Maine State Climatologist

Dr. Sean Birkel is an Assistant Extension Professor at the University of Maine with a joint appointment to the Climate Change Institute and Cooperative Extension. He is also the Maine State Climatologist, a role in which he provides climate and weather information to Maine stakeholders to facilitate decision-making and planning.

Birkel is currently serving on the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council. His research interests include climate variability and modeling, and he is the developer a widely used data visualization website, ClimateReanalyzer.org.

Manager of Environmental Sustainability, Northern Light Health

Jen is the Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Northern Light Health, a role that builds on her career in regional planning, environmental science, and public administration in Maine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Maine at Farmington, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Maine. Jen is a lifelong Mainer, and lives in Brewer with her two children.

President and CEO, Maine Development Foundation

Yellow’s passion is promoting economic and educational opportunity for all Mainers regardless of geography or background. He became CEO of the Maine Development Foundation in August 2015, where he develops strategic direction, integration, and partnerships across MDF’s mission and programs. The Maine Development Foundation (MDF) is a legislatively-created, non-partisan public-private partnership that drives sustainable, long-term economic growth for Maine. MDF does this through trusted research, leadership, and creative cross-sector partnerships. Yellow has a diverse background in business, public policy, and law. He spent twelve years as an executive with Bangor Savings Bank, overseeing strategic planning, marketing, online banking, community development, and charitable activities. Prior, he was a senior official at the Maine Department of Education and an advisor to Independent Governor Angus King. Yellow was born and raised in rural, central Maine, a product of Maine public schools, and earned undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. He has been an active volunteer in many education and economic development efforts, including the boards of the Maine Community Foundation and Educate Maine. He previously chaired Realize Maine, an ongoing initiative to attract, retain, and support young professionals. Yellow lives in Holden and loves to hike, swim, and ski with his wife and children.

Vice President of Sustainability, Avangrid

Laney Brown is the Vice President of Sustainability at Avangrid where she leads the strategy and coordination supporting Avangrid as a leading sustainable energy company in the US.

She has experience in both regulated and unregulated energy including, most recently, leading the start-up of a new retail renewable energy business as well as leading innovation and strategy for grid modernization. Laney served on the US Department of Energy's Electricity Advisor Committee (EAC) for 5 years. Laney is a graduate of Colby College as well as having an MBA with a focus on the Global Energy Industry from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and the Universidad Pontificas Comillas in Spain.

CEO, Maine Tourism Association

Tony Cameron is the CEO of the Maine Tourism Association. Tony started this role in March of 2020, after serving nearly five years as the Director of Marketing & Communications. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Director of Marketing and Membership Sales for the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He has over 17 years of destination marketing and association management experience. Before his career in tourism, Tony worked for 3 years in the front office for the Portland Sea Dogs. Tony lives in his hometown of Brunswick and is a proud graduate of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine with a degree in Marketing.

Founder, ClimateWork Maine

Alan has been a small business owner, social entrepreneur , author, futurist and convenor for most of his adult life, working on issues ranging from business development to neighborhood renewal, affordable housing, transportation, telecommunications, poverty and the environment.

He is the founder of Envision Maine and it’s successor organization, ClimateWork Maine, and has worked to promote an economy driven by Maine’s innovators, entrepreneurs and doers. He is also the co-founder of GrowSmart Maine, which works to revitalize towns and regions across the state.

Alan is the co-author of two books, Maine’s Next Economy in 2015 and Reinventing Maine Government in 2010. From 2013 to 2018 he wrote a weekly column in the Maine Sunday Telegram and the weekend edition of the Central Maine papers, covering issues ranging from the economy to politics, world affairs, history, music and sports. He was a candidate for Governor in 2018, running as an independent.

Alan is a lifelong Mainer, from a family of mill workers and farmers, who grew up in Waterville, Maine. He is both a high school dropout and the holder of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University,

Meteorologist, News Center Maine

Keith Carson is the evening meteorologist at News Center Maine, commonly known as WCSH. He has a Bachelors in Meteorology with over 15 years of experience in operational meteorology, broadcast meteorology and Climate Change education.

