Symposium Speakers

The 2024 Business Symposium offers nine breakout sessions featuring industry experts on a range of issues related to energy efficiency. 
 

Session 1A

Session 1B

Session 1C

Session 2A

Session 2B

Session 2C

Session 3A

Session 3B

Session 3C

Breakout Session 1A | Illuminating the Future with LLLC

9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Dan Kuhl

Evergreen Energy Partners

Dan Kuhl, LC, is Senior Lighting & Control Specialist at Evergreen Energy Partners with over 30 years of sales, sales management and training experience in the lighting industry. As a senior lighting specialist and certified trainer, he provides training for lighting and control technology applications and develops relationships within the industry by increasing awareness of new technologies and controls. He has earned a Lighting Certified Professional designation from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP). 

Angela Pilant

Evergreen Energy Partners

Angela Pilant, LC, is Senior Energy Specialist/Program Manager at Evergreen Energy Partners with over two decades of expertise in the lighting and energy sectors and a diverse background as a utility specialist, manufacturer’s representative and consultant. Since joining Evergreen Consulting Group in 2009, Angela has excelled in market and trend analysis, utility program development, client engagement strategies and training initiatives. She has earned a Lighting Certified Professional designation from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP). 

Moderator

Sid Daller

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Sid Daller, MBA, CEM is Strategy and Innovation Lead for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He has been with the Program for over six years and has a decade of experience in residential and commercial energy efficiency, alternative fuels and renewables from his various government, nonprofit and private-sector roles. In his current position, he provides data visualization, strategy and decision-making support for new and existing energy efficiency programs along with supporting Market Transformation Initiatives (MTI). Sidney has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

Breakout Session 1B | Saving Big: Sustainability Strategies for Large Facilities

9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Sylvia McIvor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sylvia McIvor brings over 30 years of expertise in energy production and energy efficiency, including a notable role in the original project development team for Chicago’s 100,000-ton district cooling system. She serves as Associate Director of Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she oversees the campus’s EPC Program, with a focus on retrofitting and enhancing energy efficiency across campus facilities and systems. Prior to this role, she worked with several Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to identify, develop and deliver EPC projects for colleges and universities. Her work targeted aging infrastructure, helping institutions meet sustainability, climate action and decarbonization goals, while her understanding of the financial challenges faced by public entities is further informed by her experience as an Alderwoman on her local City Council and as a Park District Commissioner.

Karl Helmink

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

As Associate Director for Utilities & Energy Services, Facilities and Services, Karl Helmink oversees energy conservation and retro-commissioning efforts across campus. He has over 30 years of industry experience as a licensed Public Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), consultant engineer, and campus engineer, including over 16 years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Karl oversees energy efficiency engagement projects on campus and has led retro-commissioning efforts that have yielded over $120 million in avoided utility energy costs in 90+ buildings of various vintages and phases of operation. He has collaborated with granting agencies and local utilities in energy efficiency efforts, generating approximately $2.5 million in incentive amounts for FY2024. Previously, he oversaw roughly $16 million in energy grants.

Tom Johnson

Carle Health

As Executive Director of Facility Services at Carle Health, Tom Johnson works with the Sustainability Department on projects related to energy benchmarking, energy efficiency, infrastructure assessment and upgrades, carbon footprint reduction, sustainability and training the next generation of facilities leaders. A Wisconsin native, Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering and a master’s degree in public administration from Roosevelt University. He started his career in bio-medical engineering at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in 1982 before transitioning to facilities management in 1992. He has held roles in facilities management at Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village, Illinois; Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois; Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois; and Carle Health. In addition to his passion for innovation and saving energy, his hobbies include bicycle racing and barbecuing. He has three grown children and lives in Mahomet with his wife Susan.

Anthony Corso

Carle Health

Anthony Corso is a planning, urban design, architecture and sustainability consultant with 20 years of experience working to create built environments, policies and practices that support public health and well-being, community resilience, equity and environmental sustainability. He served six years as the first Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Peoria, working with city staff, elected officials, community members and business leaders to create systems-based, data-driven initiatives to improve outcomes for residents. As the first sustainability manager for Carle Health, Anthony is working to develop and implement a climate-smart healthcare approach that integrates decarbonization, sustainability and resilience. He is a certified planner (American Institute of Certified Planners), registered architect (Illinois), a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and an EcoDistricts Accredited Professional. Anthony received a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Moderator

Rod Rhoads

GDS Associates - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program

Rod Rhoads of GDS Associates is the Energy Advisor for Territory 3 and has served with the Ameren Illinois Efficiency Program for the past 15 years. He has spent over 40 years in the HVAC or refrigeration fields as a contractor, wholesaler or consultant with experience in sales, training, technical advisory and management in homes, businesses and industries. Rod holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and certifications from Nate, EPA and numerous manufacturers.

