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Speakers & Presenters

Meet our esteemed list of speakers for the 2024 Solar Conference and Expo

Inspiring change & innovation

Thought Leaders & Industry Experts

We are proud to present a lineup of visionary leaders, industry experts, and innovative thinkers who are at the forefront of the solar energy revolution. Our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering invaluable insights into the latest advancements, trends, and challenges in the solar industry. To explore the list of our esteemed speakers, simply click their profiles to read their full bios.

Pamela Brookstein

Elevate Energy

Pamela Brookstein

Elevate Energy

Pamela Brookstein manages the Value for High Performing Homes program at Elevate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to designing and implementing efficiency programs that lower costs, protect the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean energy reach those who need them most. In her role, she works to ensure high-performing homes are constantly and fairly valued during the real estate transaction. She has expertise in engaging various sectors of the real estate community on issues such as energy efficiency and solar. Pamela leads Elevate’s research into the best ways to engage real estate professionals and homebuyers on the topic of high-performance homes. She works to define the messages that these groups need to hear in order to prioritize clean and efficient upgrades when looking for or upgrading a home. Pamela developed, launched and is the instructor for two classes designed specifically for real estate professionals: one on solar and the other on energy efficiency. She presents on these topics nationally at conferences and meetings for both real estate and energy efficiency professionals, as well as for contractors and builders.

Tamika Brown

Zion West Enterprises

Tamika Brown

Zion West Enterprises

Tamika Brown is the Training and Support Specialist for Zion West Enterprise. Her boundless dedication is fueled by her passion for enlightenment, healing, and growth. As a fervent advocate for positive change and sustainability, Tamika channels this passion into her work as the Training and Support Specialist at Zion West Enterprise. Aligned with Zion West Enterprise’s mission of promoting renewable energy and creating sustainable opportunities for all. Tamika is committed to removing barriers and empowering individuals and communities to thrive. Join Tamika at the solar conference as she shares the mission of Zion West Enterprise in creating sustainable job opportunities that empower and uplift the community.

Jared Cacciatore

Greenlink Energy Solutions

Jared Cacciatore

Greenlink Energy Solutions

Jared Cacciatore is a seasoned solar professional with a degree in Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Beginning as the co-founder of a small hydroelectric generator startup and then transitioning into solar in 2018, Jared has a diverse background in renewable energy, has become a key player in the solar industry and currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at Greenlink Energy Solutions. In this role, he leads sales, marketing, and business development across four divisions.

With expertise in residential and commercial solar PV and battery storage design, consulting and sales, Jared is well-versed in solar technology, policy, incentives, financing, savings modeling, consumer protection, and the entire product and market landscape. Jared brings a wealth of knowledge about the latest industry trends and developments.

Austin Carr

Greenlink Energy Solutions

Austin Carr

Greenlink Energy Solutions

Austin Carr, Founder and President of Greenlink Energy Solutions, Inc., is a distinguished leader with a remarkable journey shaped by his military service and unwavering commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. Since founding Greenlink in 2011, Austin has steered the company to remarkable growth, recently expanding its services to include an HVAC division, and leading a team of nearly 60 professionals. Greenlink is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a Building Performance Institute (BPI) GoldStar Contractor that combines building efficiency technologies with solar energy and next-gen HVAC to increase the health, comfort, and efficiency of their customers’ properties. Under Austin's visionary leadership, Greenlink has become a trusted industry leader known for its holistic approach to energy efficiency. His renewable energy expertise and ability to bridge gaps extends beyond business success to community empowerment—evident in his involvement with multiple utility programs, nonprofit organizations focused on environmental advocacy, and community development projects.

Jurea Crudup

Awaken Foundation

Jurea Crudup

Awaken Foundation

Jurea Crudup is the founder and Executive Director of Awaken Foundation, a community driven social enterprise organization dedicated to assisting underserved individuals through trades training and safety education for multiple industries. She is also the owner of Crudup construction, a company founded to mentor and support women and minorities in the construction industry. Jurea understands the importance of racial and economic inclusion which initiated her desire to strive for change within the city of Rockford. Jurea is certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Minority Owned business (MBE) and active in many professional organizations throughout the region.

