We are Hiring!
Available opportunities include:
- Director, Interior West (Due June 1)
- Project Manager (Due June 12)
About Us
The decarbonization of our economy is within our reach, and it is now more important than ever. Shifting America’s energy use away from carbon-intensive fuels and toward clean and renewable sources of energy will reduce pollution, create economic opportunity and ultimately decrease the cost of energy, resulting in a healthier and more equitable, sustainable and affordable future for all. The community next to the coal plant, the home next to the highway and the millions of individuals who will be impacted by climate change because of high carbon emissions are at the heart of what we do.
Gridworks brings stakeholders from across the Western United States together to achieve their decarbonization goals. We facilitate and foster connections between decarbonization advocates, energy providers and utility operators, enabling them to collectively determine the best approach to achieving decarbonization. Together with these stakeholders, we work to advance policy and help states undertake a just transition toward sustainability. And we provide expert advice and guidance to policymakers as they make this important shift.
As shown in our case studies, our work has directly eased the clean energy transition in Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and California, states leading the nation toward a 100 percent clean energy future. Now we are expanding our efforts to new states and regional efforts.
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STAFF
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Matthew Tisdale
Executive Director
Matthew Tisdale is the Executive Director of Gridworks, leading Gridworks strategy, administration, expert facilitation and consulting services. Matthew has practiced clean energy policy since 2008 and facilitation since 2017. Prior to Gridworks, Matthew served as a Senior Energy Advisor to the California Public Utilities Commission contributing to California’s clean energy leadership. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, both from The George Washington University. Matthew lives in Alameda, California with his amazing family and six chickens.
Matthew Tisdale
Exective Director
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Matthew Tisdale
Executive Director
Matthew Tisdale is the Executive Director of Gridworks, leading Gridworks strategy, administration, expert facilitation and consulting services. Matthew has practiced clean energy policy since 2008 and facilitation since 2017. Prior to Gridworks, Matthew served as a Senior Energy Advisor to the California Public Utilities Commission contributing to California’s clean energy leadership. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, both from The George Washington University. Matthew lives in Alameda, California with his amazing family and six chickens.
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Claire Halbrook
Director
Claire is an energy strategist and professional organizer of people. She has spent ten years in the energy and environmental space with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and Johnson and Johnson. During her career, Claire has spearheaded several first–of-their-kind greenhouse gas reduction initiatives at Fortune 500 companies; overseen a multitude of projects with annual budgets in excess of $150 million; and built strong working relationships with leaders in private industry, environmental NGOs, and local, state, and federal governments. Claire holds a BA from UC San Diego and an MBA from UC Davis.
Claire Halbrook
Director
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Claire Halbrook
Director
Claire is an energy strategist and professional organizer of people. She has spent ten years in the energy and environmental space with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and Johnson and Johnson. During her career, Claire has spearheaded several first–of-their-kind greenhouse gas reduction initiatives at Fortune 500 companies; overseen a multitude of projects with annual budgets in excess of $150 million; and built strong working relationships with leaders in private industry, environmental NGOs, and local, state, and federal governments. Claire holds a BA from UC San Diego and an MBA from UC Davis.
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Kate Griffith
Director
Kate Griffith is a collaborative energy policy strategist, communicator, and facilitator. She has spent more than a decade working at the intersections of sustainable community and policy development, most recently as an energy policy advisor to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. At the Washington commission, Kate focused on climate and wildfire resiliency, utility resource planning, rate-setting, and the implementation of new Washington’s clean energy laws, which center equity in the clean energy transition. Kate previously worked as a journalist and editor in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. She earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism, English literature, and French language and literature from West Virginia University and earned a master’s degree in international studies with a focus on energy and climate from the University of Washington.
