Alan Claus Anderson, J.D., Polsinelli Law Firm, Professor, University of Kansas School of Law

Alan Claus Anderson is a Shareholder and Chair of Polsinelli's Energy Practice Group. Mr. Anderson represents renewable energy developers in project development and permitting on projects throughout the country, representing clients in transmission projects and more than 5,000 MW in operating wind, solar and battery storage projects.

Mr. Anderson is an active speaker and teaches Renewable Energy Law as a professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. Mr. Anderson is also actively involved in numerous committees, organizations and trade groups supporting the renewable energy industry. Mr. Anderson has served as a member of the American Clean Power’s Midwest and Land Use Committees, Chair of the Government Team for the United States Department of Energy Electrify the Heartland Project, Solar Finance Lead for the Department of Energy’s Solar Ready KC SunShot initiative and Chair of the Kansas City Area Development Council's Advanced Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Council.

Emeka Anyanwu, CEO, Lincoln Electric System

Anyanwu became CEO of Lincoln Electric System (LES) – the municipal public utility serving Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding communities – in January 2024. Prior to LES, he served as Energy Innovation & Resources officer at Seattle City Light, one of the nation’s largest community-owned, not-for-profit utilities. In that role, he was responsible for leading strategic functions that included utility technology (IT/OT), information security, electrification, grid modernization, and current and future power resource strategy. Earlier in his career, Emeka spent 16 years at Kansas City Power & Light (now Evergy) in various roles, starting as a Distribution Engineer and moving into progressive leadership roles in T&D operations.

Emeka has been an active participant and contributor in industry discussions throughout his career. He has spoken at a variety of industry events and engaged with several technical and trade organizations. He has served on industry Boards including the Public Power Council, the Public Generating Pool, and Energy Northwest, as well as non-profit Boards for Genesis School and The Family Conservancy. He has also served on the External Advisory Committee for the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at Iowa State University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for GridForward and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. His recent awards include the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s Individual 2021 Power Player of the Year and the Energy Thought Summit’s 2023 Thought Leader of the Year.

Emeka has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University. He and his wife Brandy have been married since 2015 and have three energetic kids.

Heidi Aschbacher, Manager of Origination, Invenergy

After graduating University of Iowa (Go Hawks!), Heidi moved to South Korea where she was an English teacher for a year. Once back in Chicago, she joined Invenergy as an office administrator and over the years grew into the role she holds now. As a Manger of Origination she covers SPP & ERCOT markets to identify new origination prospects and implement an outreach strategy for all products and technologies under development, with a focus on executing PPAs, BTs and DTs. Heidi currently resides in Denver, CO where Invenergy has a regional office and enjoys all the fun outdoor activities Colorado has to offer!

Drake Becksted, Vice President of Marketing & Sales, ISI Solar

Drake entered the PV Solar workforce in 2016 with ISI Solar and quickly progressed to fulfill greater directive and management roles at the organization, currently fulfilling the role of VP of Marketing & Sales . Drake possesses a diverse skill set with experience in construction management, business development and administration, strategic planning, PV Solar operations and maintenance, and contracts negotiation and management.

David L. Bracht, Of Counsel, Kutak Rock , Past Director, nebraska energy office

David has more than 30 years' experience in business, government and law, including private legal practice and senior executive experience in private industry and federal and state government agencies. He advises clients involved in renewable energy development including biofuels, biomass and wind energy, as well as agribusinesses and businesses involved in production and processing of agriculture products.

Previously David was appointed Director of the Nebraska Energy Office by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts in January 2015. He was a member of the Governor's Cabinet and principal advisor on energy policy, managing agency operations including administration of annual grants of $5 million, a revolving loan energy loan program with $48 million in assets, and State Energy Program activities and various energy efficiency and renewable energy grant programs. He served as Director until August 1, 2018, and then re-joined Kutak Rock after having practiced with the firm from 1997 to 2000.

Tom Brandt, Senator, District 32

Tom Brandt was born in Beatrice, Nebraska in 1959. He graduated in 1982 from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with a Bachelor’s of Science in agricultural economics and mechanized agriculture. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Tom is also the president of the Southeast Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Plymouth Improvement Association. Brandt is involved in the Farmers Cooperative of Dorchester and is a chairman for the Jefferson County Republicans.

Molly Brown, EVP of Corporate Strategy, Genpro

Molly Brown is the EVP of Corporate Strategy for GenPro Energy Development based out of Piedmont, SD where she helps steer the company’s overall vision and strategy while overseeing distributed generation project development. Her background in quantitative economics has allowed her to see and create market opportunities in underdeveloped regions. After being promoted to VP of Energy Production in the Fall of 2016, GenPro has shot up Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors list and has a sterling reputation for best-in-class installations.

In Nebraska and South Dakota, Molly has been involved in many firsts. She developed and project managed the first municipal utility solar farm for the City of Lexington which was at the time the largest system (AC) in the State of Nebraska. She also oversaw the construction of the two pilot projects for Nebraska Public Power District’s SunWise Community Solar Program, a program which has since expanded and includes the 4.6MW AC system in Scottsbluff, NE that was placed online in 2020 and the first solar + storage project in Norfolk, NE that was energized in August of 2022. In South Dakota, she developed a 1090kW roof-top portfolio with Black Hills State University which with the combination of hydroelectric power from WAPA has allowed them to meet their goal to be powered by 100% renewable energy.

