Karen Apple, Electric Vehicle Program Manager
City of Phoenix

Karen Apple has over a decade of experience and knowledge in public policy issues and project management related to transportation and the environment. Karen joined the City of Phoenix Office of Sustainability, as the Electric Vehicle Program Manager in March 2020 and manages the planning and program development of projects that support the accelerated adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). This work includes: developing EV education and awareness initiatives, implementing the installation of charging stations for public, and City workplace and fleet use, implementing EV-ready building codes; coordinating with City departments to integrate EVs into the fleet, and continuing to collaborate with other local, regional, and state stakeholders and utility partners to increase EV adoption and decrease air quality emissions. Prior to joining the City of Phoenix Office of Sustainability, Karen served as a Project Manager/NEPA Planner with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department since 2005. Ms. Apple holds a Master of Environmental Planning from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy – Transportation from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Srijata Chattopadhyay, VP: Americas EV Charging
Shell Recharge

Srijata Chattopadhyay is a leader in the clean energy space. Currently, she serves as the general manager of the EV charging business at Shell, which owns and operates over 4,000 chargers in North America. She and her team are accountable for the charging P&L, driver experience, digital product, and marketing. In the clean energy space, Srijata has been a member of the executive team at Volta Charging, worked in Google's energy services and renewables division, and at Tesla. In her decade in the industry, she has served in a wide range of functions - global strategy, capital markets, head of technology and head of deployment. Srijata holds a BA in Economics from Barnard College and an MBA from Wharton. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and two sons (4 and 1).

Garrett Fitzgerald, Sr. Director, Transportation Electrification
Smart Electric Power Alliance

Garrett Fitzgerald is a seasoned expert in transportation and building electrification, bringing over a decade of experience in advancing clean energy solutions. Since joining SEPA in 2021, Garrett has led efforts to drive beneficial electrification of transportation and buildings, working with utilities and stakeholders to enable a smooth transition to a highly electrified, low-carbon future. Now serving as Senior Director of Transportation, he oversees strategy execution, industry engagement, and the development of research and content to accelerate electrification.

Prior to SEPA, Garrett spent eight years at Rocky Mountain Institute, where he built and led the electricity program in India, accelerating electric vehicle adoption and clean energy integration. He managed RMI's Fleet Electrification program, co-led the EV-Grid initiative, and contributed to key projects on energy storage, distributed solar, and load flexibility. His expertise spans EV charging infrastructure, EV-specific tariff design, energy storage, and demand-side flexibility.

Garrett holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University and both an MS and a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Engineering from Columbia University, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing sustainable energy systems.

Tom Healey, VP Facilities
Nouria Energy Corporation

Tom is an accomplished retail development executive with focus on site evaluation, design, permitting and construction. A leader by example who manages a team of technical staff in all aspects of facility development, maintenance, and environmental compliance.
Tom's strong business and technical knowledge enable him to understand, communicate and achieve the objectives of the various project stakeholders.

Tom has been involved with all aspects of Nouria's EV charging strategy and implementation. Nouria has installed has installed DCFC charging stations at eight of its convenience stores and has 25+ more installations planned or in progress.
Tom is a licensed Professional Engineer and Construction Supervisor and is involved in several industry associations.

Gabe Klein, Former Executive Director
U.S. Joint Office of Energy & Transportation

Gabe Klein is a government official, urban planner, entrepreneur, and an investor specializing in sustainability and transportation.

Klein currently serves in the Biden Administration as the head of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. In this role, he has worked to enable the roll-out of a national electric vehicle charging network and electric school and transit busses in the U.S. Klein–who supports a $19 billion budget in this position–is the first-ever Executive Director of the Joint Office, also the first office in the federal government to span multiple agencies.

Previously, Klein co-founded Cityfi, a consultancy that works with local governments, foundations, and venture-backed startups. He was also the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Director of the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT). Before those roles, Klein was an Executive with Boston-based Zipcar. He authored the book Start-Up City: Inspiring Private and Public Entrepreneurship, Getting Projects Done, and Having Fun.

John H. Kwon, General Counsel
CATL

As General Counsel of Global Legal & Strategy, Representative Director and Board Chairman of the largest manufacturer of EV and ESS batteries in the world, I am committed to implementing supply chain solutions to the manufacture and deployment of lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and MNC cells for world markets. Previously, I oversaw global investments and acquisitions for the biggest logistics player in Asia, which culminated in the USD 2.3 Billion acquisition of Kerry Logistics in 2022 and its IPO on the HKSE in 2023. Qualified to practice law in four jurisdictions, I started my career at a magic circle firm and progressed to the position of General Counsel at a Forbes 50 MNC, where we project managed the building of many iconic buildings across the globe. My legal journey has also afforded me to assume cross-functional and P&L positions having served as CEO & Board member to NYSE & ASX listed MNCs.