Kate Griffith
Director
Kate Griffith
Director
Kate Griffith is a collaborative energy policy strategist, communicator, and facilitator. She has spent more than a decade working at the intersections of sustainable community and policy development, most recently as an energy policy advisor to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. At the Washington commission, Kate focused on climate and wildfire resiliency, utility resource planning, rate-setting, and the implementation of new Washington’s clean energy laws, which center equity in the clean energy transition. Kate previously worked as a journalist and editor in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. She earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism, English literature, and French language and literature from West Virginia University and earned a master’s degree in international studies with a focus on energy and climate from the University of Washington.
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Sarina Soor
Senior Project Manager
Sarina Soor (she/hers) is a passionate climate and energy practitioner with over four years of nonprofit experience. Before joining Gridworks as Senior Project Manager, Sarina worked at CivicWell where she managed their statewide energy portfolio aiming to increase collaboration among California local governments on clean energy programs and climate action planning. She also supported the Pala Band of Mission Indians’ Tribal Climate Health Project where she worked to connect Tribal leaders across the country with resources to conduct vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans. Sarina holds a BA in Economics specializing in Poverty and Inequality with a minor in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from UC Davis. She earned a Sustainable Social Impact Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Saybrook University in 2022.
Sarina Soor
Senior Project Manager
Sarina Soor
Senior Project Manager
Sarina Soor (she/hers) is a passionate climate and energy practitioner with over four years of nonprofit experience. Before joining Gridworks as Senior Project Manager, Sarina worked at CivicWell where she managed their statewide energy portfolio aiming to increase collaboration among California local governments on clean energy programs and climate action planning. She also supported the Pala Band of Mission Indians’ Tribal Climate Health Project where she worked to connect Tribal leaders across the country with resources to conduct vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans. Sarina holds a BA in Economics specializing in Poverty and Inequality with a minor in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from UC Davis. She earned a Sustainable Social Impact Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Saybrook University in 2022.
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Deborah Shields
Operations and Communications Director
Deborah is Gridworks Operations and Communications Director managing all financial, administrative and communications functions for Gridworks bringing significant experience in overseeing large projects and leading process improvements for a variety of organizations. Prior to her current position, Deborah was brand engagement manager at Current TV in San Francisco. She has extensive experience in advertising, sales and marketing with such organizations as FOX Broadcasting Co., New Line Cinema and 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of California, San Diego.
Deborah Shields
Operations and Communications Director
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Deborah Shields
Operations and Communications Director
Deborah is Gridworks Operations and Communications Director managing all financial, administrative and communications functions for Gridworks bringing significant experience in overseeing large projects and leading process improvements for a variety of organizations. Prior to her current position, Deborah was brand engagement manager at Current TV in San Francisco. She has extensive experience in advertising, sales and marketing with such organizations as FOX Broadcasting Co., New Line Cinema and 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of California, San Diego.
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Jeffrey Ackermann
Senior Fellow
Jeff Ackermann served as chairman of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from January 2017 until January 2021. During that tenure Jeff presided over some of the most dramatic clean energy developments in Colorado’s regulated electric sector, spanning from accelerated retirement of fossil-fuel generating resources to grid modernization and electrification of the transportation sector. Concurrently in 2019-2020, Jeff served as chair of the Energy Resources and the Environment Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Prior to serving as PUC chair, Jeff served as director of the Colorado Energy Office in the Hickenlooper Administration for four years, starting in 2013. In this capacity, Jeff provided leadership for various initiatives that expanded the state’s clean energy agenda.
Jeff currently is a senior policy advisor with the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University and also provides policy advice through the Regulatory Assistance Project.
Jeff draws upon extensive experience in staff and leadership roles, within the Colorado PUC and various organizations developing and implementing innovative energy efficiency programs and addressing the needs of income-stressed households. Jeff has a Master’s of Nonprofit Management degree from Regis University and an Environmental Economic Policy degree from Albion College. He lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Marilynn, and has two adult children.
