Jackie Burman

Vice President, Operations and Finance

Jackie Burman is the Vice President of Operations and Finance at Securing America’s Future Energy. In this role, Jackie oversees finances, human resources, and operations for the organization.

Prior to joining SAFE, Ms. Burman spent more than 4 years in Cape Town, South Africa where she assisted a wide range of non-profit organizations in reaching their funding goals. During her time abroad, she also helped create a fundraising academy to provide young adults with the skills necessary to begin careers in development. She worked in both marketing and fundraising in DC before this.

Ms. Burman holds a Bachelor of Art’s Degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and Masters’ degrees in business administration and Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University.

Gourang Wakade

Vice President of Development

Gourang Wakade is the Vice President of Development for SAFE and its sister organization, the Electrification Coalition (EC).

He leads a lean development team to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that yields sustained multi-year funding results.  Building on the success achieved to date by SAFE EC, Gourang manages a collective fundraising portfolio of $16 Million and is in charge of the overall development systems and strategy while focusing primarily on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting high net worth individuals and foundations, with particular attention on increasing unrestricted funding for both organizations.

He is an experienced fundraiser with a large and varied global network and has proven success in raising and securing multi-year six-figure plus funding commitments for complex and demanding projects across a variety of industries including non-profit, corporate finance, and higher education. Prior to SAFE, Gourang served as the Vice President of Development for the Council on Competitiveness, a non-profit membership association of CEOs, University Presidents, Labor Leaders, and National Lab Directors. In addition to managing membership, and development at the Council on Competitiveness, Gourang was the lead for the organization’s bi-annual fundraiser, the America Competes Award, that honored Business and Civic Leaders for their contributions to ensure American Competitiveness. He also produced and managed sponsorships for the organization’s Annual National Competitiveness Summit. Gourang also served as the Director of Conferences and Engagement, for the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils where he actively recruited leaders from around the world to join and fund the establishment of the organization.

Gourang has a Bachelor’s in Arts degree from the College of Wooster, Oh. He also serves on the Fundraising Committee for the Spring Gala of the Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens in Washington, DC.

Jeffrey Gerlach

Vice President, Policy Strategy 

Jeff Gerlach is Vice President of Policy Strategy at SAFE.

Prior to joining SAFE, Jeff worked at a management consulting firm, where he supported the Department of Energy’s Office of Petroleum Reserves and Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. He previously interned and consulted for SAFE in 2013, contributing to the Oil Security Index and the Commission on Energy and Geopolitics’ Oil Security 2025. Additionally, he worked on multiple political campaigns in Minnesota and completed a year of service in AmeriCorps.

Mr. Gerlach received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Anthropology from the University of St. Thomas in 2011 and his Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago in 2014.

Alyssa Siddiqui

Managing Director of Corporate Engagements

Alyssa Siddiqui is Managing Director of Corporate Relations at SAFE and the Electrification Coalition (EC). She is responsible for identifying and implementing innovative strategies to enhance the organizations’ profiles, expand industry partnerships, and develop new opportunities for engagement and growth. Alyssa leads corporate partnerships for the EC’s medium and heavy-duty fleet electrification work and for SAFE’s autonomous vehicle initiative. In 2021 she launched the Electrification Coalition Business Council.

Alyssa joined SAFE and the EC after over a decade at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, most recently as the Senior Director of Corporate Relations, where she led the strategy and execution of an integrated fundraising plan to achieve an annual revenue goal of over $9 million. She managed high-level corporate recruitment of new members, expanded relationships with existing clients and key stakeholders and launched the Let’s Rebuild America infrastructure initiative. Alyssa also oversaw the U.S. Chamber’s largest signature event, The Aviation Summit, held annually in Washington, DC which attracted over 900 attendees and participants, including top CEOs and industry leaders.

Alyssa began her career at the National Park Foundation working on the capital campaign for the Flight 93 National Memorial Fund. She graduated from Colby College with a Bachelors of Science in Government. She is a member of the Washington, DC chapter of Women of EVs and was named one of the Top Women in EV 2022 by The EV Summit.

