THE MCEC TEAM
MEET OUR STAFF
I. KATHERINE MAGRUDER
Executive Director
Kathrine Magruder is the Executive Director of the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), a corporate instrumentality of the state created to advance the adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies. In addition to administrative and budget management for MCEC she is engaged in government and industry stakeholder relations, event production, and innovation advancement.
Katherine led efforts to launch programs designed to provide access to capital for energy projects including the the Maryland Home Energy Loan Program, Maryland Clean Energy Capital Program, the Maryland Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (MDPACE) Program, and most recently- the Clean Energy Advantage Loan Program.
In her prior position Kathrine served as Chief of Staff at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute; known for performing cutting edge research and transfer of newly discovered technologies to commercial applications; when it existed as part of the University System of Maryland.
As Director of Resource Based Industries, for the Maryland Department of Commerce, she initiated and managed a program focused on sustaining agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries and maritime industry sectors. Working in collaboration with multiple agencies and in partnership with the Maryland Energy Administration, she helped develop a statewide approach to implement evolving energy policies and technologies.
Kathrine previously served at the regional and county level in tourism, community and economic development as Director of the Department of Economic Development & Tourism for Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Emphasizing sustainability In that capacity, she led numerous agribusiness and ecotourism initiatives focused on environment, economy, and cultural character. Related efforts include creation of an interactive exhibit for visitors at the Chesapeake Heritage Center, state designation of the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area, and national designation for the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway.
Kathrine holds a professional Certificate in Destination Marketing & Management from George Washington University School of Business & Public Management, and is recognized as a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council. She earned her BFA in Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art in 1982, and looks forward to every opportunity to use her creative skills.
STEVEN M. COWAN
Chief Investment Officer
Steven Cowan is a veteran energy corporate finance professional with over 20 years of experience focused on the energy and renewables sectors. He has executed over 80 debt, equity, and M&A transactions globally valued at more than $15 billion. In addition, he has significant expertise in originating, structuring, managing, and executing complex transactions. Stevan has worked previously in the energy groups of Jefferies, Deutsche Bank, Canaccord Genuity Inc., and Clarksons Platou plc, among others. More recently, Steven served as the Chief Financial Officer of Global Energy Solutions, Inc. and Global Environmental Solutions, Inc.
Steven earned an MBA in Accounting and Finance from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.
AMY GILLESPIE
Grants Administrator & Compliance Officer
Amy Gillespie most recently was the School Director/Director of Education for Triangle Technical School in Chambersburg, PA. She has a 30-year background in leadership and management, training, and organizational development. She also has a 15-year background in research and grant writing. Prior to moving to Maryland, she was Executive Director for a non-profit agency supporting vocational rehabilitation and workforce development. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in West Virginia and teaches for the Connecticut State Community College system. She has also worked locally for municipal government in Hancock, Maryland.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Art Degree in History/Political Science and Secondary Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY and a Master’s in Human Services specializing in Non-profit Management from Post University in Waterbury, CT. She is currently working on becoming certified through Quality Matters as a Certified Online Course Developer.
Amy has a wonderful husband, four boys and two fabulous dogs!
SABRINA L. BACHMAN
Communications Director
With over 15 years of program management experience, Sabrina Bachman has built her career around working with organizations that have a strong commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. As MCEC’s Communications Director, Sabrina is responsible for marketing and communications strategies to help MCEC meet its mission to advance the adoption of clean energy, and energy efficiency products, services and technologies.
Prior to joining the MCEC team in 2018, Sabrina served the U.S. Green Building Council as their Community Director for Maryland and West Virginia. She has also worked at the local level with several government offices and nonprofit organizations, in Maryland and California, to implement programs to protect the environment and offer educational resources. Sabrina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Systems from the University of California, San Diego.
BENJAMIN J. RUPERT
Director of Procurement and Technical Assistance Services
Ben Rupert brings more than 15 years of experience developing, creatively financing, and implementing clean energy projects and programs to the Maryland Clean Energy Center. He has spent significant time working in both the public and private sectors, and has unique experience developing collaborative procurement solutions to implement cost effective clean energy projects. He has provided technical support and leadership for a wide array of energy projects, including energy efficiency, combined heat and power, microgrid, energy storage, and renewable energy systems including solar, wind, renewable natural gas (RNG), and biomass.
Beyond technical energy expertise, Ben holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy. He has significant experience developing and implementing climate and energy policy at the state and local levels, and has served as a building codes and standards advisor for the States of Washington and California. He is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), has served on the board of directors for the Association of Energy Engineer’s National Capital Chapter since 2016, and is a past president of the organizations Pacific Northwest Chapter.
