2024 NESEA Board of Directors Candidates
Voting is open to all NESEA Members and closes on October 31. 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.
Stephanie Horowitz
AIA
Managing Director
ZeroEnergy Design
ZeroEnergy Design
Stephanie Horowitz is Managing Director of ZeroEnergy Design (ZED), a green architecture and mechanical design firm whose mission is to create beautiful, healthy buildings to empower families, uplift communities, and improve our living world. Stephanie oversees the firm’s portfolio of near-zero energy and Passive House certified projects. ZED focuses on residential work - custom homes, multifamily affordable housing and consulting for other architects.
In addition to her role at ZED, Stephanie is a board member of the Studio for High Performance Design & Construction, focused on education and training for the building industry. She previously served on the Massachusetts Design Selection Board, as board member and President of Passive House Massachusetts, and as a member of the AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) Advisory Group.
Stephanie graduated from Cornell University, is a Certified Passive House Consultant and a Registered Architect.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?
I have been involved with NESEA for over 18 years starting with my first Building Energy Conference in 2006. Past and ongoing involvement includes Building Energy Boston attendee (2006-present), Building Energy Boston speaker (2015, 2017), Building Energy Boston Co-Chair (2021), Bottom Lines member (2017-present), and Pro Tour Host (2023, 2022).
What drives you to want to serve as a NESEA Board Member?
The NESEA community has been an invaluable resource to me and my firm since its inception. It has been an important professional network (we met a previous partner at the 2006 Building Energy conference), a source of professional development (both technical at the Building Energy Conferences and business/people through Bottom Lines), and a wonderful community that shares our values related to people, planet, and the built environment. Serving on the Board will be an opportunity to uplift, help guide and give back to an organization and community that has played such a positive role in my growth and development as an architect and firm leader.
What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?
The NESEA community is rich with practitioners leading the charge in building decarbonization. The culture of sharing—embracing both successes and challenges—has established NESEA as a valuable resource. I have personally benefited from the conferences, Pro Tours, and Bottom Lines groups, which exemplify this culture. As a Board Member, I am eager to explore the organization’s capacity to expand some of these programs to enhance reach and engagement. I would also like to learn what initiatives were previously considered. With this insight, I will work to strengthen NESEA’s financial foundation and support its mission and strategic priorities. I will support these efforts relying on my experience as an architect, business owner, and board member.
Megan Nedzinski
AIA, CPHC, LEED AP, NCARB
Partner, Sr. Architect/Sr. Project Manager
Vermont Integrated Architecture (VIA)
Vermont Integrated Architecture (VIA)
As a Partner, Senior Architect, and Senior Project Manager at Vermont Integrated Architecture, PC (VIA), Megan considers emerging research, applied technology, and the surrounding environment to deliver high-performing commercial and institutional projects. She has been instrumental in the development of many high-profile projects, including the first-in-Vermont mass-timber addition to the Fairbanks Museum which employs the first-in-the-world eastern hemlock CLT. Megan also designed the net-positive renovation of Vermont Natural Resource Council’s historic headquarters, employing low embodied carbon materials/strategies and piloting the tracking of construction-phase carbon emissions.
With a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Virginia Tech, Megan continues to conduct research. She co-authored two white papers for Efficiency Vermont on embodied and operational carbon in residential weatherization and was the lead author of “The Climate Impact of Retrofits: Embodied and Operational Emissions in Weatherization” for the ACEEE 2022 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Her leadership was instrumental with the 2015-2019 NNE Committee on The Environment Leadership Summits and in successfully amending the National AIA Code of Ethics to include sustainability. Megan was a member of the Wood Science faculty at West Virginia University and continues to teach at various conferences and Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield.
Megan’s passion for science, adventure, and experimentation feed her curiosity while out exploring rivers and mountains, on the homestead in her “culinary laboratory,” and in her research and teaching endeavors.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?
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.
What drives you to want to serve as a NESEA Board Member?
"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."
What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?
"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."
