Tim Banach, Endurant Energy
Coming Soon
Dave Bowers, International Operators Union & 150 Union Drilling
Has been fortunate enough to be asked to set up the apprenticeship program for Geotechnical, Geothermal and Water Well Drilling for the Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program of Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. This is the first program of its type to be recognized by the U.S. Dept.. of Labor and as of the writing of this we are supplying our first two classes of apprentices with a living wage while learning the craft of drilling.
My background is as a driller in the field from 1991 until 2008 on all types of projects from geotechnical investigation, environmental and water well projects, I believe we as an industry should embrace the idea of making an entry level driller see his job as the beginning of a career as opposed to a way of "getting by" in this way we can compete for talented individuals who may have not considered drilling as a career path in the past, the days of fathers handing the reins to there willing son seam to be in decline. We owe the people who gave us an opportunity to leave ore industry in the most capable hands possible... our infrastructure, and drinking water depend on it.
Owen Brady-Traczyk, National Grid
Background in developing strategies and simple, innovative solutions for complex problems. Expertise in fostering strong relationships and managing challenging transitions. Recognized for public speaking and communication skills, translating technical and non-technical information to diverse audiences.
Cole Burgess, NYSEG RG&E
Cole Burgess, is a Project Manager for New York State Gas (NYSEG) and Electric & Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), with a strong background in the clean energy sector. Prior to the current Project Manager role, Cole served as a Key Account Manager with RG&E where he was responsible for overseeing some of the larger non-residential RG&E customers and their respective customer projects. Cole has also spent time as an Energy Engineer working for the NYSEG and RG&E Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. Cole continues to manage some of New York’s most unique and cutting-edge projects which are designed to benefit NYSEG and RG&E customers, enable strategic and cost-effective investments in NYSEG & RG&E’s infrastructure, and directly support achievement of New York’s climate goals. Cole holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Georgia.
Ryan Carda, Dandelion Energy
Co-founded Geo-Connections in 2004 and served as the company’s President. He’s joining Dandelion as Principal Engineer, primarily responsible for design and engineering standardization, with a focus on optimizing the performance and lowering the cost of geothermal systems. Ryan co-authored “Design and Installation of Residential and Light Commercial Ground Source Heat Pump Systems,” with the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and chairs the Association’s Standards Committee. Ryan has a M.S. in Engineering from South Dakota State University in 2006.
Rachel Carpitella, Sustainable Westchester
Award-winning sustainability trailblazer who advocates for, develops, and implements climate action for municipalities, schools, and businesses. In my role with Sustainable Westchester, I direct the Commercial Clean Heating & Cooling campaign, notably securing funding and technical assistance for property owners to decarbonize their buildings in 30 municipalities. I previously led the Green Business Partnership’s business development. I served as sustainability leader with Greenburgh Nature Center where I launched a food scrap recycling program for the Town of Greenburgh. Previous to that, I directed NYPIRG’s clean energy community outreach campaigns in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island. I advised the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, am Board Chair of Green Inside and Out, a founding member of the Long Island Organics Council, and sit on the Town of Babylon Climate Smart Task Force.
John Ciovacco, CGD, CGI, AI, Aztech Geothermal
President of Aztech Geothermal, LLC. often serves as a resource to building owners, developers, construction companies, engineers, architects and investors regarding the latest renewable and energy efficiency technologies, government incentives and financing options. He chairs the educational sessions at the New York Geothermal Energy Organizations, NY-GEO Annual Conference which is widely regarded as one of the largest and most comprehensive in the nation. He is a consultant to over 15 Networked Geothermal projects in the Northeast. John serves on the Advisory Board for HEET, a Boston-based group advocating building electrification through Networked Geothermal installed by existing gas utilities.
John is the Immediate Past President of NY-GEO, an Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD), International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) Certified Geothermal Inspector (CGI) and Accredited Installer (AI), a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified Contractor, and a Certified Green Professional with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Union College.
Bruce Cole, WaterFurnace
Vice president of residential sales and marketing.