Jeffrey Ackermann
Senior Fellow
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Jeffrey Ackermann
Senior Fellow
Jeff Ackermann served as chairman of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from January 2017 until January 2021. During that tenure Jeff presided over some of the most dramatic clean energy developments in Colorado’s regulated electric sector, spanning from accelerated retirement of fossil-fuel generating resources to grid modernization and electrification of the transportation sector. Concurrently in 2019-2020, Jeff served as chair of the Energy Resources and the Environment Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Prior to serving as PUC chair, Jeff served as director of the Colorado Energy Office in the Hickenlooper Administration for four years, starting in 2013. In this capacity, Jeff provided leadership for various initiatives that expanded the state’s clean energy agenda.
Jeff currently is a senior policy advisor with the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University and also provides policy advice through the Regulatory Assistance Project.
Jeff draws upon extensive experience in staff and leadership roles, within the Colorado PUC and various organizations developing and implementing innovative energy efficiency programs and addressing the needs of income-stressed households. Jeff has a Master’s of Nonprofit Management degree from Regis University and an Environmental Economic Policy degree from Albion College. He lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Marilynn, and has two adult children.
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Mike Florio
Senior Fellow
Mike Florio is a former Commissioner of the California Public Utilities Commission (2011-2016). Prior to this appointment, Commissioner Florio was a senior attorney at The Utility Reform Network, and served in that capacity since 1978. Commissioner Florio is a member of California Conference of Public Utility Counsel. He was also a member of the board of governors of the California Independent System Operator from 1997 to 2005. Commissioner Florio holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law, a M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University and a B.A. from Bowling Green State University.
Mike Florio
Senior Fellow
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Mike Florio
Senior Fellow
Mike Florio is a former Commissioner of the California Public Utilities Commission (2011-2016). Prior to this appointment, Commissioner Florio was a senior attorney at The Utility Reform Network, and served in that capacity since 1978. Commissioner Florio is a member of California Conference of Public Utility Counsel. He was also a member of the board of governors of the California Independent System Operator from 1997 to 2005. Commissioner Florio holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law, a M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University and a B.A. from Bowling Green State University.
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Richard Glick
Rich Glick is a Principal at GQ New Energy Strategies, a consulting firm that focuses on helping clients navigate the ongoing clean energy transition.
On January 3, 2023 Rich completed his five-year term as a Commissioner with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He chaired the Commission between January 21, 2021 and the conclusion of his term, during which time he led a number of key initiatives, including proposals to reform the planning and cost allocation process for electric transmission; expedite and enhance the generator interconnection process; improve the operation of organized electric capacity markets; protect the reliability of the electric grid against weather-related, cybersecurity, and physical attack threats; and make the Commission’s energy infrastructure siting decisions more legally durable.
Prior to serving at FERC, Rich was the General Counsel for the Democrats on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, serving as a senior policy advisor on numerous issues, including electricity and renewable energy. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Government Affairs for Iberdrola’s renewable energy, natural gas storage, and electric and gas utility businesses in the United States. He ran the Company’s Washington, D.C. office and was responsible for developing and implementing the U.S. businesses’ federal legislative and regulatory policy advocacy strategies.
Rich previously served as a Director of Government Affairs for PPM Energy and prior to that he held the same position with PacifiCorp. He also served as a Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, and before that was the Legislative Director and Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers, of Arkansas. From 1988-1992 Rich was an Associate with the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand.
He is a graduate of George Washington University and Georgetown Law. He and his wife Erin live in Alexandria, Virginia with their son.
Richard Glick
Senior Fellow
Rich Glick
Rich Glick is a Principal at GQ New Energy Strategies, a consulting firm that focuses on helping clients navigate the ongoing clean energy transition.
On January 3, 2023 Rich completed his five-year term as a Commissioner with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He chaired the Commission between January 21, 2021 and the conclusion of his term, during which time he led a number of key initiatives, including proposals to reform the planning and cost allocation process for electric transmission; expedite and enhance the generator interconnection process; improve the operation of organized electric capacity markets; protect the reliability of the electric grid against weather-related, cybersecurity, and physical attack threats; and make the Commission’s energy infrastructure siting decisions more legally durable.
