Fmr. Director of Loan Programs at DOE

Jigar Shah is a prominent leader in clean energy, recognized for his entrepreneurial innovations and leadership in sustainable infrastructure. Born in India in 1974 and raised in Illinois, he has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the University of Maryland. In 2003, Shah founded SunEdison, introducing the “pay-as-you-save” solar financing model. He later became the founding CEO of the Carbon War Room, promoting market-driven climate solutions. In 2014, he co-founded Generate Capital for sustainable infrastructure financing. From 2021 to 2025, Shah was Director of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office, increasing its funding from $40 billion to $400 billion for clean energy innovation. He was featured on TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” list in 2024. Shah also authored Creating Climate Wealth (2013), championing business-driven climate solutions and dedicating his career to advancing clean energy through innovative finance and policy leadership.

Mayor Savannah – GA

Van R. Johnson II, born in 1968 in Brooklyn, has been the 67th mayor of Savannah, Georgia, since January 1, 2020, and is the fourth African American mayor. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School at 16, earned a bachelor’s in business from Savannah State University, and a master’s in public administration from Georgia Southern University. Johnson served as a Chatham County Police Officer, Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy, and assistant director of human resources. He launched his political career in 2004 by unseating a 12-year incumbent to represent Savannah’s First District on the City Council for 16 years, including roles as mayor pro tem and vice chairman. Elected mayor in 2019, he led the city during the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements and was re-elected in 2023 with 77% of the vote. A life member of Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Pi, Johnson has received various honors, including an honorary doctorate from Savannah State and recognition as one of Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” for three years. His leadership focuses on equity, inclusion, and community engagement in Savannah.

Mayor Savannah – GA

Saharnaz Mirzazad is a veteran in infrastructure development, climate resilience, and community planning, with over 20 years of experience. Appointed Executive Director of ICLEI USA in July 2024, she supports sustainable urban development locally and regionally. Previously, Mirzazad was Executive Director at California’s Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, advancing climate and land use strategies. She also served as Deputy Director at the California Strategic Growth Council, managing over $3 billion in infrastructure investments and overseeing programs like Transformative Climate Communities. Earlier, she led climate-adaptation efforts at ICLEI USA and worked internationally on urban planning projects. Mirzazad holds advanced degrees in urban planning from the University of Colorado Denver and Shahid Beheshti University, as well as a bachelor’s in architecture. Her leadership focuses on empowering local governments for meaningful climate action and sustainable futures.

Co-Founder and President of EOPA

Co-Founder, President, and Former Maine State Legislator Alex Cornell du Houx served on the Energy Utilities and Technology and Legal and Veterans Affairs committees. He won the REED award for the best national Public Affairs Campaign for his work co-founding Operation Free, a coalition of lawmakers and military veterans promoting energy security. He is a senior advisor to the Veterans Campaign, Partner with the Truman National Security Project, and founded the Maine New Leaders Council. His value-based communications, empathy-based fundraising, and EQ & Public Leadership trainings are requested worldwide. He is an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco. Alex served in the Marine Corps infantry for seven years and is currently a PAO with the Navy Reserve. 

Sr. VP at Climate First Bank

Chris Castro is a nationally recognized sustainability leader and eco-entrepreneur dedicated to creating resilient communities. Since 2014, he has advised Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as Director of Sustainability, focusing on climate action and clean energy. In 2008, he co-founded IDEAS For Us, a UN-accredited nonprofit supporting environmental solutions. He also co-created Fleet Farming, converting underused land into micro-farms. Additionally, he co-founded Citizen Energy and helped launch Florida’s first B-Corp community bank, Climate First Bank. Castro holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Central Florida and has received national accolades, including honors from President Obama and a feature in National Geographic’s Paris to Pittsburgh.

Former Director of OSDBU at DOE

Ron Pierce is the former Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he expanded contracting for small and disadvantaged businesses in the energy sector. A U.S. Army veteran with 11 years of combat service, he holds a B.S. in Behavioral Human Services from West Point and a Master of International Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School. Before joining the DOE, he worked as a management consultant advising small businesses and veteran lawmakers on environmental issues. Pierce also served as Senior Director of PBS Veterans and Small Business Initiatives and as National Director of Veterans Outreach at the Democratic National Committee during two presidential campaigns. His career reflects a commitment to equity, sustainability, and empowering underrepresented communities through public service and economic development.

Partner at Lynkwell

Kate Kruk is an experienced professional in community engagement, operations, and event management in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Since June 2021, she has been the Director of Community Engagement at Lynkwell, advancing clean energy solutions and stakeholder outreach. Previously, she worked at GE as a Process Improvement Analyst, managing global payroll, benefits, and equity programs while leading compliance and system integration efforts. Earlier, she served as Director of Events and Stewardship at the Northeast Health Foundation and worked in patient access at Albany Medical Center. Kate also coordinated major fundraising initiatives as Director of Special Events at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from The College of Saint Rose in 2004.