Amy Lopez

Chief Development Officer

Amy Lopez is the Chief Development Officer for SAFE and its sister organization, the Electrification Coalition. She is a highly accomplished leader with expertise in development and sales strategy, strategic partnerships, marketing and branding, and leading teams to consistently exceed organizational goals.

With over 20 years of experience, Amy has been at the forefront of driving the adoption of new technologies that enhance energy security, sustainable urban mobility, and promote equity and safety in transportation. Her diverse career spans industries including non-profits, public administration, manufacturing, and electric vehicle technology.

Most recently, Amy held key roles in the big data industry, leading go-to-market strategies, partnership development, coalition building, and sales execution at Replica and INRIX. Replica, originally spun out of Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs, is an AI-powered data platform that models how synthetic populations interact with the built environment. INRIX is a global leader in connected car services and intelligent mobility solutions.

In addition to her leadership in technology, Amy founded and led Synergetic Technologies, Inc. (STG2), an award-winning branding, marketing, and business consulting firm renowned for its innovative solutions. STG2 earned multiple Telly Awards and a Davey Award, and its impressive client roster included the U.S. Department of Energy, Delphi Corporation, Corning Inc., Quantum Technologies, Xerox Corporation, and the United Way.

Throughout her career, Amy has consistently secured multi-year, multi-million-dollar contracts with public agencies and foundations. She has cultivated an extensive network of relationships spanning the public sector, industry associations, foundation and corporate leaders, as well as retired military officials.

A frequent speaker on topics such as multimodal transportation, technology adoption, big data, sustainability, safety, and urban mobility, Amy is recognized as a thought leader in the industry.

Danielle Russo

Executive Director, Center for Grid Security

Danielle Russo is the Executive Director of the Center for Grid Security. She is an innovative leader and policy expert focused on aligning energy programs and policy with national interests. Danielle has worked extensively on transmission expansion for national security and overall grid security and resilience planning. She spent four years as a senior analyst and policy writer supporting the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy Resilience and Optimization (ODASD ER&O), where she focused on policy development and decision making for enhancing military installation energy resilience. While there she worked extensively on various efforts, including energy resilience exercises, energy project planning tools, government partnerships, defense critical electric infrastructure, and more. Her previous experience also includes supporting energy security programs for the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, and Army Reserve. In 2020, Danielle won a Federal Energy and Water Management Award for her work supporting black start exercises at military installations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Technology from the University of Maryland.

Ron Minsk

Senior Advisor

Peter Flory

Peter Flory, Senior Fellow, SAFE Commanding Heights

Served in senior positions in Pentagon and NATO and has deep experience in semiconductor legislation.

Joe Quinn

Vice President of Strategic Industrial Materials

Joe Quinn leads the Center for Strategic Industrial Materials, a new policy initiative dedicated to advancing more secure and sustainable supply chains for aluminum and other industrial materials critical to America’s national and economic security.  Quinn is developing a framework designed to ensure resilient and domestic aluminum production. 

Prior to joining SAFE, Quinn served as the Vice President of External Affairs & Industry Relations at the Aluminum Association. He raised the industry’s profile, created the Congressional Aluminum Caucus, set new membership records, and served as a strategic advisor to the industry on trade and energy issues.  

Previously, Quinn worked at public relations firms positioning organizations favorably with key opinion leaders to advance policy initiatives. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council. A Cincinnati native, he received his B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina.  

Zoe Oysul

Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Critical Mineral Strategy

Zubeyde (Zoe) Oysul joined SAFE in 2020 and currently serves as a Senior Policy Analyst at SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy. In this role, she conducts research and analysis to develop actionable policy solutions that address the complex challenges facing the critical minerals sector. Her expertise encompasses critical mineral and energy technology supply chains, responsible mining practices, geopolitical dynamics, and international trade. Zoe holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Economics from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Arts with a focus on global energy, resource, and environmental policy from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Abigail Hunter

Executive Director, Center for Critical Mineral Strategy

Abigail Hunter is the Executive Director of SAFE’s Ambassador Alfred Hoffman Jr. Center for Critical Minerals Strategy (Minerals Center). Previously, Abigail served as Director of International Affairs and Partnerships within the Minerals Center. In this role, she nurtured existing and new SAFE partnerships to advance sustainable and ethical supply chains amongst allies and like-minded countries.