Katie Davis

ComEd

Katie Davis

ComEd

Katie joined ComEd as a Senior Business Program Manager on the Green Power Connection team in 2023. ComEd’s Green Power Connection team provides resources and support to customers during their solar journey. Katie has more than a decade of experience in energy, sustainability, and workforce development. Most recently, she was the Director of the Illinois Green Economy Network, a consortium of Illinois community colleges working to drive growth of the clean energy economy and green workforce. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University.

John Delurey

Vote Solar

John Delurey

Vote Solar

John runs the Midwest for Vote Solar, coordinating campaigns for Vote Solar’s legislative and regulatory priorities throughout the region. Prior to joining Vote Solar, John helped build low-income solar programs for solar companies. He has prior experience coordinating grassroots advocacy efforts for the Sierra Club and voter turnout initiatives for electoral candidates. John is also a Boren Fellowship recipient for Swahili, having worked overseas on off-grid solar and electricity access in India and East Africa. He believes that the climate crisis provides an invitation to address economic injustice and that disadvantaged communities should lead the way forward. John has a masters degree in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service and his undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Washington University in St. Louis.

Ana Diaz-Puskar

ForeFront Power

Ana Diaz-Puskar

ForeFront Power

Ana Diaz-Puskar is a seasoned professional with over 8 years of experience in solar development, currently serving as a Sales Manager at ForeFront Power, a leading national solar and storage developer. For the past three years, Ana has been actively supporting school districts across Illinois in adopting solar energy solutions. Leveraging her role at ForeFront Power, Ana’s aim is to make solar installations accessible and financially viable for educational institutions.

Michael Dunn, Jr.

Region 1 Planning Council

Michael Dunn, Jr.

Region 1 Planning Council

Michael Dunn, Jr. has served as the Executive Director of R1 Planning Council for Northern Illinois since 2015. R1 represents six Northern Illinois counties to the Federal government on policy and funding issues involving the future of transportation, economic development, housing, sustainability, and energy. He currently serves on the State of Illinois High Speed Rail Commission as a gubernatorial appointment, Illinois Tollway Stakeholder Advisory Council, Executive Director's council of the National Association of Regional Councils, Winnebago County Rail Development Authority as Executive Director, Greater Rockford Economic Development Corporation board member, and Discovery Center Children's Museum as Vice-Chairperson.

Michael graduated with degrees from Loyola University Chicago in Finance and Labor Management.

Jamie Gesner

Rockford Township

Jamie Gesner

Rockford Township

As a trusted Deputy Assessor for the Rockford Township since 2021, Jamie Gesner has shown dedication to ensuring fair and accurate property assessments. With an unwavering commitment to transparency and equity, his work has earned the respect of local residents and officials alike. Along with his current role in the Township office, Jamie has worked as a Licensed Home Inspector in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida since 2007. Through his meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of home construction, Jamie has helped countless homeowners make informed decisions.

Delmar Gillus

Elevate Energy

Delmar Gillus

Elevate Energy

Delmar Gillus is the COO of Elevate Energy and has been passionate about leading and supporting Elevate's core operational functions - legal, IT, cybersecurity, application development, office operations, workforce development, and Elevate's project management office. Mr. Gillus also supports Elevate's portfolio of clean energy programs that are focused on ensuring everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and clean energy. Mr. Gillus is a crucial member of the IL Clean Jobs Coalition that passed one of the country’s most comprehensive clean energy bills – the IL Climate and Equitable Jobs Act – that ensures the benefits of the clean energy economy and the jobs that it creates are accessible to all communities across the state. Mr. Gillus is passionate about equitable clean energy policy and implementation and frequently works with community organizations as well as local, state, and federal agencies to ensure we reach our shared climate and environmental justice goals.

Steven Hall

Solar Ambassador

Steven Hall

Solar Ambassador

Steven Hall is a Rockford native and a proud roof-top solar owner for 8 years. He is also a Solar Ambassador with the Illinois Solar Energy Association, the 16th District Board Member of the Citizens Utility Board, and Co-Chair of the NW River Valleys Sierra Club.

Samira Hanessian

Illinois Environmental Council

Samira Hanessian

Illinois Environmental Council

Samira joined the Illinois Environmental Council as the Energy Policy Director in the Spring of 2022, where she collaborates with IEC members and partners to implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Samira understands that diverse experiences from equitable collaboration will drive the best path towards a clean energy future.

