What interested you in working at Clean Energy NH?
We need all hands on deck to transition New Hampshire to clean energy. I’ve long admired Clean Energy NH's practical, collaborative, and optimistic approach and I’m excited to be part of their growing team and network.
What were you up to prior to working at the organization?
Prior to joining CENH, I served 10 years as Energy Program Manager and Programs Director at Vital Communities, where I worked with town staff and energy commissions, clean energy businesses, real estate professionals, program providers, and others to create clean energy solutions at the community scale. I led Solarize and Weatherize campaigns, stakeholder networks (e.g. Corporate Energy Work Group, Green Real Estate Network, Transportation Efficiency Network), and stakeholder trainings. I also served as co-chair of the New Hampshire Local Energy Solutions Workgroup for several years prior to COVID.
Why did you decide to work in the clean energy industry?
I grew up in Rangeley, Maine and have called Northern New England home ever since. In my own community, I am increasingly concerned about the ways climate change is already affecting public health, viability of local farms and businesses, the cost of maintaining roads with more frequent washouts, and the health of our land, forests, and wildlife. I’m increasingly aware that the impacts of climate change are not felt by all of us equally. Some of my most vulnerable neighbors are experiencing the worst impacts of hotter summers, increased flooding and droughts, poor air quality, etc.
Yet while I’m concerned about all this, I’m also a natural optimist, pragmatist, and problem solver. In clean energy, I’ve found a sector where I can make a difference addressing the threat of climate change while spending my days focused on collaborative and innovative solutions.
Describe your position in more detail. Who will you be working with and what will you be doing?
I lead and support a growing team of Energy Circuit Riders, located around the state to help New Hampshire municipalities and small businesses complete clean energy and energy efficiency projects. I help our team and partners learn from one another and collaborate to ensure that New Hampshire’s community-based clean energy transition gains momentum and benefits everyone.
What aspect of your job excites you most? Why?
I’m most excited to help my team and our partners learn from one another. We don’t need every town or business to reinvent the wheel when it comes to practical, cost-effective, clean energy solutions.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Can’t say it any better than John Lennon: “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.”
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Follow my two preschool daughters around and explore their world through their eyes.
A typical weekend for me is…
Baking and craft projects with my girls, perhaps also a walk on one of many beautiful trails maintained by our local Conservation Commissions.
What’s on your bucket list?
Paragliding or hang-gliding.
If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Natalie Portman.
Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.
I graduated from High School in rural Maine with a class of 18 students… the same 18 students I started kindergarten with.
Fun Facts:
Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it?
Tea, with a splash of cold water because I’m too impatient to let it cool down before taking a sip.
Favorite NH Restaurant:
Blue Loon Bakery in New London
Favorite Musician/Band/Music genre:
Favorite Recreational Activity:
Playing trombone in the community band - something I haven’t been able to do since COVID and look forward to getting involved with again.
Favorite Holiday:
Thanksgiving and New Years Day
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