Molly’s team works actively with end-users to provide custom behind-the-meter solar + storage solutions for Municipal & C&I customers ranging from manufacturing facilities to community solar gardens and utility-scale projects.

Aaron Brown, Vice President of Engineering, Estimating, Procurement, ISI Solar

Aaron holds over 25 years of integrated success in the electric utility business from generation through transmission and distribution.  He holds professional qualifications in engineering, operations, strategic planning, customer service, and finance.  As Vice President of Engineering, Estimating, and Procurement of ISI Solar, Aaron oversees and directs all engineering, purchasing, and estimating for the organization.

Daniel E. Buman, Special Assistant to the site VP, Cooper Nuclear Station, NPPD

Daniel E. Buman is the Special Assistant to the Site VP for Nebraska Public Power District's (NPPD) Cooper Nuclear Station.  He graduated from University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and earned an Executive MBA degree from the University of Nebraska – Omaha in 2011.  

He started his career at Cooper Nuclear Station on June 1, 1987, achieving over 37 years of nuclear experience. Dan has served NPPD in multiple positions most recently as the Director of Nuclear Oversight & Strategic Asset Management, the Director of Nuclear Safety Assurance, and the Director of Engineering at the Site in Brownville, Nebraska. Prior to that he served as the System Engineering Manager, Design Engineering Manager, Programs Engineering Manager, USAR Re-baseline Project Manager, Regulatory Affairs, NSSS System Engineering Supervisor and Design Engineer.  

Dan also serves as a Director on the Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union and Concordia University Seward Foundation Board.  Dan and his wife Melissa live in Bennington, Nebraska.

Claire Burch, Scientist, Olsson

Claire Burch is a Scientist within the Utility Environmental Sciences team at Olsson. In her role, Claire works with clients on the planning and permitting of utility-scale wind and solar projects across the Great Plains region, working on projects from initial site due diligence through construction compliance and monitoring. She has also assisted municipalities, tribal nations, private organizations, and universities with evaluating solar feasibility at a commercial or community scale as well as assisting with grant applications to pursue funding for those projects. Claire is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oklahoma in Geography and Environmental Sustainability, where her research focuses on the environmental permitting of utility-scale wind and solar development. She is actively engaged in outreach and education opportunities in the renewable energy sector, including her role as President-Elect of the Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council and her previous work managing a research experience for teachers on the University of Oklahoma’s campus. Claire is a new member of the Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference planning committee, joining this year.

Julie Bushell, Chief Executive Officer, Ethos Connected, Global Sustainability Developers

With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of agriculture, technology and policy, Julie Bushell has passionately shaped her career to bolster rural economic development with unwavering support for agriculture.

In 2019, Julie embarked on a bold vision, founding and leading Paige Wireless, which later evolved into Ethos Connected in 2022. Ethos is now the Nation’s largest IoT network and full suite solution provider dedicated to natural resource conservation, full value agriculture and bioeconomy realization.

As President and CEO of Global Sustainability Developers (GSD), she is a sought- after expert safeguarding our food supply, energy independence and water resources, building the rural economies essential for our collective prosperity and National security.

Beyond her executive roles, Julie’s commitment to American prosperity resonates in her leadership positions. She serves as the President Elect of the National Irrigation Association, four-year member of the FCC’s Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force where she served as the Chair of the Adoption of Precision Agriculture and High-Quality Jobs on Connected Farms Work Group, a member of the AFCC Carbon Intensity Standard Committee and serves as a board member on the University Technology Development Corporation (UTDC). As an Aksarben Governor and Chair of the Full Value Ag Executive Committee, Julie passionately serves the state of Nebraska in its realization of value- added agriculture and rural prosperity.

She proudly serves as Governor Jim Pillen’s Senior Advisor and leads the Nebraska BioEconomy Initiative. Julie Bushell’s dedication and advocacy are central to her involvement in statewide and federal public policy initiatives, with a strong focus promoting rural connectivity, fortifying critical infrastructure, protecting agriculture, and conserving our precious natural resources

Chris Caswell, Director, Origination, The AES Corporation

Chris brings over a decade of experience in commercial and financial roles within the power generation sector. Currently, he serves as a Director of Origination for AES in the central US region, covering the SPP & MISO markets. In this capacity, Chris is focused on serving customers and leading transactions, including Power Purchase Agreements and Build/Develop-Transfer Agreements. He works on solutions for public power, electric cooperatives, utilities, and commercial and industrial customers. Throughout his time at AES and in previous roles, Chris has led transactions involving both solar and wind projects in Nebraska. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Energy Business and Finance from Penn State University and an MBA from Villanova University.

cASEY cATHEY, vICE pRESIDENT OF eNGINEERING, sOUTHWEST pOWER pOOL

Casey is a 21-year veteran of the power industry and a subject matter expert for energy markets, grid operations, and transmission planning. He was a leader in two energy market starts, the SPP Energy Imbalance Services market and the Integrated Marketplace. He has also operated and supported the Balancing Authority, Reliability Coordination, Tariff and Scheduling, and Transmission Operations functions. Casey and his team handle Transmission Planning, Generation Interconnection, Transmission Service, Modeling, Planning Compliance, Research & Development, and Resource Adequacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Louisiana State University, has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and has held a Professional Engineering license for sixteen years. 

