CET Staff Profiles

Alan Silverstein, CET Co-Director

Mr. Silverstein has worked at CET since 1979 and has been responsible for the start-up and management of many successful innovative programs. He serves on the Boards of Directors of MassRecycle and WasteCap of Massachusetts. He was Co-Chair of the 11th National Recycling Congress in Boston and is currently Co-Chair of the Non-Profit Recyclers Council of the National Recycling Coalition (NRC). In 1998, Mr. Silverstein was invited to join the Massachusetts Recycling 2000 Task Force to develop a strategy to reach 46% recycling rate by the year 2000. Mr. Silverstein is currently developing a business plan for a wood pallet refurbishing facility to be sited in northern Berkshire County. Mr. Silverstein received his B.A. in History from American University.

Laura Dubester, CET Co-Director

Ms. Dubester has been employed by CET since 1977. Her responsibilities include program design, development, oversight and administration; community outreach and public relations; and liaison with program funders. She has developed and directed many CET energy conservation and waste management programs. Current initiatives include Materials Flows Through the Community funded by the Chelsea Center for Recycling and Economic Development, developing a mobile collection approach for collection of household hazardous waste for rural southern Berkshire communities and increasing business recycling. She represents Berkshire County small towns on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) Advisory Board. She received a B.A. in History (University of Rochester), as well as Masters Degrees in Education (Antioch College) and Public Administration (Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government).

Nancy Nylen, Associate Director

Ms. Nylen has been employed by CET since 1982. She has developed and provided a variety of successful solid waste and energy education and technical assistance programs for residents, municipalities, businesses and institutions. Ms. Nylen has conducted teacher training workshops and community service learning projects and coordinated a series of environmental teleconferences among schools in Berkshire County. Ms. Nylen has a M.Ed. with a concentration in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington.

John Majercak, Associate Director

Mr. Majercak has been employed by CET since 1991. He has developed and provided oversight to successful CET solid waste programs including on-farm and on-site commercial, institutional and school composting and recycling demonstration projects. He has recently contributed articles to Resource Recycling and BioCycle magazines. Mr. Majercak established and oversees the ReStore Home Improvement Center, which serves low and moderate income households and diverts these useful goods from the waste stream. Past experience includes research and development in the bio-technology industry. Mr. Majercak received a B.A. in Biology from Cornell University.

Susan Slattery, Director of Marketing and Development

Ms. Slattery has been employed by CET since October 2006. Her responsibilities include CET's general and program-specific communications and marketing; as well as development initiatives and fundraising. She is also responsible for CET's Web site. She received her B.A. in Literature from Siena College in 1986. She has worked as a reporter, editor, web developer, press representative, yoga teacher, photographer, and writer. Outside of CET she enjoys gardening, going for long walks with and photographing her pugs, and spending an hour or two at the gym every day.

Charlie Browne, C.P.A., Fiscal Administrator

Mr. Browne has been responsible for overseeing the fiscal administration for CET since 1999. His responsibilities include control of the general ledger, payroll and quarterly tax returns, monthly and annual financial reports and preparation for CET's Annual Fiscal Audit. He also takes a lead role in CET human resource management. Mr. Browne received his Certified Public Accounting License in 1997. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from North Adams State College, B.A. from Holy Cross in 1981 and M.S. from Wesleyan in 1987.

Robin Savery, Office Manager

Ms. Savery came to CET in May 2003. Her responsibilities include accounts payable and accounts receivable. She also handles ReStore sales reconciliation. Ms. Savery manages our Bio-Heat Oil Co-op memberships, all CET bank deposits, employee time sheets--which is no small task since employee days are parsed by program (renewables, recycling, energy... etc.) and there are close to 40 CET employees. She does much more to facilitate all day to day operations at CET. Currently she is working on CET's collective carbon footprint, as a member of the in-house Green Team. She has an Associate's in Business from Berkshire Community College. When she's not doing all this work, she enjoys gardening and going for long walks.

Amanda Dubrowski, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Amanda graduated from Clark University in 2004 with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. After graduting from college, she served 3 terms with AmeriCorps, the last of which was at CET. During her AmeriCorps VISTA term at CET she focused on recycling, reuse, and waste reduction programs. Amanda currently serves as the receptionist/administrative assistant at CET. This position involves working on many varied programs and working with many departments at CET including: Business Recycling Services, Healthy Beginnings and energy programs. Amanda also works on tracking CET's Carbon Footprint.