Breakout Session 1C | Power Up! Funding Opportunities for Energy Efficiency

9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Anna Maria Kowalik

Illinois Energy Conservation Authority

Anna Maria Kowalik is Senior Vice President for the Illinois Energy Conservation Authority (IECA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the foremost third-party program administrator in Illinois. She is responsible for promotion of the IECA Illinois C-PACE program through the marketing, education and implementation of this innovative sustainability financing option and economic development/business retention tool. She was instrumental in closing the first three deals processed under the C-PACE Program in 2019. In 2022, she was named a GlobeSt. Woman of Influence in the Finance category and received a PACENation PACESetter Award.

Molly Graham

Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Molly Graham is the Director of Market Solutions & Education for Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) where she oversees all programmatic activities in 13 Midwest states. Her team is responsible for commercial education and training programs, residential education programs, research initiatives, real estate education programs, pilots, stakeholder collaboratives and strategic initiatives for the organization. Molly’s areas of expertise include program design, grant writing, workforce training, market transformation and indoor agriculture. She was a Clean Energy Leadership Institute Fellow in 2020 with their first Chicago cohort. She holds a bachelor’s degree in earth, society, and the environment from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Moderator

Libby Stevenson

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Libby Stevenson is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in operations management and team development across various commercial sectors. In her current role as Energy Advisor Manager for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, she drives organizational success by optimizing performance, enhancing customer engagement and implementing strategic improvements. Her leadership is marked by a focus on people development and operational excellence, which has resulted in notable advancements in team morale and operational metrics. Her background spans a range of significant roles in both nonprofit and commercial environments, including 15 years of management experience at Home Depot, Inc. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Libby combines a creative approach with a strategic mindset, making her a valuable asset in driving organizational growth and effectiveness.

Breakout Session 2A | Unlocking Critical Resources for Industrial Customers

11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.

Rupesh Devapati

Midwest Industrial Assessment Center

Rupesh Devapati is a PhD student in mechanical engineering at the University of Missouri, focusing on the fatigue behavior of closed-cell aluminum foams reinforced with carbon nanotubes. Over the past five years, he has been a lead student at the Midwest Industrial Assessment Center, where he has conducted energy audits for nearly 80 industries and commercial buildings. As a Certified Energy Manager (EMIT) and a Measurement and Verification Professional (MVPIT), he has developed significant expertise in energy management and efficiency strategies. His research and professional work are driven by a commitment to advancing materials science and promoting sustainable, energy-efficient practices in industry.

Saad Alsamraee

Midwest Industrial Assessment Center

Saad Alsamraee is a PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on optimizing Combined Heat & Power (CHP) plant operations using AI to improve efficiency and performance. He has been in the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) program for three years. During this period, he has conducted around 45 energy audits, contributing to practical solutions in energy optimization.

Ben Campbell

Energy Resources Center

Ben Campbell is a principal research engineer at the Energy Resources Center (ERC) — an interdisciplinary public service, research and special projects organization that works to advance energy sustainability and improve the environment, based out of the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago. Ben is the Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Central Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership. His background is in renewable energy technologies, cogeneration and energy efficiency. Prior to working at the Energy Resources Center Ben worked in the manufacturing industry.

Moderator

Tom Tyler

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Tom Tyler is the Industrial Energy Advisor with the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He is responsible for the Process Energy Assessment, Strategic Energy Management and Combined Heat and Power outreach initiatives. Tom’s background includes facilities engineering, energy management and energy efficiency assessments in manufacturing facilities. He has previously worked in the ammunition manufacturing and food processing industries, as well as serving as a U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer. He is a Certified Energy Manager and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

Breakout Session 2B | Energy Savings for Small Buildings

11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.

