2026 NESEA Board of Directors Candidates

Voting is now open for the 2026 NESEA Board of Directors election! 

This year, seven NESEA Members are running for four open seats on the board. Our membership will elect three individuals and the current Board will then appoint one additional board member. Please review each candidate's video and written statements below by clicking on their name.

Voting is open to all NESEA Members and closes on November 6. Members will be emailed a link to their ballot to record their votes. 

  • If you have questions about membership, or if you did not receive your link, please contact Katie Schendel, Membership Manager, kschendel@nesea.org.
  • If you have questions about the election, please contact Florence MacGregor, Executive Director, fmacgregor@nesea.org.

 

Christopher Bland

MPH, AE-C

Program Coordinator/Asthma Educator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Christopher Bland is a public health professional and environmental scientist with over 10 years of experience in the field. Trained formally in epidemiology, Christopher’s work centers on translating environmental health research into actionable clinical and community-based interventions that address asthma morbidity and environmental health inequities among children living in under-resourced communities.

At the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Christopher coordinates and support multidisciplinary research and clinical programs focused on indoor air quality, pediatric asthma, and environmental justice. He plays a key role in designing data systems for clinical asthma programs, strengthening evaluation tools, training research staff, and managing statewide environmental children’s health initiatives. He also serves as an asthma educator within a clinical setting, directly supporting families in managing asthma triggers linked to housing and environmental conditions.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?

My first experience with NESEA was in 2021 at Building Energy Boston, where I presented as a panelist for the session; Public Health & the Built Environment: Putting Research into Action. I returned the following year as panelist at Building Energy Boston 2022 for the session; Racism Has Always Been a Public Health Crisis: Equity and Health in the Built Environment. I then became a curator in 2024 and 2025 for the Building Energy NYC conferences. Currently I am serving as vice-chair for the Building Energy NYC 2026 conference. My training as an epidemiologist, clinical experience in pediatric environmental asthma, and my ongoing work in environmental justice gives me a distinct vantage point that advises, supports and aligns well with NESEA’s programming.

What drives you to serve on the NESEA Board?

As an environmental and public health scientist, my entire career has been dedicated to supporting underserved communities, restoring equity and justice, and removing systemic barriers to quality healthcare and healthy homes. NESEA shares this vision. The healthcare sector, an important consumer of energy, is often underrepresented in this work and at NESEA conferences. I believe public health is the underlying reason for the sustainability work we do, and keeping it a core component is integral to understanding quality of life, the effects of production on physical health, and restoring equity to those traditionally left out of the conversation.

My goal is to contextualize NESEA's work in reference to human life and health. My nuanced, multi-disciplinary experience can serve well on the NESEA Board of Directors. I hope to encourage a diverse pool of attendees to our conferences and programming, reflecting the real world, bolstering NESEA's legitimacy and reach.

What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?

NESEA's mission of building a healthier, more sustainable built environment is a public health mission as much as an energy one. I can help the board keep the health case for building performance, indoor air quality, and healthy housing, backed by the same epidemiological rigor I bring to my clinical and research work, so NESEA's advocacy is grounded in outcomes families and clinicians can reference.

I can help translate NESEA's environmental justice commitments into programs and partnerships that reach the communities carrying the greatest burden, drawing on my experience coordinating multi-state programs and working directly with underserved families.

NESEA's membership is extensive in building science and energy expertise. I bring a complementary network in pediatrics, environmental medicine, and public health. My past work with NESEA, as presenter, curator, and now vice-chair, reflects that collaboration, and I'd welcome deepening it as a board member.

Brian Cabezas

CEM

Program Manager - Multifamily
NYSERDA

Brian Cabezas, CEM, is a Program Manager II and Team Lead for NYSERDA's Multifamily Team. In this role, he oversees development, implementation and continuous improvement of decarbonization incentive programs for the multifamily sector in New York State, collaborates with stakeholders, and operationalizes the strategic direction of the Multifamily Team. Prior to NYSERDA, Brian worked in New York City's municipal operations managing an energy efficiency program to reduce the City's overall greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Brian worked at a clean tech start-up managing cleantech and distributed energy resource market development with a focus on the U.S. Northeast region. He holds an International MBA and a Masters in Environmental Management.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?

I have been engaged with NESEA since 2018, when I started working at NYSERDA. I have attended the BuildingEnergy NYC event nearly continuously since then and attended the BuildingEnergy Boston event when it was virtual during COVID. I have presented during a NESEA virtual webinar in November 2025 and presented during a sponsored session at BuildingEnergy NYC in 2024. I also attended NESEA's DEI Community Meet-up in NYC in 2025. Pro-tours have been on my list to attend but I haven't been able to participate in any although I have had familiarity with some of the sites chosen for the tours.

