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Conference Speakers

 

Serge Abergel (He/Him), Chief Operating Officer, Hydro-Québec Energy Services

Serge took office as Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and is based in New York State. Since joining Hydro-Québec in 2014, he has held various positions in media and stakeholder relations and government affairs. He has led information campaigns on the company’s export initiatives and is a frequent public speaker on Hydro- Québec’s clean energy generating fleet and transmission system. Prior to his most recent appointment, Serge was Director – Communications at the corporate headquarters in Montréal. Serge also served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and acquired considerable experience as a public affairs officer in both the Canadian Armed Forces and the federal correctional system. He holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from HEC Montréal.

 

Alberto Bianchetti (He/Him), Regional Director – External Affairs, National Grid

Alberto is the Regional Director of External Affairs for National Grid’s Central New York Division, a 13-county region that spans from Cortland to Clinton counties and includes the Mohawk Valley. In that role he leads a team of energy utility professionals accountable for engaging with local and state entities on government relations, civic outreach, account management, emergency response and community giving. Before appointment to his current role, Alberto led National Grid’s New York State Government and Legislative relationship portfolio in Upstate New York. Other National Grid roles have covered responsibilities in regulatory and corporate affairs, including with teams involved in the company’s regulatory rate filings, divestitures and acquisitions. He is an ANCA board member.

 

Dorothy Brown (She/Her), Supervisor, Town of Franklin

Dot has served as Supervisor for the Town of Franklin for the past seven years. As Supervisor, she prioritizes keeping the community safe, maintaining low taxes, and helping make Franklin a place where residents can take pride in living. She is proud to assist with the team that renovated the historic Town Hall into a zero-emission building. In addition to Supervisor, Dot serves on the Board of Association of Towns and Villages and as a member of the Franklin County Labor Management Safety Committee. These opportunities allow me to work collaboratively with others to strengthen local government and promote safe, effective workplaces.

 

Jackie Bowen (She/Her), Director of Conservation, Adirondack Council

Jackie leads the Council’s conservation and advocacy efforts to protect and enhance clean water, climate resilience, wildlands, and private lands across the Adirondack Park. Her work focuses on advancing science-based policies, monitoring agency actions, and fostering collaboration to address the region’s modern environmental challenges. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from SUNY Geneseo and a Master’s in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.

 

Dan + Sara Burke, Farm Owners, Atlas Hoofed It

Dan and Sara strive to provide great tasting, wholesome food to their local community. They have been building their 84 acre farm for the past seventeen years – creating pastures around the Cuban-Missile-Crisis-era missile silo in the center of the property. The farm currently consists of Scottish Highland, Devon and Hereford cattle, mixed heritage breed pigs, laying hens, four labs and two great kids (human, not goat). Their beef, pork, eggs, and syrup are available year round at the farm or delivered locally.  Additional items like flowers, vegetables, and pumpkins are also available seasonally. CSA memberships are available, please call or email for details about our “open style CSA” where you pick your monthly share. New members currently accepted.

 

Alex Flowers (He/They), Energy Advisor, Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County

Alex works as an Energy Advisor at Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County and is completing a Masters in Social Work at the University at Albany. Alex is passionate about energy justice and enjoys connecting with people to assist them to live more comfortably and affordably in their homes. He is also an avid climber, runner, and reader.

 

Zach Koshgarian (He/Him), Analyst, Nuclear Innovation Alliance

Zach is an analyst for the Nuclear Innovation Alliance. His research, stakeholder engagement and advocacy focus on state policy, project finance, and advanced nuclear energy policy more broadly, to help NIA achieve its mission. He currently leads NIA’s state policy portfolio, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders at the state-level to help create the conditions for success for advanced nuclear energy as a climate and energy security solution. 

 

Katie Malinowski (She/Her), Executive Director, Tug Hill Commission 

Katie is the Executive Director of the NYS Tug Hill Commission. She leads the state agency’s work with local governments and other partners in planning, natural resources, and community development. Katie began her career at the commission in 1998 as a Natural Resources Specialist. She also serves on several boards, some in her professional capacity and some as a volunteer, including the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College, Adirondack North Country Association, Advocate Drum, Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, and the Winona Forest Recreation Association. Katie resides in the town of Boylston, Oswego County.

 

Garrett Marino (He/Him), Climate Leadership Coordinator, The Wild Center

Garrett is the Climate Leadership Coordinator for The Wild Center where he offers educational pathways to communities and people to take action on climate change. He graduated from Skidmore College in 2023 with a degree in English, and in his free time sits on the board of John Brown Lives!, is Region 5 Director for the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions, and is the chair of Saranac Lake’s Climate Action Advisor Board. In his free time he enjoys reading poetry, philosophy, and letting the natural world challenge him with its power and beauty.