john cavanaugh, Senator, District 9

Senator John Cavanaugh is an Omaha native with nearly 20 years’ experience in public service and community engagement is the current Senator representing the 9th District (Central Omaha) in the Nebraska State Legislature. John worked for the Douglas County Public Defender’s office, where he represented the poor and underserved of Omaha. A graduate of Creighton Prep High School, John received a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. John received his Juris Doctorate from the Vermont Law School where he served as a Notes Editor on the Vermont Law Review, John also received a Masters In Environmental Policy from the Vermont Law school. John serves on the Board of Directors of Mode Shift Omaha. He resides in the Aksarben/Elmwood Park Neighborhood with his wife Katie McGill and their children. They are members of Saint Margaret Mary Parish.

Hilary Clark, Senior Director, Siting & Permitting, Social Licensing, American Clean Power Association

Hilary Clark is the Senior Director, Siting & Permitting, Social Licensing at the American Clean Power Association (ACP) where she leads non-wildlife siting, regulatory, and policy direction for deployment of clean energy projects as well as leading on local affairs efforts for the industry. Hilary brings over 18 years of land use planning, permitting, and public policy experience. Before joining ACP, Hilary worked for engineering consulting firms where she led land use and environmental planning efforts for siting and permitting various development projects, including utility-scale wind and solar energy projects.

She began her career in 2004 with a small consulting firm where she quickly advanced her position to begin driving overall project planning and management, maintaining effective coordination with technical consultants, developers, permitting agencies, and community stakeholder groups. As a project lead, she advised clients and stakeholders on project development issues, policy changes and regulatory framework, tracked changes in the permitting landscape, and helped drive projects forward.

Hilary earned her B.A. in Biology from the University of San Diego and her M.A. in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

Christopher Cook, Vice President of Business Development, ISI Solar

Chris holds management and teaching experience in academia and renewable energy generation. Prior roles have included holding a faculty position with the School of Statistics at the University of Minnesota.  He has a BS in Mathematics from Baylor University and an MS and PhD in Statistics from the University of Minnesota. Chris’ diverse professional experience and academic achievements bring high value and technical insight to the PV Solar Renewable space.

Lee DeLange, Chief Administrative Officer, GenPro Energy Solutions

Lee DeLange, serving as the Chief Administrative Officer at GenPro Energy Solutions, boasts a career in the energy sector dating back to 1993. Prior to joining GenPro, Lee spent 23 years at Black Hills Energy, culminating in his role as the manager of the Energy Services and Customer Operations team. In this capacity, he oversaw commercial and industrial accounts, energy efficiency initiatives, and the customer service team. As the CAO, Lee supervises GenPro's daily administrative functions, including risk management, compliance, and the development of the Continuous Improvement Program. With a sharp focus on enhancing processes, he consistently motivates the GenPro team to advance and surpass expectations. Lee's utility expertise significantly influences GenPro's distinctive approach to projects and collaborations with public power entities. Actively engaged in the Black Hills community, Lee participates in chamber boards, economic development boards, and various nonprofit organizations.

Javier Fernandez, President & CEO, OPPD

Javier Fernandez has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of OPPD since 2021.  He joined the utility in 2017 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. 

Fernandez came to OPPD from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), U.S. Department of Energy, in Portland, Oregon.  He had been with the federal power marketing organization since 2012, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer.  He previously served as senior vice president of Fixed Income Capital Markets for D.A. Davidson & Company and vice president of Public France for Seattle Northwest Securities Corporation.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City, a master’s degree in business administration from Yale University, and a Utility Management Certificate from the University of Idaho.

He currently serves as Board Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Omaha Branch, vice-chair of the Large Public Power Council, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Omaha, and is a board member for Ameritas, Bellevue University, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and the Aksarben Foundation.

Marco Floreani, Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development and Development Services, CITY OF OMaha

Marco Floreani grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has worked in economic and community development for over twelve years in both Nebraska and Iowa. His experience includes working at the city, state, and regional levels, and is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development and Development Services for the City of Omaha. 

Raki Giannakouros, Executive Vice President, Sandhills Energy

Raki is an experienced renewable energy leader, having gotten his start in the industry over a decade ago. He has played a pivotal role in steering the advancement and success of the Sandhills Energy mission.

He began his career in energy consulting and emission reporting before becoming one of the earliest NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professionals in Iowa. As the founder of Blue Sky Solar, Raki helped to complete over 600 commercial and residential installations across multiple states in the Midwest.

Specializing in financial modeling and the design of solar and energy storage projects, Raki’s expertise led to the founding of Sandhills Energy through a significant merger.

Beyond his professional commitments, Raki serves as a board member on the Dubuque County Energy District, where they work toward a future run by 100% renewable energy.

Kevin Gildea, Vice President of Development, NextEra Energy Resources

Kevin Gildea is a Vice President on NextEra Energy Resources' Renewables Development team, where he leads a national team responsible for prospecting and early-stage development efforts. Since joining the company in 2007, Kevin has successfully overseen the development of several thousand megawatts of renewable energy projects across the United States. Before joining NextEra Energy Resources, Kevin served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Kevin graduated from The University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in finance.

