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Speaker Biographies
June 20, 2023 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Vice President, Policy, Electrification Coalition
Katherine Stainken is the vice president of policy at the Electrification Coalition (EC). She leads and manages the policy team at the EC, which focuses on transitioning our transportation sector to electric vehicles (EVs). Prior to the EC, Katherine was the policy director at Plug In America, a non-profit representing the voice of the EV consumer.
Katherine is a Fulbright and ThinkSwiss Scholar, received the Women in EVs award in 2022, participated on the advisory boards for EVGridX and VERGE ’22, and is a 2014 recipient of the Emnerging Leaders in Energy and Environmental Policy Network.
Katherine received her Master’s degree from American University in Global Environmental Policy and her Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and German from Boston College. Based in Prescott, Arizona, she also volunteers weekly with her church, has been a national champion in rowing, and is mostly fluent in German.
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.
Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs at Volvo Group North America
Dawn Fenton is the Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs at Volvo Group North America. She has been with Volvo Group for more than10 years and has responsibility for environmental and regulatory affairs as well as emobility policy issues. Prior to joining the Volvo Group, Dawn worked for the Diesel Technology Forum and ABB, Inc. Dawn has worked in the government relations field for 30 years across a range of energy, environment, sustainability, foreign policy and trade-related issues in the public, private and non-profit sectors. She received her Master of Science in Foreign Service from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and her B.A. from Tufts Universit
Western Regional Manager, Market Development, Highland Electric Fleets
Jane is a clean energy and climate change expert who is currently the Western Regional Manager of Market Development at Highland Electric Fleets where she supports school districts to understand how best to electrify their fleet. This includes community organizing, mass market education, policy advocacy, and major account political support as well as engaging with utilities, regulators, and legislators around existing and potential future programs designed to support electric school buses.
Prior to working at Highland, Jane was a Senior Consultant at ERM (formerly M.J. Bradley and Associates) where she managed a utility coalition focused on developing transportation electrification programming and worked with a number of NGOs, utilities, federal, state and local governments to develop and implement effective transportation electrification strategies within the light-duty and medium-and heavy-duty sectors.
Jane holds a Master’s in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment and BA in both Environmental Studies and International Affairs, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Colorado.
Policy Analyst, Electrification Coalition
Nick is a Policy Analyst for the Electrification Coalition. His focus is on policy research and analysis to help decision makers create opportunities that reimagine our transportation system.
Prior to the EC, Nick was an Executive Policy Specialist at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He focused on developing state policies and programs to electrify the Commonwealth, including assisting local governments, utilities, and the private sector. Much of Nick’s work involved strategic planning, technical analysis, and building partnerships to position Pennsylvania as a leader in our electrified future.
Nick holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washington College.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Colton Brown is the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Coordinator for PennDOT, where he supports the development and implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant program and leads electric vehicle education initiatives. Colton’s previous Commonwealth experience includes managing level 2 and DC fast charging funding programs. Colton obtained a Master’s of Science in Environmental Planning and Management from Johns Hopkins School of Engineering for Professionals.
Director, Energy Programs Office, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
David’s office, DEP’s Energy Programs Office, is involved in supporting, designing, and implementing energy-focused programs to encourage the development and deployment of energy efficiency, energy resiliency and alternative energy projects in Pennsylvania. The Energy Program’s Office’s mission is to support energy activities which result in environmental improvements including mitigating the effects of and adapting to climate change.
David along with his staff have spent the last several years developing forward-looking plans centered on positioning Pennsylvania to take advantage of the clean energy economy. Recent products include: A 2021 Climate Action Plan and Climate Impacts Assessment for Pennsylvania, A Clean Energy Program Plan for Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania’s Solar Future Plan, Pennsylvania’s Electric Vehicle Roadmap, a Food Waste to Energy Assessment and an Energy Storage Assessment for Pennsylvania.
During his career with DEP, David has led the development and deployment of $125 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Stimulus funds, the $100 million Pennsylvania Sunshine Program, and the $15 million Green Energy Revolving Loan Fund. Dave has also served as the Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority. Dave and his staff also lead the very popular Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Programs which distributes nearly $5 Million annually to support innovation and emission reductions in the transportation sector.