Chris Normandeau, Director
FirstService Energy

Chris Normandeau is director of FirstService Energy in the East region. Normandeau collaborates with community associations managed by FirstService Residential to reduce energy and water use and costs by serving as a trusted advisor to boards. Normandeau helps clients make informed decisions—saving them money, minimizing their carbon footprint, and improving their quality of life.

Prior to joining FirstService Energy, Normandeau was co-founder of Core, a New York City-based sustainable project management firm which focused on maximizing client savings while minimizing environmental impact. He also served as a Project Manager for construction firm OmniBuild, where he was involved in all aspects of design, construction and budgeting, including overseeing energy efficiency projects across New York State. Normandeau, who earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is a Certified Energy Manager (C.E.M.), is Lighting Certified (LC), and is a LEED AP BD+C®. He has saved his clients more than 100 million dollars by putting his considerable energy knowledge and expertise to work for them. Normandeau believes in the value of providing his clients with the tools and knowledge needed to continue reducing their carbon footprint, long after his energy savings initiatives have been put in place.

Kimberly Okafor, General Manager of Zero Emission Solutions
Trillium - A Love's Company

Kim Okafor is the General Manager of Zero Emission Solutions for the Love’s Family of Companies which includes Trillium Energy. Kim leads the strategy, development, and management of the EV charging, hydrogen fueling, and energy strategy businesses for the organization. Kim also leads the acquisition of grant funds for the organization. Under Kim’s leadership, Trillium and Love’s have increased its hydrogen portfolio to 5 fueling stations, it’s EV charging portfolio to over 230 ports, and acquired over $40M in grants funds.

Kim also actively serves on the Board of Directors for the California Hydrogen Business Council and has an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Houston. Kim’s goal as the General Manager of Zero Emission Solutions is to develop economically sustainable business opportunities for our customers.

Darren Palmer, Global VP Electric Vehicle Programs
Ford Motor Company

Darren Palmer is the Global Vice President for Electric Vehicle Programs at Ford. He is responsible for all global programs current and future models.

Palmer led the inception and development of all of Ford’s current electric vehicles – the best-selling F-150 Lighting, Mustang Mach-, E-Transit, Electriic Explorer, Puma and the industry first, all-road sport SUV, the Mach-E Rally.

Palmer's key focus is developing products and experiences that resonate with consumers. He inspires large & diverse teams across multiple continents to deliver these products to global markets. His portfolio includes multiple award-winning vehicles, that are leaders in their field.

With extensive experience in global product development, Palmer has held positions in product development, product planning, manufacturing, and quality in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. His work has also involved regular travel to South America, China, India, and Australia.
Recognized as a Motor Trend "Software Defined Vehicle" industry leader and part of the Automotive News Rising Star alumni, Palmer has cultivated a global network of industry colleagues.

He holds an MBA from Henley Management College, England, an electrical, electronics, and technology degree from Birmingham University, England, and is a member of the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET).

Deb Peck Kelleher, Deputy Director
Alliance for Clean Energy NY

Deb Peck Kelleher is excited to be working on clean energy policy after over 20 years with the New York State Legislature, with 10 of those years as the Committee Director for the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, and the Senate Investigation and Government Operations Committee. She has worked on the net- metering law, the electric vehicles tax credit, and the reorganization of the Long Island Power Authority. She has extensive experience in New York State environmental policy and worked closely on expanding the Environmental Protection Fund, the drafting and passage of the State’s Brownfield Program, the Community Preservation Act, the Invasive Species Council, the phase out of MTBE from gasoline, and the protection of Long Island’s sole source aquifer. She was also the Director of the Senate Education Committee, Alcoholism and Addiction Committee, and the Infrastructure Committee.

She leads ACE NYs energy efficiency, transportation electrification work. Deb holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Policy from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay with a focus on environmental economics and a B.A. in economics from LeMoyne College.