George Gogos, Director, Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR)

Prof. George Gogos holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1980) and an M.S. (1982) and PhD (1986) degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. After he completed his studies, he joined Rutgers University as an Assistant Professor and in 1993 moved to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln as an Associate professor where he is currently the Wilmer J. and Sally L. Hergenrader Chaired Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR). Over the past fifteen years, his research emphasis is on two interdisciplinary research areas: a) thermal/fluids applications of metallic surfaces that are functionalized with femtosecond lasers, and b) propane flaming for weed control in agronomic crops. The second one has led to a startup Agricultural Flaming Innovations (AFI), The first one has also led to a new startup (Integrated Functionalized Materials (IFM)). He has also conducted research in fuel combustion, with emphasis on droplet combustion, droplet vaporization at elevated pressures and microgravity combustion, as well as in a number of interdisciplinary areas that required his expertise in the thermal/fluids sciences, such as rapid DNA multiplication for detection of biological agents (rapid PCR development), blast wave mitigation and rotational molding. His research is funded by NSF, NASA, DARPA, NIH, ARO, ONR, USDA, Boeing, Honeywell and many space and defense industries. He has co-authored more than 150 technical papers in archival Journals and Conference Proceedings. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in heat and mass transfer processes, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, computational heat transfer and fluid flow and in combustion.  

jOHN hANSEN, pRESIDENT, nEBRASKA fARMERS uNION

John Hansen has served as the elected President of the Nebraska Farmers Union since 1990. In his 17th two-year elected term, Hansen also serves as Secretary for the NeFU Foundation and NEBFARMPAC.

At the national level, Hansen serves on the NFU (National Farmers Union) Executive Committee, Budget and Audit Committee; Vice Chair of the Legislative Committee; and Regenerative Agriculture/Local Foods Committee; and Chairs the Meritorious Service Committee. He also serves on the NFU Service Association Board, the Political Action Board, and the NFU Foundation Board.

He is the longest ever serving president of Nebraska Farmers Union and the longest ever serving member of the NFU Board of Directors.

Hansen currently serves on USDA’s Nebraska State Technical Committee; Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Farm Crisis Council; and on the Board of Directors for the Coalition for a Prosperous America.   

Hansen has served as Chair or Co-Chair of the Wind and Solar Conference since 2008.

Brad Hans, Director of Wholesale Electric Operatons, NMPP ENERGY

Brad Hans joined NMPP Energy in August 2013 as Manager of Transmission for the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) and became Deputy Director of Wholesale Electric Operations in 2014 prior to becoming the Director of Wholesale Electric Operations in March 2020.  MEAN is one of four organizations that make up the NMPP Energy coalition. MEAN is a Joint Action Agency that provides wholesale electricity and related services to sixty-seven participating communities in four states in the MISO, SPP and Western Energy Imbalance Service (WEIS) markets.

In SPP, Brad serves as Member Representative on the Market Operations Policy Committee and chaired the Supply Adequacy Working Group from its inception through January 2020.  He also serves as MEAN’s representative on the Western Markets Executive Committee.  Mr. Hans has over twenty years of experience in the energy industry.  Previously Mr. Hans worked at Lincoln Electric System for eleven years as Plant Manager for the construction, commissioning, staffing and operation of the Terry Bundy Generating Station, a 175 MW combined cycle facility.  Mr. Hans earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln.  Upon graduation, Mr. Hans received his commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps, serving on active duty for seven years.  He retired in 2014 from the Navy Reserve.  Mr. Hans earned a master’s degree in business administration from Wayne State College in 2008.

Eric Johnson, President, Sandhills Energy

Eric Johnson, Founder and President of Sandhills Energy, offers financial expertise and entrepreneurial fervor to the renewable energy landscape. His passion for investment started at a young age, and after graduating from Creighton University with a BS-BA in Finance in 2007, he honed his finance skills at Northwestern Mutual.

A long-time entrepreneur, Eric established Johnson Capital Management in Valentine, NE in 2010. While building ETF portfolios and navigating estate planning, a client’s query about a wind farm sparked a pivotal shift. He sold his practice and founded Sandhills Energy, becoming the wind energy developer for Cherry County Wind. This opportunity kick-started his career in renewable energy.

Under Eric’s leadership, Sandhills Energy has expanded from a single wind project to over two gigawatts of various renewable assets financed and under development over the past two decades – and it continues to grow.

Eric is also heavily involved in other important organizations as a community and industry leader. Some of the work he does helps to provide innovative solutions to the waste management crisis, educate voters and advocate for sound conservation policies, and contributes to legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of neglected children – among other noteworthy initiatives in the following ways:

• Treasurer of Nebraska Conservation Voters

• Treasurer of Conservation Nebraska

• Director of Housing for Omaha, Inc.

• Advocacy Committee Member of the College of Public Health at UNMC
  Past Chair of Voices for Children

• Chair of Voices for Children Nebraska

COURTNEY KENNEDY, President, POWER DELIVERY SERVICES, INC.