Dave has proudly served the citizens of Pennsylvania through his work at DEP for over 30 years, is a life-long Pennsylvanian, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and lives in Hummelstown, PA.
Advanced Energy United
Nick Bibby manages Advanced Energy United’s legislative and regulatory engagement in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In this role, Nick works with policymakers and stakeholders in Harrisburg and Annapolis to identify and implement policies that promote a clean energy future. Prior to joining Advanced Energy United, Nick worked in government and legislative relations for Duquesne Light Company in Pittsburgh and interned for both U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
Manager, State Government Affairs, PECO
Tom Bonner serves as Manager, State Government Affairs for PECO, with primary responsibility for analyzing the impact of federal, state and local policy challenges on the company and leading internal teams to develop climate & clean energy policy and business solutions. During his time with PECO, Mr. Bonner has focused on both policies and programs advancing new technologies, including serving as the lead author of PECO’s successful $200 million Smart Grid Investment Grant application with the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition to representing PECO in numerous state and local stakeholder forums, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Eastern PA Alliance for Clean Transportation and the Transportation Management Agency of Chester County.
FirstEnergy Corp.
Alan Michel, Director of Customer Policy and Advocacy, FirstEnergy Corp. has been in the utility industry for 30 years working in various roles in Customer Service. In his current role, he leads the Company’s Electrification Strategy Implementation team, focusing on utility planning, policy, programs, affordability, and customer adoption. He has an MBA in Finance and BSBA in Supply Chain/Operations Management. Alan is an advocate for electrification and is enthusiastic about supporting energy solutions that maximize customer benefits. Most of his family’s miles are driven in an EV which has provided him insights that help inform policy for maximum benefits in adopting EVs.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Kelsey Mattola is a Life Scientist in the Air & Radiation Division at the U.S. EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Office in Philadelphia. She is a part of the Clean School Bus (CSB) Team where she manages grants and rebates as well as conducts external outreach to stakeholders discussing the benefits of transitioning to cleaner vehicles. Kelsey also manages grants under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National and State Programs and serves as the CSB and DERA EPA regional contact for the State of Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Kelsey also serves as the EPA regional contact for EPA’s SmartWay Program.
Kelsey holds a master’s degree in Environmental Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, surfing and hiking
World Resources Institute
Sue Gander is the Director of the Electric School Bus Initiative. She leads a cross-organizational team in advancing the goal of electrifying the US fleet of 480,000 school buses by 2030 with a focus on equity and inclusion.
Prior to WRI, Sue was Managing Director of Policy for the Electrification Coalition, where she led policy and advocacy efforts to electrify transportation at scale. Sue was previously the Director of the Energy, Infrastructure and Environment Division at the National Governors Association for more than a decade and spearheaded work on transportation electrification, power sector modernization and resiliency. She also led initiatives on clean energy, climate change and air quality initiatives at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Clean Air Policy. She has authored many reports and papers and is a frequent presenter.
Sue holds an MA in Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin, with a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy. She earned a BA with Honors in Public Policy from Brown University.
Sue lives with her family in Kensington, Maryland, where she enjoys riding her e-bike and walking their dog Zoey.
Business Manager, Steelton-Highspire School District
Business Manager for Steelton-Highspire School District, an underfunded urban school district in central Pennsylvania. First district in the state to be entirely solar, through a 1.7 MW array, thanks to collaboration with McClure Co. Secured 6 ESBs through the EPAs first round rebate program, to be operated through partnership with First Student. The ESB’s will charge through the array and will provide V2G and V2B. Looking forward to community solar to expand the existing array and generate revenue.
Rohrer Buses
Mike’s background includes 25+ years of commercial vehicle knowledge. He started working in the industry with a Freightliner dealer at only age 18, and worked his way up selling vehicle parts. He became interested in selling the complete package, and in 2003, found a new position as a territory manager for a Thomas Bus dealer in New Jersey.
A few job changes later, Mike found himself becoming the General Manager for the same Thomas dealer, where he led his team to an over 50% gain in Market Share while delivering unparalleled customer support.
