Our Team
Staff
We believe in a workplace grounded in a strong team mindset that allows exceptional performers to grow and prosper by fostering collaboration, friendships, and fun. Our team is comprised of experts in engineering, project management, and advocacy. Together, we work hard every day to make zero-emission vehicles a reality.
Dan Raudebaugh
As Executive Director, Dan Raudebaugh has dedicated the last 29 years to fostering environmental and energy sustainability and creating jobs within US emerging technology sectors. He has developed, secured funding for, and managed a varied portfolio of cost-shared research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects exceeding $1.5 billion. Mr. Raudebaugh leads a staff of experienced engineers and project managers who are committed to improving the efficiency and sustainability of US energy and transportation systems. Mr. Raudebaugh holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech.
Erik Bigelow
Erik Bigelow is the Managing Director of Engineering and leads the CTE office in St. Paul, MN. Erik has been focused on making zero emission transportation successful projects for over 15 years with deep experience in battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and infrastructure planning. He leads CTE's overall engineering effort and strategy in supporting CTE's clients to arrive at the best technical solutions with the best data available. Erik holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and brought prior experience in mechanical design and testing for robust electronics.
Steve Clermont
Steve Clermont is Managing Director of Planning & Deployment at CTE. Mr. Clermont has more than 25 years experience in sustainability, advanced and alternative transportation technology, information technology, accounting, and financial management consulting, including information systems management, business process and organizational strategy, as well as enterprise systems software design, development and implementation. Mr. Clermont has managed many battery electric bus-related projects including feasibility studies, modeling and simulation, bus and infrastructure finance & procurement, deployment, and deployment validation and analysis projects. Mr. Clermont holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech.
Lauren Justice
As Development Director, Lauren specializes in cultivating CTE's strategic partnerships. Since joining CTE in 2008, she has filled a variety of roles to support the organization including managing battery and fuel cell electric projects and creating the International Zero Emission Bus Conference. Lauren holds a Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida and a Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies from Emory University. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys playing cards, drawing, and riding bikes with her kids.
Jaimie Levin
Jaimie Levin has been at CTE since July 2013. Previously, he worked for public transit agencies in the Bay Area for 26 years and served as the Director of Environmental Technology at AC Transit, where he developed their successful fuel cell bus program. He led the development of CTE's Fuel Cell Electric Bus Commercialization Consortium, in partnership with AC Transit and Orange County Transportation Authority, to procure 20 next-generation fuel cell buses and supporting infrastructure. He initiated and now manages the NorCAL ZERO project of 16 public organizations and private companies to launch the largest Class 8 Fuel Cell Truck deployment in North America. He is also the lead for the '1,000-Bus Initiative' that will deploy over 1,000 fuel cell buses as a key project in California's $12 billion ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Program. Jaimie holds a Masters of City Planning degree (MCP) from the University of California at Berkeley.
Meredith Linscott
Meredith Linscott is Director of Legal Affairs for CTE. As Director of Legal Affairs, she is responsible for contract negotiation and compliance. Meredith has also supported several CTE battery-electric deployment projects as a Senior Engineering Consultant. Prior to joining CTE, Meredith was the Program Manager for the GMAC Insurance homeowners program and was responsible for sales, marketing, and partner relations. She has also worked for Accenture's Resources Strategy Consulting Practice, developing business cases and operating models for Electric and Gas Utility initiatives, including automated meter reading, demand management, and bundled utility services. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University College of Law.
Will Manget
Will Manget is a member of CTE's leadership team. As the Director of HR, he is responsible for the organization, development, and management of CTE's human resources program, including employee recruitment and retention, staff development, conflict resolution, benefits administration, office management, HR compliance, and HR policy and record management. A member of the CTE team since 2005, Will has experience at various levels of the organization, and prides himself on his ability to understand processes and communicate across CTE as a whole. Getting his start as an Intern, he also worked as CTE's Office Manager and a Project Manager/Managing Consultant before moving to HR. Will holds a bachelors degree in Management from Georgia Tech, and is SHRM-CP certified.
Kylie McCord
Mr. McCord has more than 20 years experience in project management including zero-emission bus deployment and transition planning, environmental remediation and liability management, construction management, and client service management. Mr. McCord has managed projects including environmental assessment, alternatives analysis, feasibility study development, and design and construction services for major chemical manufacturers, pipeline and railway operators, and for multiple federal agencies. Mr. McCord holds a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia and Hawaii.