Courtney is the president of Power Delivery Services, a small business serving Nebraska utilities for 30 years. Courtney has over a decade in the utility industry leading teams and initiatives in the areas of strategy, operations analysis, and alternative energy. She has deep expertise in alternative energy technologies and how they play a crucial role in grid transformation and advancing energy solutions across Nebraska. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering & Spanish from Iowa State University, a Master of Business Administration from Creighton University, and holds a Professional Engineering license. She has been an active member of the Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference planning committee since 2018.

Thomas J. Kent, President & CEO, nppd

Mr. Kent was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer in May 2020. Tom graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1985 and a master’s degree in Business Administration in 2005. He has also completed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (“INPO”) reactor technology course for utility executives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Leadership at the Peak, and holds certification as a Situational Leadership® trainer. Mr. Kent is a registered professional electrical engineer in the State of Nebraska. He joined the District in May 1990 as Environmental Qualification Coordinator at Cooper Nuclear Station. Mr. Kent also has held the positions of Retail District Manager, Retail Regional Manager, Retail Customer Care Manager, Chief Information Officer, Corporate Planning and Risk Manager, and Transmission and Distribution Manager. He was appointed a Vice President in May 2011, and an Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2020. Mr. Kent is very active in the electric utility industry and his community serving as a Board member of the Nebraska Power Association, Nuclear Energy Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, The Energy Authority, American Public Power Association, Large Public Power Council, and the Mid-America Council, as well as, Boy Scouts of America. He currently serves on the Southwest Power Pool Members Committee. Mr. Kent is a veteran of the United States Navy, and he and his wife, Dacia, live in rural Lancaster County, Nebraska, and have two adult children.

Will Kirby, Transportation Sustainability leader, hdr

Will is a Transportation Sustainability Leader at HDR with significant experience on client sustainability and renewable energy projects. As a Transportation Sustainability Leader, Will leads projects or tasks for clients in decarbonization, electrification, sustainability planning, climate action plans, resiliency planning and more. Will serves as a leader in the business group both locally and nationally to collaborate and develop sustainability initiatives across different project and infrastructure types. He has a BS in Civil and Architectural Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology, and an MS in Sustainable Systems Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Raj Krishna, Director - Tax Research and Planning, Nelnet Renewable Energy

Rajat (Raj) Krishna is the Director of Tax Research and Planning for Nelnet Renewable Energy and has been with the company since October of 2022. Prior to his role at Nelnet, Raj was Executive Director and Senior Economist at an antitrust firm specializing in providing expert witness testimony and consulting to a diverse mix of legal and commercial clients. Raj holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Princeton and a law degree from Harvard, where he graduated with high honors. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife and two young kids.

David C. Levy, Partner, Baird Holm Law Firm

David Levy represents clients in zoning, land use, energy, and general real estate matters. He regularly appears before various elected and appointed bodies. David’s expertise includes land use and development, municipal law, real estate finance and incentives, and renewable energy development. David is a registered lobbyist in the State of Nebraska. In 2014, David successfully concluded a multi-year effort to pass a 20-percent state tax credit for rehabilitation of historic buildings in Nebraska. Since then he has helped public and private clients generate millions of dollars in tax credits while making significant investments in historic rehabilitation projects across Nebraska. In 2016, David played a central role in legislation that significantly streamlined the regulatory process for wind and solar energy generation facilities. In 2018, David helped lead a successful effort to overhaul the tax-increment financing statutes in Nebraska. David has taught Land Use Law at the University of San Francisco School of Law and legal writing at Creighton University School of Law. Since 2011, David’s peers have selected him for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in Land Use & Zoning Law. He is civically active, and he serves on numerous boards and committees, frequently in a leadership role. David is an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley undergraduate and Master’s in City Planning programs, and he has his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. He is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Christopher A. McLean, Assistant aDMINISTRATOR, rURAL uTILITIES sERVICE

Christopher A. McLean is the Assistant Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Programs. He also served as Acting Administrator for the agency from the beginning of the Biden Administration until October 2022 when Andy Berke was appointed Administrator.

RUS is a USDA Rural Development agency that provides loan and grant financing for electric infrastructure, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart grid technology and grid modernization; EV charging station infrastructure; telecommunications and broadband infrastructure; and water and wastewater facilities serving rural communities.

Since January 11, 2015, Mr. McLean has served as Assistant Administrator for RUS’ Electric program, presiding over a $58 billion loan portfolio. In recent years the RUS annual lending budget for new electric infrastructure loans has exceeded $5 billion.

Mr. McLean has extensive experience with RUS. From 2010-2012, he served as a senior advisor to the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). He is a former RUS Administrator and former Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank. Mr. McLean was appointed Deputy Administrator in January 1998. In 2000, he was the first person nominated and confirmed for the position of RUS Administrator.

Mr. McLean served the Acting Director of the Program Planning and Accountability Division of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) at the United States Department of Agriculture. He came to OASCR in 2013 as civil rights fellow in the OASCR’s policy office.

Mr. McLean was in private practice from 2001-2010, and a co-owner of a consulting firm that specialized in telecommunications, transportation, and technology policy. Mr. McLean is also the former Executive Director of the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC).