Alyssa Nelson, Rebate Administrator

Alyssa served as an intern with CET while receiving her B.S. in Natural Resource Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She then worked for CET in 2003 conducting after school recycling and pollution workshops for elementary school children and assisting with administrative work for the CET's energy efficiency programs. She is currently responsible for administering the Berkshire Gas Rebate program which encourages the installation of high efficiency heating systems, water heaters, windows and thermostats in residential and commercial buildings. Outside of CET, Alyssa is certified as a 200-hour Kripalu trained yoga teacher.

Mark Newey, Director of Green Building and Energy Efficiency Programs

Mr. Newey came to CET in July 2005 from Southface Energy Institute in Atlanta, GA. He manages CET’s diverse energy programs. Mr. Newey brings to CET extensive knowledge about energy efficiency and green buildings. He is certified as a Home Energy Rater Trainer and Quality Assurance Designee, and has taught over 100 workshops on energy efficient and green building for builders, architects, heating contractors, and real estate agents. Mr. Newey’s technical expertise includes energy modeling, duct system design and pressure diagnostics. Mark has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of CET, Mark plays contradance music on his flute, makes soft and hard cheese, and bicycles around town.

Peggy MacLeod, Director of Marketing for Green Building Programs and Clean Energy

Ms. MacLeod is responsible for marketing New England GreenStart and EnergyStar for New Homes in western Massachusetts, and has been a clean energy advocate in the Northeast for more than twenty years. Peggy was a board member of Peoples Action for Clean Energy in Connecticut and a founder and board member of the Connecticut Energy Cooperative, the first supplier in the Northeast to offer 100% renewable, green-e certified electricity. Ms. MacLeod draws inspiration from helping others channel their enthusiasm for clean energy into motivating others to take steps for reducing their climate footprint or finding local solutions for sustainability. A past chair of the Northampton Energy Resources Commission, Peggy now serves on the Sustainable Northampton Taskforce, an advisory body that helped craft a new comprehensible plan for the City of Northampton. In her non-work hours, Peggy enjoys bird-watching, yoga, playing the piano, and learning permaculture techniques.

Tomasin Whitaker, Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator

Ms. Whitaker came to CET in 2006, and is responsible for grassroots education and outreach to residents and businesses in western Massachusetts. She coordinates workshops and markets CET's clean energy programs - New England GreenStart and the New England Wind Fund. With a background in education, marketing and human services, she enjoys educating the public about concrete ways to make a contribution to reducing climate change. She is a member of the Northampton Community Garden and coordinates a fun free-cycling initiative in her community. Ms. Whitaker holds a B.A. from Richmond College, the American International University in London, and a Masters of Social Work from New York University.

Megan McDonough, Builder Services Administrator

Ms. McDonough facilitates applications, inspection scheduling and communication with builders in the Energy Star Homes and LEED for Homes programs. Ms. McDonough has a BA from UMass Amherst in Arts-Based Community Development and completed substantial coursework towards a master's degree in Regional Planning at UMass. She's worked in the past as a labor union president, office manager, family advocate, teaching assistant and a variety of non-profit office jobs. She lives with her family in a pilot zero-net energy house in Colrain, MA.

Jamie Cahillane, Director of Recycling Services and Manager of Waste Reduction Programs

Mr. Cahillane's responsibilities include providing technical assistance to towns, schools and businesses that are beginning and/or strengthening recycling programs. He is the Director of CET’s Recycling Services, which serves more than 150 Berkshire businesses. He manages recycled copy paper sales through the Recycled Products Cooperative. Mr. Cahillane worked as Recycling Coordinator and Resource Conservation Manager at the University of Chicago for seven years before joining CET in July 1998. He received a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Columbia College.

Cynthia Grippaldi, Waste Management & Renewable Energy Specialist

Ms. Grippaldi recently returned to CET after a 15-year absence. Cynthia holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. She has years experience in environmental education, energy conservation and energy efficient building. Cynthia has managed an education and research field station in a National Park, and more recently assisted the Timber Framers Guild with office operations.

Lorenzo Macaluso, Waste Management Specialist

Mr. Macaluso works to increase composting, recycling and reuse of business, municipal and residential wastes. In 2002-03, he set up a composting program at 25 area restaurants and coordinated a day-long tour and workshop to educate others about the project. Since 1997, he has also worked at University of Massachusetts Office of Waste Management as Special Projects Coordinator, managing grant funded projects to reduce waste and increase recycling at the University. His work entailed set up of electronics recycling, food waste composting and office waste reduction. Mr. Macaluso received a M.P.H. in Environmental Health and B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Massachusetts.