Before joining SAFE full time, Hunter headed federal government affairs for Quebec for nearly three years as the senior attachée in Washington, D.C. Her mandate focused on the energy, environment, and trade relationship between the province and United States. Hunter started her career at the National Governors Association, where she led the association’s international work.

Hunter completed her Masters in Sustainable Energy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Her four-part capstone on aluminum’s clean energy paradox was published by the SAFE Center for Strategic Industrial Metals. She received her Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University with a double major in International Management and Managing for Sustainability.

Born in Toronto and growing up in New Jersey, Hunter is a proud dual citizen and conflicted hockey fan.

Jocelyn Trainer

Policy Analyst, Center for Critical Minerals Strategy

Jocelyn Trainer is a policy analyst for the Center for Critical Minerals Strategy at SAFE. Her work focuses on securing responsible and sustainable critical mineral supply chains through practical domestic policy and strong alliances.

In previous roles, she worked on energy, economics, and security at CNAS, inclusive peace processes at the United States Institute of Peace, international institutions and global governance at the Council on Foreign Relations, and nuclear security and nonproliferation at CRDF Global. Trainer was a 2022 Graduate Fellow with the United Nations Association with the National Capital Area.

Trainer holds an M.A. in security policy studies with a concentration in conflict resolution from the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University. She received a B.A. in political science, a B.A. in Spanish, and a minor in international relations from Loyola Marymount University.

Avery Ash

Executive Director, Coalition for Reimagined Mobility and Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Special Initiatives, SAFE

Prior to joining SAFE, Avery Ash served as the Vice President of Global Public Policy and Product Strategy at INRIX, the global leader in connected car services and intelligent movement. Previously, Ash was Director of Federal Relations for AAA, where he was responsible for the Association’s federal advocacy on transportation, vehicle technology, mobility, and energy issues.

Ash serves in numerous leadership positions including as a founding steering committee member for Partners for Automated Vehicle Education; a member of Texas Department of Transportation’s Texas Technology Task Force; and board member at the DC-based arts non-profit, CulturalDC. He has previously served on the executive working group of the World Economic Forum’s initiative on the Future of Urban and Autonomous Mobility, as co-chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center’s workgroup on autonomous vehicles; on the Board of Directors of the Electric Drive Transportation Association; and been selected as an Aspen Institute Socrates Scholar and SAFE Energy Security Fellow.

He is a frequent speaker and recognized expert on issues surrounding automated, connected, and electric vehicles; transportation policy; and urban mobility. On Capitol Hill, Ash served as Legislative and Special Assistant for Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, where he focused on financial services and economic development issues. Prior to that he supported Congressional Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce where he managed a portfolio that included technology, transportation, financial services, and anti-counterfeiting issues. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College with a joint degree in Economics and Anthropology.

Ashley Simmons

Deputy Director, Coalition for Reimagined Mobility

Ashley Simmons joined the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility as its Director of Strategic Communications in March 2021. Representing a cross-section of industry, public sector and academic leaders, the Commission is shaping a comprehensive new vision of transportation policy that enables technology to foster more inclusive and accessible communities, and the safe, secure and clean movement of people and goods.

With more than a decade of experience specializing in public relations and public affairs, she’s developed winning communications strategies that elevate reputations, shape advocacy efforts and expand global influence. An expert in strategic communications, Ashley is also the Founder and CEO of REVVIT Public Relations – a consultancy that provides counsel on media strategies and integrated communications campaigns to educate the public and policymakers on technology centric legislative and regulatory policy issues.

Before joining Reimagined Mobility, Simmons led communications teams at advocacy organizations representing the technology, telecommunications and transportation industries. As vice president for External Communications at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), Simmons transformed and modernized TIA’s communications function to develop integrated strategies and data-driven campaigns that framed key policy debates on supply chain security, spectrum allocation, net neutrality and broadband deployment, and elevated issues important to the telecom standards and technology community. Under her leadership, TIA grew it’s reach and the impact of its work to deliver exceptional member value.