 

Liam McAuliff (He/Him), Project Manager – Strategy, NYSERDA

Liam is the Project Manager for Strategy at NYSERDA, New York’s state energy office, where he supports the Authority’s expanding advanced nuclear activities, including the production of the Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York. Liam has a decade of energy and climate experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors in both local and international contexts. Most recently, he supported community affairs for offshore wind projects off Long Island and served as a fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of International Affairs. He holds degrees from New York’s Hamilton College and Columbia University.

 

Trisha Nilsen (She/Her), CEO, NYSEG and RG&E

Trish serves as Chief Executive Officer for New York State Electric & Gas (“NYSEG”) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E). Ms. Nilsen has held various positions since she joined the company in 1992. Prior to her appointment as CEO in 2025, and President and CEO in 2022, she served as Avangrid Networks’ Vice President, Reliability Assurance and Emergency Preparedness, which included electric and natural gas emergency event response and served as a COVID liaison for the business. Her prior experience was serving in Communications, Customer Service, Public Affairs and Human Resources capacities. Ms. Nilsen received a Bachelor of Science from Alfred University, and Master of Arts from Syracuse University and from Elmira College.

 

Greg Pedrick (He/Him), Recently Retired Engineer, NYSERDA

Greg is a recently retired Electrical Engineer with multiple degrees.The majority of his career was spent in the electrical power industry, and R&D. During his 35+ year career, he developed an Advanced Building Program at NYSERDA, which was explored through intense field work for both new construction and deep energy retrofit of existing homes. Approaching the problems with strong building science and specifically trained contractors, these efforts resulted in nationally recognized exposure and influence to this field. Greg’s passion for resilient buildings drove this 6-8 year detour from his Electrical Power work, with great pleasure.

 

Sameer Ranade (He/Him), Senior Advisor for Climate Justice, Energy Climate Equity Team, NYSERDA

Sameer  holds an M.P.A. in Environmental Policy & Management from the University of Washington. His background includes experience as a legislative staffer and election campaign organizer at the both the federal and state levels and extensive work experience with clean energy and environmentally oriented nonprofits and government agencies. Sameer’s expertise is at the intersection of ethics, social science, climate policy and public administration. His hobbies include writing rhymes, reading NYT climate section, drinking coffee, and jogging in New York City’s parks.

 

Darren Richards (he/Him), DPW Superintendent, Safety Officer, and Code Enforcement Officer, Town of Colton

Darren has served as the DPW Superintendent, Safety Officer, and Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Colton for the past fourteen years.He is the chief operator at both the water and wastewater plants and oversees operations such as the transfer station, buildings and grounds, and recreation. As the code enforcement officer, he is also the zoning officer and floodplain administrator. This unique combination of roles has transformed these traditional functions into those of ‘environmentalists,’ safeguarding waterways, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting green building practices with more stringent energy codes, and implementing new programs to reduce landfill waste. His four children, who have graduated with environmental degrees, are a constant inspiration for this work.

 

Mike Richter (He/Him), President, Brightcore Energy

Mike is President of Brightcore Energy, a leading provider of clean energy solutions for commercial and institutional buildings. A former New York Rangers goaltender, he enjoyed a 15-year NHL career, earning three All-Star selections, a Stanley Cup, World Cup Gold, and an Olympic Silver Medal before his 2008 induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. After retiring, he earned a Yale degree in Ethics, Politics, and Economics and launched a sustainability-focused career, co-founding Environmental Capital Partners and later Healthy Planet Partners. Since 2016, he has led Brightcore’s expansion in geothermal and advanced clean energy technologies.

 

Andrew Rush (He/Him), Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI)

Andrew is a seasoned public relations, public affairs and stakeholder engagement specialist with more than 25 years of experience supporting complex energy, infrastructure, and renewable development projects across New York State. He leads strategic outreach efforts tied to the siting and development of major transmission infrastructure – working closely with elected officials, community leaders, and regulatory stakeholders to build trust and secure project support. Andrew has advised on high-profile siting efforts involving solar, wind, battery storage, and transmission throughout the Northeast. Andrew’s past experience includes serving as a traveling press secretary for a New York State Governor.

 

Knut Sauer (He/Him), Council Member, Town of Jay 

Knut serves on the Town of Jay Council and chairs the town’s Climate Smart Communities work, where he has been instrumental in securing nearly $1 million in grants for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects that significantly reduce municipal costs and emissions. Professionally, he is Vice President at Dorian Drake International, a leading export management company representing U.S. manufacturers in global markets. Knut is also President of the AuSable River Valley Business Association, a Rotary member, and a longtime volunteer official in cross-country skiing and biathlon.

