Gene joined Ecology Action in mid-2002 to manage Ecology Action’s energy efficiency program efforts and to help grow EA’s energy conservation program portfolio. Gene brings to Ecology Action a passion for helping individuals and businesses benefit from the latest energy efficiency technologies and practices. He currently manages RightLights, a CPUC-funded contract targeting small commercial lighting retrofits which has become the largest direct installation lighting program in California. Gene also works on the development of new project proposals, provides key research and analysis and assists in representing EA’s interests to legislative and local government entities. Prior to joining Ecology Action, he served as National Director of EnergyCheckup, managing and coordinating their third-party energy efficiency programs for investor-owned utilities in Southern California and Texas. In this capacity Gene developed energy efficiency initiatives and proposals to state utilities and federal agencies and helped train over 200 building industry professionals as Certified Home Energy Raters. Previously, Gene worked for Inspectech Corporation as Director of Recruitment and Special Projects, where he developed and implemented the firm’s first Environmental Testing Program. Prior to his tenure with Inspectech, Gene built a successful track record in key account sales, sales management and training, program development, and multi-location retail management.
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Aaron joined the Right Lights Team in the Fall of 2003. Having taken time away from his management career to remodel his off-the-grid home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he was looking to count himself as an integral part of something admirable. Aaron has always needed to “believe” in the project at hand. In this, he has often found himself as a Champion of “Lost” Causes. His desire to make a difference for failing entities has seen him through the successful turn-around of numerous independent theatres, bookstores and cafes. Working with community leaders, making strong business relationships, and developing a powerful team that operates on a platform of common sense, dedication, and sincerity, has been a winning combination/mantra. Further, bringing success to challenged businesses has required establishing a strong handle on the need, re-use and waste of materials. Each business he has operated has had its financial successes immediately followed by, what Aaron considers the greater measure of success… a sign, stating to all, The Management and Staff of this facility proudly recycle more than we throw away. He believes that, once the business is succeeding in both these areas, its model can be held as an example for other local businesses and that it has the responsibility to reach outward and engage the community in which it shares success. Aaron is truly grateful for the help and cooperation of all of his coworkers and hopes to be able to continually bring his skills and his passion to Ecology Action. In the end, his primary objective is to leave behind him something better than what was there before and to curb the degradation of what is generally thought of as beautiful or special.
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Jeremy entered Ecology Action as a member of the RightLights program. He left his home in Boulder Creek to pursue an academic career at California State University Chico. While attending the University, Jeremy was involved in a project that prevented the development of virgin lands. He returned from Chico with a Bachelors degree in History and a family of his own. Prior to his employment with the organization, he worked in the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Industry for 11 years, ranging from cellar work to sales and marketing.  Jeremy has always worked towards preserving the environment and believes passionately in the goals of Ecology Action.
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Sarah joined the Ecology Action staff in 2004, as the Project Coordinator in the new Mountain View office of RightLights. She grew up in the Bay Area, where she attended an alternative grade school which was instrumental in shaping her social and environmental values. She then attended Menlo-Atherton High School, where she became actively involved in youth environmental groups including MA’s Environmental Club, and Bay Area Action. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Oregon State University, Sarah returned to the Bay Area in 1997.  Since college, she has worked in various businesses, ranging from a medical office to a voice recognition software company. When her former employer, Aaron Brown, asked her to join the Ecology Action team, she jumped at the chance. Sarah is happy to return to an environmental organization and thrilled to be a part of something she really believes in.
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