Northeast US Regional Director, Ramboll

With a focus on energy, environmental, and business consulting, Mr. Clauson has broad and diversified experience in the private and public sectors with a passion for driving client success via strategic and executional excellence. Henry is proficient in managing projects and people, client advocacy, interpreting technical documentation, operational management, and strategic business consulting, including public speaking and presentations. He has performed significant professional activities throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, China, and Africa. Henry is a licensed geoscientist in multiple US and EU jurisdictions with key expertise in marine geophysical acquisition, along with development and assessment experience supporting the Offshore Wind industry. Henry serves as the Northeast US Regional Director at Ramboll, an 18,000-person international architecture, engineering, and consultancy company, delivering expertise and sustainable solutions to clients and partners. Henry lives in Maine and works out of Ramboll’s Portland office.

Editor, The Maine Monitor

Kate is the editor of The Maine Monitor and an eighth generation Mainer who was born in Portland and has now decamped downeast. She previously worked for The Ellsworth American and is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She lives on Mount Desert Island with her family.

Corporate Sustainability Director, Unum

Lydia Covert drives strategies for long-term environmental, social, and governance issues. Her passion lies in helping companies understand that sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand. In her time with Unum, she has led cross-disciplinary teams in completing the first materiality assessment for the company, increasing sustainability disclosures through more comprehensive ESG reporting, and developing strategic sustainability frameworks.  Prior to Unum, Lydia worked on sustainability topics within the food retail sector, including seafood supply chains, internal reporting processes, target-setting and database management, internal and external stakeholder engagement, and the issuance of a sustainability bond. 

Deputy Director, Maine Governor’s Energy Office

Celina Cunningham is the Deputy Director of the Maine Governor’s Energy Office, the designated state energy office, which is tasked with a wide range of activities relating to state energy policies, planning, and development. Prior to this position, she worked on energy and climate issues in the public and private sectors, including at the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S Department of the Interior, and as staff at the U.S. House of Representatives.

Founder, Empowering Work Advisors

Libby DeLucia-Harting founded Empowering Work Advisors (EWA), which advises funders, energy companies, and government entities on workforce development for the clean energy industry. Creating solutions for today’s large-scale and urgent workforce challenges requires bringing together multiple sectors: workforce development, clean energy, finance and philanthropy. Libby has a unique combination of expertise and relationships in each of these sectors and leverages them to quickly solve problems and build partnerships to meet the workforce needs of the green economy.

Executive Director, Maine Renewable Energy Association

Eliza Donoghue, Esq. is the Executive Director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association. MREA is a not-for-profit association of renewable energy producers, suppliers of goods and services to those producers, and other supporters of the industry. MREA represents the renewable energy industry at the State Legislature and before the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Eliza is a graduate of the University of Montana and Vermont Law School.

Executive Director, Maine Labor Climate Council

Francis Eanes is the executive director of Maine Labor Climate Council, a coalition of labor unions working to tackle the climate crisis at the speed and scale it requires while ensuring that climate solutions lift up working people and their communities. In his work Francis builds coalitions within the labor movement and with allied climate and environmental organizations to advance ambitious clean energy policy and workforce development. Prior to this position, Francis taught in the environmental studies program at Bates College where he was active in higher education labor organizing.

Executive Director, GPCOG

Kristina Egan has been the executive director of GPCOG since 2016, where she provides strategic leadership for regional initiatives spanning climate action, energy, housing, public policy, smart growth, and transportation across 30 cities and towns. Prior to her role at GPCOG, Egan held key positions such as the Director of Transportation for Massachusetts and oversaw the South Coast Rail project, a significant passenger rail extension. With a Master's degree in international economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University, Egan combines academic expertise with practical experience to drive collaborative and sustainable prosperity for communities she serves.

Economic Development Director, Maine Connectivity Authority

Tanya Emery serves as the Economic Development Director for the Maine Connectivity Authority. She serves as MCA’s lead for economic and workforce development initiatives, and played a significant role in the state’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) planning work. Tanya is a Maine native who graduated from Trinity College (CT) with a degree in Political Science with honors and was a President’s Fellow. In the early part of her career, Tanya worked across the US for a start up in the telecom industry. After returning to Maine, she transitioned to work in economic development, where she spent more than 20 years as a local and regional development leader prior to joining MCA in October 2022.

President, Versant Power

John Flynn has served Versant Power as President since 2020. With more than 400 employees and 10,400 square miles of service territory, Versant Power delivers essential electricity services to over 165,000 customers across northern and eastern Maine. John has more than 30 years of utility industry experience in New England and throughout the United States. Before joining Versant Power, John led the Strategy & Public Affairs team for Vermont Electric Co. and held previous roles as Global Head of Strategy & Development and Senior Vice President of Strategy & Development with National Grid, as well as leadership positions within American Transmission Company and American Electric Power. Originally from Connecticut, John graduated from Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and received further executive education from the University of Michigan School of Business and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School.