 

Erin Tobin (She/Her), Executive Director, Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH)

Erin serves as Executive Director of AARCH since 2021. In this role, she leads and advances the organization’s strategic and financial plans. Erin is AARCH’s primary contact for special projects and preservation advocacy efforts and oversees the organization’s robust preservation services and educational programs, as well as AARCH’s work as the Friends group for Great Camp Santanoni in Newcomb. Erin serves on several boards, is a Commissioner on the City of Albany Historic Resources Commission, and an Instructor for SUNY Westchester’s Historic Preservation Certificate program. She splits her time between Albany and Keene and shares her home with her husband, three children, and labradoodle, Asher.

 

Camille Warner (She/Her), Senior Project Manager – Clean Energy Siting, NYSERDA

Camille is a Senior Project Manager on NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Siting Team. She works directly with local governments to develop permitting procedures to support responsibly sited land based clean energy technologies (solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems). She also works with industry stakeholders, community members, and state agencies to ensure a balance between clean energy goals and environmental protection. She is a member of the New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group that was created to ensure the safety and security of battery energy storage systems across the State.

 

Laurie Wheelock Esq. (She/Her), Executive Director, Public Utility Law Project (PULP)

Laurie is the Executive Director and General Counsel of the Public Utility Law Project.  She began her career working for the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) where she fought for the rights of consumers across the state. She went on to work for three different members of the New York State Assembly in both Albany and New York City focusing on a wide variety of issue areas including legislation to promote affordable housing, public access to insurance, nonprofit reform, and environmental protection. Ms. Wheelock received her Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Binghamton University and received her Juris Doctorate and Masters in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.

 

Jen Laird White (She/Her), Senior Vice President – External Affairs, Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI)

Jen serves as TDI’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs and is responsible for overseeing Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach, Government Affairs, Public Affairs and Communications. Prior to TDI, Jen served three terms as the Mayor of Nyack, NY, where she focused on economic development, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility, bringing the financially stressed village back to a AA- bond rating. As Mayor, she was also a leader in sustainability and green infrastructure practices and created the position of Sustainability Coordinator, which was then adopted by other municipalities in NY State. Before entering government, Ms. Laird-White spent over a decade as a network television news producer and correspondent, working for CBS News, ABC News, and HBO, as well as several award-winning documentaries and commercials.

 

Michelle Zietlow-Miller (She/Her), Public Engagement Manager, Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN)

Michelle is the public engagement manager for GAIN. In this role, she is the go-to person whenever state leaders or community members are considering how nuclear energy fits into their energy future. Her job is to understand what questions or connections the state or local community have and find the right resources to address those needs. Michelle also helps states who want to have ‘a conversation about nuclear’ structure that discussion and help identify the right speakers to support the discussion. Michelle’s previous experience gives her a unique perspective on the commercialization of advanced nuclear energy. Michelle has over 19 years of experience in the nuclear energy field, and over a decade in strategic planning and implementations. Prior to working for GAIN, Michelle served in a variety of positions for Constellation Energy in Cordova, Illinois. She began as a systems engineer and moved through various roles of increasing responsibility including Senior Reactor Operator, Outage Specialist, Outage Manager, and Maintenance Director for Constellation’s Quad Cities Clean Energy Center, and Director of Outages for Constellations Clinton Clean Energy Center.

 

ANCA Speakers

  • Bella Abbadessa (She/Her), North Country Clean Energy Hub Program Coordinator
  • Nancy Bernstein (She/Her), Energy Circuit Rider & Clean Energy Communities Coordinator
  • Elizabeth Cooper (She/Her), Executive Director
  • Kelly Chezum (She/Her), President, ANCA Board of Directors
  • Caroline Dodd (She/Her), Climate & Energy Fellow
  • Erin Griffin (She/Her), North Country Clean Energy Hub Director
  • Kayla Gutheil (She/Her), North Country Clean Energy Hub Technical Energy Advisor
  • Jill Henck (She/Her), Climate & Energy Program Director
  • Jon Ignatowski, (He/Him), Manager of Food Systems Business
  • Carlie Leary (She/Her), Energy Circuit Rider & Climate Smart Communities Coordinator
  • Jennifer Perry (She/Her), Organics Recycling Coordinator
  • Tiffany Rea-Fisher (She/Her), Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) Director

 

Register Here 

 

Photo: Adirondack Council’s Sunita Halasz and ANCA’s Carlie Leary lead a discussion about community climate resilience at ANCA’s 2025 Clean Energy Conference.