, this work has focussed on implementing needed next steps in the areas of hazardous waste and resource management, pollution prevention and the oil recycling industry. As a result of her efforts and service, she was awarded a legislative resolution from the California State Assembly commending her significant and vital contribution to the state's household hazardous waste programs. Kirsten joined Ecology Action in 1999.  She currently serves on the management team developing new programs and supporting project managers in their delivery of excellent community service and meaningful project outcomes.
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Victor Aguiar, Information Technology Coordinator

Ecology Action's senior staff member, Victor has worked since 1989 as a program director for Ecology Action and brings a strong background in recycling, energy and environmental education. Victor got his start by combining entertainment and environmental education with a project that visits small towns. As the Director of "Zero Waste" Programs here at Ecology Action, he manages all Business Waste Reduction consulting, is the chief designer of the WasteNot Businesses Assistance Program and Software, created Monterey Bay's Regional Materials Reuse Network (ProMAX), manages public recycling and environmental action information resources, and supervises the award-winning Public Schools Resource Conservation Program. Victor specializes in helping businesses and institutions to identify "front end" measures that reduce cost by eliminating waste before it starts. Victor earned his BA in Environmental Studies and Planning, with a certificate in Energy Management and Design from Sonoma State University.
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Kurt Hurley, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kurt Hurley has been working at Ecology Action since 2002 in pollution prevention and energy efficiency programs. Kurt is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz in Physics with 17 years prior experience in optical technology including 7 years experience in program management. He has helped developed several new technologies for product quality assurance and worked extensively overseas. In the businesses environment, he has advocated recycling, energy efficiency/generation, shared transit, and carpooling programs. At Ecology Action Kurt has benefited from the many opportunities  to apply his prior experience toward the success of environmental programs. He has also used his art photography as a vehicle for environmental advocacy and has volunteered in the Art Department at UCSC since 1998.
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Jennifer Harrison, Senior Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Jen joined EA in 2005 as a Program Manager for the Manure and Erosion Pollution Prevention program. She brings over 12 years experience in the environmental non-profit sector. Prior to making Santa Cruz her new home, she worked on environmentally focused projects in Aspen, CO, Keen, NH, Orange County, CA and New York City. Jen graduated in 1997 with her Master's in Environmental Studies with a focus in Environmental Business from Antioch New England Graduate School in New Hampshire. Outside of work she designs and creates one-of-a-kind handbags, enjoys cooking and traveling the world.
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Anna Hirst, Communications Coordinator

Anna has been with Ecology Action since 1997 as a Project Manager for the Safer Technologies in Fabricare Program and various Used Oil Management Programs. During her tenure at EA, Anna has worked with most programs, including the Business Waste Reduction, Electric Bike, ProMAX, and Home Composting programs. She has also assisted with grant writing, office administration, MIS support, and graphic design. In 2002-03, Anna took a break from Ecology Action and worked for Outward Bound West’s sailing and kayaking program as a Logistics Manager in Washington State. Anna returned to Ecology Action in 2004 to focus on public relations and graphic design for the agency. Anna holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1997. She is an avid traveler, deriving her passion for environmental work from experiencing natural ecosystems and diverse cultures worldwide.
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Sherry Lee Bryan, Program Specialist - Bilingual Outreach, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Sherry Lee Bryan began working with Ecology Action in July of 2002 as a bilingual outreach assistant in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Outreach program partnership with Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority. Presently, she is assisting Ecology Action in the implementation of IPM partnerships in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.   Sherry also directs the Home Composting education program in partnership with the County of Santa Cruz.   Sherry earned her degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Agro-ecology with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has worked in Santa Cruz County in organic farming since 1996.  Sherry's previous research experience in IPM and soil science, her practical experience as an organic farmer, and her Spanish fluency make her an integral partner in Ecology Action's IPM team. Sherry also assists in other Ecology Action programs as a bilingual outreach educator.
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Molly Ober, Program Specialist, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Molly joined Ecology Action as the Program Manager for the Waste Free Schools Program in September of 2003.  She also manages the Santa Cruz County Motor Oil Recycling Block Grant and assists with the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. Her experience includes working with the Sierra Club as a Field Manager and with Save Our Shores as a Program Manager and Environmental Policy Analyst. Molly graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Policy and Planning in 2000. She is an avid hiker and surfer and finds inspiration in nature. Molly is excited to be part of the innovative award winning WFS program and feels that teaching children and engaging them in resource conservation will help provide a brighter future for our environment.
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Aaron Glade, Program Specialist

