Smart Energy Voices

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Creshona Armwood, Jordan Calverley, Monica Ferrer, and Kourtney Nelson from a panel at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit conducted in concert with the inaugural Women in Smart Energy awards program. The panel was moderated by Smart Energy Decisions’ Director of Editorial and Research, Debra Chanil. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Women in Smart Energy award winners [03:04] Working in a male-dominated industry [09:10] The role of mentorship [16:06] Facing bias in the workplace [23:26] Making the room comfortable for everyone [30:35] Asking for help is more than okay [33:58] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the GameConnect with Creshona ArmwoodOn LinkedInConnect with Jordan CalverleyOn LinkedInConnect with Monica FerrerOn LinkedInConnect with Kourtney NelsonOn LinkedInConnect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Gary Glasscock and Ryan Martin from Smart Energy Decision’s recent Innovation Summit. Gary is the Director of Fleet Management for the City of Houston. Ryan is the Interim President and Managing Partner at Evolve Houston. This panel conversation, moderated by SED’s Director of Research and Content Debra Chanil, highlights the innovative public-private partnership between the City of Houston and Evolve Houston.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Houston’s Climate Action Plan [05:20] Public-private partnership [08:14] The fleet study program [09:46] EVolve Houston’s role as a facilitator [15:34] Gary’s experience in San Antonio [20:10] Click here for detailed show notes. Resources & People Mentioned Green Houston EVolve Houston eIQ Mobility Houston Auto Show EVOLVE | RISE Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator Connect with Ryan MartinOn LinkedInRyan Martin is the Interim President and Managing Partner at Evolve Houston. Ryan oversees program strategy, partnership development, fundraising, governance, legal, and management activities to further advance EV adoption within the Greater Houston area.Ryan is a member of the Board of Directors for Houston First Corporation, where he co-chairs the Procurement Committee and drives strategic board initiatives. Ryan is also a Board Member and Corporate Secretary of Legacy Community Health, and a Board Member of Houston Botanic Garden, Whitman Controls, and LDR Leadership.Ryan is a graduate of Harvard Law School, Louisiana State University Honors College and the Beijing Language and Culture University. Ryan is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and a licensed attorney in the State of Texas. He is a member of the Houston Committee of Foreign Relations and an interviewer for Harvard University.Ryan resides in Houston with his wife and daughter, Elizabeth and Sasha.Connect with Gary GlasscockOn LinkedInConnect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Susan Corry of the University of Maryland College Park, David Reid of Celanese, and Peter Kelly-Detwiler of Smart Energy Decisions from a panel at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit. These three leaders discuss decarbonizing thermal loads and how different types of organizations are facing this challenge.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Hard-to-Abate emissions [02:09] Susan Corry’s role at the University of Maryland [06:31] David Reid’s role at Celanese [09:22] Investigating new technologies [12:28] Resources needed to move forward [15:00] Enthusiasm and next steps [20:40] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Celanese Corporation University of Maryland Energy storage recharges the transition I Siemens Gamesa A highly efficient microalgae-based carbon sequestration system to reduce CO2 emission from power plant flue gases Connect with Susan CorrySusan Corry is the Director of Engineering and Energy at the University of Maryland College Park and has spent her career in the energy industry. Susan received her mechanical engineering degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is a Certified Energy Manager, Certified Demand Side Manager, and Certified Existing Building Commissioning Professional. She began her career in the energy sector, working on energy and demand-side management programs with public utilities. She then moved into higher education, working for George Mason University, leading the development of long-term conservation plans to meet energy and carbon reduction goals. Susan moved on to the University of Maryland, where she is responsible for energy procurement, energy and carbon reduction plans, renewable energy strategies, building design standards, building performance, and management of the campus power plant. Susan leads the energy committee comprised of the University System of Maryland institutions and the Maryland Department of General Services, representing all other State agencies in energy-related matters. She has served on the advisory boards of the Maryland Clean Energy Center and Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund and was past chair of DOE’s Better Buildings Alliance Higher Education Steering Committee.Connect with David ReidOn LinkedInConnect with Peter Kelly-DetwilerOn LinkedInConnect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Scott Bargerstock of Mohawk Industries, the opening keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit. As Director of Manufacturing, Productivity, and Global Energy, Scott shares his insights on how he is building the green bridge with Mohawk Industries’ efforts to decarbonize and save money without a formal net-zero goal.