PAMELA R. POWERS
Government & Industry Relations Manager
Pamela Powers joined the Maryland Clean Energy Center team in 2017. As MCEC’s Government & Industry Relations Manager, she plans, develops, and executes a proactive government affairs strategy to meet the Center’s mission and objectives. Pamela monitors policy initiatives and reports to industry stakeholders on legislation and regulation while facilitating government relations for the organization. Pamela liaises with stakeholders, business representatives, vendors, and the general public.
Pamela coordinates the MCEC continuing education solar training for realtors. Pamela supports senior staff with event development and management, including logistics and site selection.
Pamela joined MCEC after serving as Chief of Staff to Former Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines, Vice Chair of the House Appropriation Committee. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She resides in Annapolis with her Old English Sheepdog, Elliott.
LIMUNGA MINGO
Project Manager, Procurement and Technical Assistance Services
Limunga Mingo was born and raised in Cameroon and moved to the US after high school. She received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and M.S. in Engineering Management (Cost and Finance Engineering) from The George Washington University. She specializes in managing technical projects and is often working to create or refine processes to streamline operations. She is fluent in French and has experience working across various technical fields for foreign companies. Limunga is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and energy to encourage others to succeed. She’s passionate about encouraging young females in STEM fields, enjoys traveling, and spending time with her daughter.
DOROTHY KOLB
Controller
Dorothy Kolb is an operations and finance executive with over 20 years experience in the sports, media and creative/marketing agency space including production, operations, and finance roles at CBS Sports, FOX Sports, NBC, Scripps Networks and CBS Radio as well as a foundational accounting start with Deloitte in NYC.
Dorothy holds a Bachelor's in Accounting/Economics from Long Island University-Post, and professional certificates in Executive Women in Leadership from Cornell University and Human Resource Management from Villanova University. She is a CPA and a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP).
AZIZ KAMULEGEYA
Clean Energy Advantage Loan Program Coordinator
Aziz Kamulegeya comes to MCEC from the commercial real estate finance industry, where he spent the last 12 years helping a small entity with 70 employees grow into a major player in the market with more than 1100 team members. During his tenure there, he helped develop several lending and investment platforms providing solid support from finance, accounting, audit, tax, management, regulatory and technological perspectives.
Aziz manages the Clean Energy Advantage (CEA) Loan Program, which provides affordable financing to Maryland home owners looking to complete residential energy efficiency projects. He also looks forward to joining the team and providing unhealthy sugary treats at all in-person team meetings.
Aziz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University in Uganda, and a Masters in Accounting and Finance from Kingston University in London, United Kingdom.
MAYA ROSS
Wood Energy Coordinator
Maya Ross is the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s Wood Energy Coordinator, responsible for increasing the use of woody biomass as a viable energy source across Maryland, while ensuring proper forest management. Maya has prior experience in environmental policy and environmental justice, including work with both the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and the Maryland NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) committee. With the NAACP, Maya was responsible for leading a research project on ECJ issues in Maryland, which culminated in a conference presentation and a panel discussion with former Obama administration advisors.
Maya holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland.
RYLEE P. KENNEDY
Marketing Program Assistant
Rylee Kennedy is the MCEC Marketing Program Assistant. She supports the development of the Center's outreach and education initiatives, marketing and communications strategies, and campaign logistics. Rylee has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Rylee has experience working with organizations throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay Watershed through grant management and outreach. Through her prior work at the Maryland Pesticide Education Network and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, she has experience communicating the importance of community-wide participation in increasing environmental literacy and conservation efforts to Chesapeake Bay residents.
MARY SIROIS
Administrative Assistant
Mary Sirois is the Administrative Assistant for the MCEC. She brings over 10 years of diverse experience in the non-profit and business sector with combined experience in organizational leadership in green building and energy efficiency, daily operations management, administration, and event planning.
As the leader of the US Green Building Council Maryland Chapter, she supported and brought green building professionals together through membership, advocacy, events and credential maintenance opportunities. At the Baltimore Energy Challenge, a partnership program of The Baltimore Office of Sustainability and Civic Works, she worked to bring simple yet effective energy retrofits to Baltimore City residents while also prioritizing work skills development.
Her broad background has varied from swinging a hammer and walking job sites to organizational management, daily operations, events planning and administration. In the past couple of years, you may also find her swinging with her two young children at the playground! She brings compassion, energy and enthusiasm to each role. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Non-Violence Studies from Elon University, North Carolina.
Interested in joining our team? View open positions.