Aaron Glade began working with Ecology Action in January of 2001 as a Pollution Prevention intern.  Over the years Aaron’s played multiple roles on the Ecology Action team.  Recently, he has been coordinating outreach for the SmartRinse program and working as our Office Manager.  Aaron graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Environmental Studies and Sociology.  He developed an appreciation of the natural world early in life while camping and fishing in the Pacific Northwest.  Nowadays, Aaron surfs more than he fishes and he is driven by his desire for all people for generations to come have the opportunity to enjoy the natural world as much as he has.  
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Gene Thomas, Technical & Administrative Manager Energy Group

Gene joined Ecology Action in mid-2002 to manage Ecology Action’s energy efficiency program efforts and to help grow EA’s energy conservation program portfolio. Gene brings to Ecology Action a passion for helping individuals and businesses benefit from the latest energy efficiency technologies and practices. He currently manages RightLights, a CPUC-funded contract targeting small commercial lighting retrofits which has become the largest direct installation lighting program in California. Gene also works on the development of new project proposals, provides key research and analysis and assists in representing EA’s interests to legislative and local government entities. Prior to joining Ecology Action, he served as National Director of EnergyCheckup, managing and coordinating their third-party energy efficiency programs for investor-owned utilities in Southern California and Texas. In this capacity Gene developed energy efficiency initiatives and proposals to state utilities and federal agencies and helped train over 200 building industry professionals as Certified Home Energy Raters. Previously, Gene worked for Inspectech Corporation as Director of Recruitment and Special Projects, where he developed and implemented the firm’s first Environmental Testing Program. Prior to his tenure with Inspectech, Gene built a successful track record in key account sales, sales management and training, program development, and multi-location retail management.
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Aaron Brown, Program Manager, Energy Group

Aaron joined the Right Lights Team in the Fall of 2003. Having taken time away from his management career to remodel his off-the-grid home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he was looking to count himself as an integral part of something admirable. Aaron has always needed to “believe” in the project at hand. In this, he has often found himself as a Champion of “Lost” Causes. His desire to make a difference for failing entities has seen him through the successful turn-around of numerous independent theatres, bookstores and cafes. Working with community leaders, making strong business relationships, and developing a powerful team that operates on a platform of common sense, dedication, and sincerity, has been a winning combination/mantra. Further, bringing success to challenged businesses has required establishing a strong handle on the need, re-use and waste of materials. Each business he has operated has had its financial successes immediately followed by, what Aaron considers the greater measure of success… a sign, stating to all, The Management and Staff of this facility proudly recycle more than we throw away. He believes that, once the business is succeeding in both these areas, its model can be held as an example for other local businesses and that it has the responsibility to reach outward and engage the community in which it shares success. Aaron is truly grateful for the help and cooperation of all of his coworkers and hopes to be able to continually bring his skills and his passion to Ecology Action. In the end, his primary objective is to leave behind him something better than what was there before and to curb the degradation of what is generally thought of as beautiful or special.
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Brian Kimball, Operations Manager, Energy Group

Brian was educated at the Berkeley campus of the University of California. A first-generation American citizen, he is deeply committed to the improvement of his family's adopted homeland. Brian believes every human being has a duty to contribute to the conscientious stewardship of the planet. The care required to responsibly use and develop Earth's resources for the betterment of man, now and in perpetuity, can only be achieved with the recognition of every individual's personal stake in a sustainably managed and respected environment.
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Saskia Lucas, Program Specialist, Transportation Group

Saskia Lucas joined the Santa Cruz Area TMA team in 2004. She is a credentialed teacher (San Jose State University, French) who has been riding a bicycle for transportation and recreation ever since she learned to ride at 5 years old. A certified instructor with the League of American Bicyclists, Saskia has been teaching youth about bicycling since 2001, first through a summer bike camp she designed and ran, and most recently through her education work with Bike Smart! Youth Bicycle Safety Program. In addition, Saskia conducts bicycle safety trainings for adults, including parents groups and college classes. Saskia is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love of bicycling and teaching to advocate safe, responsible bicycle use.
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Cliff Kramer, Energy Efficiency Specialist

Cliff is a native of California, and was born and raised in San Mateo.  After completing his education he joined the Gulf-Atlantic Oceanographic Research Society as a volunteer to sail on a research ship down the coast of North and Central America and through the Gulf of Mexico.  After returning home, Cliff became involved in the lighting industry where he has worked for over 25 years.  He has worked at home and abroad for both commercial and residential customers and has designed, fabricated, installed and specified a variety of lighting fixtures and systems.  Having illuminated everything from art to gazebos, Cliff worked with Sunset Books to help compile and edit their first book on home lighting.  In his spare time he has been involved with Habitat for Humanity and The Hunger Project and is a regular blood donor.  Since becoming a lighting specialist on the Right Lights Team Cliff has been able to put his lighting expertise to work saving energy and the environment for the community he serves.
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Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist

Jeremy entered Ecology Action as a member of the RightLights program. He left his home in Boulder Creek to pursue an academic career at California State University Chico. While attending the University, Jeremy was involved in a project that prevented the development of virgin lands. He returned from Chico with a Bachelors degree in History and a family of his own. Prior to his employment with the organization, he worked in the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Industry for 11 years, ranging from cellar work to sales and marketing.  Jeremy has always worked towards preserving the environment and believes passionately in the goals of Ecology Action.
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Sarah Mueller, Program Specialist, Energy Group

Sarah joined the Ecology Action staff in 2004, as the Project Coordinator in the new Mountain View office of RightLights. She grew up in the Bay Area, where she attended an alternative grade school which was instrumental in shaping her social and environmental values. She then attended Menlo-Atherton High School, where she became actively involved in youth environmental groups including MA’s Environmental Club, and Bay Area Action. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Oregon State University, Sarah returned to the Bay Area in 1997.  Since college, she has worked in various businesses, ranging from a medical office to a voice recognition software company. When her former employer, Aaron Brown, asked her to join the Ecology Action team, she jumped at the chance. Sarah is happy to return to an environmental organization and thrilled to be a part of something she really believes in.
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Michael Drury, Program Director, Energy Group

Michael joined Ecology Action in 2004, with a range of technical, project management and marketing experience from the high tech industry and the renewable energy field. As Program Director, Michael has overall responsibility for the execution of client contracts. His current role is to provide accountability to PG&E and other utility clients for the successful conduct of RightLights, LodgingSavers and San Francisco Energy Watch Small Business Direct Install programs.

His continuing role is to develop programs for Ecology Action, which inspire energy users with ways to improve their environmental performance.

Outside of his professional life, he continues the drive for reduced dependence on fossil fuels by living in a retrofitted zero-energy home and achieving a sustainable commute option through his use of a biodiesel fuelled vehicle.

Michael was awarded his Electrical Engineering Degree from Imperial College of Science and Technology, London in 1975 and is an Associate of the City and Guilds Institute (ACGI), and a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET). He is currently Board Chair for Central Coast Energy Services, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Watsonville CA, serving low income households in the Monterey Bay Region with payment assistance and energy efficiency solutions.
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Kyrrha Sevco, Program Manager, Pollution Prevention/Zero Waste Group

Kyrrha recently joined Ecology Action as the Project Manager for the Pesticide Research and Identification of Source and Mitigation (PRISM) grant, where she will be working with schools to provide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training and technical assistance as well as working in depth with six schools to adopt IPM policies, district wide. She comes to Ecology Action with over ten years of project management experience including formulating and articulating goals, objectives, and strategies; program research; maintaining schedules and budgets; and evaluating and supervising staff and their work products. Earlier in her career, Kyrrha worked on such projects as the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail, a 60-mile trail that is proposed to be a multi-use recreation and interpretive pathway that will link existing and newly established trail segments into a continuous coastal trail around the Monterey Bay. She has also successfully managed the rideshare agency for Monterey County, Commute Alternatives. Kyrrha holds a Bachelor of Science degree (Cum Laude) in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from San Jose State University where she also received the Dean’s Scholar Award. Her community involvement activities include: class member of Leadership Santa Cruz County, class member and past board member of Leadership Monterey Peninsula, and past board member of the Association for Commuter Transportation.
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Piet Canin, Program Director, Transportation Group

Piet is a long time staff member who started with EA in 1989. Piet brings a life long passion and enthusiasm for bicycling to his main responsibility of directing the Bike to Work/School program. With his guidance, the Bike to Work program has grown into a Santa Cruz tradition and one of the most successful bicycling programs in the country. The local Bike to Work effort has been recognized by the UN, the League of American Bicyclists, as well as many local agencies. Piet also staffs the Santa Cruz Bicycle Industry Coalition, the Electric Bicycle Commuter Incentive program and Santa Cruz Area TMA outreach effort. In 2004, Piet was named a United Way Community Hero for his years of service to improve cycling conditions for all residents. Piet is a member of the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, the RTC’s Bike Committee, Go For Health and Friends of the Rail Trail (FORT).
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Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist

Paul has been an energy efficiency expert since 1979, and has participated in numerous award winning energy conservation projects throughout California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. His Installation of an Energy Management System at an Oakland hotel won PG&E’s first ever “Grand Management Energy Conservation Award”. In Hawaii, he founded Pacific Rim Energy Management, Ltd., specializing in computerized energy management for Hawaii’s huge lodging industry, and also served as a consultant to Hawaii’s utilities. Returning to California in 1991, Paul became involved in the energy efficient lighting revolution, which was beginning to attract a lot of attention with innovative products such as electronic ballasts, T8 lamps, compact fluorescents, and reflectors. In California alone he has been responsible for the implementation of several hundred new energy efficient lighting systems, ranging in scope from entire school districts and city governments to car dealerships and small retail outlets.

Paul recognizes the unique requirements of individual businesses, and creates lighting systems that work for the customer, the economy, and the environment.

Paul was born, raised, and presently resides in the island city of Alameda. He has a B.A. in Creative Writing from California State University, San Francisco, and has also completed 1.5 years of graduate work in Education. He served 4 years in the US Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, and in his spare time enjoys hiking, singing, coaching basketball, reading, and writing.
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Jennifer McNeil, Program Specialist, Energy Group

Jennifer McNeil joined the Ecology Action team in 2006 as the Program Specialist for RightLights Santa Cruz region. She grew up in California, and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Womens Studies from Humboldt State University, in May 2001. She has an extensive background working with diverse clientele, and as a Supervisor and Program Coordinator, Jennifer has become very familiar with program development and organization, office and staff management, community resourcing, and team & community based planning. She enjoys biking to work, and is excited to be a part of Ecology Action and the RightLights team, where she can be an integral part of building a healthier community.
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Karl Gee, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist

Karl Gee has spent his career in the energy management field.  He has served as the energy manager for the Boston Public Schools, as well as a Fortune 500 retail chain with locations in 23 states.  His experience includes working as a lighting specialist, performance contracting, alternative energy supply sources (electricity and transportation fuels).

Karl is a former board member to a publicly traded Bio diesel company and also served as a board member to the Bay Area Energy Association.  He was also a member of the American Society of Heating Refrigeration Engineers Association (ASHREA) and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

“25 years of personal experience shows that lighting retrofit has always been one fo the foundational building blocks of a solid energy management program, and generates profits and operating capital to the bottom line of all enterprises”, Karl Gee, Certified Energy Purchaser.
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Jay Melena, Financial Analyst, Energy Group

Jay joined Ecology Action in 2007 as the Financial Analyst for Energy Programs, bringing with her an extensive background in the local non-profit sector including non-profit and financial management experience. Originally from Palo Alto, Jay graduated in 2003 with a BA in Community Studies, focus in Economics, and a BA in Art, from University of California, Santa Cruz. She continues her studies in business and non-profit management, as well as studying the multi-faceted sustainable energy industry. Jay also has diverse work experience in residential building, sustainable transportation, media, web programming, and teaching. In her spare time, Jay bikes, backpacks, runs, climbs, gardens, photographs, and plays with web sites. She is also on the Board of Directors for another local Santa Cruz organization.
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Darren Nix, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Darren joined Ecology Action in 2007, as an Energy Efficiency Specialist, with the RightLights Program. He graduated from University California, Santa Cruz, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. He has a passion for lighting and artistic design, and has always sought out the latest and most efficient/environmentally friendly lighting for his art projects. The integration of fiber optics, LED’s and electroluminescent lighting into various art projects sparked his interest in alternative lighting. He now finds himself in a position where he can offer businesses creative and effective ways to design their lighting while improving their energy efficiency.
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Paul Lewis, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul has an extensive background in CAD/CAM engineering and was one of a two-man crew that first translated 3D CAD geometry directly to a CAM application. In 2000 he started an indoor air quality services company that he owned and operated through 2006, during which time he became a CHEERS (California Home Efficiency Rating System) rater for Title 24 new construction. While working in the clean air industry Paul developed an awareness of the importance of energy efficiency. Paul joined Ecology Action early in 2007 as an energy efficiency specialist serving Monterey and San Benito Counties. In May of 2007, Paul received his Natural Gas Fueling Station Operation and Maintenance Certification from the Natural Gas Vehicle Institute and his NGV Cylinder Inspector Certification from CSA International. Paul is excited about the opportunities he brings to local entities through RightLights, whether they are businesses, schools, churches or private organizations. Paul believes that America’s future lies in finding a natively produced transportation fuel that does not require complex processing. He’s also a strong advocate for solar energy.
Paul lives in Hollister with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys reading, cooking, and activities associated with church and a fraternal historical society.
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Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Steve Suba joined Ecology Action and the RightLights team as an Energy Efficiency Specialist in January 2007. He brings the team over 28 years of experience in manufacturing, marketing, and sales of high technology products in the semiconductor and disc drive industries. He has worked for leading edge companies like Intel, LSI Logic, and Peak International. Steve’s experience and high standards from Silicon Valley make for a natural transition into the dynamics of the human factor of business relationships necessary to implement important energy saving imitatives. His goal is to leave the world we live in a better place for our future generations. Steve has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
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Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Jon joined Ecology Action as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the RightLights program in 2007. He attended both Santa Clara University and San Jose State University with coursework focused mainly in Economics and Environmental Studies. His career background includes 10 years as a Facilities Manager at a summer camp for children and adults with special needs. John developed an appreciation for nature as a child, getting lost in the woods surrounding his home in South Lake Tahoe. Today, Jon is poised and ready to make a positive impact on the environment. He enjoys volunteering to ensure the preservation of open space as well as spending time in the wilds of his garden trying to prove that anyone can grow their own vegetables.
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Daniel Jones, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Daniel comes to Ecology Action with over twenty years of technology sales experience. He believes technology can be used to increase sustainability and lessen our impact on the planet. He credits his parents with fostering the lifelong ecological awareness that drove him to participate in the very first Earth Day. Daniel loves outdoor sports of all kinds and is very involved in community work.
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David Rath, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

