2022 SPEAKER SERIES

Hardening Operations of Critical Infrastructure: Energy Storage & Renewable Generation for Resilience

Municipal governments, institutions, hospitals, and businesses are seeking solutions for resilience in their facilities to prepare for the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Our panel will highlight model project scenarios that can be replicated and share their knowledge of programs and resources designed to assist with project development and financing.

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MODERATOR

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I. Kathy Magruder

Executive Director,
Maryland Clean Energy Center

Kathy M. Magruder

Executive Director
Maryland Clean Energy Center

Ms. 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.

Magruder 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 Ms. Magruder 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.

Ms. Magruder 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.

Kathy 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.

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PANELISTS

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Brandon Bowser

Energy Program Manager, CHP & Resilience, Maryland Energy Administration

Brandon Bowser

Energy Program Manager, CHP & Resilience
Maryland Energy Administration

Brandon Bowser is the Energy Resilience Program Manager for the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). He manages a suite of energy resilience-focused incentive programs that help Maryland organizations develop and install microgrids and other distributed energy resource (DER) systems. Specifically, these include the Resilient Maryland planning program, Resilient Maryland Capital Development program, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Grant Program, and Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program. Brandon also works with the Policy Team on DER ​and Nonwires Alternatives (NWA) items. Additionally, he serves as MEA’s ESF-12 Emergency Management Coordinator during natural disasters and other events that threaten the integrity of the State’s power grid and fuel supplies. Brandon previously worked for an energy consulting firm for commercial retail properties where he managed a team of energy analysts in utility redistribution and demand response. He has also served at MEA in a prior tenure, during which he managed several residential and commercial renewable and energy efficiency incentive programs. He holds a Master’s Degree in Finance and Bachelor’s Degree in Energy Business & Finance, both from Penn State University.

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Brandy Espinola

Climate and Sustainability Program Manager, Environmental Finance Center, University of Maryland

Brandy Espinola

Climate and Sustainability Program Manager
Environmental Finance Center University of Maryland

Brandy has 13 years of experience providing technical assistance across social, environmental, and fiscal policy issues. She leads EFC’s climate change, sustainability and equity programs, collaborating with communities to identify issues, goals, and opportunities to facilitate local solutions. She serves on the American Society of Adaptation Professionals Ready-to-Fund Resilience Expert Group, leads the Sustainable States Network GHG Working Group, and is a member of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Working Group.

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Cherise Seals

Sr. Account Executive,
NORESCO

Cherise Seals

Sr. Account Executive
NORESCO

Cherise Seals has a 25+ year career in the energy industry. She currently works at NORESCO where she devises energy solutions for governmental and institutional clients contemplating efficiency, sustainability, infrastructure, and climate action goals. She serves on the Advisory Committee for the MD Clean Energy Center, a mentor for the MD Energy Innovation Accelerator, and the chair of the MD Green Building Council. She is formally trained as an electrical engineer from VA Tech with an MBA from Loyola University in Maryland. A wife and mother of two; when not focusing on crucial issues impacting energy, she can be found singing, writing plays, or playing pickleball.

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Dave Wright

Director of Project Development, Groundswell

Dave Wright

Director of Project Development
Groundswell

David Wright is the Director of Project Development at Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power. Dave has more than 15 years of experience in energy program implementation, including 4 years managing community-centered energy resilience projects. Through projects such as these, he seeks to drive "bottom-up" change toward both a cleaner environment and a more equitable society. Dave is a LEED Accredited Professional and a NABCEP PV Associate.

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