AJ Artis
AJ Artis joined CTE as an Associate in 2024. Prior to joining CTE, AJ worked as a Sustainability Policy Analyst at Consumer Reports, Climatetech and EV Advocacy groups, and on various statewide election campaigns. AJ graduated from Emory University with a BA in History. In his free time he enjoys cycling and learning about regenerative agriculture and permaculture.
Aaron Wright
Aaron Wright is a Managing Consultant at CTE providing administrative and technical support for project managers for advanced transportation projects, including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Aaron has a background in operations management. Aaron studied at Georgia State University with a focus in Business Economics through the Robinson College of Business as well as Philosophy through the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.
Alder Young
Alder Young is a Lead Engineering Associate at the Center for Transportation and the Environment. He provides management and technical support for advanced transportation projects, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. He has worked to generate Key Performance Indicators, validation testing, and transition planning reports for the agencies that he supports. Prior to joining CTE, Alder attended the University of San Diego, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. In his free time, he enjoys books, movies, running, hiking, biking, and anything else outdoors.
Alexis Hedges
Alexis rejoined the CTE team in 2024 as a Lead Engineering Associate in Atlanta, after previously having been part of the team for three years spanning 2018-2021. She provides technical and analytical support to clean transportation projects in the form of vehicle modeling and simulation, performance analysis, and full-fleet transition planning. Prior to rejoining the CTE team, Alexis was with a financial consulting firm based out of Redmond, Washington. Alexis holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Economics and Management and a master's in Environmental Economics, both from the University of Georgia.
Alison Smyth
Alison joined CTE in 2017. She provides technical and project management support for zero-emission vehicle deployment projects, with particular expertise in hydrogen fuel cell electric buses and infrastructure. Prior to joining CTE, Alison was a project developor for a community solar company. She holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Carleton College and a masters degree in Oceanography from Texas A&M University. When not talking about buses, she enjoys running, playing and watching camogie, and reading and writing fantasy and science fiction.
Alyssa Fritts
Alyssa is Managing Consultant at CTE with more than 10 years of high-level administrative experience. Alyssa provides project management on a variety of battery-electric bus deployment projects, as well as overseeing a professional association of 70+ transit agencies. Alyssa is responsible for leading all aspects of project management, including budgeting and contract management, project planning, client relationships, and required project reporting. She holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from Portland State University. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys traveling, home improvement projects, and outdoor adventures with her family.
Anna Hansen
Anna brings knowledge of key transportation and infrastructure interagency policy processes. Anna advises the CTE policy team on federal and state transportation initiatives. Before CTE, Anna served in the Biden Administration's Office of Management and Budget as an advisor to Director Shalanda Young. She was a lead staffer on the OMB Nominations team, and managed the agency's external stakeholder engagement throughout the President's budget process. Anna was the liaison between the agency and the President's Staff Secretary team, drafting and editing key memorandums from the Director to President Biden and his Advisors. Anna previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, where she led the Committee's oversight work in the months following the January 6th Insurrection, and the passage of the Capitol Security Supplemental.
Anna Staddon
Anna Staddon joined CTE's Atlanta office as a managing associate in 2022. Anna supports project managers on Low or No Emission Grant Program projects, zero-emission fleet transition planning, and other clean transportation projects. Prior to joining CTE, Anna gained operations and fleet management experience with The Nature Conservancy and has worked in program management at an Atlanta-based affordable housing non-profit. She also has experience in legal and finance administration. Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Georgia. Outside of work, Anna enjoys being outdoors with friends, learning new pieces on the piano, and reading.
Brianna Kerry
Brianna joined the CTE team in 2021. As the Director of Operations, Brianna works to optimize CTE's processes to ensure efficiency, productivity, and strategic alignment with the company's goals. She has over a decade of experience in workflow management and driving continuous improvement. Brianna is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). She holds an MBA from University of Phoenix and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from University of Minnesota. In her free time, Brianna enjoys taking dance class, practicing piano, and having adventures with her family.
Carson Downs
Carson Downs is a Strategic Software Developer at CTE, focused on developing practical software tools for engineers, creating valuable KPIs for clients, and building reliable backend and cloud infrastructure. At CTE, Mr. Downs works with both internal teams and external clients to ensure the delivery of effective and user-friendly solutions.