Albert Callaway

ACES Lighting

Albert Callaway, owner of ACES Lighting, has been in the lighting industry for five years, during which he has maintained a positive working relationship with the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He was previously a sales representative for Comcast, where he managed customer relationships and satisfaction while maintaining a steady stream of new customers. He left Comcast to work as a lighting installer and salesperson, learning all facets of the lighting industry, before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. In 2023, Albert and his wife Stephanie, along with their friends Evan and Christina Hickerson, opened ACES Lighting. The name “ACES” is an acronym for the four owners’ names — and also symbolic of the level of service and satisfaction they provide to every customer they serve. Albert and Stephanie have five children. Their oldest son, Alex, has even helped on a few jobs and enjoyed learning some of the nuances of the lighting industry!

Jamie Harding

SC2 Supply Chain Services and Solutions

Jamie Harding is Chief Financial Officer for SC2 Supply Chain Services & Solutions in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from Illinois State University in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and in 1996 with a master’s degree in business administration. He began his professional career in the commercial printing industry, moving to Supply Chain Logistics in 2000. He joined SC2 in 2003 and became Chief Financial Officer in 2012. Originally founded in 1983 under private ownership, SC2 became a 100% employee-owned company in 1988, serving its clients while investing in its most important asset: its employees. Over the last 36 years, the firm has grown from one division and 20 employee-owners to 19 facilities across multiple states, employing over 1,600 people. SC2 provides a multitude of vertically integrated supply chain solutions to Fortune 500 OEMs and many of their Tier 1 suppliers.

Moderator

Gretchen Primeau

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Gretchen Primeau is a Small Business Energy Advisor for Territory #1, which includes Peoria, Galesburg, Macomb, Canton and Monmouth. She has been with the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program for over six years and loves working with Program Ally contractors, helping to connect them with customers looking to be more energy efficient. Prior to joining Ameren Illinois, Gretchen was a news anchor and weatherperson for the ABC affiliate in Peoria for 20 years. She graduated from Illinois State University and lives in Dunlap, just outside of Peoria, with her husband and son.

Breakout Session 2C | It Takes a Village: Leading Your Community to Energy Savings

11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.

Mark Bollmann

City of Carbondale

Mark Bollmann is the Facilities Manager and Special Project Manager of the Southern Illinois Multimodal Station (SIMMS) for the City of Carbondale, where he has worked for nearly 24 years. He started his career as a foreman in the Traffic Control unit, then served as Facilities and Property Management Manager, responsible for the repair, preventative maintenance and energy efficiency of 39 City-owned buildings. In 2020, he took on project management of the $25 million SIMMS project, a new transportation center in downtown Carbondale that will be LEED Silver, featuring both geothermal and photovoltaic systems. 

Joseph Haskell

East St. Louis School District #189

Joseph Haskell serves as Director of Operations and Risk Management for East St. Louis School District #189, where he oversees a team of staff and contractors dedicated to maintaining the structural integrity of district buildings while adapting to evolving standards and requirements. He is particularly focused on enhancing energy efficiency across 12 district facilities, demonstrating excellence in operations management, employee development and strategic resource allocation. In partnership with Ameren Illinois, Haskell spearheads energy efficiency upgrades identified through the Carbon-Free Assessment Program, including the implementation of LED lighting, weatherization efforts, and HVAC control and equipment upgrades. 

Keith Senior

West Washington County CUSD #10

Keith Senior serves as superintendent of West Washington County Community Unit School District (CUSD) #10 in Okawville, Illinois. A graduate of Nashville High School in Nashville, Illinois, he attended Eastern Illinois University where he earned his undergraduate, graduate and specialist degrees. This is his 23rd year in the field of education — including eight years as a teacher, 11 years as a principal and four years as superintendent. In his current role, he is constantly seeking ways to cut the budget to ensure the continued success of the district, its staff and students. 

Moderator

Jack Johns

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Jack C. Johns III is an Air Force veteran and Public Sector Energy Advisor for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, offering 32 years of program, operational and strategic management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics and safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and excels in quality assurance, process improvement and strategic leadership. As Public Sector Energy Advisor, he consults with public sector and community leaders to advance energy efficiency initiatives, while demonstrating his dedication to excellence and sustainability.