Starting in May of 2018, Mike joined the Rohrer Bus team; he manages all sales activity within Southeast PA, including facilitating and documenting sales, sustaining and growing customer relationships, and maintaining account profiles and activity. His responsibilities also include business development and maintaining emerging markets.
In 2022, Mike took on additional responsibility, leading the development of Electric Vehicle Strategies for Rohrer Bus. In this new role as Director of EV Sales, Mike continues to build on his previous alternative fuels experience with CNG and Propane vehicles.
Mike expressed his excitement in leading Rohrer Bus’s Zero Tailpipe Emissions strategy: “We are delivering reliability and performance for our customers, while reducing harmful emissions. School buses offer a perfect use case for our electric offerings. We are consultive in our approach offering a full range of services including: grant writing, infrastructure development, charging strategies, and renewable energy solutions. Our 100% battery electric vehicles offer significant opportunities for customers and the students that count on them to get to and from school.”
To get in contact with Mike, please call him at (267) 670-1588 or email him at mdavid@rohrerbus.com. For more info on Rohrer Bus, see http://www.rohrerbus.com.
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Richard Negrin – is the first Latino ever to be Secretary of Environmental Protection – most recently served as the Vice President of Regulatory Policy and Strategy and head of external affairs at Commonwealth Edison, where he led the development of clean energy regulatory policies and strategies. At ComEd, Negrin led efforts to increase the use of renewable energy, spur the adoption of electric vehicles, and increase energy efficiency.
Negrin’s extensive leadership and management track record includes his service as Deputy Mayor of Administration & Coordination and Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia. As Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia, Negrin led the creation of the first Municipal Innovation Lab and created the City’s first Center of Excellence, bringing best practices in Project Management, Organizational Development, and Performance Management to City government. He also oversaw the development and implementation of PhillyRising, a first of its kind neighborhood initiative that is changing quality of life in many of Philadelphia’s challenged neighborhoods and has been replicated in other cities.
He was appointed Deputy Mayor of Administration & Coordination and Managing Director in June 2010, after having been appointed by Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter in December 2009 to serve as Executive Director of the Board of Revision of Taxes for the City of Philadelphia to provide strong leadership to revitalize, restructure and reform the embattled agency.
He previously served as Vice-Chair of the independent Philadelphia Board of Ethics and as Vice President and Associate General Counsel of ARAMARK Corporation. Prior to joining ARAMARK, Mr. Negrin was a litigator with the global law firm of Morgan Lewis, and he also previously served as a prosecutor in the Major Trials Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Negrin has served as a member of the Board of Directors for a number of community based organizations including Congreso de Latinos Unidos, where he served as Chair of the Governance Committee. He is a former President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania (HBA) and has served on the Board of the HBA’s Legal Education Fund. Mr. Negrin has also been active in the Hispanic National Bar Association. Mr. Negrin is a graduate of Rutgers University School of Law. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Wagner College.
Executive Director, Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation, (EP-ACT) a Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Coalition
Tony Bandiero serves as the Executive Director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation, (EP-ACT) a Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Coalition. The organization is an independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit entity which is dedicated to the advancement of alternative transportation fuels, vehicles, and technologies to increase our environmental, energy and economic security within the transportation sector.
His diverse transportation experience provides the backbone for his success in pursuing and winning over $30 million in grant funding for stakeholders in private, public, municipal and the utility industries. The project’s he has overseen bring more than $80 million of public, private and municipal funding to match. He is an experienced leader and team builder, with private, public and non-profit organizations. Natural leader is adept in navigating all facets of the project and grant management processes. Under his guidance, he has expanded his region to cover 34 counties of Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. His region has placed more than 1,000 alternatively fueled vehicles on the road as well as 15 gaseous fuel stations and over 100 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE’s) in Pennsylvania. He has been the Executive Director for more than 14 years and has placed E-85, propane, natural gas and electric vehicles and stations within municipal, private, public, school bus, airport shuttles, delivery, and transit fleet operations in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania.
