RightLights Staff
 

Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Energy Group
Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist
Aaron Brown, Program Manager, Energy Group
Michael Drury, Program Manager, Energy Group
Karl Gee, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist
Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group
Jeremy Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist
Daniel Jones, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group
Brian Kimball, Operations Manager, Energy Group
Debbie Kranefuss, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group
Paul Lewis, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group
Jennifer McNeil, Program Specialist, Energy Group
Sarah Mueller, Program Specialist , Energy Group
Darren Nix, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group
Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group
Gene Thomas, Technical & Administrative Manager, Energy Group

Mahlon Aldridge, Vice President, Energy Group

For the past 12 years Mahlon has specialized in the funding and start-up of programs that enable businesses and individuals to save money by increasing environmental performance. During his work with Ecology Action, he has consulted extensively in the industries of dry cleaning, pest management, and agriculture to help businesses adopt less toxic technologies. In addition to many public sector clients, Mahlon has lead Ecology Action’s work with the Tindall Foundation in New Zealand to help develop enterprises that create jobs and benefit the environment. He has assisted Waipuna International Inc. (non-toxic pest control) with strategic planning and marketing initiatives. Mahlon has also consulted with the Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee on the adoption of a Zero Waste theme for the 2002 Winter Games. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1989. 
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Gene Thomas, Technical & Administrative Manager, Energy Group

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 Brown, Program Manager, Energy Group

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 Jackson, Energy Efficiency Specialist

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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Michael Drury, Program Director, Energy Group

Michael joined Ecology Action in 2004, with a range of technical, project management and marketing experience from the high tech industry and the renewable energy field. As Program Director, Michael has overall responsibility for the execution of client contracts. His current role is to provide accountability to PG&E and other utility clients for the successful conduct of RightLights, LodgingSavers and San Francisco Energy Watch Small Business Direct Install programs.

His continuing role is to develop programs for Ecology Action, which inspire energy users with ways to improve their environmental performance.

Outside of his professional life, he continues the drive for reduced dependence on fossil fuels by living in a retrofitted zero-energy home and achieving a sustainable commute option through his use of a biodiesel fuelled vehicle.

Michael was awarded his Electrical Engineering Degree from Imperial College of Science and Technology, London in 1975 and is an Associate of the City and Guilds Institute (ACGI), and a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET). He is currently Board Chair for Central Coast Energy Services, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Watsonville CA, serving low income households in the Monterey Bay Region with payment assistance and energy efficiency solutions.
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Sarah Mueller, Program Specialist , Energy Group

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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Paul Astrup, Energy Efficiency Specialist

Paul has been an energy efficiency expert since 1979, and has participated in numerous award winning energy conservation projects throughout California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. His Installation of an Energy Management System at an Oakland hotel won PG&E’s first ever “Grand Management Energy Conservation Award”. In Hawaii, he founded Pacific Rim Energy Management, Ltd., specializing in computerized energy management for Hawaii’s huge lodging industry, and also served as a consultant to Hawaii’s utilities. Returning to California in 1991, Paul became involved in the energy efficient lighting revolution, which was beginning to attract a lot of attention with innovative products such as electronic ballasts, T8 lamps, compact fluorescents, and reflectors. In California alone he has been responsible for the implementation of several hundred new energy efficient lighting systems, ranging in scope from entire school districts and city governments to car dealerships and small retail outlets.

Paul recognizes the unique requirements of individual businesses, and creates lighting systems that work for the customer, the economy, and the environment.

Paul was born, raised, and presently resides in the island city of Alameda. He has a B.A. in Creative Writing from California State University, San Francisco, and has also completed 1.5 years of graduate work in Education. He served 4 years in the US Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, and in his spare time enjoys hiking, singing, coaching basketball, reading, and writing.
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Jennifer McNeil, Program Specialist, Energy Group

Jennifer McNeil joined the Ecology Action team in 2006 as the Program Specialist for RightLights’ Santa Cruz region. She grew up in California, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Women’s Studies from Humboldt State University, in May 2001. She has an extensive background working with diverse clientele, and as a Supervisor and Program Coordinator, Jennifer has become very familiar with program development and organization, office and staff management, community resourcing, and team & community based planning. She enjoys biking to work, and is excited to be a part of Ecology Action and the RightLights team, where she can be an integral part of building a healthier community.
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Karl Gee, Senior Energy Efficiency Specialist

Karl Gee has spent his career in the energy management field.  He has served as the energy manager for the Boston Public Schools, as well as a Fortune 500 retail chain with locations in 23 states. His experience includes working as a lighting specialist, performance contracting, alternative energy supply sources (electricity and transportation fuels).

Karl is a former board member to a publicly traded Bio diesel company and also served as a board member to the Bay Area Energy Association.  He was also a member of the American Society of Heating Refrigeration Engineers Association (ASHREA) and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

“25 years of personal experience shows that lighting retrofit has always been one fo the foundational building blocks of a solid energy management program, and generates profits and operating capital to the bottom line of all enterprises”, Karl Gee, Certified Energy Purchaser.
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Brian Kimball, Operations Manager, Energy Group

Brian was educated at the Berkeley campus of the University of California. A first-generation American citizen, he is deeply committed to the improvement of his family's adopted homeland. Brian believes every human being has a duty to contribute to the conscientious stewardship of the planet. The care required to responsibly use and develop Earth's resources for the betterment of man, now and in perpetuity, can only be achieved with the recognition of every individual's personal stake in a sustainably managed and respected environment.
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Darren Nix, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Darren joined Ecology Action in 2007, as an Energy Efficiency Specialist, with the RightLights Program. He graduated from University California, Santa Cruz, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. He has a passion for lighting and artistic design, and has always sought out the latest and most efficient/environmentally friendly lighting for his art projects. The integration of fiber optics, LED’s and electroluminescent lighting into various art projects sparked his interest in alternative lighting. He now finds himself in a position where he can offer businesses creative and effective ways to design their lighting while improving their energy efficiency.
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Paul Lewis, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Paul has an extensive background in CAD/CAM engineering and was one of a two-man crew that first translated 3D CAD geometry directly to a CAM application. In 2000 he started an indoor air quality services company that he owned and operated through 2006, during which time he became a CHEERS (California Home Efficiency Rating System) rater for Title 24 new construction. While working in the clean air industry Paul developed an awareness of the importance of energy efficiency. Paul joined Ecology Action early in 2007 as an energy efficiency specialist serving Monterey and San Benito Counties. In May of 2007, Paul received his Natural Gas Fueling Station Operation and Maintenance Certification from the Natural Gas Vehicle Institute and his NGV Cylinder Inspector Certification from CSA International. Paul is excited about the opportunities he brings to local entities through RightLights, whether they are businesses, schools, churches or private organizations. Paul believes that America’s future lies in finding a natively produced transportation fuel that does not require complex processing. He’s also a strong advocate for solar energy.
Paul lives in Hollister with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys reading, cooking, and activities associated with church and a fraternal historical society.
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Steve Suba, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Steve Suba joined Ecology Action and the RightLights team as an Energy Efficiency Specialist in January 2007. He brings the team over 28 years of experience in manufacturing, marketing, and sales of high technology products in the semiconductor and disc drive industries. He has worked for leading edge companies like Intel, LSI Logic, and Peak International. Steve’s experience and high standards from Silicon Valley make for a natural transition into the dynamics of the human factor of business relationships necessary to implement important energy saving imitatives. His goal is to leave the world we live in a better place for our future generations. Steve has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
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Jon Green, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Jon joined Ecology Action as an Energy Efficiency Specialist for the RightLights program in 2007. He attended both Santa Clara University and San Jose State University with coursework focused mainly in Economics and Environmental Studies. His career background includes 10 years as a Facilities Manager at a summer camp for children and adults with special needs. John developed an appreciation for nature as a child, getting lost in the woods surrounding his home in South Lake Tahoe. Today, Jon is poised and ready to make a positive impact on the environment. He enjoys volunteering to ensure the preservation of open space as well as spending time in the wilds of his garden trying to prove that anyone can grow their own vegetables.
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Daniel Jones, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Daniel comes to Ecology Action with over twenty years of technology sales experience. He believes technology can be used to increase sustainability and lessen our impact on the planet. He credits his parents with fostering the lifelong ecological awareness that drove him to participate in the very first Earth Day. Daniel loves outdoor sports of all kinds and is very involved in community work.
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Debbie Kranefuss, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Energy Group

Debbie Kranefuss joined Ecology Action as an Energy Efficiency Specialist in June 2007, working out of the Mountain View office. She has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a BS in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University. Debbie and her husband Ken moved from Massachussetts to California in 1991. They live in Campbell with their dogs, Tobi and Lola, where they enjoy walking on the par course, going to concerts, and entertaining with food, fun, wine and music!
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