Mr. McLean worked on Capitol Hill for more than 15 years. He served on Senator Jim Exon’s staff and Senator Bob Kerrey’s staff both from Nebraska.

Mr. McLean hails from Omaha, Nebraska. He received an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University in 1985, a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law in 1982, and a degree in Business Administration from Creighton University in 1980. Chris also completed the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University in 2015.

Troy F. Meyerson, Partner, Fraser Stryker PC LLO

Troy Meyerson has 25 years of experience providing strategic representation to companies in the energy, renewable energy, real estate, technology, and internet/e-commerce industries. Often acting as general counsel to his clients, Troy provides guidance on a wide spectrum of business matters from business contracts, shareholder and board relations, power purchase agreements, and day-to-day operational and contractual issues.

In the energy space, Troy has negotiated over 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy power purchase agreements. He also has significant experience representing companies in real estate transactions, land use planning and zoning matters, and lease negotiations.

Troy earned his J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law and bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.

Josh Moenning, Mayor, City of Norfolk, DIrector, nEW pOWER nEBRASKA

Josh Moenning is the mayor of the city of Norfolk. He was elected to the Norfolk City Council in 2012, and mayor in 2016, and re-elected in 2020. He’s worked as director of clean energy group New Power Nebraska and owns and operates a small business in the field of renewable energy development. He also assists his family’s beef business and has two children, Molly and Henry. He’s worked in the Nebraska Legislature, for the U.S. House of Representatives, and as executive director of the infrastructure development group 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska.

Moenning earned a journalism degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s Climate Change Policy: Economics and Politics executive program. In 2020, he was selected to serve on the board of directors of the National League of Cities.

Eric Moyer, Business Development and Strategy Manager, Nelnet Renewable Energy

Eric is a two-time alumnus of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Marketing, Communication and Advertising (MCA). He has worked in the solar industry since 2016, with experience in every aspect of marketing, sales, design, installation, and maintenance of solar and battery systems. At Nelnet Renewable Energy, Eric is responsible for identifying C&I opportunities and acting as the primary point of contact for developer relationships. Eric holds a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®), Photovoltaic Technical Sales, Board Certification as well as manufacturer certifications in design and installation of solar power systems from CPS, Generac, SolarEdge and is a Tesla Certified Installer. Eric is a Nebraska native who is proud to call Lincoln, Nebraska home.

Christopher Ollson, Ph.D., Ollson Environmental Health Management

Dr. Christopher Ollson, Ph.D. of Ollson Environmental Health Management (OEHM) has 25 years of international consulting experience. He is North America's foremost expert in environmental health issues related to the renewable energy sector. Dr. Ollson has aided in permitting >20 GW of installed wind, solar and BESS projects in over 25 states. Chris has testified at numerous county commissions, state hearings and court proceedings with respect to potential health concerns in living in proximity to renewable energy projects. Dr. Ollson is a firm believer that effectively communicating health research in public forms helps to reduce community concerns and provides regulators (local and state) with the basis to set appropriate permit siting conditions. In addition to working with the development community, he was the consultant of record for the Vermont Public Services Department in developing wind turbine sound standards and has appeared before the Kansas, North Dakota and Indiana Senate Committees on proper siting of wind projects. Dr. Ollson maintains an active research program through his Adjunct Professor appointment at the University of Toronto.

Frank Oteri, Market Research Analyst, NREL

Frank Oteri is a market research analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory where he has spent the past sixteen years working on a variety of stakeholder engagement and outreach projects for the Department of Energy’s WINDExchange initiative. In addition to stakeholder engagement and outreach, he currently supports supply chain, environmental, and end of service efforts. 

Daniel Padilla, Director - Solar for All, Center for Rural Affairs

Daniel is the Solar for All Director at the Center for Rural Affairs.  The Solar for All program will provide technical and financial assistance to support community, rooftop, and multifamily affordable housing solar projects for eligible households.

Daniel brings experience from OpsCompass and Union Pacific Railroad.

Jennifer Trombley Peters, nepa program manager, terracon consultants, inc., central operating group

Jennifer Trombley Peters is a Senior Associate and NEPA Program Manager for the Central Operating Group, based in Texas. She has over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting, 18 specializing in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulatory compliance. Her NEPA experience includes serving as a project manager, coordinator, and resource specialist. She is a resource expert for environmental justice, hazardous material resources, land use, and surface water. She has managed and prepared NEPA documents for federal agencies as well as private and public entities receiving funds from federal agencies. Agencies include the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, United States Housing and Urban Development, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation.

Justin Pickar, Senior Director, National Grid Renewables

Justin Pickar is a professional in the renewable energy sector and serves as Senior Director of Origination at National Grid Renewables (fka Geronimo Energy). With a passion for sustainability, Justin has been instrumental in driving the company's mission to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future for nearly two decades.

Throughout his career, Justin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in navigating the complexities of renewable energy development and originating renewable energy contracts. He brings a unique blend of strategic insight and technical expertise to his role, ensuring that National Grid Renewables remains at the forefront of innovation in the renewable energy landscape.