Lisa Kohler, Assistant Manager of Audit Services

Ms. Kohler joined CET in December 2006 as a receptionist and administrative assistant. But it wasn't long before her supervisor Mark Newey saw that she could do alot more for us. In her new (as of June 2008) role as assistant manager of audit services, Ms. Kohler will be taking on a greater level of responsibility for scheduling customers, managing inventory, arranging contractors, performing quality control, and other activities in CET's energy and utility programs. In her down time she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and cooking.

Michael Atkins, Customer Service / Audit Services Administrator

Mr. Atkins has been employed by CET since June 2008. Michael works part-time in Audit Services administering the MassSave program and assisting with inventory management. He has previously owned and managed a museum/historic site and an auto parts store in the Berkshires. Michael enjoys building renovation and currently is working on a project in Pittsfield.

Bill Lafley, Energy Analyst, Instrumented Air Sealing

Mr. Lafley is a certified Home Energy Rater (through RESNET) and a certified Building Envelope Improvement Specialist (through the Building Performance Institute.) He came to CET in 1991. Mr. Lafley works on the Energy Star New Home Construction program, and manages the utility-funded multi-family residential energy conservation program in western Massachusetts. He conducts plans analysis, building testing, quality control inspections and educational seminars for architects and builders. He also serves as a field technician for numerous electric and gas utility sponsored energy efficiency programs. He conducts site visits, collects data, prepares bid specifications and inspects completed work. He conducts combustion safety testing and performs instrumented air sealing. He has a B.S. in Natural Resources from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Beth Paulson, Energy Analyst, Instrumented Air Sealing

Ms. Paulson conducts energy and green assessments, blower door tests and air sealing. Ms. Paulson is a certified Home Energy Rater and performs inspections for the Energy Star Homes program and the LEED for Homes program. She has worked on various energy initiatives at CET since 1991, including the MECO EnergyWise High Use Program and Residential Electric Space Heat Program, SPECTRUM Electric Heat Program and the Berkshire Gas DSM Program. Ms. Paulson received her M.A. in Landscape Architecture and a B.S. in Environmental Design from University of Massachusetts.

Don Riggins, Information Technology Manager

For 18 years, Mr. Riggins has worked in the field of energy efficiency and conservation. He has conducted thousands of ECS, DSM, and RCS audits for a range of utility sponsored efficiency programs. Mr. Riggins also writes, implements, and maintains software for DSM audit data collection and processing, quality control, backlog management, program assessment and reporting, Tier 1 tracking, Tier 2 tracking and invoicing. Mr. Riggins is responsible for ensuring that field and administrative staff understand how to use software. He maintains and oversees CET’s computer, networking, and DSL hardware for three offices. Mr. Riggins has a Bachelor’s Degree from Eckard College in Florida.

Joan Chapman-Bartlett, Contract Manager

Since 1987, when Ms. Chapman-Bartlett came to CET, she has provided energy efficiency services for various programs. She currently oversees customer contracts for the National Grid residential conservation program and assists in program management. Ms. Chapman-Bartlett oversees quality control and direct marketing. Ms. Chapman-Bartlett has many years of experience performing energy audits. She has a B.A. from Tusculum College, Greeneville, Tennessee.

Nikki Coffee, Audit Services Administrator

Nikki helps coordinate insulation and air sealing jobs at CET. She has worked at CET since the summer of 2008. Nikki is a certified bookkeeper from Mildred Elly Business School and has two kids, who are the loves of her life. Outside work, Nikki likes to spend time with her kids, read non-fiction books, listen to music, dance and feed her reality TV addiction!

Jay Walsh, Energy Analyst

Mr. Walsh joined CET in Spring 2004. He works on Energy Star Homes, the Residential Conservation Services program and the Massachusetts Building Energy Codes program. Mr. Walsh started in building science back in the early 80’s as an energy auditor under contract with The Alaska Division of Energy and Power Development. He worked as an auditor for Northern Energy & Technology in Fairbanks, Alaska and later for the Cape and Islands Self Reliance Corp. in Falmouth, MA. As an architectural designer, Mr. Walsh ran his own design company - Energy Efficient Homes - in Alaska and was also the principal architectural designer for Independent Homes in Fairbanks designing residential and commercial projects throughout the state.

Renee Schmidt, Energy Advisor

Ms. Schmidt has been employed by CET since 2000 as an Energy Advisor. She is a certified Massachusetts Energy Auditor since 1987 and has attended numerous additional training sessions in heating systems, building science, moisture through Affordable Comfort and Berkshire Gas Networks. She inspects approximately 500 - 700 homes annually. Prior to working at CET, Renee was employed by MassSave and DMC Honeywell for 5 years. Ms. Schmidt received her Associates Degree in Science from Greenfield Community College.

