2015 - 2016 Board of Directors
Laura Burrington, Vice-President
Laura has been working in the renewable energy industry for the last seven years, first as project manager for Solarflow, a solar leasing company and then another five plus years as the managing director for the non-profit organization MRES (MN Renewable Energy Society). She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Sustainable Studies. She is currently at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute working on getting her Master’s Degree in Public Affairs. Laura also volunteers her time as a board member for the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Laura is the project manager for residential and commercial solar installations under 40kW.
Candace Campbell
Candace Campbell consults in project management, market analysis, business planning, strategic planning, energy efficiency, sustainability, finance, public policy, evaluation and organizational development for small business and economic development clients. For three years she was vice president - sustainability for Avant Energy in Minneapolis. She has taught a business development course at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and graduate courses in economics at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School for 18 years. Campbell has served on many local and national non-profit boards.
Ralph Dickinson
As principal of Dickinson Associates, Ralph Dickinson provides customers with energy consulting services, R&D analysis, solar energy applications analysis and layouts, and financial performance projections for energy projects. He has a history of energy conservation accomplishments at several companies, most recently as a product developer for Xcel Energy/NSP where he developed conservation and load management products and programs for the residential, commercial and industrial, and institutional market segments. He is a Minnesota Registered Mechanical Engineer, a retired member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, and a retired senior member and former president of the Association of Energy Engineers - Twin Cities chapter. Dickinson received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming, an M.S. in Environmental Health and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
Kate Ellis
Kate Ellis is an independent political consultant working in the public policy arena on clean energy, energy efficiency and pollinator issues in Minnesota and nationally. She assists with developing communications, including social media, grass roots and grass tops advocacy, and strategy. Kate also is the proprietor of Old Mill Candle Company. She utilizes the beeswax from her family’s fourth generation apiary farm to make candles and provides public information about bees and beekeeping. She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota, Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs, with an emphasis on Economic and Community Development (Rural Development) and a minor in Sustainable Agriculture. Her B.A degrees in Political Science and Women Studies are from the University of Minnesota at Morris, MN. Kate also volunteers with the League of Longfellow Artists in Minneapolis.
Tom Garry
Tom Garry is an attorney at the law firm of Best & Flanagan LLP in Minneapolis. As an attorney, Tom practices in the areas of real estate, civil litigation and environmental law. He is a proud member and promoter of HOURCAR. He graduated with an A.B. from Princeton University, a J.D. from the University of Minnesota, and an L.L.M. in environmental law from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
John Hall has more than 38 years of experience in the construction industry. For the last 21 years he has worked with Habitat for Humanity, and currently serves as their design and building technology manager. Hall leads Habitat's building science, green building, and LEED activities and was instrumental in developing and changing Habitat's building practices and standards to meet the requirements of ENERGY STAR and LEED certification programs. Hall has been a trainer and presenter at regional and national building science conferences and is considered the "green" expert among Habitat affiliates. He is an advocate for energy conservation and home ownership education within the affordable housing industry. Hall is no stranger to the NEC's work; during the 1980s, he supported the Como Park neighborhood launch of the NEC recycling program. He holds degrees from the University of St. Mary's in Winona, Minnesota, as well as from Dunwoody Technical Institute, and is a licensed contractor.
Matthew Ides has been working in the community and economic development field for almost two decades. He has worked with a variety of neighborhoods, communities, and cities across the country to help them thrive. Matthew has vast experience in commercial and residential real estate, urban planning and design, commercial corridor revitalization, creation and administration of business improvement districts, and placemaking and community engagement. Matthew has a certificate in housing finance from National Development Council, is a licensed realtor, and holds a Master's Degree in Urban Planning.