Prior to joining National Grid Renewables, Justin provided corporate development support to businesses ranging in size from Fortunate 500 to five employees, eventually starting and managing his own consulting firm, EHFAR, LLC, assisting small business in the areas of development, marketing, and public relations. Justin’s pride is in his hometown, Wimbledon, North Dakota and in his rural, agricultural, roots. His passion and commitment to sustainability has enabled him to forge strategic partnerships and deliver impactful solutions that drive both environmental and economic benefits to farmers, ranchers and rural America.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Justin is an advocate for environmental stewardship and is actively involved in promoting renewable energy adoption. Justin currently lives in the Black Hills, South Dakota and commutes frequently to Minnesota to see family, friends and visit the National Grid Renewables headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Laura Priest, Associate - Solar for All, Center for Rural Affairs

Laura Priest is the Solar for All Associate with the Center for Rural Affairs, promoting accessible solar energy solutions for underserved communities. Based in Omaha, NE, she dedicates her free time to volunteer efforts that enrich her local area. A dedicated cat parent, and plant lover, she finds joy and solitude in her indoor oasis of greenery. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community service, she embodies the spirit of making a difference both at work and in her life. 

David d. rich, sustainable energy manager, nebraska public power district

Mr. Rich has been employed with Nebraska Public Power District for the past 46 years, currently serving as NPPD’s Sustainable Energy Manager. In this position, Dave is responsible for the development and implementation of NPPD's sustainable energy (energy efficiency, electrification and small-scale renewables and battery storage) strategies. These strategies support NPPD's vision and mission by providing safe, cost-effective, and efficient sustainable energy in a manner that provides renewable energy to NPPD’s resource mix and promotes economic development in an environmentally sound manner. Mr. Rich graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1978 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, and from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 1988 with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Mr. Rich is a registered professional engineer in the state of Nebraska

Shelby Ridenour, Client Manger, Olsson

Shelby Ridenour has been with Olsson for 12 years as part of their Utility Environmental Sciences team. She is experienced in client and project management for renewable energy and power delivery projects. Shelby specializes in identifying environmental permitting requirements at the federal, state, and local levels throughout the Great Plains and Midwest regions. Shelby works remotely from Mullen, Nebraska where she and her husband ranch. She also serves on the Village of Mullen Board of Trustees, secretary of the Mullen Lions Club, and chairwoman of the Hooker County Democratic Party.

JC Sandberg, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association

JC Sandberg is the Chief Advocacy Officer at the American Clean Power Association (ACP). He leads ACP’s state and federal advocacy, legal, and transmission teams. JC led the clean energy industry’s advocacy around the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as well as industry efforts to shape IRA implementing rules and regulations.

Prior to joining ACP, Sandberg led global government affairs and policy at GE Renewable Energy. In this role, JC was instrumental in the global growth of the company’s onshore and offshore wind, grid, hydro, and storage businesses. Sandberg played an active role in the establishment of policy and regulatory frameworks enabling the accelerated deployment of renewable energy in domestic and foreign markets.

Sandberg began his policy career in 2001 as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works where his portfolio included surface transportation, federal government response to the 9/11 attacks and a range of environmental issues. During his Senate tenure, Sandberg was a lead Senate negotiator on the $300 billion reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Following his work on the Hill, he served as Counsel to the law firm of Baker Donelson where he advised clients on energy and infrastructure issues.

Sandberg earned his B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University and his J.D. from the University of Arizona.

Ann M. Scott, PhD, RPA, Principal, Program Manager, Environmental Planning, Terracon

Ann is a company Principal and Program Manager for Environmental Planning at Terracon Consultants, Inc, a national firm specializing in environmental, geotechnical, and materials testing services. She earned her PhD in Latin American Studies in 2009 from The University of Texas at Austin.  She received a MA in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University and a BS degree from Central Michigan University. She has over 25 years of archeological experience and has worked for the National Park Service, the State of Wisconsin, the State of Illinois, a Tribal nation, and various private consulting firms in the Midwest and Texas. Her work has been performed in compliance with various state heritage laws, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) NEPA assignment standards. Dr. Scott also serves as a leader and mentor for junior managers in Terracon’s internal quality assurance program providing advice, guidance, oversight, and document review for projects throughout the US. Dr. Scott has served on various board of directors including the American Cultural Resources Association, a national organization representing cultural resource management firms. She currently provides oversight on several renewable energy projects for Environmental Planning practitioners.

In addition to a successful career in cultural resource management, Dr. Scott has a long record of conducting research in Latin America. She has participated in archeological research in Peru, Bolivia, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. She also specializes in Mesoamerican cave archeology studying the use of caves in a ritual context. She recently moved back to the Midwest to work in the Great Lakes area and conduct client and program development out of the Chicagoland region.

Nicole Sedlacek, Economic Development Manager, Nebraska Public Power District

Nicole Sedlacek is the Economic Development Manager at Nebraska Public Power District where she leads a team that is focused helping communities prepare for economic development opportunities and on business expansion, retention, and attraction efforts. Nicole and her team help provide these economic development services to 84 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.

Nicole is  a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council. She is a Past President of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA). She currently serves on the Northeast Community College Board of Governors and Nebraska Community Foundation Board of Directors. She holds degrees from Bellevue University and Northeast Community College and is a graduate of Leadership Nebraska and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.

Michael shonka, president, solar heat & electric, inc.