Francisco Pineda, COO and EVP for Business and Operations
The New School

Francisco X. Pineda is a faculty member at Columbia University and Executive Vice President (Deputy Commissioner) at the New York City Economic Development Corporation where he oversees NYC's largest real estate (60 million square feet) and waterfront ports portfolio as well as the largest urban de-carbonization program in the USA. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (UK) and his research and professional interests lie in organizational intelligence, critical capabilities, and the structuring and management of complex project-based teams and enterprises.

In his twenty-year career, he has worked on all aspects of the development cycle—investment, development, and construction. He has led and turned around property development companies and construction projects, as well as businesses in hospitality, building materials, energy and more recently in climate-tech focused on waste valorization in Mexico.

His early career included corporate strategy roles at Hess as well as investment banking and private equity at Merrill Lynch. He was also engaged to lead one of the Middle East’s largest corporate recovery initiatives working alongside Shearman & Sterling and Moelis & Co. on restructuring a $1.6 billion real estate portfolio.

He holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School, an MPA in Applied Economics from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a BA in History. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Urban Systems at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering advancing his research on Sustainable Regional Systems and the intersection of finance, technology, and governance and has completed advanced courses at the US Naval War College in Newport, RI.

In 2018, he was selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar by the Clinton‐GW Bush‐HW Bush‐LBJ Foundations and continues to serve as a US Navy (Reserves) supply and logistics officer attached to US Forces Korea in support of Joint Logistics and the UN and with previous operational tours to Africa in support of Global War on Terror Operations and Asia in support of large-scale war game exercises in the Pacific.

He has served on several boards, industry committees, and as a senior advisor:

- NYC Mayor Task Force, Assessment and Recommendations of NYC Contracting and Procurement Reform
- MTA, Member of the Major Construction Review Unit
- Biden Infrastructure Policy Committee 2020
- World Economic Forum, Infrastructure 4.0
- Urban Land Institute’s (ULI-NY) Program Steering Committee
- Cities4All Global Leaders Council (Ford Foundation, UN-United Cities & Local Government)

Selected Projects & Deal Experience

- New York MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) +$11 billion East Side Access Ops Readiness Review: Member of the MTA’s Major Construction Review Unit (MCRU)
- New York MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) ~$2 billion Penn Station Access Project: Appointed member of the MTA’s Major Construction Review Unit (MCRU)
- $4 billion Delta/La Guardia Airport Reconfiguration Plan (NYC) Advisor to General Superintendent on Field Training and Development
- $7 billion Columbia University Manhattanville Development (NYC) Advisor on Sub-contractor Diversity Procurement and Development, MWBE
- $1.6 billion Restructuring of Sovereign Wealth Fund Real Estate and Construction Portfolio SVP Investment and Development and Executive Restructuring Committee (Infra, Hospitality, F&B, and Luxury Resi Assets)

Laura Renger, Executive Director
CalETC

Laura Renger is the Executive Director of the California Electric Transportation Coalition (CalETC). In this role, Laura leads the dedicated team of CalETC professionals responsible for all aspects of the organization’s legislative and regulatory advocacy. Together with the CalETC board and members, CalETC supports and advocates for the transition to a zero-emission transportation future to spur economic growth, fuel diversity and energy independence, contribute to clean air, and combat climate change. CalETC is a non-profit association committed to the successful introduction and large-scale deployment of all forms of electric transportation. The CalETC Board of Directors includes representatives from: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Pacific Gas and Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Public Power Authority, and the Northern California Power Agency. In addition to electric utilities, the CalETC membership includes major automakers, manufacturers of zero-emission trucks and buses, electric vehicle charging providers, autonomous electric vehicle fleet operators, and other industry leaders supporting transportation electrification.

Prior to CalETC, Laura developed extensive knowledge of transportation electrification and state energy policy during her 15-year career at Southern California Edison, where she most recently served as the Director of Electrification and Customer Services Policy. In this role, Laura provided the strategic leadership necessary to advance efficient electrification while maintaining affordability and providing beneficial energy programs to customers. Laura previously served as the Director of the Edison International President and CEO’s Office, supporting matters coming before the Edison International Managing Committee as well as activities at Edison International and its subsidiaries, SCE and Edison Energy Group.

Before her position with Edison International, Laura led the Air & Climate Policy team at SCE, where she was responsible for the utility’s regulatory and legislative policy concerning air quality, climate change, and transportation electrification. During this time Laura also served as the Vice Chair of CALSTART and CalETC board member.

Laura is a current board member of the Coalition for Clean Air and also serves as the Secretary of the Los Alamitos High School Football Booster Club.

