After moving to the Northeast in 2013, a colleague introduced me to NESEA the following year. I began reading various NESEA resources including back issues of Northeast Sun and Building Energy magazine, and numerous member presentations and publications. During that time, I also came to know more NESEA members through my work. I believe I first attended BE Boston in 2016 to present on a net zero energy dining hall that I was working on with my project team. I was hooked! In the years since I’ve continued to attend the BE Boston Conferences and became active several years ago with the Content Committee, serving multiple times. I was the BE Boston Co-Vice Chair and then Conference Chair in 2022 and 2023. Last year I became a Lifetime Member marking my commitment to the organization and signaling my deep appreciation for its work.

"I’m an architect from rust-belt Appalachia and somewhat of a Northeast “newbie”. The spirit of service is deeply embedded in my core. I find joy in tackling the seemingly impossible and working collaboratively to design solutions that benefit others. I’m a thoughtful listener, critical thinker, lifelong learner, and a person who believes that patient, clear, and direct communication are avenues to bring people together, bridge differences, and facilitate strong collaboration. From my roots, I know the legacy of extractive industries and excessive energy/resource use. This drives my work. Through NESEA I’ve come to know big thinkers with innovative ideas. I’ve been welcomed into the fold by colleagues who have shared resources (spreadsheets that blew my mind) and connections to advance my work. I’ve been offered truly authentic support. Humbly, I hope to explore ways NESEA can continue to expand and extend these experiences for our next generation of leaders."

"I’m proud of NESEA’s work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and I have benefited from it. The mission to cultivate “a cross-disciplinary community where practitioners are encouraged to share, collaborate, and learn” is why I’m here. Recognizing that NESEA, as an organization and a professional network, has had the single most profound effect on my career trajectory, professional development, and technical expertise, I’m interested in paying it forward. I cherish the opportunities we have as an organization to share lessons learned in cross-disciplinary conversations. I see this as a central pillar for our industry as we work to find solutions for the future. I’m eager and enthusiastic to bring my skills to bear as a member of the Board working to advance member engagement, climate justice initiatives, and to explore policy and advocacy avenues while deepening NESEA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion."