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Thank you for joining us at our Michigan Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) EV Bootcamp and Showcase. We heard from many passionate and knowledgeable individuals from across the MHD electric vehicle supply chain. It is critical that we maintain a dialogue between the public and private sectors that includes the voices of school districts, utilities, businesses, federal agencies, and advocacy groups. We look forward to expanding on the ideas discussed and opportunities for collaboration identified during the event.
We have summarized some key takeaways from the event:
Speaker Slides
Resources
The EC created the Dashboard for Rapid Vehicle Electrification (DRVE) Tool, providing unique, turnkey analysis for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty fleet electrification. By designing this custom-made tool with partner Atlas Public Policy, this total cost of ownership (TCO) tool allows users to upload simple fleet data into an easy-to-use Excel-based tool that can analyze and assess the best fit for EV deployment within minutes, greatly shortening timing from traditional fleet analysis work. This tool works for both private-sector and public fleets, including both local and state fleets.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) made historic investments in vehicle electrification, particularly for medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) trucks, by addressing the costs related to MHD vehicles and charging infrastructure.
This webpage provides an overview of the tax credits and funding opportunities in the BIL and IRA available to help private companies identify and access these funding opportunities for electrifying their operations, even if they cannot apply directly.
Agenda
Speaker Biographies
Legislative Liaison, Office of Public and Governmental Affairs, Michigan Department of Education
A graduate of the University of Michigan, School of Nursing (2000), Kindra currently practices as a critical care RN with 20+ years of experience in nursing. She is also passionate about environmental health issues, which drove her to obtain a master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2009). Kindra has been avidly advocating for the climate, air quality and public health in Michigan since 2015 as the Coalition Coordinator for MI Air MI Health, an environmental advocacy group for health professionals. She strongly believes that everyone deserves to breathe clean, healthy air and is currently working on behalf of the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Moms Clean Air Force to advocate for electric school buses across the state and Midwest region.
Director of Mobility and Electrification Policy, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
Shafiq joined Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity in September 2023 as the Director of Mobility and Electrification Policy. He has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, consulting, and public policy in Automotive and Electric Utility industry. He has Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from North Carolina State University and MBA from University of Michigan.
State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
State Rep. Regina Weiss is serving her second term representing the 6th House District which encompasses Huntington Woods and parts of Berkley, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Detroit, and Royal Oak Township.
Originally from Indiana, Weiss attended Valparaiso University before moving to Michigan to begin her career as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. She also served as an Oak Park City Council member until her election to the House in 2020, where she was a strong advocate for increased investments in the local community.
As a former educator, Weiss brings with her to Lansing an in-depth, intimate knowledge of the many issues plaguing Michigan’s public schools and is dedicated to using that knowledge to help improve education policy at the state level.
State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
State Rep. Ranjeev Puri is a strong supporter of policies that lift up Michigan families and workers, strengthen our state’s economy, and provide protection and space for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is the House Majority Whip and is serving his second term in the Michigan House, representing Canton Township in the 24th House District.
Before joining the Legislature, Rep. Puri worked in financial consulting and then went on to work for President Barack Obama. After completing his MBA, Rep. Puri began his work in Detroit’s automotive industry, helping solve complex business problems and developing innovative solutions to help prepare Michigan for the economy of tomorrow. He believes in holistic solutions to the challenges facing the automotive industry, from cultivating the required talent by investing in our public education system to fixing and modernizing our infrastructure and building a regional transit system to attract and retain the talent of tomorrow.
The son of immigrants and proud product of the “American Dream” Rep. Puri is a strong advocate for inclusion, equity and equality for people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Rep. Puri received his undergraduate degree in economics and finance and went on to receive his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2014. He resides in Canton Township with his wife, Nidhi, and their three young sons.
State Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
State Rep. Phil Skaggs is serving his first term representing the 80th House District, comprised of the cities of Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, Cascade Township, and parts of the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township.