Janine Robar, Associate Dir. Mobility Innovation
State of Michigan

As the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) mobility innovation associate director, Janine is focused on growing Michigan’s mobility and electrification ecosystem and creating safer, more equitable and environmentally conscious transportation solutions for Michigan residents. Janine leads innovation growth initiatives at OFME including signature grant programs under the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) and state-wide testing assets. In addition to managing MMFP, she facilitates industry collaboration through various working groups convening subject matter experts to identify challenges in the state and develop solutions.

Prior to joining OFME, Janine was an associate director leading the mobility practice at Antenna Group, a leading cleantech communications agency. In this role, Janine focused on strategy development, media relations, and project management across account teams. Janine’s client experience spans product launches, company rebrands, high-profile public and private partnerships, market entries and crisis management. Her areas of expertise include advanced transportation infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, battery technology and growth-focused programs including incubators and accelerators.

Additionally, Janine previously led the overall b2b and b2c marketing communications strategy for Shift Transit, a mobility operations startup focusing on first/last-mile micromobiltiy solutions. Janine has also held multiple positions at leading automotive b2b publication, Automotive News including integrated marketing manager and conference specialist. While at Automotive News Janine planned and executed large-scale conferences and events for industry executives as well as integrated marketing campaigns and custom content for industry partners. In 2019, Janine was honored with the Automotive News Tony Merpi Award for Leadership & Innovation for her efforts in streamlining cross-functional processes.

A longtime cycling enthusiast and advocate, she is passionate about helping organizations develop accessible and equitable mobility solutions. Janine holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Marketing from Eastern Michigan University and lives on the eastside of Detroit.

Sophia Schuster, Policy Principal
Michigan EIBC

Jay Smith, Executive Director
Charge Ahead Partnership

Jay has spent more than two decades working in coalition development and association management. Throughout his career he has done extensive work in both the transportation and energy sectors. He was instrumental in the creation of Charge Ahead Partnership and has served as the Executive Director since the coalition’s inception in 2021. Under his leadership Charge Ahead has grown from a small collection of stakeholders into a national coalition with more than 400 member companies, associations, and individuals committed to seeing the expansion of the EV charging network driven by private investment and competition.

Jessica Stoll Lowery, Project Manager
Climate Mayors

Jessica Stoll Lowery is the Project Manager for Climate Mayors, where she supports organizational initiatives, fosters collaboration among member cities, and oversees project implementation. With a background in local-level climate action, she is dedicated to supporting municipalities as they work to achieve their climate goals.

Before joining Climate Mayors, Jessica served as a Program Manager at the Electrification Coalition, where she managed technical assistance programs focused on transportation electrification. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the City of Indianapolis, contributing to climate and resiliency initiatives. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and a Master’s degree from Marquette University.

Jose Torre-Bueno, Executive Director
Center for Community Energy

Green technology scientist and campaigner with 14 years of experience creating better solutions for green energy cost-saving measures and lobbying with communities to pursue more sustainable energy programs. As a subject matter expertise level, have in-depth knowledge of battery technology, programming battery control systems to photovoltaic systems, analyzing utility rates, and modeling future energy demand.

Highly active in the community to support green measures and CCAs (Community Choice Aggregations) and connected to community leaders and influencers.

Bonnie Trowbridge, Executive Director
Drive Clean Colorado

Bonnie serves as the Executive Director of Drive Clean Colorado, spearheading initiatives to ensure clean air for all by promoting clean transportation and equitable mobility. With extensive knowledge of the market, from consumer EVs and alternative fuels to heavy-duty manufacturers and fleets, Bonnie has a thorough grasp of vehicle incentives across the U.S. She co-chairs the Women of EVs Front Range chapter and is a Board member of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Transit Enterprise Board. Her background includes nonprofit development and fundraising, grant writing and management, and event management. Bonnie spent 11 years in public relations and marketing at Lightning eMotors, which manufactures electric powertrains for medium- and heavy-duty buses and trucks. She also managed programs at CALSTART, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing clean and efficient transportation, leading events like a California policy summit, industry leader workshops, and utility engagement programs. Additionally, Bonnie has worked as a development director for nonprofits in Denver and Washington, D.C.

Fred Yonghabi, Sr. Specialist
Con Edison

Fred is dedicated sustainability and environmental professional with more than 10 years of experience in conservation and environmental sustainability.
Fred is passionate about energy efficiency, environmental and corporate sustainability, and this passion has contributed to his continuous interests and wish to become an actor of change to help organizations with their sustainability, ESG, and climate transition.