Chase Stell
Chase Stell joined CTE in January 2019. In his role as a managing consultant, Chase is responsible for the management of a number of CTE's battery electric bus demonstration, fuel cell electric bus demonstration, and ZEB transition plan projects. Chase holds a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Arts in both International Affairs and Political Science from the University of Georgia. In his free time, he enjoys cooking dishes from around the world.
Chloe Frank
Chloe joined CTE as an Associate in 2024. Prior to joining CTE, Chloe worked in product management in the medical device space, where she supported the development of MRI systems. Chloe is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a Bachelor's degree in History. When she's not in the office, Chloe enjoys hiking, painting, and trying new board games.
Christine Ohenzuwa
Christine joined CTE's St.Paul office as an Engineering Associate in 2023. She assists with the generation and analysis of key performance indicators, which help clients quantifiably track the effectiveness of their electric fleets. Christine also provides support for route modeling and analysis of battery electric bus fleets. In her free time, Christine enjoys watching documentaries and listening to podcasts. Christine has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and a minor in Robotics from Princeton University.
Christine Stoffel
Christine is the Administrative Assistant and Office Manager for CTE's St. Paul Office. Her job is to keep the St. Paul office running smoothly! She had over four years of administrative experience before coming to CTE. When she's not working, Christine likes to spend her time cooking, reading, and performing and directing theatre in the Twin Cities.
Cynthia Gibson
Cynthia Gibson is Lead Managing Consultant with the Center for Transportation and the Environment, where she manages projects aimed at evaluating clean transportation initiatives. Cynthia joined CTE in September 2020, after working in airline operations for over 20 years. She provides management for advanced transportation projects at CTE including battery electric bus deployments and transition planning projects assisting agencies in moving towards a 100% zero emission fleet. In this role, Cynthia is responsible for leading all aspects of project management including budgeting and contract management, project planning, client contact, and required project reporting. Cynthia earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Managerial Sciences from Georgia State University. When Cynthia is not working, she enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and quality time with her family and friends.
Daniel Dobbins
Daniel Dobbins is the Contract Administrator for CTE, based out of the Atlanta office. He is responsible for preparing, analyzing and executing all documents related to procurement and project management between CTE and its partners. Prior to joining CTE, Daniel worked in local and state government in various capacities, including project administration and economic development. Daniel holds a Bachelor's degree in History and Anthropology as well as a Master's in Public Administration, both from the University of Georgia. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys board games, building model starships, and boldly going where no one has gone before.
Eleanore Sammeth
Eleanore Sammeth is a Grant Writer at the Center for Transportation and the Environment. Eleanore has experience identifying sources of funding, as well as developing and editing grant applications. She works to support proposals and grants at CTE, assisting local governments and transit agencies in obtaining funding for zero-emission vehicle deployment as well as the development of full-fleet transition plans. Eleanore earned a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology from the University of Washington.
Emily Mercer
Emily Mercer is the Senior Salesforce Administrator for CTE. She holds an information science master's degree and came to CTE with four years of experience in the non-profit technology sector. Emily works to ensure maintenance and scalability of data and technology systems, specializing in the Salesforce CRM. Emily works on making business processes and organization growth reportable and repeatable using data management, process automation, change management, configuration, problem-solving and a learner's mindset. She holds multiple Salesforce certifications and has previously led a Salesforce Nonprofit User Community Group. Outside of work, she loves hiking with her dog, discovering new restaurants, singing karaoke, and watching movies.
Emily Price
Emily Price is Director of PMO & Training with more than 15 years experience in managing numerous projects aimed at evaluating clean transportation initiatives. Emily is experienced in the management of advanced transportation projects at CTE including battery electric bus deployments and transition planning projects assisting agencies in moving towards a 100% zero emission fleet. In addtion, she has experience in performing research and analysis duties related to the evaluation of advanced transportation projects including performance measurement activities and national program evaluation for TDM programs. Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Georgia.
Ethan Chung
Ethan joined CTE in 2024 as a Managing Associate in the Berkeley office. He provides project management support for advanced transportation projects, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. Ethan is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in Sustainability. Prior to CTE, Ethan interned at the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership, where he supported project and market development. Outside of the office, Ethan is an avid foodie, hiker, biker, and anything else outdoors.
Ethan McNally
Ethan McNally joined CTE as an Engineering Associate in 2023. Ethan graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in anthropology. He aspires to dedicate his career to sustainability and renewable energy. Prior to joining CTE, Ethan worked as a Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineer at Tesla where he led the battery electric quality team for Tesla Semi-trucks. In his free time, you may find him running, cooking an extravagant meal for one, or reading a Kurt Vonnegut novel.