Phil grew up in Ohio before attending the University of Michigan where he received degrees in Russian history. After finishing college, he worked as a professor of history at Goucher College, Grand Valley State University, and Aquinas College. Leaving academia in 2010, Phil managed numerous campaigns, worked for an environmental organization, and served as Legislative Director for State Representatives Brandon Dillion and David LaGrand. As a staffer, Phil worked to enact meaningful criminal justice reform and increase government transparency.
Phil also has a history of public service as an elected official. Before coming to the House, Phil served on the Kent County Commission (2017-2022) and East Grand Rapids City Commission (2012-2016). As an East Grand Rapids Commissioner, he protected our LGBTQ+ community by passing the county’s first non-discrimination ordinance and helped fix East Grand Rapids’ city infrastructure. As a Kent County Commissioner, Phil helped pass an early childhood millage that ensures kids are ready to enter kindergarten, protected public health, supported small businesses and non-profits during the pandemic, and defended democracy.
Phil has two daughters and a lovely wife, Kate. When he finds free time, he watches Michigan football, takes in the occasional opera, enjoys nature Up North, and hangs out with family and friends.
Mobile Source Program Manager, U.S. EPA-Region 5
Francisco “Frank” J. Acevedo is a Mobile Source Program Manager with EPA’s Region 5 office, which serves Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Frank serves as the mobile source air pollution expert for the region and has been with the agency since 1991. Frank has assisted in the implementation of a number of clean fuel programs in addition to vehicle emission testing programs in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. He also is the technical expert for Region 5’s Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative, assisting states in the implementation of voluntary diesel retrofit projects. Frank received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Director EV Marketing, DTE
A seasoned and strategic business professional, Pina Vyas has comprehensive experience across a broad range of strategic leadership roles. An inclusive thinker, Pina looks to developing solutions that are collaborative to drive long term business growth and create sustainable outcomes.
With 25 years of experience in the consumer goods and energy industries, Pina has core competencies in contract negotiation, strategic & operational planning, lean & Six Sigma leadership, process optimization, productivity improvement, product & brand management, project management and building motivating cross-functional teams that exceed expectations.
Policy Analyst, Atlas Public Policy
Spencer is a Policy Analyst at Atlas Public Policy where he contributes to original research and policy analysis on transportation electrification and federal climate investments. Spencer supports Atlas EV Hub and the Climate Program Portal, developing tools to empower the policy community through improved access to data. Spencer also contributes to research and development and strategic advising projects spanning medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification, EV charging infrastructure deployment, and total cost of ownership analysis.
Spencer brings experience as a clean energy professional in the non-profit and private sector spanning vehicle and building electrification, renewable energy, and battery storage. Prior to joining Atlas, Spencer worked as an independent consultant providing project support and market research for the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and other leading clean energy organizations.
Spencer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environment, Economics, and Politics from Pitzer College.
Director, Clean Cities Coalition
Maggie has represented the interests of Michigan Clean Cities coalition members since 2007. As director with Michigan Clean Cities coalition, Maggie is responsible for the management, strategy, and program delivery for the organization. Maggie’s career is focused on helping private, public, and third-sector organizations to develop, fund, and manage projects and strategy. Her work includes roles in government and campaigns, community organizing, and issue advocacy. Maggie’s international experience includes supporting projects with the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility as a consultant and a boutique guest house in Xizhou, China with the inaugural cohort of the Virginia Tech Executive Master of Natural Resources program.
Policy & Market Development, Eastern U.S., ABB E-mobility Inc.
Director of Policy at Michigan EIBC
Justin Carpenter serves as the Director of Policy at Michigan EIBC. Before joining EIBC, Justin worked as a Legislative Director in both the Michigan House and Senate, managing the Senate Judiciary and House Energy Committees. He has worked with various stakeholders and policymakers on both sides of the aisle covering numerous energy issues.