Prior to joining IEC, Samira served as Research & Policy Manager for the Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy where she created and promoted the passage of environmental policies. Prior to her work on the Committee, Samira led key initiatives for the City of Chicago’s Mayor’s Office Sustainability Team. She was also a consultant with MIST Environment and an Assistant Program Manager for the 2019 Common Ground Chicago Conference.

Samira attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Double Minors in Environmental Science, Policy & Management, and Sustainability Studies. In 2021, Samira earned a Certification of Completion as a Fellow with the Clean Energy Leadership Institute and trained with the Climate Reality Project in 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring different neighborhoods, hiking, musical theater, and tolerating her boisterous cat.

Callie Heidbreder

USDA Rural Development

Callie Heidbreder

USDA Rural Development

Callie Heidbreder is a Business Programs Specialist at USDA Rural Development. She also serves as the Energy Coordinator for Illinois where she specializes in the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Callie earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Agribusiness Markets & Management. Prior to joining Rural Development in 2020, Callie worked in the private sector for a financial institution.

Dr. Sheila Hill

Think Big

Dr. Sheila Hill

Think Big

Dr. Sheila Hill is a highly accomplished businesswoman with over 25 years of experience in the corporate world. Dr. Sheila holds a certification as a John Maxwell Leadership Team member and transformation coach and is renowned as an international speaker. Dr. Hill's educational background is equally impressive, featuring a Master's degree in Business Management and Leadership and a Doctorate in Theology with a specialization in Leadership. She has co-founded two impactful organizations: Think Big, an entrepreneur center dedicated to supporting women and minority- owned businesses, and Women & Wealth, an organization focused on helping women thrive in personal, professional, and leadership development.

Laura Howell

Goodwill Industries

Laura Howell

Goodwill Industries

Laura Howell is the Clean Energy Pre-Apprenticeship Program Manager at Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. A graduate of Kaplan University, Laura brings over a decade of experience in non-profit work, specializing in workforce development and community service. Laura has successfully led initiatives providing individuals with the skills and opportunities needed for economic mobility and her mission is to empower individuals by creating pathways to success, particularly within underserved communities.

Jim Keeling

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Jim Keeling

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Jim Keeling is a Partner at Hinshaw Law, LLP in Rockford, IL. He specializes in work with organizational and transactional matters including mergers, acquisitions and real estate. He also advises numerous individual and business clients in estate and financial planning and real estate development. As a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Rockford he provided important leadership in that church’s recent large solar installation on the church. He is also assisting Rockford University with the installation of solar panels on several of residential buildings.

Daniel Kelly, Jr.

River City Rentals LLC

Daniel Kelly, Jr.

River City Rentals LLC

Daniel has installed both a 4.6KW and 8.8KW rooftop solar system on his primary residences. In addition, he is currently under contract for a 2.1MW community solar installation on his 65 acre farm. He understands that solar for farms and rural businesses can transition lower productivity land into income producing solar farming or substantially reduce energy bills. His background includes 13 years as Postmaster of Amboy, Illinois, a landlord who owned 110 units, facilities manager for a 23,000 sq/ft commercial building and a barge parker on the Mississippi. He and his wife reside in Candlewick Lake and both are avid bicyclist and kayakers.

Candice King

First Warn Weather Team

Candice King

First Warn Weather Team

Candice King brings over a decade of forecasting experience to the First Warn Weather Team. Raised on a dairy farm in Ridott, IL she has always had an interest in weather. It wasn’t until the movie ‘Twister’ came out that she decided to turn her interest into a career, earning her Associates of Science Degree at Highland Community College in 2002, and then Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University in 2004.

In October of 2012, Candice was very honored to receive the prestigious ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’ from Highland Community College. She has also been nominated three times for an Emmy award and once for the Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award. Candice has a great passion for not only forecasting weather, but also teaching viewers about the weather. She enjoys getting out into the community, whether it be school talks, luncheon meetings or just having a conversation about the weather at the county fair.

Kyle Marcussen

Arklight Renewables

Kyle Marcussen

Arklight Renewables

Kyle has experienced solar from the perspective of a consumer (with solar on his own home), an installer, and now as a renewable equipment distributor with Arklight Renewables. He is passionate about rebuilding the solar industry's tarnished credibility by correcting misinformation, elevating champions, and seeking always to serve with honor and integrity.