Grace Leslie
Grace rejoined the CTE team in 2024 as a Lead Managing Associate based out of New York City, after previously having been part of the Atlanta team for two years spanning 2021-2023. At CTE, Grace directly supports Project Managers on medium and heavy-duty electric vehicle projects. Prior to rejoining CTE, Grace led bike touring trips for teens across Europe and taught English on a Fulbright Fellowship in Spain. Grace holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from Carleton College. Outside of work, you can find Grace on a run or at a local ice cream shop.
Hana Ba-Sabaa
Hana joined CTE in 2024 as an Engineering Associate in the Berkeley office. She provides management and technical support for advanced transportation projects, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. Prior to joining CTE, she attended Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College where she pursued a Master's degree in Computer Engineering focused on Mechatronics. Outside of the office, Hana is an avid foodie, reader, hiker, biker, and anything else outdoors.
Jackson Danis
Jackson joined CTE in 2022 in the Atlanta office. He provides key insights and technical support for electric transportation projects, and he serves as the program manager for FTA's Transit Vehicle Innovation and Deployment Centers (TVIDC) program, a research portfolio focused on removing the barriers to zero emission technologies in transit. Prior to joining CTE, Jackson conducted research on control strategies for passive cooling of multifamily dwellings. Outside of the office, Jackson is an avid hiker, climber, skier, and foodie. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College.
Jay Woodbeck
Jay Woodbeck is an Engineering Services Manager at CTE. Jay leads a team of CTE's engineers to provide technical analysis for battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell power vehicle projects. His focus is on building CTE's people and processes to provide clients with forward-looking insights as they plan for Zero-Emission Vehicle fleets. Jay joined CTE as an Engineering Consultant in 2021; his previous experience includes electrified vehicle testing, project management, and EV education at an automotive OEM. Jay holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master's in Energy Systems Engineering with a transportation focus from the University of Michigan.
Julia Schultz
Julia Schultz is an Engineering Consultant based out of CTE's Berkeley office. Ms. Schultz provides organizational and technical support for advanced zero emission transportation projects. Prior to joining CTE, Julia worked as a Staff Engineer for Langan Engineering and Environmental Services. Ms. Schultz holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with areas of specialization in Environmental Engineering and Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability. Outside of work, Julia enjoys trail running, teaching K-12 students about climate technology, and upcycling her old clothes into textile art.
Justin Cates
Justin Cates is Events Manager, bringing over 5 years of experience in strategic partnerships, fundraising, and event coordination to his role at CTE. Holding a degree in Critical Theory and Media Studies from Brandeis University, Justin blends his academic background with practical expertise to create seamless and memorable events. Outside of work, he enjoys building his vinyl collection and legos.
Kate Mason
Kate Mason joined CTE's Atlanta office in 2021. She develops and manages the organization's communications strategy, including email marketing, social media, public relations, and brand identity. Prior to joining CTE, Kate worked as a senior communications and creative marketing manager for an animal welfare and conservation organization. Kate holds Bachelors of Arts in Print Journalism and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Southern California. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new cities and spending time with her family and two dogs, Laika Jean and Yoko.
Kellsie Rogers
Kellsie joined CTE as a Managing Associate after graduating from Georgia State University with a degree in Political Science in 2024. She helps in supporting management with projects and organizational work. Before joining CTE, Kellsie worked in the Elections Division at the Georgia Secretary of State's Office, where she worked to improve the GA Voter Registration System. Her passion for nonprofit work and commitment to shaping a better future for next generations drive her work at CTE. Kellsie is passionate about ending mass incarceration and reading up on movements to free wrongly incarcerated people. She also enjoys shopping second hand, all things clothing, and exploring Atlanta restaurants with her friends.
Lee Kirshenboim
Lee joined CTE in 2021 and is an Engineering Consultant based out of Atlanta, GA. Her experience lies in 3D modeling, electrical design, large-scale data interpretation and analysis. Prior to joining CTE, Lee worked on product development in the property technology field and in sports marketing for the NBA. Lee is passionate about renewable technology and using her skills to streamline the development and deployment of zero-emission technology. After work, you will find Lee doing yoga, hiking or dancing at a 49ers game. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Leslie Eudy
Leslie Eudy is a Lead Managing Consultant at CTE and is the Municipal Fleet Market Lead. Ms Eudy has more than 25 years experience managing teams and providing technical analysis evaluating the performance of low- and zero-emission vehicles with a focus on transit buses. Ms Eudy's work at CTE includes fleet transition planning, smart deployments, and support to school districts for transitioning to electric buses. Ms Eudy previously worked at the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, evaluating zero-emission buses including fuel cell electric and battery electric buses. Her projects involved working closely with transit agencies to collect, analyze, and publish reports to document the progress of zero-emission bus development and commercialization.
Maddie Henderson
Maddie Henderson joined CTE in 2024. Maddie has experience in systems thinking, battery longevity algorithms, geographic information systems, hardware testing, and data analysis. Prior to joining CTE, she worked as a Hardware Engineer at Medtronic, where she also co-founded a global employee sustainability group. Switching industries to work directly on decarbonization at CTE aligns with her commitment to sustainability in all aspects of her life. Maddie holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University and a MSc in Global Sustainability Solutions from the University of Exeter funded by a Fulbright grant. In her free time, she's playing with her cat, hitting the gym, tending her balcony garden, or hiking.
Maggie Maddrey
Maggie joined CTE as a managing associate in 2019. She is a now a lead managing consultant who provides management for advanced transportation projects at CTE including battery electric and fuel cell electric bus deployments and transition planning projects. Prior to joining CTE, Maggie worked for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control as an environmental health manager. Maggie holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Berry College. In her free time, Maggie enjoys playing pickleball, hiking, playing with her dog, and traveling.
Maggie Pears
Maggie joined CTE's St. Paul office in 2022. She provides administrative and technical support for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle projects. Maggie specializes on workforce development for transit agencies as they transition to zero-emission technology, and works closely with the California Transit Training Consortium. Before joining CTE in 2022, Maggie spent 10 years working in operations and management in the beer industry, and is a Certified Cicerone®.Maggie holds a Bachelor of Arts from Macalester College in Geography and Environmental Studies.
Marsha Leopaul
Marsha Leopaul joined CTE as a Staff Accountant in October of 2023, and is based in the Atlanta, Georgia office. She currently assists CTE with various accounting functions such as invoicing, cash disbursements, recording cash receipts, and payroll. Marsha currently holds a B.B.A. in accounting from Georgia State and a Master of Accountancy degree from Mercer University. In her free time she enjoys drawing, cooking, doing puzzles, and watching movies.
Michael Dorgan
Michael Dorgan is a Lead Grant Writer at CTE. Michael joined the Center for Transportation and the Environment in 2022 as a Grant Writer. He has experience identifying sources of funding, as well as developing and editing grant applications. He will work to support various proposals and grants at CTE. In the past, he has worked to secure grants for a variety of non-profit organizations and educational institutions. As a Grant Writer, Michael will assist local governments and transit agencies in securing funding for both development of transition plans for achieving zero-emission technologies as well as zero-emission vehicle deployment. In his free time, you can find Michael running, reading, or volunteering at wildlife rehab centers. Michael holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Environmental Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Michael Tosca
Michael Tosca is a Senior Engineering Consultant and Director of Hydrogen Infrastructure for CTE based in Los Angeles California. Mr. Tosca is an industry leader with a proven track record consisting of over 35 years of experience at United Technologies Corporation (UTC). At UTC Power, he was instrumental in leading the largest hydrogen hybrid fuel cell bus procurement, deployment and operation in the US with FTA, AC transit and CT Transit. At CTE Mr. Tosca leads light duty, heavy duty and business development hydrogen infrastructure projects.
Morgan Cox
Morgan Cox is Grants Manager for CTE. She has experience in researching, writing, managing, and tracking successful grants. Morgan provides guidance and support for proposals and grants at CTE. Her background includes writing grants and proposals for the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, specific transit agencies, National Parks, and private foundations. Morgan also works to identify potential funding sources for CTE and inform our members of available opportunities. As a Grant Writer, Morgan has assisted local governments and transit agencies in procuring funding for both development of transition plans for achieving zero-emission technologies as well as zero-emission vehicle deployments. After work, you will find Morgan trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, or chasing whitewater throughout Southern Appalachia. Mrs. Cox earned a Bachelor of Science from Georgia State University and a Master of Education from the University of West Georgia.
