This is your opportunity to hear from senior officials from the U.S. Department of Energy working to build a clean energy economy that benefits all Mainers. Learn about the latest federal programs available to your businesses, homes, and facilities and how to access key energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation assistance and investment. There will be plenty of time to ask questions in this unique session with high-level experts on top energy issues.
Cost: FREE for CWM Members, $25.00 for non-members
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Experts from US Dept of Energy
Spencer Thibodeau, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Spencer Thibodeau is an attorney and public servant, practicing law in the real estate practice group of the Portland, Maine based law firm of Verrill Dana, LLP for eight years.
In addition to his legal practice, Spencer served as a Portland, Maine City Councilor for nearly six years, where he chaired the Housing And Economic Development Committee (2021) and Sustainability and Transportation Committee (2017-2020). In the summer of 2020, Spencer was selected to be the Maine Senior Advisor to the Biden-Harris Presidential campaign. Spencer has served on a number of boards and committees, including the United Way of Greater Portland and the Equity Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council. Spencer also served as a member of Maine Governor Janet T. Mills' transition team in 2019.
Spencer is a proud graduate of Fairfield University and Northeastern University School of Law and when Spencer is not in the office, he can be found running, enjoying the Maine outdoors, or visiting one of Portland, Maine's many restaurants.
Dr. Zack Valdez, Chief of Staff, Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains
Prior to joining the Manufacturing Energy Supply Chain Office as Chief of Staff, Zack Valdez developed strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion, and future workforce policy at the Office of Advanced Manufacturing within the National Institutes of Standards and Technology. Dr. Valdez has extensive experience with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math outreach and engagement with national non-profits. He is also an alumni of the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, where he served on the Energy and National Resources Committee of the U.S. Senate. Zack received his academic degrees in his native state of Texas with a Ph.D. from Baylor University and Engineering and Physics B.S. degrees from St. Mary’s University.
Rebecca Isacowitz, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Rebecca Isacowitz is the Deputy Chief of Staff for DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). She comes with over a decade of private sector, nonprofit, and government experience in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sector. She previously served as Deputy Secretary for Energy & Environment with the Executive Chamber for the State of New York, where she supported the tactical development and operationalization of the State’s 14 energy and environmental agencies, and advanced Corporate Strategy initiates with the New York Power Authority in a directorship role. Rebecca also served in various government roles for the City of New York, most recently as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ Division of Energy Management. In that role she created and executed crosscutting projects to meet citywide goals on greenhouse gas emissions across 80+ city agency partners in 250M+ sq. ft. While with the City Parks Department she wrote and implemented energy, climate, resiliency, and emergency action plans for vulnerable areas across New York City, post Superstorm Sandy. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish from Lehigh University.