Cole spent over 20 years developing his business management and leadership skills serving global markets in a wide range of product and market channels. Prior to joining WaterFurnace he spent several years with General Electric, which transitioned into Regal Beloit following its acquisition in 2004. Most recently, Cole served as vice president of global sales at Tuthill Corporation. He served in key positions including Profit & Loss business leader, e-business development and sales management.
“Bruce believes the role of a leader is to help employees and customers realize their full potential through personal skill development and team building to achieve business improvement objectives,” said John C. Thomas, president and CEO of WaterFurnace. “We are delighted to have Bruce as part of our team as we continue to grow our commercial and residential markets.”
Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Purdue University.
Connor Dacquay, P.E., GEOPtimize
Dr. Connor Dacquay, PE is a licensed engineer in the province of Manitoba, Ontario and New York state. He has been involved in feasibility studies and detailed design for over 30,000 tons of heat pump capacity across North America, Asia and Australia. Connor has a Masters of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Manitoba and a doctoral engineering degree from Akita University in the Department of Earth Energy Resource Engineering.
Ed Davis, Enertech Global
VP of Sales with Enertech Global and has been with Enertech since 2008. He oversees the company’s Sales Team, building and maintaining client relationships, and oversees our customer relations Team. Ed has almost 32 years of experience in the HVAC industry, including previous experience installing, servicing, designing, and selling geothermal systems. After serving for five years in the United States Navy, Ed began his career in the residential HVAC industry in 1987 as a service technician. His vast experience gives him an in-depth understanding of contractors’ needs, both in and out of the field.
Jack DiEnna, IGSHPA
As the Executive Director & Founder of the Geothermal National & International Initiative (GEO-NII) and the Principal of Indian Rock Associates LLC. I am a business development and marketing professional with over forty years combined experience in the electric utility industry and the geothermal heat pump industry. I am a nationally recognized authority on geothermal heat pumps (ghp), including marketing, creative financing, and the resulting positive economic and environmental impact that can be derived from the use of this renewable technology. My expertise is internationally acknowledged as a valued resource by government officials, both national and international, trade allies, and all major market segment associations in the promotion of geothermal heat pumps and other renewable technologies.
Gino Di Rezze, Groundheat
As the president of Groundheat Solar Wind, I have been at the forefront of geothermal engineering and innovation since 1985. I have led and delivered numerous iconic projects across Canada, the USA, Asia, and Europe, such as the first Walmart and Ikea geothermal installations, the largest district geothermal system in Europe, and the Greenpeace headquarters.
My mission is to promote and advance the use of geothermal energy as a clean, renewable, and efficient source of heating and cooling for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. I have extensive expertise in design, installation, and maintenance of geothermal heat pumps, HVAC systems, and solar and wind power solutions. I also have a strong network of partners and clients in the geothermal industry, and I am always eager to share my knowledge and insights with others.
Joseph DiSanto, P.E., Ramboll
18 years of expertise in energy consulting, with a background in project and technical management for commercial, municipal, and institutional sectors. He has led multiple Clean Energy Master Plans and Net-Zero Carbon Roadmaps, dedicated to decarbonization and the shift from traditional fossil fuels to sustainable, low carbon energy sources, with a particular emphasis on district heating and cooling systems. Presently, Joe is collaborating with NYSERDA on a Statewide Thermal Energy Network Potential Study.
Sue Dougherty, NYSERDA
Coming soon
Ryan Dougherty, GEOExchange Organization
Ryan Dougherty has served as GEO’s President since July 2021. He has extensive experience in public policy and governance and most recently served as GEO’s Chief Operating Officer. Before joining GEO, he served as Deputy Director of the Illinois Healthcare and Human Services Framework, a multi-agency state technology initiative. Prior to that position, Dougherty served as Senior Policy Advisor at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He has worked in a number of other positions within state government, including as a budget analyst in the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget and as a legislative liaison to the Governor of Illinois.
Jay Egg, Egg Geo, Inc.