Commissioner, Maine Public Utilities Commission

Carolyn (Carrie) Gilbert was appointed to the Maine Public Utilities Commission in May 2023 by Governor Janet Mills. Prior to her appointment, she was a Managing Consultant at Daymark Energy Advisors for almost 16 years. At Daymark, she worked closely with policymakers, regulators, renewable energy developers, and large C&I customers engaged in renewable energy markets and provided strategic and technical advice to clients pursuing decarbonization. She began her career as a consulting environmental engineer for municipal water and wastewater utilities. Gilbert holds a Master of Business Administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. She completed her undergraduate work at Dartmouth College and holds bachelor's degrees in Engineering and Environmental Earth Sciences.

Project Manager and Vice President, Haley Ward

Jacalyn has extensive experience in environmental consulting and coastal processes including permitting and compliance, environmental assessments, remediation, and coastal zone management and study. She has assisted residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial clients with their geoenvironmental needs and maintains working relationships with state and national regulatory agencies.

President & CEO, Avesta

Rebecca Hatfield joined Avesta Housing in 2015 and rapidly moved up the ranks of the organization, overseeing real estate development, construction services, property management, and resident services. She was named president and CEO of Avesta in 2022. In her current role, Rebecca leads Avesta’s 300-plus staff members and oversees a portfolio of over 100 properties and 3,100 apartments to provide safe, quality, affordable homes and support services to more than 4,500 people every day.

Co-Founder, Maine Beer Company

Daniel Kleban co-founded Maine Beer Company in 2009 with his brother, David. The brothers were determined to create a company purposed with doing good through great beer. As a leader in social and environmental giving, Maine Beer Company’s motto “Do what’s right” is at the forefront of every decision made.

Since its founding, Maine Beer Company has been a partner of 1% for the Planet and donates 1% of its gross annual sales to environmental nonprofits. Maine Beer Company demonstrates that the bottom line and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive ideals–they can be, and have proven to be, self-reinforcing.

Daniel serves on The Maine Climate Council as Small Business Representative and is Past Chair of the Brewers Association.

Senior Vice President, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Bangor Savings Bank

Sandra leads several new and developing strategies at Bangor Savings Bank, including Financial Wellness, Strategy Management, and Conscious Business. Across all the areas of oversight, Sandra brings expertise in corporate culture and organizational development to drive change and business outcomes. Prior to her current role, she lead the development of the Bank's Customer Experience department. Sandra has been in the financial services industry for nearly 15 years and currently lives in Ellsworth with her family.

Owner, Benchmark Realty

Tom Landry stands as a prominent figure in the dynamic real estate landscape of Southern Maine, celebrated for his achievements as a highly successful realtor, developer, and business owner. Serving as the Broker/Owner of Benchmark Residential & Investment Real Estate and CornerStone Building and Restoration, Tom has cultivated an outstanding reputation for his expertise across various facets of real estate.

Boasting over two decades of hands-on experience in many diverse roles, Tom Landry brings a distinctive set of skills to each project he undertakes. Notably, his recent triumph includes the highly successful sustainably-focused development known as the Solaris Project in Portland, Maine, which has further solidified his status as an influential player in the real estate development arena.

Tom's unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in his impressive track record, having held the esteemed title of Portland's #1 Listing/Selling Realtor® for over two decades running. His adeptness in next-level marketing and dedication to unparalleled customer service, coupled with the commitment of his team, guarantees that every client receives superior service and optimal results.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom Landry is deeply invested in the well-being of the Greater Portland community. Since embarking on his real estate career in 2003, he has actively contributed to non-profit boards and channels 10% of net profits towards local charities through sponsorships and the organization of charitable events like Four A Cause and the Portland Kids Duathlon.

A proud native of Maine, Tom, alongside his wife Amy and daughter Madelyn, calls a meticulously restored Victorian home near Portland's Back Cove their residence. While Tom excels in the real estate realm, he and Amy share a passion for running, triathlons, and exploring diverse culinary experiences, both locally and globally.