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Building the green bridge [01:55] Scott’s work at Mohawk [03:35] Managing ESG expectations [05:03] Making the best of high natural gas prices [08:16] Surprising benefits of infrared [10:26] Innovation is what moved the industry [18:08] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People MentionedEnvironmental, Social & Governance | Mohawk Industries, Inc.Connect with Scott BargerstockOn LinkedInWith a widely diverse industrial manufacturing background as a senior engineer or manager, followed by almost 20 years in facility/maintenance management roles with several firms, Scott has served as managing lead engineer for new technology and capital projects in addition to successfully implementing his certified lean practitioner training at multiple firms. Industries include naval shipyard work, heavy fabrication, machining, heat treating, foundry, melting, printing, and publishing also spent several years at a nuclear power plant site followed by the direction of a profit center for two companies supplying nationwide technical services serving the nuclear power industry. This experience preceded almost twenty years of maintenance and facility management experience. Scott earned his BS in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, holding a PE for Metallurgical Engineering within the state of Tennessee.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode of Smart Energy Voices features a keynote conversation host John Failla had with Rob Threlkeld, Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability at General Motors. In Episode 25, they talked about the future of General Motors, EVs, and Renewables. Listen in for this update on the dramatic changes at GM since their last conversation, including GM’s commitment to an electric future and how energy is driving the reinvention of the company.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Rob’s current role at GM [02:45] Transformations in GM [06:10] Becoming more dynamic as a company [08:21] Culture shifts in GM [09:52] What is BrightDrop? [12:18] GM’s RE100 goal [16:07] Technologies on the horizon [20:40] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Smart Energy Voices- Episode 25 Mary Barra - Chair and Chief Executive Officer - General Motors | LinkedIn General Motors Keynote | CES 2022 Wabtec and GM to Develop Advanced Ultium Battery and HYDROTEC Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Rail Industry Anthony Davis - Manager, North America Portfolio Planning | LinkedIn BrightDrop: All-Electric Delivery System | General Motors Brian Janous - Board Member - Western Washington University | LinkedIn Our Renewable Energy Journey | General Motors Connect with Rob ThrelkeldOn LinkedInRob Threlkeld is the global manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability for General Motors, leading the company’s energy procurement efforts, including the commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Threlkeld is responsible for leading the team that supports GM energy procurement and regulatory efforts. These efforts include negotiating power purchase agreements, natural gas, green tariffs, and engineering onsite renewable solutions for GM facilities across the globe, including opportunities associated with battery storage, behind-the-meter applications, and EV integration. As part of GM’s Sustainable Workplaces team, Threlkeld shares best practices for renewable energy procurement with internal and external audiences, offering solutions for large and small businesses alike to benefit from the use of renewables. Threlkeld is a board member of the Renewable Energy Buyer’s Association (REBA), involved in the American Wind Energy Association and Solar Energy Industries Association, two energy groups advancing the use of these renewable forms of energy. He also serves as an industry advisor to the School of Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers, the Engineering Society of Detroit, and the Solar Power International Education Council. This year, Energy Manager Today recognized Threlkeld as one of 50 top energy managers for driving GM and the energy management industry forward. Threlkeld began his career at GM in 2000 as manager of the powerhouse and wastewater treatment plant operations at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio Assembly Complex. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is a registered Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Energy Manager, and Business Energy Professional.