Niki Rinaldi El-Abd
Ms. Rinaldi El-Abd joined CTE as an Associate in 2019 and supports zero-emission projects in California. With a masters in Sustainable Resource Management, she has an advanced understanding of environmental issues and a passion for advancing solutions related to transportation technology. She provides project management, technical and developmental support for projects that deploy zero-emission vehicles and related fueling/charging infrastructure. She also provides oversight of CTE's ZEB Transition Planning resources and methodology, has supported numerous ZEB Transition Planning Projects, and is currently writing a Guidebook for ZEB Transition Planning that will be released in early 2024 in partnership with NTI.
Rebecka Moreno
Rebecka Moreno joined CTE in March of 2022, and is a Lead Engineering Associate based in the Atlanta, Georgia office. With a degree in Physics from Georgia Southern University, her experience lies within data analysis and visualization. Rebecka is passionate about renewable energy and all things sustainable in all aspects of her life, and is very excited to make it apart of her career. She is a singer-songwriter outside of work, and you may just find her gigging around town. Rebecka is also pursuing a Masters in Software Engineering from Georgia Southern University.
Robert Kasse
Robert Kasse joined CTE as an Engineering Consultant in the St. Paul office in 2023. He has more than seven years of direct experience in lithium-ion battery research, failure analysis, and safety evaluation. He has conducted numerous investigations of commercial battery cell design, manufacturing quality, system and safety design features, and root cause failure analysis of battery fires and explosions and published more than 10 peer-reviewed scientific studies on batteries and fuel cells. At CTE, he provides technical project management, technical analysis, and reporting services for a variety of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle and charging infrastructure projects. In his free time Robert enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, and cooking up new delicious recipes. Robert holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University, Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license (Metallurgical Engineer, California, #2041).
Shannon Russell
Shannon Russell joined CTE as an Associate in the spring of 2022. Ms. Russell provides technical, administrative, and organizational support to project managers on clean energy projects, including battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. Prior to joining CTE, she worked at a non-profit resettlement agency, New American Pathways, through AmeriCorps, where she provided various employment services to their clients. Ms. Russell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Centre College. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys tending to her plants, watching movies, and tapping into her creativity.
Shawna Jones
Shawna Jones develops creative content and brings technical proficiencies to the CTE Communications team. Her work supports strategic efforts to grow CTE's reputation and strengthen CTE's brand across all communications activities of the organization, with particular emphasis on graphic design, digital marketing, and deliverable development. Shawna holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from SUNY Plattsburgh. Additionally, she holds the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies credential from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.
Shelby Gamache
Shelby Gamache is a Managing Associate at CTE, providing administrative and organizational support to project managers. Before joining CTE, Shelby worked for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, coordinating the Minnesota GreenCorps AmeriCorps program and, more recently, managed deliverables for multiple light-duty zero emission vehicle projects at the American Lung Association. Shelby holds a master’s degree in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, as well as a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and biology from Gustavus Adolphus College. In her free time, Shelby enjoys playing overly complicated board games, snuggling with her dog, discussing sci-fi and fantasy novels with her book club, and lifting heavy things with her gym community.
Sydney Leimbach
Sydney is a Grant Writer for CTE, based out of the Atlanta office. She helps assist local governments and transit agencies in securing funding for both development of transition plans for achieving zero-emission technologies as well as zero-emission vehicle deployment. Sydney has earned a Bachelor's degree from Emory University and a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of South Carolina, where she studied climate change narratives and environmental film and literature. Since graduating from USC in spring of 2023, she has worked for The Wilderness Society and for B2B corporate sustainability media company, Environment + Energy Leader, before joining CTE. In her free time, Sydney loves to watch movies, read, garden, knit and crochet, volunteer, and exercise.
Taylor Pitel
Taylor Pitel joined CTE's team in 2018. As CTE's Director of Membership and Policy, Taylor guides strategic program direction and growth for the organization's Membership and Policy Programs. This includes supporting the creation and execution of CTE's Legislative Agenda by facilitating conversations between CTE's government affairs representatives, Policy Board, membership, and internal market leads. In addition to that, Taylor oversees invoicing, internal engagement tracking, onboarding processes, and benefits development for CTE's Membership Program. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities.
Thomas Duke
Thomas Duke is a Managing Consultant & PMO Program Manager for CTE. Prior to joining CTE, Thomas was the PMO Program Manager for the University of Georgia and was responsible for the ground-up development of a project management office supporting BPI, IT, and construction projects. He has also worked for Hitachi Automotive Systems, where he planned purchasing, material requirements, and 24-hour Tier 1 production for multiple automotive OEMs. Thomas holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs. In his free time, Thomas runs a bicycle racing team, competes on the tennis court, and plays chess.
