REV2024: A Wholistic Approach to Addressing the “Interconnection Crisis”
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 – 3:15-4:15 p.m.
The session will focus on the convergence of five key pillars: innovation, workforce development/DEIJ, municipal leadership, policy, and ecosystem (network development). Experts from the private sector, public sector and NGOs will address the challenges and opportunities facing Vermont, and how its situation fits within the “energy ecosystem” of the Northeast in the transition to a clean energy future, including the “interconnection crisis,” land use concerns, and the need for collaboration among policymakers, regulators, utilities, and communities.
Moderator: Natasha Perez, VP for Strategic Communications, NECEC
Natasha Perez is the Vice President of Strategic Communications at ACT. She brings extensive experience to ACT from years of instrumental consultancy work spanning nonprofit programs, government organizations, and corporate entities. Before joining ACT full-time, Natasha served in pivotal roles, including Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Senate and President of Alta Management Consulting.
Sponsored by NECEC
Speakers
Barry Reeves VP for DEIJ & Workforce Development NECEC
Barry Reaves is the Vice President of DEIJ/Workforce Development and Environmental Justice at the Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC). In this role, he provides leadership and strategic guidance to further NECEC's mission of promoting a just, equitable, and efficient transition to a clean energy future and a diverse climate economy in New England and New York. Barry’s background includes graduation from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, where he received training in Diversity and Inclusion, Equal Opportunity, and Equal Employment Opportunity. With 18 years of service in the U.S. Army, Barry deeply understands diverse leadership development, diversity and inclusion programming, analytics, and effectiveness. He is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) and an Executive Certified Diversity Coach (ECDC).
Jeff Marks Executive Director, Climate Works Maine
Jeff Marks has worked for more than 25 years at the intersection of business, government, and the economy. He founded ClimateWork Maine in 2022 and is its first Executive Director. CWM serves as a support network for businesses that are taking action on climate change, to meet its challenges and to seize the opportunities it presents to build a more sustainable economy for the future. Jeff has worked in senior positions with private, public, and nonprofit entities, including developing climate policy for a Fortune 50 company at the cutting edge of the aerospace, buildings, and energy industries.
Sarah Cullinan Senior Director, Net Zero Grid Program, MA Clean Energy Center
Sarah Cullinan is the Senior Program Director for the Net Zero Grid program at MassCEC and sits on the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC). Sarah has 10 years of experience in climate change and decarbonization, particularly how it relates to the electric system, including 4 years at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in economics and environmental studies from HolyCross, and an MBA and master’s in Natural Resource Economics from Yale.