Earlier in her career, Simmons spent three years as director of communications for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), where she oversaw cross-functional marketing, events and communications and led a successful campaign for the ITS World Congress in Detroit, Michigan. Prior, she was an account director and digital media consultant for the David All Group and cultivated her PR and media relations skills as communications manager for the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and with the Motion Picture Association. Before coming to the nation’s capital, Simmons held communications advisory roles for mayoral and county political campaigns in her hometown of Buffalo, New York.

Simmons earned a Master of Arts in Media and Public Affairs from the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, and Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication with a minor in Political Science from SUNY Buffalo State College.

Dominic Mathew

Manager, Shared Mobility Policy, Coalition for Reimagined Mobility

Allanté Whitmore

Director, Autonomous Vehicle Initiative

Allanté Whitmore completed a Joint Ph.D. in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. She brings autonomous vehicle technology and policy expertise from researching the environmental, equity, economic, and ethical impacts of autonomous vehicles. During her tenure at CMU, Allanté was awarded multiple fellowships including the K&L Gates Presidential Fellow and Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship in addition to interning at Argonne National Laboratory.  Whitmore also was a member of the Pittsburgh Micromobility Collective and AV Policy Advisory Group.

Maya Zuk

Policy Associate, Policy Strategy 

Maya Zuk is a policy associate at SAFE. She focuses on supporting the different centers at SAFE with their work.

Before joining SAFE, Maya studied International Relations with a focus on Security Studies at King’s College London, working on several projects, including with the Ministry of Defense. She is currently an Associate of King’s College London.

Skip Estes

Director, Government Affairs

Skip is SAFE’s Director of Government Affairs. He joins SAFE from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Administration where he served as Senior Policy Advisor. In this role, Skip served as a lead researcher and author of Governor Youngkin’s “All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan.” Skip’s work in the Youngkin Administration resulted in legislation to reform electricity regulation in Virginia, establish the Virginia Power Innovation Fund, and enable utilities to begin development of small modular nuclear reactors. Skip also advocated before the Virginia General Assembly for legislation to create a competitive procurement process for offshore wind projects off Virginia’s Atlantic coast and create a power innovation program where utilities and commercial and industrial customers could collaborate on innovative power solutions.

Prior to joining Governor Youngkin’s Administration, Skip served as Director of Government Affairs at Siff & Associates, PLLC (n.k.a. Longbow Public Policy Group), and prior to that, as Associate Director of the Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Skip is passionate about America’s energy transition and believes strongly that innovative energy technologies are how the United States secures reliable, affordable power and a clean environment.

Skip is a native of Richmond, Virginia and graduated from The College of William & Mary with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public policy. In his free time, Skip enjoys studying history and spending time outside, preferably on a beach, river, or a mountaintop.

Addison Trupp

Staff Assistant, Public Affairs 

Addison is a Staff Assistant for SAFE’s Public Affairs and Communications team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Utah State University, where he also played on the football team.  He has previously worked as a Legislative Intern for Congressman John Curtis (UT-CD3) and as a Legislative Fellow for Crossroads Strategies prior to joining SAFE. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, he is currently based in Washington, D.C.

Alessandra Chapman

Policy Manager, Center for Grid Security

Bridget Chisholm

Director of Event Operations, SAFE and The Electrification Coalition

Bridget Chisholm is the Director of Event Operations for SAFE and The Electrification Coalition.

Bridget began her career in the late 80s as a travel management consultant and in the early 90s she added managing large-scale events to her portfolio. The first large scale events she worked on were the Earth Day Concerts at Foxboro Stadium. After learning the ins and outs of high-profile performers’ curious quirks for travel and green room needs, she pivoted in the late 90s to Director of Travel, Meetings, and Special Events for the Joint Oceanographic Institutions where she had the honor of planning meetings and managing travel for some of the world’s leading scientists who research ocean floor core samples. In the mid-2000s she spent five years planning large-scale conventions in North America. Before coming to SAFE & the Electrification Coalition in September of 2023 she spent ten years planning large scale global events for the International Leadership Association (ILA) where she worked with heads of state, research scholars, and practitioners committed to the scholarly research and innovative practices that lead to a deeper understanding of leadership for the greater good. Bridget studied business at Virginia Commonwealth University and is a graduate of Lucas Travel School. She lives in northern Fauquier County where she enjoys golf, long walks, cooking and along with her husband, the growing and raising of as much of their food as possible.