Prior to serving at FERC, Rich was the General Counsel for the Democrats on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, serving as a senior policy advisor on numerous issues, including electricity and renewable energy. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Government Affairs for Iberdrola’s renewable energy, natural gas storage, and electric and gas utility businesses in the United States. He ran the Company’s Washington, D.C. office and was responsible for developing and implementing the U.S. businesses’ federal legislative and regulatory policy advocacy strategies.
Rich previously served as a Director of Government Affairs for PPM Energy and prior to that he held the same position with PacifiCorp. He also served as a Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson, and before that was the Legislative Director and Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers, of Arkansas. From 1988-1992 Rich was an Associate with the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand.
He is a graduate of George Washington University and Georgetown Law. He and his wife Erin live in Alexandria, Virginia with their son.
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Jay Griffin
Senior Fellow
Jay was appointed to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (HPUC) in June 2017 and served as Chair from January 2019 through June 2022. During his term at the Commission, the HPUC led an award-winning, stakeholder engagement process to implement performance-based regulation for the state’s largest electric utility. In addition, the Commission oversaw the largest procurements of utility-scale renewable energy in state history and transition plans to retire aging, fossil-fueled power plants, including Hawaii’s last coal plant. To support these plant retirements, the Commission also directed new and existing customer programs to help meet peak demand periods with distributed energy resources. Prior to serving on the HPUC, Griffin was an Assistant Researcher at the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii. His research focused on grid integration studies of renewable energy and demonstration projects to support the state’s clean energy goals. From 2012-2016, he served as the Chief of Policy and Research at the HPUC. Jay has a Ph.D. in Policy Analysis from the Pardee Rand Graduate School where he also served as a policy researcher from 2004-2009. Griffin has a M.A. in Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a joint master’s degree from Duke University in Public Policy and Environmental Management. Jay graduated from Williams College with a B.A. degree in Political Economy. He lives on the island of Oahu with his wife and young daughter.
Jay Griffin
Senior Fellow
Jay Griffin
Senior Fellow
Jay was appointed to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (HPUC) in June 2017 and served as Chair from January 2019 through June 2022. During his term at the Commission, the HPUC led an award-winning, stakeholder engagement process to implement performance-based regulation for the state’s largest electric utility. In addition, the Commission oversaw the largest procurements of utility-scale renewable energy in state history and transition plans to retire aging, fossil-fueled power plants, including Hawaii’s last coal plant. To support these plant retirements, the Commission also directed new and existing customer programs to help meet peak demand periods with distributed energy resources. Prior to serving on the HPUC, Griffin was an Assistant Researcher at the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii. His research focused on grid integration studies of renewable energy and demonstration projects to support the state’s clean energy goals. From 2012-2016, he served as the Chief of Policy and Research at the HPUC. Jay has a Ph.D. in Policy Analysis from the Pardee Rand Graduate School where he also served as a policy researcher from 2004-2009. Griffin has a M.A. in Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a joint master’s degree from Duke University in Public Policy and Environmental Management. Jay graduated from Williams College with a B.A. degree in Political Economy. He lives on the island of Oahu with his wife and young daughter.
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Steve Johnson
Senior Fellow
Steve Johnson is a former senior policy advisor to the commissioners of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (2008-2022). At the commission Steve led a rulemaking implementing the Clean Energy Transformation Act, Washington State’s 100 percent clean energy statute. Prior to serving at the commission, Steve was a regulatory analyst at the Public Counsel Unit of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and a transmission analyst in the merchant division of Puget Sound Energy. Steve has a Master’s of Public Administration from the Daniel J Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington and a B.S. in Chemistry from the Evergreen State College. He lives in Seattle, Washington with his spouse, Hillary, and has two adult children.