Michael Shonka with Solar Heat and Electric has 30 years of experience with solar energy projects, including many applications of solar air, water, and electric systems. Solar electric in Nebraska is growing due to increased utility rates and favorable consumer attitudes toward sustainability. The company has a number of firsts in the state: the first net metering installation, community solar project, center pivot system, and solar-heated greenhouse. Shonka is a solar instructor at community colleges in Nebraska and Iowa.

Randy Smith, Environmental Specialist, NDEE

Randy Smith is an Environmental Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE).  During the past 8 years he has managed the Clean Diesel Rebate Program, administered Nebraska’s Volkswagen Settlement funds, and now is part of the team working on the ONE RED (Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization) program.

Under an initial EPA planning grant, the ONE RED team has developed the Nebraska Priority Climate Action Plan, which proposes over a dozen voluntary, high-impact, readily-implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state by 2030. The proposed voluntary measures and financial incentives would reduce air pollution, stimulate economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and enhance the quality of life for all Nebraskans.  The team will continue to work on a Comprehensive Action Plan (due by December 2025) to address long-term reduction measures and targets through 2050.

NDEE has also received from EPA an award of $307 million to implement eight of the measures proposed in the Priority Plan, which benefit most of the state’s economic sectors and both rural and urban areas.  Over the coming months the ONE RED team will be working to design the proposed programs to efficiently and transparently utilize these grant funds.  

Molly Stevens, Analyst, Mickelson & Company

Molly supports the renewable tax credit finance practice at Mickelson & Company. She holds a BS in Economics and Computer Information Systems and an MBA, bringing experience from internships at POET, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, and Raven Industries. 

Eric Stoutenburg, Director, Energy Storage, Eolian Energy

Eric leads strategy for Eolian’s portfolio of development projects including originating new BESS projects, commercial efforts, and project development. Before that, he was Chief Development Officer at Able Grid managing investment and development activities for energy storage projects across a nation-wide portfolio of 10 GW of development projects.

PhD, Renewable Energy Integration (Stanford University)

BS, Aeronautical Engineering & International Politics (United States Military Academy at West Point)

Jon m. sUNNEBERG, Utility Scale Alternative Energy Manager, Nebraska Public Power District

Jon is currently the Utility Scale Alternative Energy Manager at Nebraska Public Power District. He has been at the District for 35 years. His background and experience includes power marketing, resource planning and risk manager, and both generation and transmission system operations.  

Jon is a native Nebraskan and holds degrees from Southeast Community College, Bellevue University and an MBA in Finance from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Kara Valentine, Interim Director, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy

Kara has been a deputy director with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for the past 8 years, where she oversees the Inspection & Compliance Division as well as the Planning & Aid Division. She helped write DEE’s first statewide climate plan, which recently received a $307M grant award from EPA, DEE’s largest award ever.  Kara started her career as an environmental attorney with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, where she focused on Superfund cases and natural resource damage claims.  She also served as General Counsel for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  Kara is a graduate of Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD and has a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Carol Waszak, Manager Renewable Energy Resources, OPPD

Carol Waszak is the Manager of Renewable Energy Resources for OPPD and has held that position since August of 2023.  Prior to that Carol was a Transmission & Distribution Project Manager, where she led a variety of different projects such as building new substations, replacing transformers, and regulatory compliance projects.  Carol has also spent 16 years at OPPD’s Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station where she held various roles including Project Engineer, Nuclear Fuels Engineer, Supervisor Nuclear Fuels, and Supervisor Design Engineering. In her current position, Carol is responsible for bringing new renewable energy resources to OPPD as well as maintaining existing renewable energy contracts.  In addition, her team monitors new alternative energy technologies and engages in public outreach.

Carol holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Doane University and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Simon C. Wrightson, President, Tenka Solar in the USA

Simon is a qualified production (electro-mechanical) engineer and consulting expert witness with more than thirty years’ experience in the origination, development, delivery (EPC) and management of major energy assets and associated infrastructure in ten countries on four continents. Leading portfolios with multinational partners of $10+BN USD, he has worked in renewable energy and sustainable development for much of the last twenty-five years.

Following extensive market analysis, Tenka Solar is establishing production in Nebraska of its World Beating PrismaX PV solar module technology for distribution from early 2025. The company continues to build long term relationships with strategic delivery (ISI Solar), research (Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research) and investment partners in Nebraska. Working with these partners, local community colleges and other stakeholders, Tenka Solar will support the development of a National Renewable Energy and Technologies Hub serving the USA and overseas from the Heartland of the USA.

Hannes Zetzche, Attorney, Baird Holm

Hannes D. Zetzsche is an energy and environmental attorney at Baird Holm LLP. He helps clients to secure land rights, zoning approval and federal, state and local permits for energy, infrastructure and other commercial and industrial projects throughout Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and Wyoming. He has experience developing renewable energy, including wind, solar and battery storage, electric-vehicle charging stations, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, pipelines, mineral rights and water rights.

After attending college, Hannes managed a 1,500-acre hay farm in central Oregon. He then moved to Nebraska to attend law school and concentrate in real estate and water law. Before joining the firm, Hannes worked as a judicial clerk to the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Hon. Michael G. Heavican.