I started attending NESEA events in the early 2000’s and over the years have been involved with the organization in several ways. These have included participation in the BuildingEnergy Conferences as an attendee, planning committee member, content committee member and session curator, along with current service as a board member and board chair. I have also been a mentor for the “mini-ELF” (Energy Leaders Fellowship) program, and one of the hosts of a recent Pro Tour.

Through one of its conferences, NESEA was initially for me a source of in-depth knowledge about energy related sustainability, which sparked my enthusiasm for attending more conferences. With further involvement in other programs, I came to appreciate how much NESEA has fostered an active and engaged community that gains vitality from a culture of knowledge sharing, listening, and willingness to learn in an open and honest manner. I recognize that maintaining this vitality requires work to keep the activities aligned with changing times and especially pressing climate issues, so that the organization remains relevant to current and future members. Diversity and equity are key values that must be part of this alignment. With a background of planning facilities that resonate with the cultures of institutions, I would like to continue contributing to NESEA as a board member and take on this challenge as service to the overall NESEA community.

It is always exciting to hear from individuals who are inspired after attending a NESEA event for the first time. I believe the inspiration comes largely from being introduced to one part of the NESEA network or another, but at a one-on-one level. This happened with some participants of a recent trial mentorship program who now continue to be active in other NESEA activities. It is that individual outreach and connection which I find compelling. The board can establish a strategic vision to support programs that encourage these individual relationships. As a board member, I would be able to advocate for initiatives that are aligned to outreach both among the varied existing programs and new ones.