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Steve Johnson
Senior Fellow
Steve Johnson
Senior Fellow
Steve Johnson is a former senior policy advisor to the commissioners of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (2008-2022). At the commission Steve led a rulemaking implementing the Clean Energy Transformation Act, Washington State’s 100 percent clean energy statute. Prior to serving at the commission, Steve was a regulatory analyst at the Public Counsel Unit of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and a transmission analyst in the merchant division of Puget Sound Energy. Steve has a Master’s of Public Administration from the Daniel J Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington and a B.S. in Chemistry from the Evergreen State College. He lives in Seattle, Washington with his spouse, Hillary, and has two adult children.
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Amanda Ormond
Senior Fellow
Amanda Ormond is a technical and policy consultant specializing in clean energy. She has thirty years of experience working in Arizona and the West; the past two decades managing the Ormond Group LLC. She previously served as Arizona State Energy Office Director under two governors. Amanda has worked as a convener and liaison for industry, government, utility, and non-governmental organizations to implement collaborative solutions to develop the West’s vast renewable energy resources, as well as the transmission to bring resources to market. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Earth Science and is a trained mediator. Amanda is President of the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Assistance Project.
Amanda Ormond
Senior Fellow
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Amanda Ormond
Senior Fellow
Amanda Ormond is a technical and policy consultant specializing in clean energy. She has thirty years of experience working in Arizona and the West; the past two decades managing the Ormond Group LLC. She previously served as Arizona State Energy Office Director under two governors. Amanda has worked as a convener and liaison for industry, government, utility, and non-governmental organizations to implement collaborative solutions to develop the West’s vast renewable energy resources, as well as the transmission to bring resources to market. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Earth Science and is a trained mediator. Amanda is President of the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Assistance Project.
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Marjorie (Margie) L. Tatro
Margie is passionate about the safety, security, reliability, sustainability, and cost effectiveness of energy infrastructures and, as a native New Mexican, is committed to diversifying and improving New Mexico’s energy economy. As a Gridworks Fellow, Margie will be involved in technical and policy discussions regarding New Mexico’s energy transitions. Margie has assisted several state agencies with projects related to energy efficiency, energy assurance and security, energy roadmapping, grid modernization, interconnection standards, and community solar implementation.
Margie is also the CEO of a small, New Mexico-based business so she appreciates the business dynamics that exist in the state. Prior to her time as a private business executive, she supported the nation’s energy security agenda during 28 years of employment at Sandia National Laboratories where she led programs and teams in the areas of critical infrastructure protection, software development, systems modeling, materials science, environmental monitoring, and renewable energy technologies. Margie holds BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and the University of New Mexico.
Margie L. Tatro
Senior Fellow
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Margie L. Tatro
Margie is passionate about the safety, security, reliability, sustainability, and cost effectiveness of energy infrastructures and, as a native New Mexican, is committed to diversifying and improving New Mexico’s energy economy. As a Gridworks Fellow, Margie will be involved in technical and policy discussions regarding New Mexico’s energy transitions. Margie has assisted several state agencies with projects related to energy efficiency, energy assurance and security, energy roadmapping, grid modernization, interconnection standards, and community solar implementation.
Margie is also the CEO of a small, New Mexico-based business so she appreciates the business dynamics that exist in the state. Prior to her time as a private business executive, she supported the nation’s energy security agenda during 28 years of employment at Sandia National Laboratories where she led programs and teams in the areas of critical infrastructure protection, software development, systems modeling, materials science, environmental monitoring, and renewable energy technologies. Margie holds BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis, and the University of New Mexico.
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Katie Wu
Senior Fellow
Katie Wu is an environmental professional with nine years of experience in environmental and energy work. She was formerly a Regulatory Analyst and Supervisor in Energy Efficiency at the California Public Utilities Commission. Her work there covered cost-effectiveness analysis, energy savings forecasting, utility shareholder incentives, and integrated distributed energy resource policy issues. Prior to the CPUC, Katie worked in CEQA and Superfund enforcement in California. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolution from UC San Diego.