Tom Landry holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in business from the University of Southern Maine. He furthered his education at the University of Southern Maine's Foster's and Arthur Gary School of Real Estate and maintains active membership in both the Maine and National Association of Realtors.

Environmental Sustainability Manager, Allagash Brewing Company

Zoe plays a key role in developing and expanding the brewery's sustainability initiatives. In the newly created role of Sustainability Manager, Zoe has spearheaded training programs for staff, B Corp recertification, and Allagash’s first major carbon accounting project. Originally from Portland, Zoe holds a B.S. in biology and chemistry from Manhattan College. Before joining the craft beer industry, she demonstrated her dedication to sustainability as an environmental educator in New York City. Her blend of academic knowledge and industry experience drives meaningful contributions to Allagash's sustainable practices.

Executive Director, ClimateWork Maine

Jeff has worked for twenty years at the intersection of business, government, and the economy.

He currently serves as ClimateWork Maine’s first Executive Director. He was previously Maine Director and Senior Policy Advocate at Acadia Center, where he works on climate change and energy issues. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of E2Tech (the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine).

In 2010 – 2012, he served as the Deputy Director of the Governor's Energy Office. Prior to that, he worked at United Technologies as the Director of Energy and EHS Policy, and as the manager of Government Relations. From 2000 to 2004, Jeff was the Director of Environmental and Air Quality at the National Association of Manufacturers.

Chief Health Improvement Officer, MaineHealth

Dr. Dora Anne Mills is a public health and primary care physician who grew up in Farmington, directed the Maine CDC for almost 15 years, and who has served as the chief health improvement officer for MaineHealth since 2018. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, swimming, and sailing among the mountains and lakes of western Maine.

President and CEO, Great Plains Institute

Rolf joined the Great Plains Institute in 2003 and is president and chief executive officer. He has more than 30 years of experience in energy and sustainable development policy and practice in both governmental and nonprofit settings. For much of his career, Rolf has worked to broker agreement among disparate interests on difficult public policy issues.

Rolf was appointed by US Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz in 2016 to the department’s Electricity Advisory Committee, where he served for a two-year term. Rolf has written or helped craft new laws on high-performance buildings, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, resource efficient land use, and sustainable development. He was a contributing author to the third National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive report required by Congress on climate change impacts in the US. Rolf has authored and edited many publications on energy, transportation, and sustainable development and speaks to a wide range of audiences both nationally and abroad.

Prior to joining GPI, Rolf served for a decade with the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board and Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning. For seven of those years, he served as assistant director of then-Governor Arne Carlson’s Sustainable Development Initiative, working to harmonize the state’s economic and environmental policies. Rolf has also held positions with the United States Congress, World Wildlife Fund International (Brussels, Belgium), National Wildlife Federation’s Corporate Conservation Council (Washington, DC), and the Global Environment Program at New York University’s Stern School of Business Rolf serves on the energy strategy working group for the MN Sustainable Growth Coalition, a group of more than 30 leading companies dedicated to ushering in a “circular economy.” He also serves on the advisory committee for the Energy Systems Integration Group, an industry association that takes a total system view of current energy systems to leverage the combined and synergistic strengths across electricity, thermal, and transportation systems.

Rolf holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Carleton College and a master’s degree in international environmental policy from Tufts University.

Director, The Climate Center, Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Dr. Dave Reidmiller is the Director of the Climate Center at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute where he leads a team of interdisciplinary experts delivering climate services to coastal and marine stakeholders. Prior to joining GMRI in 2020, Dave served in a variety of senior climate science policy positions with the federal government, including as Director of the Fourth National Climate Assessment out of the White House and as Chief Climate Scientist at the State Department, where he led U.S. science & technology negotiations for the Paris Agreement. Dr. Reidmiller holds a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington and a BA in Chemistry from Colgate University.

Clean Energy Partnership Program Manager, State of Maine Governor’s Energy Office

Tagwongo Obomsawin is the Clean Energy Partnership Program Manager for the State of Maine Governor's Energy Office. In this role, she administers programs that support clean energy workforce development and innovation to advance Maine’s clean energy, climate, economic development, and workforce goals – including Governor Janet Mills' goal of more than doubling Maine’s clean energy and energy efficiency jobs by 2030.

Consultant, VEIC

Alex (they/them) is a passionate advocate for a better future through renewable energy and clean transportation.