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces a keynote speaker from the recent Renewable Energy Forum. As Mary Curtiss transitions from her role as HP's Global Energy Head of Energy and Sustainability to a new role at the company, she reflects on key lessons learned during her tenure as a senior leader in the field, as well as more than 20 years of related industry experience. Listen in to hear more about Mary’s amazing career and her work at HP.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Mary’s motivation [03:19] Measuring climate success [08:22] Strategy for 2025 goals [11:42] Lessons from smaller projects [16:44] Something about Mary [19:27] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned COP26 Save Our Shores HP Inc. Announces Closing of Its Inaugural $1 Billion Sustainability Notes Offering ENGIE Connect with Mary CurtissOn LinkedIn Mary Curtiss has more than 20 years of experience in the construction and sustainability industry. She is now Director of Sustainability for HP Personal Systems Services. In her previous role as HP’s Global Head of Energy and Sustainability, she was responsible for developing and driving the strategy for all matters related to renewable energy, sustainability, and energy efficiency in the global portfolio. She has also been involved in a number of industry-leading forums in the San Francisco Bay Area to drive improved efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Before HP, Mary was the National Director for Enterprise Efficiency at Siemens, where she worked with clients on energy program solutions. Mary also spent time at JLL, where she led business development and program execution for their Sustainability business and managed a team of 30 Energy and Sustainability professionals to optimize corporate portfolios. During her time there, she also helped establish JLL’s Women’s Network.Mary received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Santa Clara University. She is also on the Board of Directors for Save our Shores with a mission to protect the marine habitats of Monterey Bay.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla has a conversation with Neha Palmer, CEO of EV charging infrastructure developer at TeraWatt Infrastructure. Many also know her as the former Head of Energy Strategy at Google. Neha recently wrote an article for Wired titled “Electric Vehicle Charging is the Next Billion-Dollar Market.” She spoke about the potential and challenges of the transition to vehicle fleet electrification. At Google, Neha drove a large part of the adoption of renewables, so you won’t want to miss out on her insight into this critical topic.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Neha’s background and current role [02:16] Opportunities for EVs [06:56] The gap between availability and charging [11:26] Integrated systems as a resource for the grid [18:15] Preparing the energy sector [22:11] The role of utilities in electrification [29:53] Accomplishments at Google [33:28] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Electric Vehicle Charging is the Next Billion-Dollar Market | WIRED  TeraWatt Infrastructure Anaheim Resort Transportation Connect with Neha PalmerOn LinkedIn Neha Palmer is the CEO and co-founder of Terawatt Infrastructure, a company that’s focused on scaling commercial EV charging infrastructure across the U.S. Neha previously served as the Head of Energy Strategy at Google, where she led the development of electric infrastructure and electricity procurement for the global data center fleet, helping to make Google the first company of its size to achieve 100% renewable energy for operations. Previously, Neha held leadership roles at Pacific Gas and Electric and worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. Neha holds an MBA in Finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode of Smart Energy Voices presents the keynote speaker from the recent Renewable Energy Forum, Brian Janous - General Manager of Energy at Microsoft. As one of the world’s preeminent leaders in the energy transition, Microsoft is constantly innovating. Listen in as Brian provides a glimpse into the mindset and culture at Microsoft that has enabled its unique approach to innovation, including efforts to drive collaboration between peers, suppliers, and customers to enable broader adoption of renewable energy.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Microsoft’s climate commitments [02:09] Starting sooner rather than later [04:32] It’s about sustainability [07:50] Giving back to the community [12:30] Sustainability as a non-negotiable [15:54] Sharing knowledge for the future [18:25] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Microsoft will be carbon negative by 2030 About the Henry Hub Connect with Brian JanousOn LinkedInBrian is responsible for leading the development and execution of Microsoft’s global data center energy strategy. These data centers provide the foundational cloud infrastructure for Microsoft’s online and cloud services for consumers and businesses worldwide. His responsibilities include oversight of energy policy, procurement, renewable energy, distributed generation, and overall environmental impact to ensure that Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure is reliable and sustainable. Microsoft plays a critical role in the energy industry, both as a large consumer and as a provider of foundational cloud services that support grid resilience and decarbonization.Brian joined Microsoft in 2011 after 12 years in the energy industry, where he worked as a Sr. Consultant at Brubaker & Associates, assisting Fortune 500 companies with energy procurement, policy and sustainability matters. Brian holds an MBA from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Missouri. Brian has also served on the board of the American Wind Energy Association (now the American Clean Power Association). He presently serves on the board of the Institute for Energy Studies at Western Washington University. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.comAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