Todd Walton
Todd Walton has nearly 34 years of experience in the transportation industry. The last 23 years have been in the school bus manufacturing sector. His experience includes engineering design, finance, quality, sales and marketing, and operations management. Throughout his career, Mr. Walton has managed a variety of projects including new product launch, product rationalization, construction management, software/system implementation, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
Wendy Morgan
Wendy Morgan joined CTE in 2002. As Director of Grants, she is responsible for organizing and managing the process to secure public-sector funding on behalf of CTE and members. Ms. Morgan supports identifying funding opportunities and assembling project teams to fulfill solicitation requirements. She oversees the process to ensure proposals are complete and responsive to funders' request. Under her tenure, CTE's efforts have grown to include Grant Writing as a Service and a Retainer Program to support members' efforts to secure grant funding. Ms. Morgan is experienced in responding to solicitations at the federal, state level, and local levels including the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency along with the California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board. Ms. Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Sociology from Wake Forest University and a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech.
Whitney Palanci
As the Membership Specialist at CTE, Whitney Palanci coordinates CTE's Membership Program. She manages tasks ranging from engaging with prospective members to onboarding new ones. Her focus includes maintaining the membership database for accuracy and efficiency, facilitating membership activities, and ensuring members make the most of associated benefits. Before joining CTE, Whitney supported The Nature Conservancy's North America Resilient Lands and Waters Strategy. She was responsible for project alignment and facilitating collaboration. Whitney holds a Master of Arts in Natural Resources Management from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Georgia. Whitney lives in Atlanta and enjoys biking and exploring the city with her family.
Will Chabot
Will joined CTE as an Engineering Consultant in 2023. Based in Portland, Maine, they are working to develop CTE's northeast presence out of the organization's board chair's office. A valedictorian graduate of SMCC with an AS in Engineering, they received the distinguished service award for their exceptional leadership as the VP of student government, where they re-wrote policy guidelines to improve student experiences. After graduation, they went on to make contributions to aerospace R&D by inventing and designing prototype high-speed electric motors, drives, and instrumentation. Before their work in aerospace, they gained valuable experience in small electronics repair and earned an ISO9001 certification in repair quality control.
William Handke
Will joined CTE as an Associate in 2022. He provides analytical and operational support to battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric bus and infrastructure deployment projects. Prior to joining CTE, Will started and led a business that developed and sold the first fresh refrigerated granola bar in grocery stores nationwide. Will holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies and Theology from Georgetown University. In his free time, Will passionately delves into technology, economics, politics, history, music, and sports, happily tinkers with custom-built gaming PCs, plays Magic: The Gathering, attends concerts and theater, bemoans the let-downs that are Minnesota sports teams, and engages in all manner of physical activity.
Board Executive Committee
John D. Porcari
John D. Porcari is a nationally-recognized public and private sector infrastructure leader, delivering some of America’s most challenging projects and driving the adoption of equitable, community-serving infrastructure policies and projects at the local, state and federal levels. John is Managing Partner of 3P Enterprises and serves on the board of directors of STV Inc., a leading national infrastructure engineering, environmental, and planning firm, as well as Vantage Airport Group, which operates 10 airports worldwide and is delivering the new world-class LaGuardia airport. John previously served as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the United States Department of Transportation in the Obama-Biden administration. As Deputy Secretary, John led a series of policy, process and financial reforms to expedite the delivery of infrastructure projects throughout the US. Prior public sector leadership positions include twice serving as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, America’s only state-level DOT that incorporates statewide transit, highway, port, aviation, bridge & tunnel authority and motor vehicle licensing functions.
Zach Kahn
Zach Kahn has been on Tesla’s Public Policy & Business Development team since December 2019. Currently, he is the Senior Policy Manager for the East Region. He also oversees Tesla’s heavy duty vehicle policy efforts in North America. Prior to joining Tesla, Zach served in a number of roles, including, Director of Government Relations, North America, for BYD Motors, an electric bus and truck manufacturer, from April 2015 to November 2019. Zach also served as Vice President of Business Development at WAVE, a leading wireless charging technology company from September 2012 to April 2015. Zach is on the Board of Directors of the Center for Transportation and the Environment, has a law degree from Cardozo Law School and a BA from Tufts University.