What drives you to serve on the NESEA Board?

I continue to be impressed with NESEA's ability to bring various stakeholders together to discuss cross-cutting solutions that advance decarbonization efforts. I have even referenced some of the presentations that I have seen at NESEA conferences when designing programs. NESEA also embeds the core values of climate justice and equity into all facets of its work, which aligns with the values I have and where I invest extra energy into the work I do. I appreciate the cross-disciplinary approach that NESEA takes in delivering on its mission to decarbonize the built environment and that it doesn't lose sight of its values in achieving those objectives and as a Board member, I hope to enable NESEA to continue to do this work.

What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?

I have been particularly involved in NESEA events, such as BuildingEnergy NYC, and believe I can support that effort with my prior experience in event planning. I have been on conference planning committees in the past and could help in planning themes, soliciting presentations and corralling speakers. Additionally, the pro-tour events allow the community to see proof points in the market and my work at NYSERDA helps to provide me with visibility on those developments and demonstrations. I could help identify future pro-tours. Lastly, I appreciate the work that NESEA has done on workforce development, particularly with respect to peer networking and accelerating the work of MWBEs and BIPOC-led firms, and my work gives me insight into some of the challenges and opportunities businesses in the energy sector face. I think I can support those peer discussions and cohort sessions by sharing the insight and opportunities I have seen in the market.

Mark Ginsberg

FAIA, LEEDAP

Founding Partner
Curtis + Ginsberg Architects

Mark Ginsberg FAIA, LEED AP, a native New Yorker, is a partner of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP with over 40 years of professional experience in planning, urban design, institutional and housing projects. His expertise in affordable and mixed income housing, resiliency and green design has been recognized through his many lectures at national and local conferences and meetings. Mark has led C+GA’s efforts on developments that comprise well over 30,000 units of housing, most of which are affordable and sustainable.

Mark is a past President of the AIA New York Chapter, former co-chair of the New York New Visions (NYNV) Executive Committee, and an organizer of both the New Housing New York Ideas Competition and Legacy Project. He co-chaired the Post Sandy Housing Task force, and was a member of the AIA National Housing Task Force. Mark is Vice Chair of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, is a member of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) Board of Trustees, is President of Citizens Housing and Planning Council and is a Commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York City.

Mark is a registered architect in the States of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University in Theater Design and Government.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?

A lifetime member, I have been involved with NESEA for over ten years. I have presented at 18 NESEA conferences and Pro tours. The knowledge-sharing NESEA fosters is amazing, as we all work towards healthy, low-carbon buildings. My practice has designed 25 Passive Houses and 50+ Enterprise Green Communities buildings. I look forward to continuing to contribute to and learn from NESEA.

What drives you to serve on the NESEA Board?

My service on various boards has provided me with the experience needed as a Board member. Most importantly, I am committed to helping NESEA continue to strengthen its community and expand its influence. I believe we can drive adoption of the practices, technologies, and policies needed to create a low-carbon future.

Lauren Hildebrand

LEED AP BD+C, LEED Homes Rater

Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Sustainability
Ettinger Engineering

Lauren is the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Sustainability at Ettinger Engineer Associates, where she leads innovative sustainability projects across multiple sectors and regions. With over 20 years in energy and sustainability consulting, she's established herself as an industry expert, holding credentials including LEED AP BD+C and LEED for Homes Green Rater.

Before joining Ettinger Engineering, Lauren served as Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships at Brightcore Energy, helping secure new business in renewable energy. Previously, she spent 13 years at Steven Winter Associates, Inc., a prominent green building consulting firm. There, she managed a team overseeing certification and consulting for more than 15,000 homes and multifamily units, earning multiple awards for her work.

Lauren is dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions and building healthier, more resilient communities. She regularly speaks at events throughout the Northeast, sharing expertise on energy efficiency, building performance, and occupant health.
Education
M.A. New York University
B.A. Gettysburg College

Certifications/Licenses
LEED AP BD+C
LEED for Homes Green Rater
WELL Performance Testing Agent
OSHA Certified
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?

Over the last fifteen years, I have engaged with the NESEA community in many different ways—first serving on the Content Committee, then as a presenter at various BuildingEnergy events, followed by moderating many fabulous sessions, and eventually being elected to the Board of Directors. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the Nominating Committee and DEI Subcommittee, and I am now serving my second term as Vice Chair of the Executive Committee.

It has been an incredible experience moving between the front and back of house, and one that has given me a deep appreciation for the many ways people can contribute to this community. What makes NESEA so special to me is that there truly is a place for everyone here—whether you are presenting, learning, organizing, volunteering, or simply showing up and engaging in conversation. Transparency is a foundation of how we operate, and equity is a beacon toward which I believe we continually strive.