Breakout Session 3A | Smart Buildings: Leveraging Automation and Energy Management Technologies

12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Mark Mathis

Community Unity School District #3, Fulton County

Mark Mathis is the Maintenance Director for Community Unit School District (CUSD) #3, Fulton County in his hometown of Cuba, Illinois. With over 20 years of experience, he is multi-faceted in all areas of running a school district — taking particular interest in energy efficiency, HVAC, mechanical and electrical issues, and welding. In his free time, you can find Mark training his versatile hunting dogs and hunting pheasant in South Dakota with his wife and two daughters.

Thomas M. Loos

Ruyle Mechanical Services

Thomas M. Loos has been the Director of the Energy Services Team at Ruyle Mechanical Services, Inc. since 2017. Ruyle Energy Services team utilizes the Ameren Energy Efficiency Program for Commercial and Industrial customers, identifies incentive opportunities, and facilitates the submission of qualifying energy efficiency projects for incentives. Thomas has been in the HVAC industry since 1990 as a controls contractor till achieving my Certified Energy Manager qualification in 2012. Thomas is a member and Secretary of the Association of Energy Engineers Central Illinois Chapter. He has been married to his wife Lucinda for 29 years and has two daughters, Jessica, and Valerie, three sons, Glenn, Robert, Charles and four grandkids. Chad enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Jessica Loos

Ruyle Mechanical Services

Jessica Loos has been with Ruyle Mechanical Services for the last six years. She works in the Energy Services Department at Ruyle, where she assists with rebate paperwork and identifying energy reduction projects for customers of Ruyle and Environmental Control Solutions. She is well-versed in navigating complex energy solutions for a range of clients, from industrials, hospitals and municipalities to universities and school districts. Jessica holds an associate’s degree in energy management and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). She has two sons, Zaccahriah and Samuayl, and two daughters, Phebe and Aurora. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Moderator

Chad Whitehead

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Chad Whitehead has been an Energy Advisor acting on behalf of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program for the last 12 years. As an Energy Advisor, he introduces the Program to commercial and industrial customers, identifies incentive opportunities, and facilitates the submission of qualifying energy efficiency projects for incentives. Chad was an IBEW journeyman electrician for 11 years and spent three years teaching the curriculum for the third-year apprentice. He has a master’s degree in quality engineering and management and is currently working on a PhD in industrial and quality engineering. He is a founding member and Vice President of the Association of Energy Engineers Central Illinois Chapter, a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Building Operator Certification (BOC) instructor. He has been married to his wife Jennifer for 27 years and has a daughter, Emma; a son, Ethan; and three grandkids.

Breakout Session 3B | Seal the Deal: Unlock Savings Through Weatherization

12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Ursula Bongiovanni

Tridan International

Ursula Bongiovanni is President and CEO of Tridan International, Inc., which was established in Danville, Illinois in 1966. A degreed chemical engineer, she has spent over 35 years utilizing her experience in the optimization of manufacturing processes. Her multi-disciplined approach has supported the development of robust automation systems, machinery and tooling for manufacturing operations worldwide. Over the years she has refined her skills based on an understanding that manufacturers deserve machines, tools and processes engineered to provide a unique synergistic solution for their unique requirements. Ursula is a STEP Ahead award recipient from The Manufacturing Institute in Washington DC, honoring women in manufacturing who have made significant contributions to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Production. She is proud to have found her home in the manufacturing world and gladly supports the development and mentoring of women who also want to gain a foothold in manufacturing.

Dwjuan Robinson

East St. Louis School District #189

Dwjuan Robinson is a seasoned supervisor with over a decade of experience leading teams in the maintenance, custodial, housekeeping and support services industries. As MRO/Custodian Supervisor at East Saint Louis School District 189, Dwjuan oversees a team of 110+ staff across 13 school buildings, ensuring compliance with health, safety and accessibility standards while managing HVAC systems and overseeing maintenance, repairs and inventory. He previously held leadership positions at Lutheran Senior Services, where he supervised housekeeping services and directed commercial laundry operations for a 120-bed skilled nursing facility. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and recognition as a St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellow, Dwjuan brings strong leadership, operational management and problem-solving skills. His experience in healthcare environments and school district facilities has made him adept at navigating complex operational challenges while maintaining high standards of service and safety.