Tammy Ngo
PE, CPHC, WELL AP, LEED GA,
Energy Designer
BR+A Consulting Engineers
BR+A Consulting Engineers
Tammy Ngo is an Energy Designer at BR+A and she is a P.E., CPHC (Phius), WELL AP, and LEED GA. She has experience in energy modeling, sustainable design, and supporting compliance with standards for existing and new construction projects. She served on the Content Committee for the 2023 and 2024 BuildingEnergy Boston conferences and is a leadership committee member for the Emerging Professionals and Women in Green Community at Built Environment Plus.
She earned her Master’s in Sustainable Building Systems while working for Northeastern University’s Department of Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities (PREF) and assisting with research projects. Her studies included the impacts of the MA Building Energy Code on PREF, equity, diversity, sustainability in design and construction, and the life cycle assessment of building acoustic materials. She presented her diversity study at the 2024 SCUP Annual Conference.
Before her M.S., she was a mechanical engineer working on HVAC designs, and she holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from UCLA.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?
I joined the NESEA community as a mentee in NESEA’s 2022 Pilot Program: Energy Leaders Fellowship. The knowledge and experience I gained from NESEA and my mentors inspired me to give back. I volunteered for the 2023 and 2024 Content Committees and plan to continue my involvement. During my time on the 2023 Content Committee, I interned at BR+A and had the honor of connecting the keynote speaker to the 2023 Conference. I also volunteered for the Editorial Committee for Volume 42 - Winter 2024 and intend to stay involved. As the past president of the Northeastern University Sustainable Building Organization (NUSBO), I embraced NUSBO and the NESEA connection by inviting NESEA professionals to present to NUSBO students and encouraging NUSBO members to attend BuildingEnergy Boston.
What drives you to want to serve as a NESEA Board Member?
The 2022 Pilot Program: Energy Leaders Fellowship introduced me to NESEA’s expert and engaging community that champions climate justice and equity in the built environment while supporting emerging professionals. This program allowed me to attend significant conferences like BuildingEnergy Boston for the first time as a student. Since then, every NESEA event, meeting, and conference has provided me with invaluable knowledge, networks, and experience. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this community, to learn and grow with NESEA. I want to serve on the Board to give back to NESEA community and to contribute to NESEA’s legacy in the built environment, while paying it forward to help more emerging professionals access great communities and resources like NESEA.
What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?
I admire NESEA’s efforts to support emerging professionals, foster inter-generational connections, and cultivate a cross-disciplinary community while advancing climate justice and equity. My active involvement with industry organizations positions me to help NESEA expand the emerging professional program and strengthen intergenerational connections within the community: As a recent graduate, I am connected to the student network through NUSBO and the New England Future City Competition; as an emerging professional, I am actively involved with communities such as Built Environment Plus (BE+)'s Women in Green and Emerging Professionals (EPMA), and Young Professionals in Energy (YPE). I have experience in connecting different communities, for example a joint event between BE+ EPMA and YPE. My background in mechanical engineering and experience in sustainability align with NESEA’s mission to foster a cross-disciplinary community, and I plan to use this experience to support NESEA in further developing this aspect.
Arnold Sapenter
Incumbent
LEED Green Associate, MBA
Founder/Principal
Arnold Sapenter Consulting
LEED Green Associate, MBA
Arnold Sapenter Consulting
Arnold Sapenter is a highly energetic consultant with over 30 years of professional experience in cultural diversity, environmental planning and sustainability, as well as, organization training, project development and management. He is an adept communicator and analytical thinker with proven ability to develop and lead cross-functional teams. An expert presenter, negotiator, and facilitator he is able to forge solid relationships between government and community partners and across multiple organizations.
Arnold serves as a board member and volunteer for a number of non-profit organizations including the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, the Fenway Health Center, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators Boston Chapter and the Shirley Eustis House in Roxbury. After retiring from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Director of Sustainability and previously serving as the Director of Diversity and Program Monitoring; Arnold decided to use his program development, project management, training skills and experience to assist business, and non-profit organizations in achieving their missions and strategic goals related to cultural diversity and sustainability.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?
I have been engaged with the NESEA Community as a member and supporter of the organization for more than 15 years. I have attended the Building Energy Boston Conference for more that ten years and I have served on the Board of Directors for NESEA for 2 years. As a Board member I currently chair the Development Committee and serve on the Nominating Committee for NESEA. I am pleased and excited by the opportunity to make a positive difference in the organization and assist in leading the organization.
