THE MCEC TEAM
MEET OUR STAFF
I. KATHERINE MAGRUDER
Executive Director
Throughout her career, Ms. Magruder has been focused on the balance of environment, economy, and cultural character in effective sustainable economic development.
As Executive Director of the Maryland Clean Energy Center, since it launched in 2009, Ms. Magruder manages the statewide green bank working to advance the commercialization and adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies in Maryland. She collaborates with multiple state and federal agencies along with utility and private sector partners to implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. In this role, she operates financing programs, administers grants, engages in business development initiatives, oversees outreach, and monitors associated public policy activity.
Previously, as Chief of Staff at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Ms. Magruder was responsible for strategic planning, staff management, and external relations. During appointment as the Director of Resource Based Industries at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (Commerce), she focused on sustaining the agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries, and maritime industry sectors. Working in key positions with various municipalities, Ms. Magruder led local and regional agribusiness, cultural preservation, and ecotourism initiatives to benefit communities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Kathy currently serves as co-chair of the Association for University Research Parks Climate Technology & Building Caucus, is a member of the Maryland Power Plant Research Program Advisory Committee, and the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Advisory Board, and serves on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Climate, Energy & Environment Policy Committee
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!
ROBERT F. PARKER
Deputy Director of Finance & Innovation Investment
Robert F. Parker has nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of finance and innovation in ClimateTech, Renewable Energy, and the Clean Energy Transition in roles that range from investment banking & consulting to venture investing & project development to entrepreneur. His most recent professional roles have focused on scaling early and growth stage ClimateTech companies and helping them access a full capital stack, as well as supporting investment funds and government agencies dedicated to ClimateTech with due diligence, program development, and program operations.
Robert has worked with more than 200 projects and companies across multiple clean technology and decarbonization verticals on strategy, operations, deploying capital, business development, finance, growth, and successfully sourced $500 Million in debt, equity, and government capital for ClimateTech innovation. Robert has experience working with B2B, Commercial and Industrial sectors in renewable energy generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, smart grid, waste-to-value, CarbonTech, FinTech, SaaS, PropTech, mobility & charging infrastructure, and AgTech.
Robert has more than 25 years of experience in helping public & private companies, non-profits, and government agencies successfully develop partnerships, structure operations, create sustainable growth, and launch impact products. Prior to joining the MCEC, Robert was the Managing Partner of Honu Hoku Advisors and the CEO of Zinc8 Energy Solutions USA. Before that, he was a Director at Sif Capital and an Innovation Advisor to NYSERDA’s Technology-to-Market Division. Previously, he was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence for NYSERDA’s ClimateTech Expertise Network run by Columbia Technology Ventures, Operating Partner at S-CAP Cleantech Venture Fund I, and was Co-Founder of Empire State Greenhouses. Robert began his career in ClimateTech as a Senior Investment Banking Associate at Strategic Ventures in 2005. For more than a decade, Robert has supported numerous organizations focused on innovation and accelerating the Clean Energy Transition as a volunteer, judge, and mentor.
Since 2015, Robert has been an Adjunct Professor at New York University, teaching ClimateTech, Renewable Energy Finance & Entrepreneurship. Robert earned an MBA cum laude from Loyola University – Chicago and a BA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University.
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.
MICHELLE STAUDENMEIER
Director of Marketing and Communications
Michelle Staudenmeier is an award-winning creative professional with over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, earning over 70 awards for her work, including numerous ADDY Awards, the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition for creative excellence in the United States. As an accomplished creative professional, marketing strategist, and brand builder, Michelle is driven by a passion for making the world a better place.
Michelle's professional journey began in advertising agencies, where she cultivated her love for innovation and developed a drive for new ideas. She has since transitioned to mission-based organizations, holding notable positions that underscore her commitment to impactful work.
For over a decade, Michelle supported conservation, directing the marketing and creative efforts at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. As the Assistant Director of Advertising & Brand with Friends of the National Zoo, she crafted and executed strategies that elevated brand visibility, increased revenues, and motivated public engagement. Her ability to identify compelling insights and transform them into effective marketing and communications materials has been pivotal in achieving these outcomes.
More recently, Michelle has dedicated her expertise to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical and mental disabilities. As the Creative Director for a human services organization, she has worked towards a world that values diversity, celebrates inclusion, and promotes accessibility. Her innovative campaigns and strategic initiatives have significantly bolstered corporate reputation, increased brand awareness, and improved engagement metrics across all channels.
Michelle graduated with honors from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.
PAM BUCKLINGER
Sr. Manager of Partnerships & Communications
Pam brings more than 15 years of experience in content creation, brand development, and community partnerships. Before joining MCEC, she crafted memorable, on-brand content for diverse clients, ranging from government agencies to nonprofits. Her expertise spans all digital platforms, including web pages, social media, email campaigns, podcasts, and blogs.
Pam's career began at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where she served in various leadership positions, including Assistant Director of Corporate Programs. She played a key role in content development for digital marketing, securing corporate sponsors, and forming valuable community partnerships. Pam's efforts consistently exceeded fundraising targets and enhanced the Smithsonian Zoo's mission with science and conservation organizations.
Outside of work, Pam has a passion for community engagement and sustainability. She currently volunteers as a Social Media Lead for Moms Demand Action and sits on two nonprofit boards that focus on sustainability and education. Her published freelance articles have appeared in both local and national magazines.
Pamela holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science and has won several marketing awards plus “Writer of the Year” from National Wildlife Federation. Pam is mom to her son, a rescue dog named The Marvelous Mrs. Mabel, and a 40-year-old turtle.
TERI MOBLEY
Equity Outreach & Community Development Manager
With over a decade of experience in cross-functional leadership, corporate management, and office administration, Teri Mobley, now serves as the Equity Outreach & Community Development Manager at the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC). With a passion for outreach, Teri plays a key role in advancing MCEC's mission, fostering environmental justice, enhancing energy literacy, and improving access to clean energy across the state. A committed learner and community advocate, Teri is an active member of the Anne Arundel Society for Human Resource Management and The Community Association Institute.
In her strategic role at MCEC, Teri leads the development of a comprehensive community outreach plan, emphasizing partnerships and awareness. Teri excels in networking and community engagement, with a passion to support disadvantaged communities' visions and strategies for addressing climate impacts and accessing clean energy opportunities.
Beyond her professional pursuits, she engages in physical activities, volunteers in youth sports, and enjoys family adventures. Tericka is excited to contribute her skills to MCEC, anticipating a significant role in shaping the future of clean energy and climate resilience in Maryland.
KEITH WANG
Lending Portfolio & Programs Manager
As part of the MCEC finance team, Keith Wang supports current lending programs and actively participates in MCEC investment processes.
Keith is a veteran in the commercial banking industry with over 15 years of experience as a credit analyst, portfolio manager, and risk officer. During his time as portfolio manager, Keith was an integral part of the team that grew their lending portfolio from $20 million to over $250 million. He was responsible for analyzing, underwriting, structuring, and monitoring all clients held in the portfolio. As a former risk officer, Keith was responsible for comprehensive loan reviews which monitored any deterioration in credit quality of the bank’s existing clients. Keith has previously worked at FVCbank, Eagle Bank, TD Bank, and Navy Federal Credit Union.
Keith earned his BA in Business Management from Gettysburg College.
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.
DAMION TRASADA
Grant Program Director
Damion Trasada has been involved in program delivery and policy initiatives around workforce development, education, and sustainability for over twenty years. He has managed a diverse portfolio of federal grants with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, working with dozens of non-profit and local government partners to implement large federal funding sources including the Community Service Block Grant, Emergency Rental Program, and Low-Income Heating Assistance. Damion has also helped to advance anti-poverty and economic development initiatives in Missouri in his roles at the Missouri Housing Development Corporation and as Deputy Director of State Boards and Commissions.
Prior to joining MCEC, Damion served as the Regional Director of Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors to Work Program, providing veterans and their families with employment counseling and placement services. He also currently serves as a volunteer board member for the Uplift Institute for Global Sustainability, a community-based organization that supports projects promoting sustainable environmental and economic development. Damion holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy and resides with his family in southern Maryland.
SIMON ZIMMER
Grant Program Assistant Director
Simon Zimmer possesses a unique combination of business (MBA), engineering (BSEE) and nonprofit experience in five countries and speaks English, Spanish and German (BA German) fluently. After completing his Peace Corps service in Honduras in 2005, Simon moved to Bogotá, Colombia. Six weeks later, he found his biological family after 30 years. It was a wonderful moment that helped him create a special bond with Colombia, which led him to create an international nonprofit organization with his adoptive family. Aguayuda’s mission is to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to rural communities in Colombia. Ten years later, they had helped over 10,000 people. In 2016, WaterAid, a large international water nonprofit organization, took over the mission, which he is proud to say continues to this day.
Since 2019, Simon has been working in the solar industry — initially, as a director of operations at Aurora Energy, a commercial solar company, in Columbia, Maryland. It was a great experience that showed him how producing clean energy can have a positive impact on the local community, the environment and the energy economy. However, one thing was missing: he wanted to combine his solar knowledge and experience to help disadvantaged people reduce their energy burden through access to solar energy. Fortunately, Civic Works, a local nonprofit, was looking for a solar program manager to lead and develop their low- and moderate-income rooftop solar program called Baltimore Shines. Three years later, thanks to the success of Baltimore Shines, he and his team have helped 18 families go solar and have received additional grant funding from MEA, the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, and ARPA with the goal of providing solar to an additional 170 families in the next few years.
For Simon, nothing compares to helping people and communities in need, whether it is for clean water or clean energy. With his unique combination of residential and commercial solar and nonprofit experience, and a strong track record of helping to improve people’s lives through sustainable projects, he is excited to work for the MCEC team as the grant program assistant director.
Simon has an amazing wife and two stepdaughters who make him proud every day.
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).
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.
DANIEL M. HAZARD
Digital Media Specialist
Dan Hazard is a digital marketer and content producer with half a decade of experience working in politics, issue advocacy, and academia. As MCEC’s Digital Media Specialist, Dan provides creative services and oversees the Center’s website and social media channels.
Prior to joining MCEC in 2024, Dan served as the Communications Specialist for the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center in Nashville, TN. He previously worked as a Digital Director in the U.S. Senate and as an Associate with PLUS Communications in Arlington, VA.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Spanish and has earned various digital marketing certificates throughout his career.
ALLISON WELCH
Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Member
Allison has joined the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) team through the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program. During her tenure, Allison will focus on community engagement and education; enhancing community awareness through clean energy initiatives. This includes developing a toolkit to assist communities with Climate Action Planning, providing assistance in developing webinars with topics covering Climate Action Planning for Communities and Project Funding & Financing, and coordinating workshops to empower disadvantaged communities. Through the Corps program, Allison will also gain valuable insights into various conservation efforts across the state and contribute to a wide array of projects alongside her fellow Corps members.
Allison brings experience from her previous roles as the Clean Water Program intern with the Izaak Walton League of America and a Part-time Cartographer with the Geographics Lab. Allison is a 2024 graduate of Penn State, University Park, with a degree in Earth Sciences, a minor in Sustainability, and a certificate in Geographic Information Science. With her diverse skill set and passion for environmental stewardship, Allison is committed to advancing sustainable practices in our communities.
Outside of MCEC, Allison enjoys running, hiking, and volunteering with a local girls’ soccer team.
MARY SIROIS
Operations Manager
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.
DANIELLA DIRUBBA
Administrative Assistant
MAGGIE GROFF
Administrative Assistant
Maggie Groff is a recent Environmental Science and Policy graduate from the University of Maryland, specializing in policy and politics. With a strong academic record, Maggie also served as the school’s Sustainability Advisor, where she was a guest speaker in numerous classrooms, educating first-year students on environmental challenges and sustainable practices.
Having previously worked as a Policy Intern at the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), Maggie has now taken on the role of Administrative Assistant, where she helps manage the day-to-day functions of the office. She is excited about the opportunity to learn and grow at MCEC and is eager to contribute to solutions for a sustainable future.
Outside of MCEC, Maggie has quite the soft spot for four-legged friends. During her time in college, she worked at a doggie daycare and dedicated her time to volunteering at an animal shelter. She also enjoys spending quality time with her dog, Bella, whenever she can.
HOLLY MAYS
Administrative Assistant
Holly is excited to be joining the Maryland Clean Energy Center and supporting the Procurement and Grants teams as an Administrative Assistant. Bolstered by two decades of clerical, administrative, and other diverse work experience, she will be assisting in the implementation of various projects and processes and serve as a liaison between the MCEC and its clients.
A lifelong environmental advocate, Holly went back to college to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus on environmental science and policy. She graduated summa cum laude from UMBC and also holds an Associate’s degree in Communications and Media.
In the summer of 2022, Holly was appointed to the Howard County Environmental Sustainability Board where she serves her community by carrying out duties for the Public Outreach committee. In 2023, she was elected as Vice Chairperson of the Board.
CONNOR ADAMS
Marketing & Communications Intern
Interested in joining our team? View open positions.