After serving in the US Navy nuclear power field, Jay Egg began a career in mechanical design engineering & contracting. Now, as an expert consultant, Jay sits on several technical code committees internationally; notably the technical committee for the IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code. Jay serves on the Board of Directors for Geothermal Rising. Jay has co-authored two McGraw-Hill Textbooks focused on geothermal HVAC technologies and continues to write curriculum and lecture on the merits of Clean Heating and Cooling technologies.
Mike Epley, Eijkelkamp North America
10 years of experience in the environmental and drilling sectors, I am the ESD Sales Manager at Eijkelkamp North America, a leading provider of equipment and services for water, construction, mining/quarry, and oil & gas industries. I lead a team of regional sales managers who are responsible for developing and maintaining key accounts, generating new business opportunities, and delivering exceptional customer service.
My core competencies include negotiation, budgeting, business planning, and operations management. I have a proven track record of achieving sales targets, increasing market share, and enhancing customer satisfaction. I am passionate about providing innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients, and building long-term relationships based on trust and value. I am also committed to continuous learning and improvement, as evidenced by my certifications in asking great sales questions and strategic thinking from LinkedIn. My mission is to help Eijkelkamp North America grow and expand its market share and reputation as a leader in environmental and drilling equipment and services.
Alberto Ferradas, Ecoforest Global KAM,
Alberto is an industrial engineer with more than 12 years of experience at Ecoforest, where he is committed to delivering the most efficient heat pump installations to customers around the world.
He has worked at Ecoforest since the beginning of the activity of the heat pump division, which has allowed him to train hundreds of professionals in the configuration and functioning of geothermal, aerothermal and hybrid heat pump systems. Moreover, he has given lectures at universities in Europe and North America.
Adele Ferranti, NYSERDA
I have been at NYSERDA for 28 years: managing R&D projects for approximately 10 years; developed and managed NYSERDA's first PV incentive program; managed the residential energy products program, including appliance rebate and high efficiency lighting programs; developed and managed ward-winning residential marketing initiatives; k-12 energy training initiatives and; clean energy workforce training programs for 15+ years. For the past 4 years, I have been focusing on workforce training initiatives. Workforce training includes energy efficiency and renewable energy technical training programs for new and existing workers throughout the clean energy supply chain.
Jason Filler, Stark Tech
Jason Filler is a highly accomplished Sales Engineer at Stark Tech with a focus on geothermal projects and energy-efficient solutions. He has an impressive track record of assisting design engineers in implementing heat pumps and heat recovery chiller systems and has played a key role in the design and retrofit of multiple geothermal systems in P-12 schools and universities.
Carrie Friello, NYS/DEC
Carrie Friello is the Regulatory and Climate Coordinator for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Mineral Resources, where she coordinates the development of regulations and policies for the ECL Article 23 Regulated Wells Program and the Mined Land Reclamation Program. She has 16 years of experience with well permitting and statewide regulatory program implementation. She received a BS in geology from the University at Albany, and a MA in teaching earth science from the University at Stony Brook.
Laura Geel, NYSERDA
Assistant Director of NYSERDA's Single Family Residential team. Her team's work supports the 1-4 unit existing homes market focusing on initiatives to promote and scale uptake of energy efficiency and clean energy options for all New Yorkers. Laura joined NYSERDA's Residential team in 2008 and has experience in the existing and new construction small homes markets, supporting both the affordable and market rate housing sectors. Mrs. Geel obtained her B.S. in Business and Organizational Management, with a focus on social responsibility, and a Master of Business Administration from Russell Sage College.
Jacob Goldman, Energy Tax Savers
Vice President of Energy Tax Savers (ETSI). He has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Buffalo, and an MBA from the University of Maine at Orono.
He is the co-author of numerous articles, published in Building Operating Management, Worship Facilities Magazine, UNIT Magazine, Green Lodging News, International Parking Institute, Corporate Business Taxation Monthly, and Thomson Reuters. He has presented to hundreds of corporations, architectural firms, engineering firms, accounting firms, local chapters of USGBC, IFMA, BOMA, and AEE as well as national conferences of NFMT, NALMCO, IGSHPA, PIMA, and at the EMC Conference as well. Jacob has also been a consistent speaker at GE's Nela Park and Cooper's "The Source" in Peachtree, GA.