Brandace Cloud

Macoupin Art Collective

A native of Staunton, Illinois, Brandace Cloud holds an Associate of Art degree in graphic design from Lewis & Clark Community College, a Bachelor of Art degree from Webster University, and attended post-graduate studies in the ceramics department at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. She has worked as a self-employed ceramic artist, selling her wares at various art fairs and exhibitions, and has years of experience as an arts educator. With her passion for art, community and education, she and her cousin Marcella Cloud created The Macoupin Art Collective (MAC), a small but mighty arts education center located in Staunton.  During its seven years in operation, MAC has brought arts education to nearly 60,000 people. They also acquired and renovated a small bus to bring art education to rural communities, with the goal of serving all 140 communities within a 40-mile radius. They also provide free and low-cost art materials to the community through an in-house thrift store. 

Moderator

Colin Santel

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Colin Santel, CEM, EIT is an Energy Engineer Lead with Leidos Engineering, implementer of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He started with the Program as an intern during his senior year at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), graduating in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he worked for an HVAC engineering consulting company, then took a job as a sales engineer before rejoining the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program as an energy engineer, later becoming an energy engineer lead.

Moderator

Shane Perry

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

Shane Perry brings over 12 years of experience in the distribution industry and currently serves as the Deputy Business Program Manager for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, a role he has held since November 2021. Throughout his career, Shane has been a trailblazer in the National Distributor Market, leading numerous Midstream Programs and overseeing thousands of National Lighting Retrofit Rollouts for major Fortune 500 retailers. Previously, he was Vice President and co-founder of a distribution company specializing in turnkey lighting retrofits and facility services, where he helped to build a network of over 600 self-performing contractors across electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades.

Shane has earned multiple ally awards, including the ComEd Service Provider Rookie of the Year, ComEd SBO Rookie of the Year, Duke Energy Top Performing $mart Saver Ally, PG&E Top MidStreaming Distributor and Energizing Indiana MidStreaming Partner of the Year.

Breakout Session 3C | Empowering Growth: Resources for Nonprofits and Diverse Businesses

12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Bishop James A. Wills Sr.

Love Fellowship Christian Church

A native of Decatur, Illinois, Pastor James A. Wills was licensed and ordained to preach in 1988 at the Church of the Living God the Pillar and Ground of The Truth Temple No. 3, where he served faithfully before becoming the founder and pastor of Love Fellowship Christian Church in Decatur. He was appointed to the office of Overseer of the Elijah District in the State of Illinois in 2004, and he served as First Assistant to the State of Illinois Bishop, Victor D. Agee, in 2014. He was appointed as the State Director of Illinois in 2015 and became the State Bishop of Illinois in 2017, also covering the state of Wisconsin. Bishop Wills has course work in biblical studies from United Theological Seminary, Illinois Baptist College, Slidell Baptist Seminary and New Life School of Theology, where he is currently enrolled. He is a dedicated husband, proud father of seven children, grandfather to eleven grandchildren and the spiritual father to countless others.

Theresa Collins

Senior Services Plus, Inc.

Theresa Collins is Chief Executive Officer of Senior Services Plus, Inc., which works to provide opportunities and resources to individuals as they age. With over 25 years of experience in social services and management, she serves on many professional boards, including the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers, Energy Assistance Foundation and IQ South Energy Efficiency Committee. She co-chairs the State of Illinois’ Community Care Program Advisory Committee and is a member of Illinois’ Older Adult Services Advisory Committee and AARP Illinois Executive Council. Theresa has a bachelor’s degree from Greenville College and a certificate in business management for non-profit leaders from Washington University, Olin School of Business. She resides in Belleville, Illinois with her husband Shan.

Moderator

Alex Deeb

Leidos, Inc. - An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor

  1. Alexander Deeb earned a bachelor’s degree in sport communication from Bradley University, a master’s degree in sport management from Western Illinois University and a PhD in kinesiology and sport studies with a specialization in socio-cultural studies in sport. Recognizing the potential to utilize sport to better understand the world around him, he began a career in higher education as Director for Inclusion on multiple college campuses before transitioning to his current role as the Market Development Initiative Project Manager for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. Over the course of his academic and professional career, Dr. Deeb has taken a measured approach to address issues of access, power, privilege, diversity, equity and inclusion through various means. He is a passionate advocate for social justice and equity, which drives him to explore solutions to various forms of social inequality.