Marina Minic

Citizens Utility Board

Marina Minic

Citizens Utility Board

Marina Minic is part of the Citizens Utility Board outreach team, and works as the Solar Programs Coordinator. Marina works to educate communities about solar, advocate for and implement clean energy policy, and engage in one-on-one consumer assistance.

Tim Montague

Clean Power Consulting Group

Tim Montague

Clean Power Consulting Group

As host of the popular Clean Power Hour podcast, Tim Montague brings invaluable industry insights to solar and storage professionals. He also serves as President of Clean Power Consulting Group, advising solar companies on strategies for accelerated growth and success. With deep solar expertise cultivated over his extensive career, Tim is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and executives seeking to expand their reach and improve operations. His comprehensive guidance at both the strategic and project levels empowers clients to capitalize on opportunities in the energy transition. Tim readily shares his wealth of solar knowledge and passion for the industry with his podcast audience and consulting clients alike. His dual roles as advisor and educator make him an influential force for growth and innovation across the solar sector. Tim enables professionals to maximize their potential and make a greater impact in the renewable energy field.

Mark Pruitt

Energy Consultant

Mark Pruitt

Energy Consultant

Mark Pruitt is the Principal of the Power Bureau, a consulting practice focused on reducing energy costs and price risks for small and mid-sized consumers through optimized wholesale and retail energy markets and transactions. Additionally, Mark teaches courses on energy policy, market, and regulation at Northwestern University and supports the US DOE “Net Zero World” program at Argonne National Lab. Mark served as first Director of the Illinois Power Agency, the state agency responsible for stabilizing consumer energy costs and managing state’s renewable portfolio standard. Mark received his undergraduate degree from Bradley University and his MBA from the University of Illinois.

Fun fact: Mark grew up in Schaumburg Illinois and believed for some time that the name was a German translation for “near the mall”

Dan Puckett

Iconic Energy

Dan Puckett

Iconic Energy

Meet Dan Puckett, the Vice President of Iconic Energy and your Rockford-area neighbor for over 30 years! If you ever bought a pair of skis at Skirack, you've probably met Dan. Now, he's harnessing the sun's power with his five years of solar expertise. Dan's not all business, though. When he's not chasing clean energy goals, you can find him exploring the great outdoors, camera in hand, or planning his next adventure with his wife and two furry companions. From hunting and fishing to traveling the world, Dan knows how to make the most of life.

Dany Robles

Illinois Environmental Council

Dany Robles

Illinois Environmental Council

Dany joined the Illinois Environmental Council in the winter of 2023 as the Climate Policy Director, previously working at IEC as the Chicago Energy Policy Coordinator. In his new role, he coordinates with IEC affiliates to successfully implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, explicitly supporting the implementation of workforce hubs and equitable transportation policies and transit goals. Additionally, he will look to continue developing the narrative around the need for climate migration solutions to be addressed as the looming effects of climate change continue to displace people worldwide.

Prior to joining IEC, Dany spent several years working in Corporate Security and Investigation before getting involved in political organizing. Dany worked as Regional Field Director for Congresswomen Marie Newman (IL-3) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and as Latine Bilingual Trainings Coordinator for the Sunrise Movement. Most recently, Dany worked with the IL Green New Deal Coalition as their State Coordinator.

Dany earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is an alum of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation Fellowship.

Brad Roos

Sustain Rockford

Brad Roos

Sustain Rockford

Brad Roos is the President of Sustain Rockford, a nonprofit grassroots organization working to help make the Rockford region more sustainable environmentally, economically and socially. Brad retired after for 25 years as the Executive Director of ZION Development Corporation, local nonprofit neighborhood development organization serving Rockford’s Midtown District where he developed affordable and market rate housing, managed a workshop for less-abled and migrant citizens, developed Rockford’s first permanent supportive housing facility for chronically homeless men and women, and created a world-class wellness program for seniors. Brad recently devised an innovative historic tax credit financing mechanism to restore a 90-year old building in Midtown where he lives. Brad has also served in numerous leadership positions in Rockford, consulted with neighborhood nonprofits in four states, been a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Citizen Advisory Council, and served on the national Lutheran Climate Change Coalition. He is also the Secretary to the Board of the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund, a statewide nonprofit working to make the benefits of the clean energy movement available to all people in Illinois, especially those from disadvantaged communities.