Katie Wu
Senior Fellow
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Katie Wu
Senior Fellow
Katie Wu is an environmental professional with nine years of experience in environmental and energy work. She was formerly a Regulatory Analyst and Supervisor in Energy Efficiency at the California Public Utilities Commission. Her work there covered cost-effectiveness analysis, energy savings forecasting, utility shareholder incentives, and integrated distributed energy resource policy issues. Prior to the CPUC, Katie worked in CEQA and Superfund enforcement in California. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolution from UC San Diego.
BOARD
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Tony Brunello
Founder
Tony Brunello founded Gridworks in 2010 to help policy-makers tackle the most difficult issues in decarbonizing electricity grids. Gridworks helps utility commissions, electric utilities, policy advocates and others identify solutions to challenging grid issues, develop solutions and make them operational in practice. Tony, a former top energy official in California, has worked on energy and environmental issues at the state, national, and international level for the past 20 years for industry, government and nonprofit organizations. Tony is also a Partner at California Strategies, one of California’s largest strategic policy consulting firms. Tony has a Master’s degree in Environmental and Resource Economics from University College London and undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He lives in Oakland with his wife and two daughters.
Tony Brunello
Founder
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Tony Brunello
Founder
Tony Brunello founded Gridworks in 2010 to help policy-makers tackle the most difficult issues in decarbonizing electricity grids. Gridworks helps utility commissions, electric utilities, policy advocates and others identify solutions to challenging grid issues, develop solutions and make them operational in practice. Tony, a former top energy official in California, has worked on energy and environmental issues at the state, national, and international level for the past 20 years for industry, government and nonprofit organizations. Tony is also a Partner at California Strategies, one of California’s largest strategic policy consulting firms. Tony has a Master’s degree in Environmental and Resource Economics from University College London and undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He lives in Oakland with his wife and two daughters.
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Manal Yamout
Chair
Manal is a Partner at Caliber Strategies, a boutique consulting firm focused on bringing disruptive energy technologies to market. Previously, Manal co-founded and was Senior Vice President of Policy and Markets for AMS, a leading distributed energy storage and software company. She served as Director of Government Affairs for NextEra Energy/Florida, Power & Light—the country’s largest clean energy company. Prior to this, she served as renewable energy advisor to both California Governors Brown and Schwarzenegger. Manal jointly coordinated California’s effort to bring the state closer to its goal of providing at least 33% of electricity from renewables and worked to streamline permitting for tens of billions in in-state investment and ultimately 16,000 megawatts of electricity. In addition, she helped lay the foundation for Governor Brown’s energy program to develop 12,000 megawatts of distributed power in California. Prior to this, Manal served as California’s Assistant Secretary for International Trade, Special Assistant to First Lady Maria Shriver and as an Executive Fellow in the Office of the Governor. Manal holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a degree in Biology from CSU San Marcos.
Manal Yamout
Chair
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Manal Yamout
Chair
Manal is a Partner at Caliber Strategies, a boutique consulting firm focused on bringing disruptive energy technologies to market. Previously, Manal co-founded and was Senior Vice President of Policy and Markets for AMS, a leading distributed energy storage and software company. She served as Director of Government Affairs for NextEra Energy/Florida, Power & Light—the country’s largest clean energy company. Prior to this, she served as renewable energy advisor to both California Governors Brown and Schwarzenegger. Manal jointly coordinated California’s effort to bring the state closer to its goal of providing at least 33% of electricity from renewables and worked to streamline permitting for tens of billions in in-state investment and ultimately 16,000 megawatts of electricity. In addition, she helped lay the foundation for Governor Brown’s energy program to develop 12,000 megawatts of distributed power in California. Prior to this, Manal served as California’s Assistant Secretary for International Trade, Special Assistant to First Lady Maria Shriver and as an Executive Fellow in the Office of the Governor. Manal holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a degree in Biology from CSU San Marcos.