What drives you to want to serve as a NESEA Board Member?
I am driven by the desire to provide leadership wtthin NESEA as it seeks to create a more sustainable and resilient future for New England and the Northeastern states. I am also motivated by the desire to increase the cultural diverstiy of the environmental sustainabilitiy and green building movement and organizations in the Northeast as well as nationally.
What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?
I am inspired by the desire to support the education and advocacy work of NESEA through service on the Board as a member of the Nominating Committee. I am also motivated to assist in raising private and public funds for the organization as Chair of the Develpment Committee. Currently I am involved with planning and development of a Planned Giving Campaign for NESEA that will make a substantial contribution to the future of NESEA and its long term growth and survival.
Ashley Wisse
Phius CPHC, LEED AP, CEM
Director of Green Building Services
New Ecology
New Ecology
Ashley currently works at New Ecology, Inc., where she manages high-performance design, construction, and renovation of multi-family affordable housing throughout the Northeast and oversees a team of Project Managers and Energy Raters. Ashley is in her twelfth year at NEI, and fourteenth year in the industry, providing projects with technical assistance to meet and exceed certification criteria for applicable building programs including Passive House (Phius), all LEED rating systems, Enterprise Green Communities, Energy Star, Indoor Air Plus, and Zero Energy Ready Homes. She is a LEED AP in the following rating systems: Building Design and Construction, Homes, Neighborhood Development, and Interior Design and Construction as well as a certified Provider Quality Assurance Designee (QAD) for the LEED for Homes/Midrise rating system. She is also a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), and Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB). She prioritizes the research of new technologies and equipment to improve the intersection of building construction and ongoing sustainability. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.
How long have you been engaged with the NESEA community and how?
I have been a member consistently for 12 years & have attended a conference nearly every year. I have also attended numerous Pro Tours and served as a presentation coordinator at the Boston conference. I was a finalist to present at the 2024 NESEA NYC conference with a presentation titled “A Case Study of the First Net Zero Carbon Affordable Multifamily Retrofit in New York”. I planned to discuss the design, construction, and occupancy for a 75-unit, net zero carbon, affordable housing redevelopment located in Rome, NY- a recipient of the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Award. The presentation was rejected due to a disconnect between the methodology of projects in NYC and the rest of the state of NY. As a result of this experience, I would love to help expand NESEA’s influence throughout NY. It is so important to develop sustainable, healthy, and resilient buildings throughout the Northeast.
What drives you to want to serve as a NESEA Board Member?
The NESEA community has provided a professional home since the start of my career. As a board member, I would contribute to and serve professionals within the built environment. No matter what NESEA-sponsored event I attend, I know that I will see a colleague or friend that I am excited to catch up with both personally and professionally. The resources and information NESEA provides are invaluable to all professionals working within this industry. My current position at NEI and my remote location in Upstate New York have placed me in a unique position to bridge the gap(s) between urban, suburban, and rural design and construction of sustainable and resilient buildings. My consistent travel and network connections within rural towns throughout the Northeast as well as my significant experience with projects in both Boston and NYC, allow me to tailor my knowledge to numerous markets, project types, and professional environments.
What aspect of NESEA's work do you find the most compelling? How can you support that work as a Board Member?
I am most interested in NESEA's work to educate young industry professionals and in turn, to grow the sustainable building industry. Even 12 years into working within this industry, I continue to learn every day- from the things that went wrong and the things that went right- and, I am eager to use this platform to share that knowledge and to learn from others. My career thus far has provided me with numerous varying positions and experience opportunities. I have taught college students and explained sustainability to elementary school kids; I have coordinated a multifamily building’s mechanical design and tested low-flow water-use fixtures in my home. I am excited and motivated to help NESEA expand into upstate New York and educate eager professionals throughout the Northeast as we continue to be a leader in innovation and energy efficiency.
Our Mission
NESEA advances sustainability practices in the built environment by cultivating a cross-disciplinary community where practitioners are encouraged to share, collaborate and learn.