These experiences have not only deepened my connection to NESEA, but have also shaped how I think about leadership, community, and our responsibility to make sustainability more accessible, inclusive, and equitable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to an organization that has played such an important role in both my professional journey and my personal growth.

What drives you to serve on the NESEA Board?

Being on the Board over the last two terms, I have seen what real leadership and true commitment to inclusion and "member" first looks like. There are not many non profit organizations that I've been belonged to that has made me feel like I actually belong. The humans that I have had the honor to serve with are not just dedicated energy professionals, they're deeply caring, passionate - and dare I say funny - leaders that have made my time here so fulfilling and fun. I hope to continue this focus on membership inclusivity, and leave a legacy of committing to climate action through cross collaboration across disciplines, geographies, demographics, because it's the only way we can put a real dent in slowing down climate change.

What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?

Serving on the Board over the past two terms has given me the opportunity to see firsthand what real leadership—and a genuine commitment to inclusion and putting members first—looks like. There are not many nonprofit organizations I’ve been part of where I have truly felt that I belong. The people I’ve had the honor of serving alongside are not only dedicated energy professionals; they are deeply caring, passionate—and, dare I say, funny—leaders who have made my time here both incredibly fulfilling and genuinely fun.
I hope to continue building on that spirit by keeping membership and inclusivity at the heart of our work, while helping to leave a legacy of meaningful climate action through collaboration across disciplines, geographies, backgrounds, and perspectives. Climate change is too big and too complex for any one profession, organization, or community to tackle alone. Bringing people together is how we turn our collective expertise and passion into real, lasting impact.

James Moriarty

Chief Product Officer
Sustainable Comfort

Jim has a passion for understanding the systems perspective of complex environmental, economic, and infrastructure issues in his personal and professional life. In 2014 he co-founded Sustainable Comfort, Inc. with the mission is to create thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful buildings. Since its founding, SCI has grown to over 50 employees and continues to make an impact across the Northeast in reducing energy use and carbon emissions.

Jim primarily works with the multifamily housing sector as a consultant to achieve low carbon and energy efficient solutions. He has been responsible for the development of systems and processes to assist in a variety of green building programs, including Energy Star Homes, LEED for Homes, Enterprise Green Communities, Passive House (PHIUS), Energy Star Multifamily High Rise, Integrated Physical Needs Assessments, and has secured over $50 Million in utility incentive programs for clients. Sustainable Comfort has also taken on construction, development, and property management in Worcester, where SCI strives to restore and preserve the existing house stock.

NESEA has proved to be invaluable in shaping his ideas and approach to building efficiency and knowledge sharing. He is helping to expand the NESEA reach into Upstate New York, having hosted NESEA Pro Tours in the Fingerlakes region, and has presented throughout the Northeast on building efficiency. Building upon the rich history and knowledge gained within the NESEA community, the next generation of NESEA leaders will be tasked with bringing this vision of healthy, climate resilient buildings into reality for all. We look forward to this challenge together.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?

I have been engaged with NESEA for 18 years since attending the Building Energy Boston conference while I was still a student at the University of Connecticut. The community and motivation from the event spurred me to create the UConn Green Building club, focus my studies on green building and spend my entire career to date working in energy efficiency and green building space.

What drives you to serve on the NESEA Board?

Having served the last 3 years on the NESEA board it has been an inspiration to be around such a dedicated and passionate community to assist communities, create a better built environment, and reduce carbon emissions in an inclusive way. Having an organization that not only cares about how to make buildings better but also the why helps us to stay grounded and curious about making sure we make a difference.

What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?

Serving as the Board Treasurer has been very valuable to be able to assist how the organization functions, and to help the board continue to make sound financial decisions while being aggressive in our mission and innovative in finding new ways the organization can make an impact. With the growing use of AI, in person events that are meaningful and impactful is what NESEA has been at the forefront in providing and will continue to be a need to form and build deep connections.

Heather Nolen

Director, Technical Services
Association For Energy Affordability (AEA)

Heather Nolen leads the Technical Services department at the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), a Bronx-based nonprofit providing weatherization services, where her engineering team provides technical support and quality assurance for affordable multifamily retrofit work. She enjoys working with owners and managers to chart plans for carbon reduction, utility cost savings, and improved resident comfort. For more than 14 years, Heather has worked in the NYC market, building long-term relationships with multifamily owners, managers, city government, housing agencies, and funders. She has developed operations and maintenance training programs for supers and building staff, and helps properties understand energy-focused local laws, always emphasizing that collaboration is key. A lifetime member of NESEA, Heather co-chaired both the BE-NYC and BuildingEnergy Boston conferences, and was the first recipient of the Kate Goldstein Fund for Emerging Professionals. She holds BPI certifications and speaks at local NYC events on energy topics.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?