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Audrey Lee
At Sunrun Audrey deploys and aggregates home solar, batteries, and other energy services to serve residential customers, utilities, and grid operators in creating a more affordable, clean, reliable electricity grid. Previously, Audrey was VP of Analytics & Design at Advanced Microgrid Solutions and led policy and analysis at the CA Public Utilities Commission President’s office. She holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Princeton University. Audrey and her team at Sunrun were recently recognized by Utility Dive as the “Disruptor of the Year.”
Audrey Lee
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Audrey Lee
At Sunrun Audrey deploys and aggregates home solar, batteries, and other energy services to serve residential customers, utilities, and grid operators in creating a more affordable, clean, reliable electricity grid. Previously, Audrey was VP of Analytics & Design at Advanced Microgrid Solutions and led policy and analysis at the CA Public Utilities Commission President’s office. She holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Princeton University. Audrey and her team at Sunrun were recently recognized by Utility Dive as the “Disruptor of the Year.”
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Alex McDonough
Alex has worked as an advisor, executive and consultant on clean energy, climate, and environmental issues for over 15 years. Alex is currently a partner at Pioneer Public Affairs in Washington, DC.
For four years, Alex was a Vice President, Public Policy for Sunrun, the largest residential solar and battery company in the US. Prior to joining Sunrun, Alex served as Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid’s senior policy advisor for energy and environment. Over 11 years, he counseled Senator Reid and Democratic Leadership on energy and environmental policy matters in Nevada, nationally, and internationally.
Alex is also a cofounder and board member of Clean Energy for America, a group arising from Clean Energy for Biden in the 2020 election, which advocates for policies and leaders who champion the clean energy workforce. Alex holds a BA from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the Washington College of Law at American University.
Alex McDonough
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Alex McDonough
Alex has worked as an advisor, executive and consultant on clean energy, climate, and environmental issues for over 15 years. Alex is currently a partner at Pioneer Public Affairs in Washington, DC.
For four years, Alex was a Vice President, Public Policy for Sunrun, the largest residential solar and battery company in the US. Prior to joining Sunrun, Alex served as Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid’s senior policy advisor for energy and environment. Over 11 years, he counseled Senator Reid and Democratic Leadership on energy and environmental policy matters in Nevada, nationally, and internationally.
Alex is also a cofounder and board member of Clean Energy for America, a group arising from Clean Energy for Biden in the 2020 election, which advocates for policies and leaders who champion the clean energy workforce. Alex holds a BA from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the Washington College of Law at American University.
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Nidhi Thaker
Nidhi Thakar is Senior Director of Resource and Regulatory Strategy and External Engagement for Portland General Electric, where she leads cross-functional efforts to advance the company’s priorities related to rapid decarbonization and electrification, resiliency and reliability, business model innovation, and customer products. In this role, she manages the Regulatory Strategy and Integrated Resource Planning teams, and supports the company’s work at the federal level. Prior to her role at Portland General, Nidhi served in the administration of Governor Brown as Chief of Strategy and External Affairs to President Michael Picker of the California Public Utilities Commission. Nidhi also previously served in the Obama administration as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, where she was part of the executive team responsible for managing a $32 billion portfolio of loans and loan guarantees and for financing innovative, clean energy and advanced vehicle technologies. Nidhi has held a number of other positions in the non-profit and government world, including: Deputy Director of the Public Lands Project at the Center for American Progress, where she led the team’s legal and policy analysis on energy and environmental issues affecting public lands; Legislative Aide to U.S. Representative Shelley Berkley of Nevada; and a law clerk for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Enforcement Division. Nidhi is an attorney by training and advised clients on energy and environmental matters as an associate at Perkins Coie LLP from 2008-2014. In this role, she practiced before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state public utility commissions, as well as advised clients on the permitting of onshore and offshore renewable energy and hydroelectric projects, western water issues, and wholesale electric and natural gas proceedings.
