Staff Directory

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.

Andrew is CEE's director of training and workforce development. He is responsible for supporting the team that provides contractor training, curriculum development, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to CEE, he worked for a non-profit CHP as a building science and weatherization trainer for nearly a decade, then moved up into training center manager, then assistant director of the training center up until 2023  when he transitioned to the role of lead project manager overseeing execution of grants and special projects.

Andrew has a Building Sciences bachelors degree from Appalachian State University specializing in architectural technology and design, and minor in community and regional planning. He is also Building Performance Institute certified - Building Analyst, Energy Auditor, Quality Control Inspector. On the NREL Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector Scheme Committee(5 year term), and was on the BPI Standards Technical Committee. 


 

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. 

Eagle works at CEE as an energy counselor. He helps homeowners understand how their homes use energy by finding and installing energy saving measures. Prior to joining CEE, Eagle worked in various labs in the health care field. Shifting to non-profit work, he now finds much more happiness and fulfillment with CEE. He ends every day knowing that his work is helping make the world a more cleaner and sustainable place.
 

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.