Jonathan Bates, Energy Analyst

Mr. Bates has been involved with ecological projects and organizations for over a decade. His life goal is to help all people understand humanity's potential for an ecological society. He came to CET in January 2006 and is working as an Energy Analyst for the organization. His responsibilities include conducting home energy audits through the MassSave utility program and rating new home construction as a certified Home Energy Rater. Jonathan has a B.A. in Biology and a M.A. in Social Ecology.

Chris Nichols, Energy Analyst, Instrumented Air Sealing

Mr. Nichols joined the CET staff in 2006. He comes to CET with experience as a carpenter and designer and fabricator of stonework. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in Environmental Design, and a concentration in Architecture. Mr. Nichols has volunteered with Habitat For Humanity, building houses in places such as Virginia and Africa. At CET he works with our new construction program, assisting builders with making energy efficient choices and inspecting homes to ensure they are built as specified. He also performs instrumented air sealing with a blower door for homes in CET's audit programs.

Chris Cormier, Air Sealing Technician (Berkshires)

Chris has a Plant & Soil Sciences degree from UMass and has experience as a mason tender.

John Saveson, Energy Advisor, Air Sealing Technician (Pioneer Valley)

Mr. Saveson lives in the Rocky Hill Cohousing development in Florence and has a degree in Architecture from M.I.T. and a masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the Conway School of Landscape Design. He has experience as a construction worker, as a manager at a energy efficient post and beam building company, as an architectural designer, and as a landscape architect. John has been working at CET since spring of 2008.

Frank Panetta, Energy Advisor / Air Sealing Technician

Frank joined CET in September of 2008. He conducts home energy assessments and performs instrumented air sealing. He studied Business Administration with a concentration in International Business at Salisbury University in Maryland. Mr. Panetta always had environmental aspirations and now he proudly reduces the impact humans have on the earth.

Cody Durant, Energy Advisor / Air Sealing Technician

Cody joined CET in September of 2008. He has experience with various types of carpentry and design, including timber frame construction, and holds a B.A. in Environmental Science with a focus in Chemistry/Ecotoxicology. Cody recently completed an internship in Monterey CA for a world conservation project involving native species. Outside of CET, Cody enjoys playing guitar, going on surfing safaris and home-brewing.

Harper Vinkemulder, Energy Advisor / Air Sealing Technician

Harper jumped on the CET bandwagon in September 2008 where she is working in the field as an energy advisor and air sealing technician. She has long explored how people create, relate to, and move in physical space -- and she is very excited to help them do so more comfortably, affordably and with environmental efficiency.

Kirk Swiss, Energy Advisor

After earning liberal arts bachelors and masters degrees, Kirk Swiss has had careers in teaching, educational research, studio pottery, a sprout growing business, cabinet making and millwork, and a home repair business. Recently he immersed himself in reading about the crisis we face with global warming and decided to become an environmental activist. Since the fall of 2008 Kirk has been working as an Energy Advisor at CET, fulfilling his environmental intentions beyond his highest expectations and providing him with work he loves and working with extraordinary people who share his environmental concerns and perspective. Since he started working at CET in the fall of 2008 he has been heard saying, on numerous occasions, "CET ROCKS!"

Joe Pagano, Energy Advisor / Air Sealing Technician

Joe Pagano has a technical degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology, a bachelors degree from Springfield College in Sociology and an MED from Springfield College in Recreation Programing and Administration. Joe has a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License and has been involved in building and renovating in many capacities for over 20 years, including building his own passive solar house. He took part in the activities on the first Earth Day and he loves to spend my spare time walking in the woods enjoying nature. Joe is renovating his current home, a triplex that was originally built in 1857 as a church. Joe has worked at CET since the summer of 2008.

Matt Turcotte, Energy Advisor

Matt has a BA in political science from Connecticut College where he specialized in environmental policy. He brings a diverse set of environmental expeiences to CET, where he has been working as an Energy Advisor since fall of 2008. He has been involved in political organizing for cleaner water in California and cleaner cars in NJ, was the Environmental Coordinator at Connecticut College, and has built straw bales houses all around New England. In his spare time, Matt likes to play guitar and brew his own beer.

Chris Krezmien, Energy Advisor / Air Sealing Technician

Chris Krezmien has been employed with CET since September 2008. Chris has over a decade of experience working as a renovation contractor and carpenter. Chris studied Appropriate Technology at Appalachian State University in North Carolina and has a deep interest in sustainable development, renewable energy systems, and building science. Chris has worked on sustainability grant projects, is an experienced fuel maker, and loves animals. He most enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel and his friends and family.

Find out about the staff at the ReStore Home Improvement Center.