Executive Director at EVA

Elaine Borseth is a prominent advocate for electric vehicles (EVs) and currently serves as the President of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA), North America’s leading volunteer organization dedicated to accelerating EV adoption.​
Elaine began her involvement with the EVA as a volunteer, eventually serving as Vice President and Membership Director before being elected President in January 2022. Under her leadership, the EVA has expanded to over 100 chapters, significantly increasing both business and individual memberships.
She also contributed to a Fast Company article highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the transition to electric transportation. ​Residing near San Diego, California, Elaine continues to be an active EV enthusiast, often embarking on road trips and engaging with local communities to promote electric vehicles. Her passion for clean transportation and commitment to environmental advocacy remain central to her work and lifestyle.

Actress

Badaki was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. Before moving to England, Badaki lived in Nigeria for three years. At the age of 6, she returned to Nigeria. Finally, she settled in America at age twelve. In 2023, Deadline announced that Badaki was developing a Nigerian vampire series titled Naija Vamp with Prentice Penny and Sebastian A. Jones, as both a comics series and a TV series. She was one of the lead stars on famous show called American Gods for three seasons. Badaki has also played the notable role of an Illyrian attorney, Neera Ketoul in 2023 in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds wherein she saved fellow Illyrian, Una Chin-Riley from dishonorable discharge and 20 years in a Federation penal colony for lying about the genetic engineering that she received, going against the Federation’s codes. 

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.

Founding Director and Executive VP at Climate First Bank

Chris Castro is a nationally recognized sustainability leader and eco-entrepreneur dedicated to creating resilient communities. Chris most recently served as the inagural Chief of Staff for State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) and Senior Advisor for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) at the U.S. Department of Energy, supporting the deployment of billions in funding and technical assistance to advance clean energy infrastrcuture with States, Tribes, Local Governments and other community institutions nationwide. Prior to his appointment, Chris was a public official that advised Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as Director of Sustainability & Resilience from 2014-2022, focusing on wide-range of climate and clean energy policies and programs. In 2008, he co-founded IDEAS For Us, a UN-accredited nonprofit supporting environmental solutions, as well as co-created Fleet Farming, a social enterprise program converting underused land and lanws into organic micro-farms. Toeday, Chris serves as the Founding Duirector, EVP, and Chief Sustainabiolity Officer for 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.

Strategist, The Carlyle Group

James is a Strategist with The Carlyle Group with a focus on energy, infrastructure and commodities. He has over twenty-five years of financial markets experience, including Ford Motor Company and Goldman Sachs. James holds a Phd in Political Science and a Masters in Economics from the University of Michigan and a BA in International Relations from Tulane University.

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. 

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.

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.

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

Deborah Loomis served 21 years in the Navy, first as a surface warfare officer deploying to the Persian Gulf and in both the Atlantic and Pacific areas of operation. She later served as a Navy legislative liaison to the Senate, before earning her law degree and becoming a Navy judge advocate where she specialized in environmental law. Upon retiring from active duty she founded a regenerative grazing company, restoring native prairie land in Kansas. She then returned to government service as the Senior Advisor for Climate Change to the Secretary of the Navy, focusing on climate change’s national security implications and promoting resilience for Navy and Marine Corps installations and operations. Deb has contributed to several climate security publications, is a Yale Public Voices Fellow on the Climate Crisis, and serves on the Board of Directors of the DC Green Bank. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown Law School.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Mexico State Rep., Air Force Media Veteran

New Mexico State Representative Debbie Sariñana has served House District 21 in Albuquerque since 2016. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University, and her Master’s in Secondary Education – Mathematics from the University of New Mexico. Debbie currently serves on the Veteran Affairs Committee, the Energy, Natural Resources & Wildlife Committee and the Education Committee. Sariñana previously served in the U.S. Air Force as a computer programmer at White Sands Missile Range. Debbie previously worked as a math teacher at Manzano High School in Albuquerque.

Georgia State Representative,  Army Veteran

Sandra Scott is a US Army veteran, chief deputy whip GHDC, recruitment and engagement chair for the National Foundation of Women Legislators and the State Representative for Rex, Georgia. She previously served as the Chairperson of the Clayton County Delegation, Vice Chair of the Clayton and Henry County Delegation, Vice Chair and Whip of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus amongst many other notable appointments. These high level leadership roles highlighted her ability to work collaboratively, build consensus and navigate complex legislative processes to achieve meaningful outcomes. Throughout her career she has actively contributed to shaping policies that promote equality, social justice and economic empowerment of marginalized communities. Her tireless dedication to public service and advocacy for these communities have solidified her reputation as a trailblazer and influential figure in state politics.

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.

Former Nevada State Senator

Patricia A. Spearman served in the Nevada State Senate for 12 years and previously held the position of President Pro Tempore in the State Senate. She is a fierce advocate for democracy, diversity, and social justice. Her passion has been exercised at the national level in her service as Past Chair of the Active Military and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, member of the Executive Committee for the Counsel of State Governments, the Energy Resource Task Force and executive committee member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. She has also appeared on U.S. and British TV as a political commentator.

Pat Spearman represents a vast multi-cultural constituency because of her personal journey and layered experiences. Pat is an African American LGBT woman and served in the U.S. Army for 29 years under “don’t ask and don’t tell”; she is a retired Lieutenant Colonel. Her decorated advocacy career includes: the 2015 Female EMG Veteran of the Year Award, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Guard Association’s 2020 Charles.

Dr. Pat Spearman earned a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree from Walden University with a focus on Energy Policy. In 2015, she co-authored “A Call to Action: Military and Civilian Collaboration in Energy Policy Discussions” a chapter in Volume X of the Refractive Thinker (RT). In 2017, she was featured in the HBO Documentary, with Jamie Redford, “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution”. Her appetite for advocacy is evidenced by the coveted Women In Legislative Lobby’s (WiLL) 2017 Pacesetter Award for her work on the Equal Rights Amendment; the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s 2018 Visionary Voice Award for her work on behalf of sexual assault and human trafficking survivors, the 2020 Silver State Equality Leadership Award for her leadership in the LGBTQ+ community, 2023 Legislative Excellence from NBCSL, 2024 Progressive Legacy Award from Battle Born Progress and, Clark County Women’s Democratic Club 2024 Thalia Dondero Trailblazer of the Year, and in 2025 she was the first to receive the Bayard Rustin award.

During her free time, Pat enjoys travel, learning and interfacing with different cultures, playing music, inspiring spiritual pursuits, and spending time with her family.

Co-Founder and Executive Director of One Earth

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.