They are currently a consultant for VEIC, a non-profit dedicated to helping organizations decarbonize their operations. Alex’s work at VEIC primarily focuses on transportation electrification and equity issues. Alex has a long history of nurturing new ideas and helping explore the bounds of what is possible. They have helped grow a solar plus storage equipment manufacturer, a tortilla bakery, as well as a biorefinery and cooking oil recycler.

Alex holds a B.A. in Human Ecology from The College of The Atlantic where they founded an electric vehicle car sharing program. They call Lewiston home along with two lovely house rabbits and a fleet of bicycles. In their spare time, they are an avid taiko drummer and help foster LGBTQ community in greater L-A.

Director, State of Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

Hannah Pingree was appointed to lead Governor Mills' Office of Policy Innovation and the Future in January 2019. Hannah previously served as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. She also served as the Maine House Majority Leader, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, and as a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs during her terms in Maine Legislature from 2002 - 2010. Hannah spearheaded successful legislation on energy, broadband, housing, environmental health, and health care during her time in office. Hannah has worked for a technology start-up in New York City; managed several family small businesses; led the development of rural housing, energy efficiency, and eldercare projects for a coalition of community non-profits; chaired her local school board; and served on numerous state and community non-profit boards.

President and CEO, Central Maine Power

Joe Purington was appointed President and CEO of Central Maine Power (CMP) in September 2021. As a Maine native, Joe spent his early career at CMP where he served in a variety of different roles including Director of Distribution Operations. In 2014 he joined Eversource New Hampshire, becoming President of New Hampshire Operations in 2020. Purington earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and his associate degree from Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. He is actively engaged in his community and supports organizations and non- profits across Maine.

Climate & Clean Energy Program Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine

Jack brings 15 years of advocacy, policy, and organizing experience to the NRCM climate and clean energy team. Prior to joining NRCM in 2021, Jack worked at Greenpeace USA, Organizing for Action, and served in the federal government working on conservation and clean energy.

Lucas St. Clair, a passionate outdoorsman and conservation leader, brings a wealth of experience to the stage. Raised in Maine's North Woods, his love for the environment led him to lead land conservation efforts with organizations like the Trust for Public Land where he is the National Board Chairman and the Elliotsville Foundation, which played a key role in creating Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Beyond his business acumen and culinary expertise, Lucas is a seasoned adventurer and advocate for preserving access to natural spaces and environmental justice.

Partner and Real Estate Broker, Waypoint Tower

Nova Tower is on a mission to steward sustainability in the built environment. She is a Partner and practicing Real Estate Broker at Waypoint Brokers Collective. She led the company to become Maine's first and only fully Green Designated brokerage through NAR. Nova believes real estate professionals have a responsibility and opportunity to lead in the effort to decarbonize our housing infrastructure. She is further motivated by her two young children, who remind her daily what it's all for.

Tom served as chairman of the Maine PUC from 1993 to 2005 and again from 2011 through 2014. He is a member of the Energy Working Group of the Maine Climate Council and served on the Offshore Wind Roadmap Advisory Committee. Since retiring in 2015, he has worked on a variety of energy and utility matters in Maine, eastern Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

Program Developer, Climate Justice and Environmental Resilience, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)

Emily Wood is the Program Developer at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based community development financial institution with a mission to build just, vibrant and climate-resilient futures for people and communities in Maine. As the Program Developer, Climate Justice and Environmental Resilience at CEI, Emily develops loan products and provides technical assistance to support businesses in their sustainability goals. Prior to CEI, Emily worked as a Development Manager for ClimateWorks Foundation, a climate change mitigation foundation based in San Francisco. She also worked with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, a regional planning agency located in Boston. Emily holds a M.S. in Urban Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University, and a B.A. from Saint Mary’s College of California.

President and CEO, Maine State Chamber

Patrick joined the Maine State Chamber in October 2023 as President and CEO after returning to his home state from serving in a number of state energy leadership positions in New England. Most recently, Patrick was the Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources under Governor Baker in Massachusetts. In that role, Commissioner Woodcock oversaw offshore wind procurements, new building codes, solar policies, and all other state and regional energy policies. He also served on the Board of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and several state and regional energy boards. Prior to working in Massachusetts, Patrick was Director of the Maine Energy Office from 2013 to 2016 in the Governor LePage Administration where he led efforts to expand air source heat pump adoption and other energy efficiency investments. He previously served as an adviser to former U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe in her Washington, D.C. office. Patrick graduated from Bowdoin College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.