During his time at Michigan State University, he also interned in the Michigan House of Representatives and served as Build Coordinator on the executive board of Michigan State’s Habitat for Humanity. Justin accepted his first paid position in the legislature as an executive assistant in the Michigan Senate during his senior year, before graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an additional major in Economics.
VP Government & Regulatory Affairs, REE Automotive
With 25 years in the transportation industry, Richard brings unrivaled knowledge on a wide range of transportation policy and product expertise to REE Automotive. Richard spent the first half of his career in the UK at Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin working on product safety, regulatory affairs, and certification. Richard arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area a decade ago at a pivotal time for electric and automated vehicles working with companies such as Tesla, Apple & Arrival on policy, regulatory and safety.
Director of School Bus Sales, Lion Electric Co
Based in the farmlands of Michigan — which he commonly refers to as “God’s Country” with his colleagues — Richard is a school bus industry veteran, having been active in the industry for the past 34 years with experience at a number of legacy industry OEMs.
Richard’s career path has cultivated a deep knowledge and expertise in regard to transportation, manufacturing, public transit, specialized vehicles and of course, school buses hold no secrets for him. He has been a part of the industry’s evolution for over three decades, contributing firsthand to advancements in safety, accessibility, efficiency, and of course now, zero-emission.
Richard has dedicated a key part of his role within Lion Electric to raising the company’s profile throughout North America. For him, the company’s notoriety goes beyond the unique products and technologies it offers. He wishes to position Lion Electric as a leader in the school bus market thanks to its values, innovation, mission and its dedication and contributions to sustainable transportation.
“Interpersonal” absolutely stands for Richard Lee. He not only enjoys taking care of his colleagues, but he also enjoys being very close to his clients and understanding their needs. Whether he is interacting with anyone from mechanics to state delegates and officials, he always carries a great deal of respect for others while maintaining a healthy sense of humor. For him, this is the key to success in cultivating genuine, long-term relationships based on trust.
Campaigns Organizer, Electrification Coalition
Marie is a Campaigns Organizer for the Electrification Coalition. She mobilizes EV stakeholders and advocates in the EC’s accelerator states around various electrification campaigns and policy opportunities.
Prior to joining the EC Marie was the Organizing Manager for Drive Electric Ohio. There she oversaw 6 community-based EV advocacy groups and worked with them to conduct consumer education, encourage development of EV charging, and address local and state policy. Beyond advancing EV adoption in Ohio, Marie supported Drive Electric USA, a DOE Clean Cities Coalition partnership that established similar ‘Drive Electric’ programs in 14 states.
Executive Director, Clean Fuels Michigan
Jane McCurry is the Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan, a nonprofit trade association dedicated to growing the clean mobility industries. In this role, Jane is appointed to the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification to represent policy and technology interests. Janes also serves on the board of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Jane has degrees in Operations and Technology Management and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin.
Manager of Carbon Neutrality Programs, Lansing Board of Water and Light
Anna Munie is the Manager of Carbon Neutrality Programs at Lansing Board of Water & Light. Her team manages all customer facing and internal programs associated with BWL’s goal of carbon neutrality in 2040, including but not limited to BWL’s commercial and residential electric vehicle programs. Anna has been with BWL since 2022, and prior to that worked at Consumers Energy as Strategy and Implementation Lead for their Integrated Resource Planning process. With over 10 years of experience in the energy industry, Anna is passionate about all the new and upcoming opportunities involved in transportation electrification and how this area contributes to both decarbonization as well as a company’s strategy and performance. A resident of East Lansing, Anna and her husband are dedicated MSU fans and you can usually find her tailgating with her Spartan green Rivian electric pickup truck.
Policy & Market Development, Eastern U.S., ABB E-mobility Inc.
Ed Rivet was named Executive Director of the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum in May 2018 after serving on MICEF’s founding Leadership Council beginning in February 2014. Prior to his full-time role at MICEF, Ed was the Legislative Director for Right to Life of Michigan for more than 30 years. He began his career in the policy realm as a Legislative Aide in the Michigan House of Representatives in 1985. Ed holds bachelor’s and master’s degree from Michigan State University.