Nidhi holds a BA from the University of Maryland, College Park and received her JD from Lewis & Clark Law School, with a Certificate in Environmental Law, where she was a member of the Law Review.
Nidhi Thakar
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Nidhi Thakar
Nidhi Thakar is Senior Director of Resource and Regulatory Strategy and External Engagement for Portland General Electric, where she leads cross-functional efforts to advance the company’s priorities related to rapid decarbonization and electrification, resiliency and reliability, business model innovation, and customer products. In this role, she manages the Regulatory Strategy and Integrated Resource Planning teams, and supports the company’s work at the federal level. Prior to her role at Portland General, Nidhi served in the administration of Governor Brown as Chief of Strategy and External Affairs to President Michael Picker of the California Public Utilities Commission. Nidhi also previously served in the Obama administration as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, where she was part of the executive team responsible for managing a $32 billion portfolio of loans and loan guarantees and for financing innovative, clean energy and advanced vehicle technologies. Nidhi has held a number of other positions in the non-profit and government world, including: Deputy Director of the Public Lands Project at the Center for American Progress, where she led the team’s legal and policy analysis on energy and environmental issues affecting public lands; Legislative Aide to U.S. Representative Shelley Berkley of Nevada; and a law clerk for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Enforcement Division. Nidhi is an attorney by training and advised clients on energy and environmental matters as an associate at Perkins Coie LLP from 2008-2014. In this role, she practiced before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state public utility commissions, as well as advised clients on the permitting of onshore and offshore renewable energy and hydroelectric projects, western water issues, and wholesale electric and natural gas proceedings.
Nidhi holds a BA from the University of Maryland, College Park and received her JD from Lewis & Clark Law School, with a Certificate in Environmental Law, where she was a member of the Law Review.
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Rebecca Wagner
Rebecca Wagner is the founder and President of Wagner Strategies. Wagner Strategies advises clients on regulatory and utility matters, clean energy and climate policy, and western energy market development. Prior to creating Wagner Strategies, Rebecca served as a Commissioner on the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada where she was responsible for presiding over Commission proceedings including contested matters, rulemakings and investigations and specifically covered areas of integrated resource planning, transmission, and renewable energy development. Rebecca also served as the chair at Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) Transitional Committee. The EIM Transitional Committee was created by the California ISO Board of Governors to develop a proposal for the long-term EIM governance structure and to provide advice on matters related to final testing and the early operational phase of EIM. Rebecca currently serves on the EIM Governance Review Committee which is responsible for providing recommendations on EIM governance matters to the EIM Governing Body and the California ISO Board of Governors.
Rebecca earned a BA in English Literature at the University of Nevada-Reno. Rebecca is based in Reno, Nevada, and enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and golfing in her spare time.
Rebecca Wagner
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Rebecca Wagner
Rebecca Wagner is the founder and President of Wagner Strategies. Wagner Strategies advises clients on regulatory and utility matters, clean energy and climate policy, and western energy market development. Prior to creating Wagner Strategies, Rebecca served as a Commissioner on the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada where she was responsible for presiding over Commission proceedings including contested matters, rulemakings and investigations and specifically covered areas of integrated resource planning, transmission, and renewable energy development. Rebecca also served as the chair at Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) Transitional Committee. The EIM Transitional Committee was created by the California ISO Board of Governors to develop a proposal for the long-term EIM governance structure and to provide advice on matters related to final testing and the early operational phase of EIM. Rebecca currently serves on the EIM Governance Review Committee which is responsible for providing recommendations on EIM governance matters to the EIM Governing Body and the California ISO Board of Governors.
Rebecca earned a BA in English Literature at the University of Nevada-Reno. Rebecca is based in Reno, Nevada, and enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and golfing in her spare time.