I've been part of the NESEA community for over a decade, and it has shaped my career. I joined the planning committee for BE-NYC in 2012, co-chaired BE-NYC in 2014, served as vice co-chair in 2016 (BE-Boston), and co-chaired BE Boston in 2017. I've presented at both BE Boston and BE-NYC multiple times, including leading a workshop. In 2014, I was honored to be the first recipient of the Kate Goldstein Fund for Emerging Professionals (meaningful for personally and professionally). I'm a NESEA lifetime member, and in the past few years I've returned as a conference participant, attending sessions, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and absorbing the content and energy.

What drives you to serve on the NESEA Board?

I've leaned on NESEA as a source of energy and community at different points in my career, and I've had the chance to see the organization from nearly every angle: as a committee volunteer, a conference leader, speaker, and, more recently, as someone simply showing up to learn and reconnect. A conversation at a NESEA conference even led me to change jobs, a move that shaped nearly 12 years of my career. Having had recent years where I could only show up as a participant, I'm now ready to give back in a bigger way. Joining the board feels like the natural next chapter: a chance to help steward the organization that's given me so much, at a moment when its mission around energy affordability, decarbonization, and equitable access to high-performance building knowledge is more urgent than ever.

What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?

What I find most compelling is NESEA's commitment to making high-performance building knowledge accessible to everyone, and tying it to energy affordability and decarbonization, a mission more urgent than ever. I see that daily at AEA, where I work in technical support and quality assurance on weatherization and multifamily retrofits, and I know how much the field depends on the shared learning NESEA creates.

As a Board member, I'd contribute in two ways. First, an operational understanding of how NESEA's community and flagship conferences actually function, from years of hands-on leadership. Second, current field expertise paired with relationships and working knowledge of public and institutional funding that I built with city government, housing agencies, and funders. My MBA in Environmental Compliance and Sustainability adds an organizational and business lens. And I'd bring my energy!

Diana Pauro

Founder
Rebel Builders LLC

Diana is passionate about working with clients to create every detail of their dream home. She believes the quality of life is intersectional with how we live in our spaces and how we relate to them. She has her own award-winning design-build company, Rebel Builders in Waltham (MA).

She holds a Master's in Architecture and Urban Planning, which adds to her extensive building experience working in construction since high school. She worked in Affordable housing, commercial retrofits, and high-end custom homes for years in Argentina prior to moving to Boston.

Latinx, queer, and an immigrant, Diana aims to bring visibility in the industry to minorities and amplify the inclusion of a gender-expansive platform. Social justice and community building are a big part of her focus.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?

I first joined NESEA in early 2024 by joining the Bottom lines group: Seven Strong. I was part of a Leadership circle with HELM, and they encouraged me to join the program. I already followed NESEA and joined a Pro Tour; An all-women-owned cohort under the triple bottom line umbrella seemed like a perfect fit for us. After joining the group with my team members, we quickly built relationships and a community with the other companies. We joined the Architect Huddle, more pro tours, and different parts of the Basecamp ecosystem. I attended 3 Building Energy Conferences, co-wrote a proposal for a panel at the 2026 event, and tried to participate in every community event possible. Currently, I am trying to organize local companies to set up a mentorship program. So far, Maple Street Architects is mentoring one of my Designers to help him pursue his architectural license.

What drives you to serve on the NESEA Board?

I have seen my team thrive with the synergy that comes from the community at NESEA. I have also seen trades and smaller companies struggle with the capacity and tools to join our activities. Some trades I recommended for the second BE access cohort were great candidates, but it was hard to see the systemic issues they had to be able to afford the time and attention to participate. As a Spanish and Portuguese speaker, I have constant conversations on site with trades to discuss sustainability, health risks, and more. I see such a need for native language training and forums that can be accessible for small companies. Even for us, with more admin structure, it is hard to join some local gatherings to review building science. Meetings that hardly reach a key demographic needed to propel NESEA’s vision for the industry.

What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?

I believe in the transformative power that a connected community can bring to change. I admire NESEA’s capacity to create opportunities for the exchange of tools and ideas and for constructive debate. At every conference, we set up renewed goals with my team and participate in bottom lines and other activities to always improve our practices. At the last conference, I set my goal to make NESEA’s community knowledge more accessible for non-English speakers and to set up a mentorship program.

As a Board member with previous experience in nonprofit policymaking and interinstitutional collaborations, I want to help expand programs to diversify access to other underserved demographics. I want to share my experience as a non-native speaker builder and advocate for trades and small builders to be able to have more ways to participate. As a queer woman, I want to create a safe mentorship program for a gender expansive platform.