Department of General Services
Matt serves as the Deputy Director of Pennsylvania GreenGov Council. The Council is chaired by the Secretaries of the Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP), Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) and General Services (DGS). Established under Executive Order (EO) 2019-01, “Commonwealth Leadership in Addressing Climate Change and Promoting Energy Conservation and Sustainable Governance”, the mission of the GreenGov is to incorporate sustainability into Commonwealth government’s policy, planning, operations, procurement, and regulatory functions, and to strive for continuous improvement in efficiency and performance. The GreenGov has a specific focus on reducing energy consumption, purchasing electric vehicles and renewable energy, and constructing new buildings and major renovations to green standards.
Prior to GreenGov, Matt most recently served the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in various roles for approximately 6 years where he was ultimately responsible for the delivery of vertical construction projects, fiscal facilities budget, and annual facility maintenance operations. In the 10 years prior to his time at PennDOT, Matt held roles within the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General where he was responsible for facility operations as well as the oversight of office services for the Department including supplies, surplus, automotive, duplicating and facility maintenance.
Matt is an alumnus of St. Vincent College of Latrobe, Pennsylvania and resides in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania with his wife and daughter.
T.P. Trailers, Inc.
Tommy has been in the truck, trailer and service industry for 45+ years, working from a very young age, alongside his father, in equipment rebuilding and repairs. Tommy attended Perkiomen Valley schools and was a successful horseman in the American Quarter Horse Association, before he had to transition into working and running the family business full-time at twenty years old, due to his father’s poor health.
Tommy’s vision and continual expansion of the original Bridgeport, PA business operation made it possible to broaden the corporate umbrella, meeting the needs of private, commercial, educational and governmental customers while establishing business relationships with people in many other varied industries.
In the late 1980’s, Tommy worked to establish T.P. Trailers, Incorporated, a business specializing in trailer sales and storage container sales and rentals. This company eventually merged with the original Perkins Garage and in 2001 the new company, Perkins – T.P. Trailers, Incorporated was moved to Limerick, PA. The company continued to broaden its base with the sale of snow removal equipment, truck equipment up-fits and the fabrication/modification of shipping containers into offices, lunchrooms, storage facilities, and more. In recent years, Tommy has established Union Blue Enterprises, LLC which specializes in R&D and The New Tamaqua Truck and Trailer, LLC, a manufacturer of various truck body models and styles.
His varied knowledge of trucks, trailers and various other transportation vehicles is both academic and hands-on learning; he never stops the pursuit of mastering and learning about new, as well as old equipment and has a great respect for the history of each. Continually looking to the future, Tommy understands the importance of meeting the needs of people who prefer the electrification of transportation over gas. With this in mind, he has started to work with industry leaders, assisting in small ways to help encourage business colleagues, as well as work on the purchase and use of EVs within the community.
Tommy has been married for 35 years and has 4 children and 4 grandchildren.
Cenntro Electric Group
40 year Senior Vice President Executive having lead manufacturing and engineering functions as well as sales and business development with a focus on market expansion and improved financials.
Leadership and creating a culture for employee engagement and highly collaborative processes and system development are some of Omar’s passion and interests.
Deeply engaged with all Distributor Partners/Dealers in every major city across all 50 states.
Co-Owner of Venco/Venturo Hoists, Cranes and Service Bodies, set up U.S. Distribution as well as Provinces in mainland China.
The Godwin Group, Venco/Venturo, Switch-N-Go, Drive Products, Reading Truck Body are Companies Omar lead Sales & Marketing while participating at the Executive Level.
Currently Senior Vice President of Sales & Business Development with Electric Vehicle Manufacturer and contributed to the EV OEM segment over the past 6 years.
Omar resides in Wrightsville Beach, NC with his family and enjoys surfing and all things involving the ocean.
Campaigns Organizer, Electrification Coalition
As a campaigns organizer for the Electrification Coalition, Max engages with communities to encourage and support the adoption of electric vehicles and mobilize EV stakeholders.
Prior to joining the EC team, Max interned at the EC’s sister organization SAFE where he supported research in critical minerals, strategic materials, and semiconductors. Max also served as a legislative intern in a House of Representatives office, aiding in policy recommendations and constituent relations. Max is based in Washington, D.C. and recently completed his bachelor’s degree in international studies from American University, with concentrations in environmental sustainability, global health, and national security.
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Amy Malaki is the Director of Partnerships and Policy 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.