Founder at Nia Impact Capital

Kristin Hull, Ph.D., is the Founder and CEO of Nia Impact Capital, a women-led investment firm dedicated to promoting social justice and environmental sustainability through public market investing. A former educator and conscious capitalist, Kristin launched Nia to leverage the power of finance for positive change, aligning investment strategies with progressive values. With a background in education, psychology, and economics, she offers a unique, intersectional perspective on impact investing, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Kristin frequently speaks on gender-lens investing, shareholder advocacy, and sustainable finance.

Executive at GE Renewable Energy

Kevin Burns is a clean energy entrepreneur and former Army officer with a proven track record in renewable energy and transportation solutions. He previously held roles at GE Renewable Energy, including Executive Director of Planning and Logistics for Onshore Wind, specializing in innovative commercial deals. He founded Legion1 Logistics for clean energy project planning and execution, and Legion1 Energy, which develops community solar and energy storage solutions. Both are certified New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs), reflecting his eight years of military service, including two combat deployments in Iraq. Kevin holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Babson College and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Richmond. He lives in Clifton Park, NY, with his wife Karrie and their three children, while continuing to lead in clean energy.

Nevada State Senator

Senator Pat Spearman, born in 1955 in Indianapolis, is a military veteran, ordained minister, and a prominent Democratic politician from North Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned a B.S. in Political Science from Norfolk State University, a Master of Divinity from the Seminary of the Southwest, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University. After 29 years in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2007, she transitioned to ministry and public service, including a term as president of the San Marcos CISD school board in Texas. Elected to the Nevada State Senate in 2012, Spearman became the first openly lesbian member. She has served in key roles, including Senate President Pro Tempore (2023), and advocated for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and veterans’ issues. In March 2025, she faced personal tragedy with the loss of her adopted son to gun violence. Her career reflects unwavering dedication to equity, justice, and public service.

Vice Mayor, Adelanto CA

Daniel Ramos, a lifelong Southern Californian and U.S. Navy veteran, is a dedicated public servant and community advocate. With 15 years of military service, including three combat tours, he brings discipline and leadership to his civic roles. As a proud father of four and small business owner, Daniel understands the needs of working families and local entrepreneurs. His public service began as a planning commissioner for the City of Adelanto, where he served for two years before being elected to the city council. He served as Mayor Pro Tem for four years and was re-elected in 2024, demonstrating community trust. Beyond Adelanto, Daniel contributes to regional governance through the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and the Southern California Association of Governments’ Energy & Environment Board. He also serves on the League of California Cities Revenue & Taxation Policy Committee, promoting effective, community-focused policy.

Co-Founder and President of OneEarth

Justin Winters is the Co-founder and Executive Director of One Earth, a nonprofit dedicated to solving the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through three pillars of collective action – renewable energy, nature conservation, and regenerative agriculture. She leads efforts to make groundbreaking climate science accessible through educational content, storytelling, and digital tools that empower everyone everywhere with the knowledge, inspiration, and opportunity to reclaim our future. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, where she helped shape its philanthropic strategy, awarding over $100 million in grants across 60 countries. Under her leadership, the foundation expanded its global media reach and influenced key environmental policies. Through her work, Justin is building a movement of changemakers committed to creating a sustainable and just future for us all.

Sr. Associate Director, MIT Climate Pathways Project

Krystal Noiseux is the Senior Associate Director of the MIT Climate Pathways Project at the MIT Climate Policy Center (Sloan School of Management), where her team employs interactive simulations and research insights to promote the adoption of evidence-based climate policy among leaders in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining MIT, Krystal worked in environmental affairs for the Rhode Island state government and in the Harvard University Office for Sustainability. She has served on the boards of the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, and she currently serves on the advisory board of the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative. Krystal holds a B.S. in Environmental Science, an M.S. in the Human Dimensions of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and has trained as a formal science educator. She resides in Washington, DC.

Fmr. Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Navy for Climate Change

Deborah Loomis has had a dynamic career in entertainment and public service. In the late 1960s and 1970s, she appeared in notable roles like Helen Camden in the 1970 film Hercules in New York and Tessie Kincaid in the soap opera Dark Shadows. Her other credits include Foreplay (1975) and Blood Bath (1976) and a guest role in NBC’s Police Woman (1975). Later, she became an environmental attorney and served as Senior Advisor for Climate Change to the Secretary of the Navy, focusing on climate change’s national security implications and promoting resilience in naval operations. As one of the first women on U.S. combatant ships, she deployed to the Persian Gulf and operated in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.