Dr. Erica Saccucci

Rock Valley College

Dr. Erica Saccucci

Rock Valley College

Dr. Erica Saccucci is the Academic Program Specialist for the Career and Technical Education Division at Rock Valley College. She has her Ph.D. in ethics from Loyola University Chicago.

Hal Sprague

Trajectory Energy Partners

Hal Sprague

Trajectory Energy Partners

Hal is a recovering environmental lawyer and lives in Evanston. He was active as a board member of Citizens’ Greener Evanston for about 15 years, and continues his local advocacy, helping the City implement its Climate Action & Resilience Plan (“CARP”), as a member of the Evanston Environment Board’s CARP Implementation Task Force.

In addition to practicing environmental law for over 30 years, Hal spent eleven years as a policy advocate for the Center for Neighborhood Technology, in Chicago.

Hal joined Trajectory Energy Partners in February 2020, and has been part of the growing effort to develop community solar projects in Illinois, helping residents, businesses, faith communities, schools and government offices understand this convenient option for “going solar” without the need to install solar panels on their buildings. Hal engages directly with local community members, leaders and elected officials to explain the many benefits of community solar to the places where they are located.

Kelly Turner

Illinois Power Agency

Kelly Turner

Illinois Power Agency

Kelly Turner is the Deputy Legal Counsel of the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), an independent state agency tasked with developing procurement plans and conducting energy, capacity, and renewables procurement events and developing solar energy incentive programs. Kelly joined the Agency in 2020. In this role, she provides legal assistance and support in the development and preparation of procurement plans, including the Agency’s annual Electricity Procurement Plan, biennial revisions to the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, and any future planning processes. In addition, she works closely with the IPA Chief Legal Counsel in litigation before the Illinois Commerce Commission, including litigation seeking approval of the IPA’s procurement plans and docketed proceedings implicating Agency interests or jurisdiction, among other responsibilities.

Prior to joining the IPA, Kelly worked as the Senior Attorney for the Citizens Utility Board and as a trial attorney in the Office of General Counsel at the Illinois Commerce Commission. Over the course of her career, she has developed an expertise in energy and renewables procurements, utility ratemaking, energy efficiency and demand response programs, administrative rulemakings, and consumer protection in energy supply and solar product marketing.

Kelly has served as the Chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Energy, Telecommunications and Water Subcommittee. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Miami University and juris doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family and competing in triathlons.

Patrick Weller

Sol Power Midwest, LLC

Patrick Weller

Sol Power Midwest, LLC

Patrick A. Weller, LEED AP, a native of Rockford, IL since the mid-1970s and a graduate of Rockford Lutheran High School, serves as the President and CEO of Sol Power Energy, Inc., a California corporation, and Sol Power Midwest, LLC, an Illinois company. As an electrical engineer with three decades of experience in the clean energy sector, Patrick specializes in energy service company (ESCO) solutions and the development of small, large, and agricultural distributed and renewable energy generation projects. He has successfully led numerous solar initiatives, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability for family agricultural operations.

Reserve Your Spot

Help Secure Our Future

Join your neighbors, solar experts, and government representatives as we explore options for going solar. This is an all-day event open to the public.

Speakers & Presenters

Inspiring change & innovation

Thought Leaders & Industry Experts

Pamela Brookstein

Tamika Brown

Jared Cacciatore

Austin Carr

Jurea Crudup

Katie Davis

John Delurey

Ana Diaz-Puskar

Michael Dunn, Jr.

Jamie Gesner

Delmar Gillus

Steven Hall

Samira Hanessian

Callie Heidbreder

Dr. Sheila Hill

Laura Howell

Jim Keeling

Daniel Kelly, Jr.

Candice King

Kyle Marcussen

Marina Minic

Tim Montague

Mark Pruitt

Dan Puckett

Dany Robles

Brad Roos

Dr. Erica Saccucci

Hal Sprague

Kelly Turner

Patrick Weller

Reserve Your Spot

Help Secure Our Future

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