This episode is made in partnership with NRG. In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Rob Gaudette, Senior Vice President of NRG Business for a discussion on the increased pressure large power users are experiencing to meet aggressive emission reduction targets. Listen in as they dive into the dynamics of this changing landscape.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Rob’s role at NRG [01:51] NRG Business in 2022 [04:58] Driving the customer experience [10:16] The growing interest in customer choice [15:36] NRG’s response to changing needs [20:58] Customer success in energy [26:52] Rob’s career path [30:41] The influence of Rob’s military background [33:38] What’s to come for the the energy industry [43:29] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Energy Advisory Services NRG Products and Services Rob’s Blog on Looking Ahead Connect with Rob GaudetteOn LinkedIn Robert Gaudette is Senior Vice President of NRG Business, where he manages the largest B2B retail gas and power platform and the top three largest provider of demand response in North America – overseeing market leading products and services, including renewable energy acquisition strategy and private load management programs. Leading an organization of energy professionals, Gaudette orchestrates business and corporate marketing, product development, origination, structuring, negotiation, and implementation of energy solutions that are designed to meet the growing needs of business customers of any size. Gaudette and his team provide market expertise and help regional and national. customers manage their energy strategy and manage customer relationships from acquisition through execution and retention. Partnering with customers, Gaudette and his team increase efficiencies, reduce costs and manage risks—creating a more sustainable, resilient, affordable and empowering energy ecosystem for NRG customers. Prior to joining NRG, Gaudette served as Chief Commercial Officer at GenOn Energy. Previous to GenOn, he was Vice President of Mirant's Mid-Atlantic business unit in Washington, D.C. During his career at Mirant, Gaudette worked in various other capacities including Director of West Power, Director of NYMEX Trading, Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer and NYMEX trader. He began his career at Mirant in 2001 as a Trading Analyst. Earlier, Gaudette served four years as an army combat engineer officer in the U.S. Cavalry, including a one-year deployment to Bosnia. Before leaving military service for business school in 1999, he served as the executive officer of a combat engineer company in the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment. Gaudette earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from The College of William and Mary and Master of Business Administration from Rice University. He is a board member of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. Gaudette serves on the Board of Advisors for the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. He is also a board member at St. Agnes Academy and the Children’s Museum of Houston. In addition, Gaudette serves on the regional economic development committee of the Greater Houston Partnership.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla continues SED’s series on “Inspiring Diversity in Energy.” This conversation was part of the recent Distributed Energy Forum with a panel featuring Cheryl Comer, Strategic Account Manager - Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, Gilbert Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO - Volt Energy, and Denis George, Category Manager for Energy - The Kroger Company. You won't want to miss this meaningful conversation on how collaboration can help accelerate success in diversifying the supplier rosters of large electric power users. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Backgrounds and current roles [02:31] Challenges in engaging large customers [06:35] The importance of collaboration [12:53] Volt Energy’s community efforts [16:36] What is DiCE? [18:49] Environmental Justice PPAs [26:46] Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned Solar Energy Industries Association American Association of Blacks in Energy Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance Dice ESG Report - The Kroger Co. Environmental Justice PPA Connect with Gilbert Campbell On LinkedIn Connect with Cheryl D. ComerOn LinkedIn Connect with Denis GeorgeOn LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com