Donovon Gordan, NYSERDA
Director of Clean Heating & Cooling for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). He leads New York State’s efforts to develop markets that support high-efficiency clean thermal technologies such as Air, Ground, and Water Source Heat Pumps, Clean Thermal Energy Networks (CTENs), and Thermal Energy Storage (TES). He is charged with conceptualizing, driving and implementing a portfolio of products to encourage and enable customers and partners to invest in low-carbon clean heating and cooling systems and with advancing New York's progress toward self-sustained markets. Also, develop and implement educational, workforce training, and marketing / outreach initiatives for scalable growth of clean heating and cooling technologies partnering with public, private, and academic institutions.
Donovan received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from St. Francis College and a Master in Business Administration from NYU, Stern School of Business.
Beth Guidetti, NYS Dept. of Evniorment Conservations
Beth Guidetti is a geologist with 16 years of experience with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Water, where she currently manages the Water Well Contractor Program. She also provides database design, ArcGIS mapping, and hydrogeologic assistance for water well tasks and for other division programs. She has 8 years of previous experience in environmental consulting and remediation. She received a B.A. in geological sciences from SUNY Geneseo and an M.A. in structural geology from the University at Buffalo.
Suzanne Hagell, NYS/DEC
My work portfolio is broad, but my primary responsibility is to identify opportunities for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions, including from all economic sectors of the state. My previous experience and education focused on Climate Change Adaptation, Forest Science, Natural Resource Management, Molecular Genetics, and Decision Analysis.
Mike Hammond, ClimateMaster
Coming soon
Tim Hammond, WaterFurnace International
Vice President of Engineering for WaterFurnace International, Inc. Tim has spent most of his 20 years at WaterFurnace learning about commercial HVAC/geothermal applications to innovate and expand commercial product solutions. He started his career in geothermal while working for a family -owned residential HVAC contractor and earning a mechanical journeyman’s license. He earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue Fort Wayne University and is a member of industry groups such as AHRI and ASHRAE.
David Hermantin, Brightcore Energy
Experienced engineering designer and construction manager for commercial geothermal heating and cooling system installations.
As Brightcore's geo solution provider, I'm excited about how our technological advances will shape the future of renewable heating and cooling.
Joseph Hitt, NYS/Dept. of Public Service
Policy Analyst (Energy) in the Office of Markets and Innovation, Energy Efficiency & Building Electrification Unit, at the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS). In this role, Mr. Hitt is responsible for oversight and monitoring of technical aspects of the state’s ratepayer-funded energy efficiency and building electrification programs. These programs are critical in supporting the state’s achievement of the Climate Leadership and Communities Protection Act (CLCPA) including ensuring meaningful benefits to disadvantaged communities. Mr. Hitt oversees The New York Standard Approach for Estimating Energy Savings from Energy Efficiency Programs - Residential, Multi-Family, and Commercial/Industrial, known as the Technical Resource Manual (TRM); the NYS Clean Heat Statewide Heat Pump Program; and serves as a technical lead for the implementation of the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act. Before joining the DPS in 2022, Mr. Hitt held various positions in his career in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and delivered fuels industries. Joseph holds a Master of Science in Advanced Technologies from the State University of New York, Institute of Technology, Utica/Rome, N.Y., and a Master of Business Administration from the State University of New York, School of Business, Albany, N.Y.
Justin Jobe, Enertech
Coming soon
Dimitry Kuravsky, Celsius Energy
A dynamic and accomplished Drilling Engineering Manager with over 13 years of extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. Specialized in leading complex drilling operations, optimizing drilling processes, and spearheading innovative drilling technologies. Proven track record in managing high-value projects, reducing operational costs, and enhancing efficiency in challenging environments.
Wayne Mackey, LiUNA
Coming soon
Zeyneb Magavi, HEET
Zeyneb joined HEET in 2016 after meeting Audrey and becoming engaged in our mission through her work with Mothers Out Front. Zeyneb pioneered the concept of having utilities deliver non-combusting, renewable thermal energy instead of gas by installing systems of networked ground-source heat pumps. Since then, she has become a national leader in the gas-to-geo transition, speaking with cities and towns, states, legislators and policy-makers, labor leaders and others about how to decarbonize buildings affordably, equitably, and at the scale and pace needed to turn back climate change. Zeyneb also serves as guest faculty at the Harvard School of Public Health and guest lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Before entering the sustainability world, Zeyneb led the development of several technological solutions to health challenges in the developing world, and helped launch two start-ups. Zeyneb earned a BS in physics from Brown University and studied global health and sustainability at Harvard University. She is committed to creating and driving forward compassionate, multi-disciplinary and innovative solutions to the urgent challenge of climate change.
Derek McGladdery, Derex Inc.
McGladdery learned drilling from his father starting in the mid-1980s and has experience in many facets of the industry: drilling, training, sales, and rig design and manufacturing. Like many in the industry, he learned to run and mod a rig early. He traveled around the world helping clients solve drilling and fluids issues on groundwater and other vital resource projects. In the process, he saved clients and other students time, money or both.
He returned to Canada flush with experience in the range of drilling methods and techniques deployed globally. Since 2018, he’s applied first-hand knowledge with the best of what he learned traveling into Derex Drilling Rigs. Derex manufactures dual-rotary drill rigs for customers in groundwater, geothermal and mining.
Kevin Moravec, Barney Moravec, Inc.
President of Barney Moravec, Inc. a company that has developed well over 800 geothermal installations and drilled more than one-half million feet of closed geo-exchange loops. In 2016, Moravec purchased VanHee Heating, and as president, and has overseen the development of the company to be a leading installer of both GSHP and ccASHP. VanHee has installed over 4,000 GSHP systems since 1979. More recently, Moravec helped create the Ground Up Geothermal Alliance of Western New York, an organization that created a standardized methodology of GSHP installation, a custom loop system along with 100% DHW and Variable Capacity 7 series.
Hannah Morgan, NYSERDA
Hannah Morgan is a Senior Project Manager on the Efficiency Planning and Engineering Team at NYSERDA. She coordinates the P-12 Schools Initiative, which focuses on increasing clean energy investments across schools in NYS. Hannah has been at NYSERDA for 7 years focused primarily on the P-12 sector. Prior to NYSERDA, she worked at SUNY Oneonta for 5 years as the campus Sustainability Coordinator. Hannah Morgan earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Environmental Science.
John Murphy, UA
International Representative, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
John J. Murphy was initiated into the membership of the former Plumbers Local Union No. 2, the home Local of George Meany, in January 1984. He is a fourth generation Union Plumber in the city of New York. After completing his apprenticeship, John worked in various capacities of the plumbing industry in both the private and public sectors.
In 1996 at the age of 32, John was elected as recording secretary and has since been elected as a business agent, financial secretary-treasurer and business manager, a position that he held until his election as a UA international representative. John is a vice president of the New York City Central Labor Council and the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council. He also serves on the board of NYS Helmets to Hardhats, Climate Jobs NY and the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, the Workers Institute Advisory Council at Cornell ILR and the Climate Jobs Advisory Board.
John has also served as a board member of both the Edward J. Malloy Construction Skills Initiative and Nontraditional Employment for Women.
Robert M. Neimer, Ramboll
32 years of consulting experience including program and project management for public and private higher education, public agencies, and municipalities with energy reduction and climate action goals. He recently led an 8-campus clean energy master plan program for State University of New York (SUNY) focused on decarbonization and transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative low carbon energy supply technologies to align with the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Rob is also working with NYSERDA on a state-wide Thermal Energy Network Potential Study and the NYS Department of Public Service on efforts related to the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act.
Cory Nicosia, NYSERDA
Joined NYSERDA in 2010 and is currently a Senior Project Manager on the Corporate Marketing Team. Cory is focused on Electrification and Building Decarbonization in the single family residential space. Cory is primarily dedicated to advancing clean heating and cooling technology adoption across the State. Through a comprehensive marketing strategy, Cory communicates the benefits of energy efficiency and heat pumps through education and awareness-based messaging to all of New York State’s residents.
David Orellano, Con Edison
Leads Con Edison’s geothermal incentive programs. In this role, he’s focused on helping customers in New York and Westchester adopt geothermal heat. In his time at Con Edison, he helped launch the Clean Heat program to bring efficient electric heat to more customers. Prior to Con Edison, he worked in marketing and product management for the smart home company Resideo (aka Honeywell Home) and started his career as a consulting engineer at Vanderweil Engineers. David studied mechanical engineering at Tufts University and has an MBA from Cornell University.
Joe Pejsa, Infra Pipe Solutions, Ltd.
Is the Geothermal Vault sales representative for Infra Pipe Solutions for all of the United States and Canada. He has been with Infra Pipe Solutions (formerly Uponor) for 11 years and has a combined 20 years of experience in Geothermal Well Field sales, service and design working for INFRA PIPE, ISCO, and GHP Systems. His expertise is in Geothermal well field estimating and technical sales. Joe earned a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from South Dakota State University in Brookings SD. He is a long standing member of IGSHPA and is McElroy fusion certified.
Adrian Perez, Ecoforest
My passion, since I began my studies in the Energy Degree; I knew that renewable energy and especially Ground Source was the field to which I would love to dedicate myself. I am currently working in Ecoforest, in the heat pumps section giving technical and commercial support in projects with ground and air source heat pumps.
Jens Ponikau, AI, CGD, Buffalo Geothermal
Co-owner of Buffalo Geothermal Heating, a geo design and installation firm that installs between 90-100 systems per year in Western NY. He is an International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) accredited geothermal installer and geoexchange designer with a doctoral degree from the University of Hamburg, Germany. Before moving to WNY and helping to found Buffalo Geothermal in 2008, he had installed 120 geosystems in Germany - his native land. Jens regularly gives seminars and public presentations on geothermal technology.
Johannes Rosemann, Buffalo Geothermal
A Mechatronics Engineer with focus on thermo- and hydrodynamics. After working for several years in the automotive industry he joined Buffalo Geothermal 5 years ago and is currently the VP of Operations. He has been involved in the design of multiple large Ground Source Heatpump Systems incl. the Domestic Hot Water Only System for the NYCHA Pilot Project in the Bronx.
Dave Roisck, Rosick Drilling
Coming soon
Dan Sergison, Sala O'Brien
Coming soon
John Tesh, CHA Consulting
Coming soon
Jonathan Tham, PSEG LI
Coming soon
John Thomas, WaterFurnace International
John is the CEO of WaterFurnace International and currently serves as the Chairman of the BOD for Geo Exchange, a member of the BOD and Government Affairs Committee for AHRI.
Katelyn Tsukada, Con Edison
Co-lead of Con Edison’s Utility-owned Thermal Energy Network (UTEN) group, building the strategic vision for the Company’s three proposed pilot projects. Over the last seven years at Con Edison, she has managed emerging technology pilots, residential energy efficiency programs, regulatory filings, and led the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) Demonstration Projects group. Prior to Con Edison, Katelyn worked in outreach and sales for multiple engineering firms in Massachusetts and New York. Katelyn has an MBA from NYU Stern and a BA in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University.
Nicole Williams, NYSEG RG&E
Coming soon
Will Xia, NYSERDA
Proven leader, manager, and technical lead with experience in stakeholder engagement, program management, and engineering design.
I am passionate about developing sustainable energy solutions that are beneficial to our communities and the environment. I'm also proud to be working for an agency that is committed to helping New York State achieve its ambitious goals in order to realize a sustainable and secure energy future!