Staff Directory

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

Ainai previously worked in many different administrative assistant positions before joining CEE. She has a breadth of experience working in administrative and operations software programs with a passion for CEE's energy efficiency focus.

As a help desk technician II, Jaggar provides technical support and assistance to CEE staff.

As an energy advisor, Tony assist homeowners procced with projects and answer questions after energy audits. He conducts virtual visit with homeowners to give advice on best practices for energy efficiency.  He can also help direct customers to the right resources to reach their energy goals.  

Prior to this role, Tony was a long time energy consular and auditor.

Manny works at CEE as a sales support specialist. Her responsibilities on the commercial lighting team include working on interpreting reports and data to ensure accuracy and  maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of all assigned work and its place in the job life cycle. She previously worked at REI and has been in the customer service industry mastering her skills in communicating to a wide range of different backgrounds, managing multiple projects and providing excellent customer service.

She graduated from St. Catherine University with a Bachelor's degree in business administration.

As the lending manager for CEE's Lending Center, Brenda underwrites loans and customizes CEE's residential financing packages giving Minnesota homeowners the comfort and flexibility needed when making important home investment decisions.

Brenda has been with CEE since 1998.

As the hub program coordinator, Tsega is responsible for leading the coordination of the statewide Minnesota Building Performance Hub and conducts a wide range of activities to ensure program goals are achieved by connecting with building owners, contractors, and managers across the state to ensure a path to decarbonization that aligns with our statewide climate change goals.

Tsega brings over 10 years of professional experience in project/program management, working in a variety of industries from real estate to IT. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Metropolitan State University.

As a regulatory policy advocate, Mariko supports the development and advancement of energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives throughout the regulatory process. She was introduced to regulatory policy as an intern at CEE and developed a passion for energy efficiency and clean energy while working at non-profits throughout Minnesota and Washington D.C. Mariko earned her bachelor's degree in environmental studies and geography from Macalester College.

As a software engineer, Ariel supports our IT team improving our inhouse system, CEEtrack. 

Prior to CEE, Ariel worked for the Minnesota Senate as a programmer analyst, where he worked with the other bodies of the state government to redesign and maintain the senate website. He also gained experience as a computer programmer at Integrity Viking Funds in Minot, North Dakota and was in charge of developing and maintaining existing applications created help generate financial reports. Ariel has experience as a backend developer, having worked on projects including smartphone apps, websites, and custom software for corporations.

Ariel holds a BS in computer science with a minor in mathematics from Minot State University in North Dakota.