David came to Ecology Action as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the LodgingSavers program in May 2007. He graduated from Sonoma State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Physics. At Sonoma State David studied Energy Management and Design and became passionate about improving the energy efficiency of our society. Before graduating he interned at a utility consulting service where he contributed to a variety of energy efficiency programs. After graduating David worked as a field tech in the environmental field. David believes that when saving the planet we are actually helping humanity preserve our future. He hopes to work with individuals and businesses to increase profitability and help our environment by improving energy efficiency.
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Gordon Smith, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Gordon began working for Ecology Action as Energy Efficiency Specialist with the SmartRinse program. He transitioned to the LodgingSavers program in October of 2006 where he helps lodging providers decrease their energy usage and costs, through the implementation of various energy saving measures. Gordon earned his Bachelors Degree from Fresno Pacific University. The emphasis of his undergraduate studies was in Management and Organizational Development. Following his undergraduate work, he completed a program focused on Energy Resource Management through the University of Maryland. He is very interested in technologies and strategies that help to reduce energy usage and dependence on fossil fuels.
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Peter De Mare, Operations Manager, Energy Group

Peter De Mare joined Ecology Action in 2007. His previous studies in Computer Engineering lead him to a project where he worked in the alternative transportation field. His work on a Hybrid Electric Vehicle changed the way he saw things and caused him to pursue a career path in the Environmental Field. Peter comes from a strong technological background and received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Energy Management and Design from Sonoma State University. His experience in business management/development helps him educate others in how we can “make a difference.” His vision for all forms of efficiency grows today and Peter believes in changes that "make sense." Peter volunteers predominantly with children in hopes to instill vision, character and positive attitudes in our youth. Some of Peter's other passions include soccer, baseball and music. He played sports through the collegiate level and has also sung in the past. Peter believes in “the big picture" and his ultimate goal is to positively affect as many lives as he can.
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Rachel Radcliffe, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Rachel joined Ecology Action in 2007 as the Program Coordinator for our San Francisco Energy Watch program. Rachel is a lifelong fourth-generation Bay Area native, not counting a year of her childhood in England. She graduated from Woodside High in 1997 and continues her general education towards a degree in Business and Environmental Studies. She has a diverse professional background in retail floristry, wholesale horticultural operations, and photography. An avid snowboarder and photographic journalist, Rachel is both an outdoorswoman and an activist for social change and environmental awareness. She is thoroughly committed to the goals of Ecology Action and is thrilled to be on our team.
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Paul Leow, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul is focused on using energy efficiency for both economic and environmental profit. While living and working in China, he witnessed the breakneck pace of growth and its affects on people’s lives and the environment. Paul believes in energy efficiency as one of the most effective means of addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development both at home and abroad. Prior to this position, Paul served as Program Manager at the Asia America Multi-Technology Association (AAMA) where he handled all operations, managed the Executive Management Committees, Beijing Chapter, Strategic Alliances, volunteers, and supported the Presidents and Executive Director. His personal interest in environmental technologies led to the most successful Speaker Series event of 2006 – Clean Technology: Investments, Technology, and Policy. Paul also volunteers with The China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Alliance in San Francisco, and is working to install 23 megawatts of wind power on his family wheat farm. He is fluent in Mandarin, enjoys Chinese calligraphy, survival stories, and outdoor adventures.
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Marina Rose, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Marina has been a business consultant since the early 1990s helping small, medium and large businesses become more effective, efficient and sustainable. Trained in Organization Change at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Marina has coached business leaders in how to upgrade their technologies, marketing communications, and daily operations to be more profitable and green. Using her media background Marina has also promoted green businesses and their products via Internet web-videos. Marina believes that change is a constant in today’s business world. Upgrading technology systems every few years to stay competitive is the norm, and lighting is no exception. A native San Franciscan, Marina was educated at Lowell High School and the University of California at Davis. She earned a Masters in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from California State University, San Francisco. Marina loves to hike, swim in the bay, dance and travel. She has lived in Asia and Europe.
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John Holden, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

A native San Franciscan, John graduated with an A.S degree from Heald College in Electrical Engineering. He has worked for Norcal Waste Systems for the past 18 years. John assisted in the implementation of the Green Waste Recycling Program, which allowed businesses to develop a composting regiment throughout San Francisco. He was a Teamster representative and sat on the Norcal Waste System’s pension board. He is a father of a six-year-old son living in Mill Valley. John is excited about his role as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the San Francisco Energy Watch Program.
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Jack Lu, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group