Ed’s advocacy on energy issues reflects his personal commitment to clean and advanced energy innovation, using geothermal, solar, and biomass as energy sources at his home and driving a hybrid electric vehicle. He was a pivotal part of the MICEF team effort in the 2016 rewrite of Michigan’s electricity laws, providing testimony to legislative committees and expertise in legislative drafting and process.
Ed brings a wealth of communication experience to MICEF having been interviewed hundreds of times in all forms of media including live appearances on Good Morning America and CNN. He’s been quoted in major publications across the country including the Wall Street Journal and USA Today and has published book chapters and an article in peer-reviewed journal. For a year Ed served as host of a daily current affairs show on a local talk radio station in Lansing.
A native of Bay City, MI, Ed and his wife Michelle were married in 1986, have six children, three of whom are married, and four grandchildren, and reside in Mason, MI. In his limited spare time, Ed is a musician and enjoys hunting and fishing.
Senior Policy Advisor, Rivian
Tom Van Heeke is Senior Policy Advisor at Rivian Automotive where he spearheads the company’s engagement on zero emission vehicle policy and other environmental matters across the North America. Some of his priorities include advocating for stringent vehicle emissions regulations and expanding clean fuels and clean trucks standards. Prior to joining Rivian, Tom supported similar policy engagement at General Motors.
In addition to this background in industry, Tom’s experience analyzing and advocating for forward-thinking transportation and climate policy cuts across sectors, including as a fiscal and policy analyst for the California State Legislature and as a researcher at Frontier Group, an advocacy-oriented think tank, where he wrote extensively on transportation and environmental matters. He and his work have been quoted and featured by media outlets including the New York Times, the Washington Post, Associated Press, and E&E News. Tom has also been called to present and testify before state legislatures on several occasions.
Senior Director of Campaigns, Electrification coalition
Aaron Viles is the senior director of campaigns at the Electrification Coalition, where he develops and directs campaigns to advance state policy for transportation electrification in seven prioritized states. Aaron manages the Electrification Coalition’s campaigns teams and priority policy portfolios, as well as developing and maintaining governmental, corporate, and NGO relationships for the organization. Aaron has launched the Veterans for EVs program, expanded the EC’s work in the Midwest, and led federal advocacy resulting in the passage of the landmark EV policies in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Prior to joining the EC, Aaron worked with the Kentucky Democratic Party, supporting nationally-recognized congressional and gubernatorial campaigns. Aaron brings experience in environmental, energy, and online advocacy from his previous work experience.
Aaron is currently the board chair for Healthy Gulf, a Louisiana-based environmental group.
Manager of Carbon Neutrality Programs, Lansing Board of Water and Light
A graduate of the University of Michigan, School of Nursing (2000), Kindra currently practices as a critical care RN with 20+ years of experience in nursing. She is also passionate about environmental health issues, which drove her to obtain a master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2009). Kindra has been avidly advocating for the climate, air quality and public health in Michigan since 2015 as the Coalition Coordinator for MI Air MI Health, an environmental advocacy group for health professionals. She strongly believes that everyone deserves to breathe clean, healthy air and is currently working on behalf of the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Moms Clean Air Force to advocate for electric school buses across the state and Midwest region.
© 2024 ELECTRIFICATION COALITION
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Amy Malaki is the head of policy and sustainability at SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas, pioneering global leaders in sustainable aviation fuel production and supply. Prior to SkyNRG, Amy was the associate director for the transportation portfolio at the ClimateWorks Foundation where she developed philanthropic investment strategies to advance a sustainable, equitable and low-carbon mobility system. She also pioneered the organization’s international aviation decarbonization strategy. Prior to that she focused on Asia business development at Better Place, a Silicon Valley electric vehicle network startup. She has a B.A. in Chinese and China studies from the University of Washington and an M.A. in international policy studies (energy and environment) from Stanford University.