Policy Advisory Board
John D. Porcari
John D. Porcari is a nationally-recognized public and private sector infrastructure leader, delivering some of America’s most challenging projects and driving the adoption of equitable, community-serving infrastructure policies and projects at the local, state and federal levels. John is Managing Partner of 3P Enterprises and serves on the board of directors of STV Inc., a leading national infrastructure engineering, environmental, and planning firm, as well as Vantage Airport Group, which operates 10 airports worldwide and is delivering the new world-class LaGuardia airport. John previously served as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the United States Department of Transportation in the Obama-Biden administration. As Deputy Secretary, John led a series of policy, process and financial reforms to expedite the delivery of infrastructure projects throughout the US. Prior public sector leadership positions include twice serving as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, America’s only state-level DOT that incorporates statewide transit, highway, port, aviation, bridge & tunnel authority and motor vehicle licensing functions.
Zach Kahn
Zach Kahn has been on Tesla’s Public Policy & Business Development team since December 2019. Currently, he is the Senior Policy Manager for the East Region. He also oversees Tesla’s heavy duty vehicle policy efforts in North America. Prior to joining Tesla, Zach served in a number of roles, including, Director of Government Relations, North America, for BYD Motors, an electric bus and truck manufacturer, from April 2015 to November 2019. Zach also served as Vice President of Business Development at WAVE, a leading wireless charging technology company from September 2012 to April 2015. Zach is on the Board of Directors of the Center for Transportation and the Environment, has a law degree from Cardozo Law School and a BA from Tufts University.
Peter DeFazio
Congressman DeFazio served as a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee since he first entered Congress in 1987. In 2019, DeFazio was elected to the position of Chair of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard, highways and transit, ports and water resources, railroads, aviation, and economic development. During his tenure on the Committee, he served as Chairman or Ranking Member of four of the six subcommittees: Aviation, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Highways and Transit, and Water Resources and Environment. He authored and passed in the House the Moving Forward Act.
Steve Wallauch
Steven T. Wallauch joined Platinum Advisors in 2012 through the merger of Suter, Wallauch, Corbett, & Associates (SWCA) with Platinum Advisors. He was a principal with SWCA for over twenty years and is recognized as a leading Capitol specialist in transportation policy and public transit issues. Other areas of expertise include municipal planning, local economic development, water district policy, public works policy, and public infrastructure finance. In addition to his legislative activities, Steve works extensively with the California Transportation Commission, Caltrans, and the California Air Resources Board in the interests of his clients. He represents client policy issues at the California Energy Commission and Water Quality Control Board. He is the primary liaison with statewide associations such as Transportation California, the Self-Help Counties Coalition, the California Transit Association, the League of California Cities, and the California State Association of Counties on public works issues.
Christa Lucas
Christa Lucas is Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Public Policy, and Advocacy for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) where she oversees NBAA’s outreach to U.S. Congress, the federal administration, state and local governments, the aviation community, and grassroots programs. On behalf of NBAA, she leads the Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable, which provides a forum to develop positions and industry consensus on legislative and regulatory challenges and opportunities including airport access, airspace management, local community engagement and other critical priorities. Ms. Lucas previously served as associate administrator for airports at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and as deputy assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation. She also served as the legislative director to Representative Jerry Costello (IL) and was professional staff on the House Aviation Subcommittee, which Rep. Costello chaired. She managed the legislative agenda and handled responsibilities related to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Shannon Hines
Shannon H. Hines joined Textron in February 2022 as Textron’s Senior Vice President – Government Affairs & Washington Operations. She is responsible for leading Textron’s Washington-based government affairs activities, managing the corporate strategies and activities that maximize Congressional and Executive Branch support for programs and issues of interest to Textron and its business units. Hines joined Textron following a career on Capitol Hill. She was most recently Republican staff director for the Senate Appropriations Committee. In this role, Hines served as chief advisor to Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama and was the primary liaison between the Appropriations Committee and Senate and House leadership, the White House and federal agencies. Hines previously served as staff director for the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, senior professional staff to the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and Republican staff director for the Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations. She has also served as chief of staff and legislative director for Senator Shelby. She received her B.A. in Politics from Wake Forest University.
Dan Raudebaugh
As Executive Director, Dan Raudebaugh has dedicated the last 29 years to fostering environmental and energy sustainability and creating jobs within US emerging technology sectors. He has developed, secured funding for, and managed a varied portfolio of cost-shared research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects exceeding $1.5 billion. Mr. Raudebaugh leads a staff of experienced engineers and project managers who are committed to improving the efficiency and sustainability of US energy and transportation systems. Mr. Raudebaugh holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech.