Staff Directory

Maddie leads the evaluation of market transformation efforts, developing plans for tracking key performance indicators and energy savings, utilizing outcomes to advance program implementation, and working with stakeholders to determine appropriate pathways.

Prior to joining CEE, Maddie worked at Wilder Research for nine years where she led research and evaluation projects on a wide variety of topics including housing, human services, environmental sustainability, and energy efficiency. As a former research generalist, Maddie brings a systems-level lens to her work at CEE.

Maddie holds an MS in science, technology, and environmental policy from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School and a BA in biology and sociology/anthropology from St. Olaf College.

In his role at CEE, Jim has worked extensively in administering, underwriting, and managing CEE’s home improvement financing programs in the residential, commercial, and nonprofit sectors. This includes working with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Minnesota Department of Commerce, and multiple municipalities throughout Minnesota to rehabilitate and promote energy efficiency to existing residential and commercial properties.

Jim joined CEE in 1994. He has a BS in business administration from the State University of New York at Oswego.

Danielle manages the Energy Advisor Service, which helps Home Energy Squad and home energy audit customers implement recommendations from their home energy visit. The service connects customers to financing, cost-competitive insulation work, and utility rebates. Danielle ensures that CEE's messages and efforts to engage homeowners are clear, effective, and motivating.

Danielle started working at the Neighborhood Energy Connection in 2009, before it merged with CEE in 2017. Danielle has a BA in environmental studies from the College of Saint Benedict and is a certified energy auditor from the Dunwoody Institute.

Jaclyn works at CEE as a multifamily program assistant. She started at CEE in May 2023 as part of the Home Energy Squad. There she helped homeowners understand the energy usage of their homes and made energy-saving recommendations. Now she is working in the Multifamily department, bringing energy savings to renters across Minnesota. 

She has a BA in biology from the University of Minnesota - Morris. 

As a part of the research team, Alex conducts research on emerging technologies in residential and commercial HVAC systems, with a focus on field instrumentation and data analysis.

Alex's recent research includes cold climate air source heat pump efficiency, rooftop unit optimization, tankless water heating efficiency, and commercial boilers. He has worked with CEE since 2010 and has a BS in biosystems and agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota.

As a building science trainer, Noah works directly with homeowners to help them understand how their home uses energy by identifying and installing low-and no-cost opportunities and measures to save both energy and money.

Before joining CEE, Noah worked in remodeling as a carpenter helper. After completing CEE's home energy career training program, he earned his Building Science Principles certification.

As the business systems analyst for CEE's IT department, Sergio manages Salesforce for the Commercial, New Homes, Program Development, and Engineering departments.

He has a BA in political science from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has been with CEE since 2016.

As a senior research engineer, Samantha evaluates and studies innovative technologies to improve residential and commercial building energy efficiencies. Her recent work includes field evaluating new types of residential air source heat pumps, improving the demand response and efficiency of heat pumps, and supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Tribal communities.

Before joining CEE, Samantha spent two years leading early-stage new product and technology development projects in the filtration industry. She earned her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2019. Her thesis work developed new nanocomposite materials able to convert standard window glass into solar-harvesting devices. 

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

Mackenzie joined CEE in 2019 as an energy counselor with the Home Energy Squad. Before CEE, they were a park operations intern at Whitewater State Park. Mackenzie received their bachelor's in environmental studies from St. Cloud State University.

Before joining CEE, Sari worked as a project manager with BWF, a fundraising consulting firm. In this position, Sari helped manage a portfolio of client facing projects, contributed to reports and research projects, and provided additional administrative support when needed. Sari has a BA in international relations and anthropology from Lawrence University.

As a program coordinator, Ellen's primary focus involves coordinating activities for the Windows and Emerging Technology Initiatives. Ellen has been passionate about working in the energy sector ever since attending Gustavus Adolphus College studying environmental studies, geography, and Spanish language and culture.

Her previous experience includes working as Sustainability Intern at Gustavus Adolphus with a focus on streamlining energy initiatives, co-authoring a published research paper highlighting the benefits of citizen science during a milkweed study done across the United States, and her work as an Energy Analyst tasked with coordinating and conducting energy audits, establishing relationships with utilities and other market actors, and extensively analyzing data for the reduction of energy consumption on a case by case basis.

Co-Author of the Following Publication:
- "Coordinated Distributed Experiments in Higher Education: A Low Barrier to Entry and Potential for Student Projects" in the Bulletin: Ecological Society of America Journal

Member of the Following Honor Societies:
- Sigma Delta Pi National Honor Society in Spanish
- Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society
- Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society

Other Accomplishments:
- All-American and All-Academic District Swimmer
- Gustavus Adolphus Dean's List 2020-2023

As an energy advisor, Lisa assists homeowners with making their homes more energy efficient and comfortable. Along with the rest of CEE's Energy Advisors, our mission is to be a helpful resource for homeowners to come to when reviewing their energy report. We assist in connecting them with vetted contractors, provide guidance with rebates available, and assist with other resources such as low-interest financing for energy projects. 

Lisa joined CEE in 2018 as a scheduling assistant for the Home Energy Squad. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in multidisciplinary studies with a focus in sustainable business and integrative health.

Zach has worked in a wide variety of positions from customer service, to construction, to licensing and more. He is enthusiastic about working with nonprofits and other agencies that have a meaningful impact on our local communities. With his style of constructive positivity and wide area of experience he is hoping to make an environmental difference even if it’s in his own small way.

As a software developer, Juniper works alongside other developers to help design, build, and maintain CEE's software applications. She previously worked at Indiana University as a software developer helping design, build, and maintain a number of applications related to administration and research. 

Juniper holds a BS in computer engineering with minors in computer science and mathematics.

Kevin manages the day-to-day operation of the Home Energy Squad.

Kevin joined the Neighborhood Energy Connection in 2013, before it merged with CEE in 2017.

As a loan officer at CEE, Janson is responsible for processing home improvement financing applications for the Lending Center. This position provides core support to participants of the Lending Center.

Prior to CEE, Janson was a campaign representative at United Way where he managed workplace-giving campaigns for United Way partners. 

Janson holds a degree in political science and sociology from Luther College.

As a systems coordinator for the Home Energy Squad program, Danielle helps people start the process of looking to make their homes more energy efficient.

Danielle joined CEE in 2017. Before CEE, Danielle worked at a teahouse and as an assistant at a fine art studio. She studied women studies and public health at St. Catherine University.

Danielle leads the strategy and execution of marketing efforts and supports brand consistency for several of CEE's residential programs. 

Prior to joining CEE, she worked at a small digital marketing agency, focusing on content marketing. She also has experience in a number of nonprofits, working in industries ranging from education to civic engagement and beyond.