Ben Prochazka

Executive Director, Electrification Coalition 

Ben joined the EC as the Director of Strategic Initiatives, developing all EC programs outside of the beltway. Since 2013 Ben has continued to lead these efforts, now as the organization’s Executive Director. Ben has spent more than a decade working on environmental, human rights, and voter engagement efforts. His experience includes leadership roles as the Campaign Director for the Save Darfur Coalition, the Legislative Director for the Colorado Environmental Coalition, the Colorado State Director for the New Voters Project, and numerous public interest campaign efforts as the Western States Field Organizer for U.S.PIRG.

Prior to his experience at SAFE and the Electrification Coalition, Ben served in the role of Vice President at FieldWorks, a national political consulting firm. While at FieldWorks he led projects for a diverse group of corporate, non-profit, academic, and political clients. This included programs with SolarCity, the Environmental Defense Action Fund, and a recent joint pilot with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California at Berkeley – Haas School of Business – to test encouragement models for federally funded low income weatherization.

Before joining FieldWorks, Ben served as the lobbyist for the Colorado Environmental Coalition (CEC) a statewide group representing more than 100 environmental, public health, and religious organizations. As lobbyist Ben was responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of the conservation community agenda at the legislature. During Ben’s two years with CEC, the conservation community passed over 100 “pro-conservation” bills including several first-in-the-nation efforts.

Ben also directed successful field and fundraising programs for national campaigns on behalf of The Save Darfur Coalition, The Genocide Prevention Project, the Human Rights Campaign, Dream for Darfur and many other national organizations. Ben also led numerous large scale rallies, grassroots advocacy campaigns, volunteer activities, and visibility events involving as many as 100,000 people.

Ashley Blackwell

Deputy Director

Ashley Blackwell is a nonprofit leader in energy and sustainability with over a decade of progressive experience in project management, finance and operations, human resources, fundraising and development, and board governance. She specializes in creating inclusive environments and operational systems that support quality work products, high trust, collaborative teams, and strong fiscal health within an organization.

Before joining Electrification Coalition, Ashley served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), a regional nonprofit dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and enhancing the quality of life across an 11-state region in the Southeast United States. During her tenure at SEEA, she managed multi-million-dollar portfolios of philanthropic and government-funded projects, doubled the organization’s budget and staff, and built sustainable systems for managing projects, budgets, performance management, and culture.

She also worked at Agnes Scott College, managing projects, and developing policies to achieve the college’s energy and climate goals.

Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree from Agnes Scott College and an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She serves on the Boards of Druid Hills Child Development Center and Chattahoochee Now. She is also a member of the Gwinnett County citizen’s advisory board on energy and transportation.

She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and spends her free time playing outside with her twin daughters, watching movies with her husband, and playing trivia with friends.

Noah Barnes

Communications Director

Noah Barnes is the communications director for the Electrification Coalition, where he ensures that accurate, timely information about transportation electrification is distributed across multiple platforms.

Prior to joining the EC, Noah was the communications director for Plug In America, where he first became passionate about electric vehicles and their economic and environmental benefits. As that organization’s first full-time communications professional, he reached millions of consumers with messaging related to EV basics, programs like National Drive Electric Week and PlugStar, and EV advocacy. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience, he previously held communications and fundraising roles at Grantmakers in the Arts, the Frye Art Museum, and Lifelong AIDS Alliance.

A Seattle native and graduate of the University of Washington, he now resides in the sunnier climate of Los Angeles.

Carolyn Bidó

Policy Associate

Anne Blair

Vice President, Policy

Anne serves as the EC’s Vice President of Policy. She leads the EC’s state policy
engagement to support the accelerated adoption of plug-in electric vehicles while working
closely with state and federal agencies to inform and implement federal and state policy.
Anne also provides insightful information on the opportunities and needs at the intersection
of transportation and electric utility policy at national, state, and local conferences.
In her current role, Anne has provided public testimony on utility programs, vehicle and
infrastructure incentives and programs, consumer choice, and leveraging funding before
state legislatures and utility commissions across the country. She has also successfully led
the efforts to expand the EC’s outreach in the Southeast by securing new funding and
staffing. Blair has also provided strategic leadership to begin expanding the EC’s freight
program.

Prior to joining EC, Anne was the director of energy efficient transportation at the Southeast
Energy Efficiency Alliance, where she directed the organization’s work to expand
transportation electrification policies and programs in the Southeast. Before SEEA, Anne
worked at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) for 15 years. In her most recent role
as the clean fuels director, she directed the program’s promotion of advanced transportation
policies at the state and federal levels, with a focus on reducing oil consumption and air and
climate impacts.

She has also previously worked at The Coca-Cola Company, The Fund for Public Interest
Research, Americorps, and the River Network. She serves on multiple boards, including the
EV Club of the South, Mothers and Others for Clean Air, and EarthShare of Georgia. Anne
holds a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, and a master’s degree
in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School. Anne currently resides in
Avondale Estates, Georgia, with her family and spends her free time reading, enjoying the
outdoors, cycling, and hiking.

Jerold Brito

Program Associate

Jerold Brito is a Program Associate with the Electrification Coalition’s Freight Electrification team. His work focuses on developing strategies for freight electrification at ports and advancing electric vehicle understanding through pilot project implementation.

Prior to joining the EC, Jerold was a research fellow at the International Council on Clean Transportation, where he conducted foundational research on small fleet electrification and used geospatial modeling to assess charging infrastructure needed to support medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification targets. He also previously worked at the Center for Environmental Public Policy, supporting freight electrification at the Port of Oakland. Jerold holds a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Simon Fraser University.

Liam Condon

Senior Communications Associate

Liam Condon is a Senior Communications Associate with the Electrification Coalition where he manages the EC’s digital communications. He also works on the EC’s larger publications and reports.

Before joining the EC, Liam worked on the National Resource Defense Council’s social media team and on the energy programs team at Bedford 2030.

Liam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies with focuses in Political Science and Earth Science from Vassar College.

Will Drier

Policy Manager

Will is a policy manager for the EC Policy Program. His work is focused on conducting research and analysis to help leaders and decision makers create ambitious policy opportunities to advance the EV market.

Before joining the Electrification Coalition, Will worked as an EV Research Analyst with Navigant Research, a market research and consulting firm. While there, he led the Commercial Transportation Electrification research suite, providing qualitative and quantitative market analysis and technical insights. Prior to his work at Navigant, Will served as a Program Manager for Smart Commute Metro North, working with local stakeholders to drive behavior changes and reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.

Will holds a Master of Public Administration from the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Idaho.

Ida Funke

Communications Associate

Ida Funke is a Communications Associate for the Electrification Coalition. She works to support the EC in sharing accurate and relevant information about transportation electrification with stakeholders across a variety of platforms.

Before joining the EC, Ida worked as a climate communicator for Wildgrid, a home electrification start-up, and as a project assistant for the Los Angeles Clean Cities Coalition (LACCC), an alternative fuels program run by the U.S. Department of Energy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics with a minor in professional writing from UCLA.

Laura Galang

Programs Associate

Laura Galang is a Program Associate with the Electrification Coalition’s freight electrification team. Prior to joining the EC, Laura worked at the California Air Resources Board, where she focused on the implementation of the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation and the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty charging infrastructure. Laura holds a Master of Development Practice degree from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Loyola Marymount University.

Skye Golann

Policy Manager

Skye is a Policy Manager on the Electrification Coalition’s Policy team. He is based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Previously, Skye was the legislative liaison at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and he has also worked as a legislative assistant in the NC General Assembly. Before moving into policy, Skye taught middle and high school social studies. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jill Goldwasser

Policy Associate

Jill is a Policy Associate for the Electrification Coalition where she conducts policy research and analysis, focusing on light-duty EV adoption through the lenses of state-level policy and rural and utility engagement.She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is originally from St. Louis, MO.

