Staff Directory

As a research engineer, Ranal studies emerging technologies in building energy efficiency and electrification. His recent work includes the development of several modeling tools and calculators for end-use electrification measures, an investigation of special utility rates for air source heat pumps, and a field evaluation of air-to-water heat pump performance.

Before joining CEE, Ranal worked on emissions research for Drawdown Georgia in Atlanta, where he modeled the potential for emissions reductions from the growth of large-scale solar generation in Georgia, as well as its effects on the carbon reduction potentials of electric vehicles, building energy efficiency retrofits, and distributed solar generation.

He received his BS in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech in 2020, specializing in energy systems analysis and design.

Jada conducts whole-home assessments for energy efficiency upgrade opportunities during Home Energy Squad visits as part of a team. During each visit, Jada helps educate homeowners on relevant and cost-effective next steps to improve their insulation, heating system, and water heater, as well as health considerations such as home ventilation.  

Daniel works on the Communications team designing technical illustrations, infographics, web graphics, motion graphics, and more. He was a graphic designer at Wellbeats, a wellness content company, creating a wide variety of sales and client supporting pieces and Residential Science Resources, a home energy rating company.  

Before joining CEE as an HR coordinator, Lauren worked at Exxel Outdoors in Boulder, Colorado as the HR and facilities specialist while also serving as the leader of the Happy Camper Club. Originally from Minnesota, she is excited to be back in the state. 

Lauren graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in business management and an HR minor.

Rabi Vandergon oversees the air source heat pump (ASHP) initiative within the Minnesota Efficient Technology Accelerator (ETA). Operating under the brand name MN ASHP Collaborative, this initiative is part of ETA’s broader market transformation program that seeks alternative pathways to support emerging products beyond traditional utility rebate programs. The Collaborative is also supported outside of ETA by consumer owned utilities in MN.

In his role, Rabi implements market deployment strategies to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps in the residential sector. Prior to his current role, he worked on various projects related to electric vehicles, demand response, community energy goals, and non-wires alternatives. Rabi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in environmental studies from Bemidji State University.

As a scheduling assistant, Chenyeng is responsible for scheduling program activities and providing administrative support to the Customer Engagement Team within the Residential department. 

She graduated from Augsburg University with her BS in mathematics. She has also worked many administrative and customer engagement positions before joining CEE.

As a One-Stop Efficiency Shop lighting consultant, Mike assists small business customers with efficient lighting purchase decisions, and educates customers, contractors, and distributors on the benefits of energy efficient lighting and the opportunities available through One-Stop and other utility rebate programs.

Memberships

• Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)

Mysue works at CEE as an energy counselor. She communicates with homeowners on what they do to help save energy on their house along with being able to do the installation process and being able to provide information more on what they can do to improve on their home and living space.

Bo works at CEE as a senior accountant. She is responsible for sending monthly invoices to customers, applying payments, and processing reimbursements.

She comes with more than five years of experience in different account receivable/revenues roles. Bo has accounting experience across the medical, property management, and manufacturing industries and she also has a BA in finance from Concordia University, Montreal.

William conducts whole-home assessments for energy efficiency upgrade opportunities during Home Energy Squad visits as part of a team. During each visit, William helps educate homeowners on relevant and cost-effective next steps to improve their insulation, heating system, and water heater, as well as health considerations such as home ventilation.  

Megan works with communities through Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy by leading planning efforts, project management, and strategy implementation to create energy plans tailored to communities' needs. She manages the program's network offerings and administers community-facing communications. Megan also supports other programs that foster community-led energy and climate planning.

Megan joined CEE in 2021 and has a background in community facilitation, environmental education, and program coordination. Prior to joining CEE, she worked at Climate Generation educating and engaging communities on climate change solutions. Megan holds a BA in biology from the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University.

As a refrigeration consultant, Chris performs commercial refrigeration assessments for small and midsize businesses like convenience stores, liquor stores, small grocery stores, restaurants, and schools. He helps these businesses implement upgrades by showing energy savings along with available rebates. 

Previously, Chris was a sales consultant for a commercial HVAC/R wholesaler where he sold refrigeration, HVAC equipment, and parts to mechanical contractors, original equipment manufacturers, and end users. He has a technical degree in HVAC from Hennepin Technical College along with a basic electricity degree with NEI.

Julia manages CEE’s commercial energy code compliance work through the MN Advanced Energy Codes Partnership, including project and partnership management as well as resource and curriculum development for construction professionals and code officials. In prior roles, she supported the Minnesota Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative, a market transformation initiative through CEE’s Efficient Technology Accelerator.

Prior to joining the market transformation team, Julia conducted residential energy audits for CEE’s Home Energy Squad program. She also served as a Minnesota GreenCorps member with the City of Minnetonka, where she worked on a variety of energy-related initiatives. Julia holds a BA in physics from Wellesley College.

As a senior accountant, Robin assists with managing the general ledger and supports the preparation of accurate and timely financial reporting for CEE.

Robin joined CEE in 2021 with more than 20 years focused on supporting the nonprofit sector, most recently as a financial consultant focused on improving financial processes. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Minnesota and holds a BA in accounting from Illinois State University.

As a building science trainer with the Workforce Development team, Anna teaches building science principles and work readiness skills. She trains interns as they transition from classroom to field with the Home Energy Squad. She also helps design new curriculum to expand the workforce development classes. 

Prior to this role, Anna worked as a senior energy auditor with the Home Energy Squad. Anna carries a Building Performance Analyst certification.

Anna holds a BS in wildlife biology and fisheries management from the University of Wyoming.

As senior technical advisor and industry liaison, Dan consults with clients and trains stakeholders in residential, multifamily, and small business programs on what is required to create High Performance Buildings and the technologies that operate within them.

Dan has over 30 years of experience as a technical manager for programs, performing energy audits and ratings, weatherization and HVAC repairs, consultations, and analysis, as well as delivering trainings and presentations for clients in both new construction and the existing buildings markets. He holds a BA from Evergreen State College with a focus in energy studies.

Doug brings decades of experience in nonprofit finance and accounting. Prior to joining CEE, he has held senior finance roles at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Washburn Center for Children and Minneapolis Jewish Federation.  

Doug’s experience includes expertise in mergers and acquisitions, revenue-cycle redesign, process improvement, software implementation, nonprofit taxation, treasury management and financial analysis. In addition to the finance function, Doug has managed strategic planning, human resources, information technology, facilities and purchasing functions.   

Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St Thomas.  

As a program coordinator, Katie works primarily with the Lighting Luminaire Level Controls and Air Source Heat Pump Initiatives.

Katie has completed internships with several environmental non-profits where she has gained experience in communications, data analysis, and education. She also spent time working as a research assistant with the University of Minnesota Applied Economics Department. Katie holds a BA in global studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Vinai works at CEE as an energy auditor. Before moving to Minnesota, Vinai attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and worked various jobs. Vinai worked for the Eau Claire Area School District as a bilingual assistant tutoring students from K-5th grade, and interpreting for non-English speaking Hmong parents and teachers to better understand one another. Upon being hired at CEE, he worked for the Salvation Army Thrift Store as the night manager. Vinai enjoys help others and meeting new people.