Brandt Hertenstein

Programs Manager

As a Programs Manager, Brandt accelerates the implementation of EV infrastructure at the local, state, and federal levels. As federal funding becomes available to states nationwide, Brandt supports policy work that will maximize federal investments and catalyze EV infrastructure deployment. 

 Prior to joining the EC, Brandt was a project coordinator for Metropolitan Energy Center and the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities coalition. He led a variety of projects focused on EV and EVSE education, awareness, and development. 

 Brandt holds a Professional Science Masters Degree in Bioenergy and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, both from the University of Illinois. 

 Brandt currently resides in Madison, WI with his wife and two kids. 

Celia Kosinski

Policy Manager

Celia Kosinski is an EV Policy Manager for the Electrification Coalition policy program. Her focus is on policy research and analysis to support ongoing work in the EC’s accelerator states, in addition to contributing to the development of EC policy recommendations to strengthen the case for transportation electrification. As a Connecticut native, Celia has previously worked in the energy sector through local advocacy measures at the city and town level, along with leading educational environmental programs. Celia holds a Master’s in Energy and Environmental Management and Geographic Information Systems from the University of Connecticut, and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont.

Mary Linn

Campaign Organizer

Mary is a Campaign Organizer for the Electrification Coalition, focusing on Florida and Georgia. She works to increase community support for the adoption of electric vehicles and mobilize EV stakeholders.  

Before Mary came to work for the EC, she worked for the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). From hosting events such as Climate and Cupcakes, an electric golf cart rally, and a concert powered off a solar-charged Tesla battery, Mary found ways to involve Florida communities in local, state, and federal climate legislation. 

David Madden

Campaigns Organizer

David is a Campaign Organizer for the Midwest region at the Electrification Coalition. His priority states include Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He works to bring coalition partners together to advocate for the adoption and advancement of electric vehicles.

Prior to joining the EC, David worked at Catalist as a Researcher in their Data Acquisition Department. David also has previous experience working for a variety of political campaigns and consulting groups. David graduated from Marquette University with a bachelors degree in political science and attended the University of Chicago for graduate school.

David currently resides in South Bend, IN.

Will Marshall

Freight Program Manager

Will Marshall is the Freight Program Manager for the Electrification Coalition. He supports efforts to advance the electrification of the goods movement industry and other critical EV policies and programs.  

Prior to joining EC, Will was the Senior Legislative Assistant at Kountoupes Denham Carr & Reid, a bipartisan lobbying firm, supporting a portfolio of clients in the energy sector. In this role, he assisted in the development and advocacy of his clients’ federal policy and regulatory priorities.  Will graduated from the George Washington University with a masters in Environmental Resource Policy where his research focused on fleet electrification, specifically the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. He also holds a bachelors degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. 

Michael McDaniels

Program Associate

Michael is a Programs Associate for the Electrification Coalition. His role focuses on advancing federal investments in EV infrastructure through collaboration on the local, state, and federal levels.

Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in international development with a focus on energy and environmental policy from the University of Pittsburgh. Originally from Philadelphia, he is currently based in Pittsburgh, PA.

Emily Pape

Senior Associate

Emily Pape is a senior associate with the Electrification Coalition. Her work focuses on electric vehicle charging infrastructure development and supporting local governments to facilitate widespread electric vehicle adoption.

Prior to joining the EC, Emily worked on community engagement efforts and Arctic advocacy in Alaska, policy research with Headwaters Economics and Idaho Policy Institute in Montana and Idaho, and constituent services with the Idaho Governor’s Office.

Emily holds a master’s degree in public policy with a focus on energy and environmental policy from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in global studies from Boise State University. Originally from Idaho, she now lives in Palo Alto, CA.

Kyle Purdy

Program Manager

Kyle Purdy is a Program Manager with the Electrification Coalition. He works on accelerating the transition to EVs through projects at the local, state, and federal levels.

Before joining the EC, Kyle worked on numerous political and advocacy campaigns. He has a background in cybersecurity and has been driving an electric car since 2019. Kyle graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specializing in Public Policy and International Relations. He is based in Eugene, Oregon.

Torin Spencer

Program Manager

Torin Spencer is a Program Manager with the Electrification Coalition. He has
worked on the American Cities Climate Challenge with the City of Orlando and Orlando
Utilities Commission advancing customer and fleet electric vehicle adoption.
Torin is currently focused on Southeast US workplace charging implementation through
Forth’s EV Adoption Leadership Program. Before joining the Electrification Coalition in 2020, Torin gained experience in both the natural conservation field and the automotive industry after graduating from the University of Central Florida.

Matt Stephens-Rich

Director of Programs

Matt has worked in transportation, energy, and alternative fuels since 2012 at the local, state, and federal levels and serves the EC as Director of Programs. Matt worked as Electric Vehicle Specialist for the Smart Columbus program, and coordinates various electric vehicle fleet deployments and charging initiatives, while also providing insight to consumer adoption. Collectively, these efforts help Columbus achieve a Smart City status that has reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector through electrification and decarbonization.

Prior to joining the Electrification Coalition, Matt served as Project Manager at Clean Fuels Ohio, the nation’s largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Clean Cities Coalition.  In this role, Matt helped hundreds of fleets across Ohio cut their dependency on petroleum through deployment of alternative fuel and fuel efficient technologies, helping secure over $25 million in state and federal grant funding through the process. Matt was also a lead grant writer for the City of Columbus’ Smart City Challenge Grant Application. Matt holds a Masters in Public Administration from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University with a focus in Energy Policy, and a B.A. in Communication with Public Relations Certification from the University of Cincinnati.

Jessica Stoll

Project Manager

Jessica is a Project Manager for the Electrification Coalition. Most recently, Jessica was a Trinity Fellow at Marquette University, completing an intensive two-year program dedicated to developing urban leaders. While in Milwaukee, she served as the operations and membership coordinator for the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, driving sustainability and equity in business operations across the state. Before that, her experience includes serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the City of Indianapolis. There she supported energy policy and electric vehicle adoption projects under the American Cities Climate Challenge. She is passionate about delivering a clean future for people and our planet.

Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Sustainability from Xavier University and a Master’s Degree in Public Service and Nonprofit Management from Marquette University. She resides in Indianapolis, IN, and enjoys hiking, cooking, traveling, and doing yoga in her free time.

Max Turner

Senior Campaigns Organizer

As a Senior Campaigns Organizer for the Electrification Coalition, Max engages with communities to encourage and support the adoption of electric vehicles and mobilize EV stakeholders.

Prior to joining the EC team, Max interned at the EC’s sister organization SAFE where he supported research in critical minerals, strategic materials, and semiconductors. Max also served as a legislative intern in a House of Representatives office, aiding in policy recommendations and constituent relations. Max is based in Washington, D.C. and recently completed his bachelor’s degree in international studies from American University, with concentrations in environmental sustainability, global health, and national security.

Aaron Viles

Senior Campaigns Director

Aaron Viles is the Senior Director of Campaigns at the Electrification Coalition,
where he develops and directs campaigns to advance state policy for transportation
electrification in seven prioritized states. Aaron manages the Electrification Coalition’s
campaigns teams and priority policy portfolios, as well as developing and maintaining
governmental, corporate, and NGO relationships for the organization. Aaron has launched
the Veterans for EVs program, expanded the EC’s work in the Midwest, and led federal
advocacy resulting in the passage of the landmark EV policies in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Prior to joining the EC, Aaron worked with the Kentucky Democratic Party, supporting
nationally-recognized congressional and gubernatorial campaigns. Aaron brings experience
in environmental, energy, and online advocacy from his previous work experience.

Aaron is currently the board chair for Healthy Gulf, a Louisiana-based environmental group.

Steph Wagner

Senior Program Associate

As the Senior Program Associate, Steph Wagner performs analyses to determine the right fit for fleet electrification as well as assists in the development of tools and resources.