staff

**timothy denherder-thomas: General manager**

Timothy is the co-founder and General Manager of Cooperative Energy Futures CEF), an energy efficiency and community-owned clean energy cooperative serving members across Minnesota since 2009. Timothy has also helped build local control over energy decision-making in Minneapolis through the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership as a member of the partnership’s Energy Vision Advisory Committee and supports energy democracy nationally through the People’s Solar Energy Fund and the PowerShift Network.

Mary kay Olson:
operations/subscriptions manager

Mary Kay brings outreach and operational administration skills to her role at CEF, where she manages the overall subscription process including working with our collaborating organizations such as Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light who are assisting in securing subscribers. Mary Kay has worked in a variety of organizations, starting in affordable housing, then following the emerging green building industry into construction. She balances her CEF work currently with her work at a progressive church supporting the overall operations and facilities oversight of an historical St. Paul church campus.

pouya najmaie:
pOLICY/Regulatory
Director

Pouya studied Environmental Science (with a concentration on policy and law) at the University of Minnesota and then went on to the U of M’s Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Policy where he studied Science, Technology and Environmental Policy. He leads CEF’s policy and regulatory initiatives. In this capacity Pouya deals with legislators, non-profits, regulatory bodies (like the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Commerce), and utilities, as well as activating members and subscribers to take political/regulatory actions. He is also consultant regarding developing/monitoring CEF’s current and long-term financial investment opportunities.

Dan Grantier:
project develpoment Manager

Dan studied Environmental Design at the Huxley College of Western Washington University with the intention of working in sustainable building and community design. Then, through an exciting path over a couple of years, started a career in the Fire Service in Lynnwood, Washington. Anticipating an early retirement to move out to MN to be with family, Dan started studying solar PV for his second career. Once in MN, Dan started working with a local residential installer in operations and then was excited to join the CEF team in Development. In this role, Dan takes projects through interconnection, permitting, construction, energization, and ongoing operations and maintenance working with a variety of industry partners.

Allye doyle:
communications director

Allye brings her passion for communications and community engagement to her role as Communications Director at Cooperative Energy Futures. With a Journalism degree from NDSU and experience as a radio news anchor, digital producer at KARE 11, and social media and marketing in real estate, Allye leverages her expertise to expand CEF's reach and strengthen its brand. She is dedicated to connecting with more subscribers, host sites, and landowners while enhancing CEF's social media presence. Allye's eye for detail and enthusiasm for building community make her a valued member of the team.

Audrey pallmeyer:
Program director

Audrey studied Environment and Sustainability as well as Social Work at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. She has worked in various direct service, project management, and program development roles within the nonprofit sector. Audrey joined CEF in 2024 as a Program Developer, and is excited to apply her experience and passion to the clean energy sector.
Originally from Minneapolis, Audrey has lived and worked in New York, DC, Florida, and Michigan. She currently resides in South Minneapolis, and can often be found at one of the many dog parks in Minneapolis with her dog, Noodle.

Tyler fehrman:
Director of operations

Tyler works to optimize our internal processes and manage the day-to-day operations of CEF. Tyler brings a decade of experience in both State and Local government work - where he served as a Chief of Staff and Program Administrator and successfully implemented new programs, standard operating procedures, and customer service standards. Tyler has also worked in the renewable energy field - as both a project developer and a community engagement director, focused on highlighting the economic benefits that clean energy can bring to disadvantaged and at-risk communities. Most recently, Tyler worked on programs directly tied to IRA funding and helped broker multi-million dollar renewable energy transactions for corporate clients. His “people first” mantra is what guides him - and he plans to use his expertise and experience in helping CEF reach new heights through meaningful growth. Tyler has a Master’s in Public Administration and resides in South St. Paul with his wife, Molly; daughter, Norah; and son, Hendrix.

Rukia Abdi:
Outreach & Engagement Representative

Rukia Abdi serves as our Lead Outreach & Engagement Representative, bringing with her over a decade of experience in community outreach and organizing. Her journey began as a lead Community Organizer at Crossing Barriers, where she worked closely with Somali, Latino, Hmong, and Oromo communities affected by educational challenges. At Crossing Barriers, Rukia organized and led groups of students and parents, teaching them how to advocate for themselves. Later, as a Community Engagement Specialist at Grassroots Solutions, she led a statewide project supported by Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, engaging communities of various backgrounds and faiths to develop solutions for a better Minnesota. In her recent role as Employment and Engagement Coordinator at Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, Rukia designed and facilitated community-based employment readiness workshops, empowering individuals to achieve economic growth and escape poverty through skill-building and job readiness training. Rukia's passion lies in inspiring and empowering underrepresented communities in Minnesota. She is thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to Cooperative Energy Future's (CEF) mission and make a meaningful impact on the journey towards clean, local, and community-owned energy solutions.

Bryn Shank:
Sustainable Homes Program Specialist

Bryn Shank has been a member of Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) since 2020 and first heard of CEF when he was in high school. Bryn was inspired by the idea of what a “Cooperative Energy Future” rooted in energy democracy could look like. Bryn came to work at CEF in 2023 after working at the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) where he spent close to four years doing residential energy audits as part of the Home Energy Squad (HES).
After working for 3 years on Outreach at CEF, he is excited to make the transition over to the Sustainable Homes team as a Program Specialist.

Elijah Smith:
Home energy data collector

Elijah Smith is a Home Energy Data Collector for Cooperative Energy Futures’ Sustainable Homes Program. Born and raised in Minnesota, he joined CEF in July 2025 and conducts in-home energy assessments to help residents improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and identify opportunities for efficiency upgrades. Elijah holds a Building Science Principles certification, earned through the Center for Energy and Environment’s Home Energy Training program. He is passionate about making sustainable housing practical and effective for Minnesota’s unique climate and communities.

Sebastian Rivera:
outreach & engagement representative

Sebastian Rivera, a dynamic force of Puerto Rican and Italian heritage, is a visionary multimedia artist and dedicated community leader. With a rich background spanning eight years of local and national activism, he has championed various causes, serving as a grassroots organizer, national trainer, and legislative lobbyist.
He has worked in the energy field in diverse ways. He has participated in legislative work targeting PUC legislative impact, and has created a digital comic book informing community members about our energy systems, among other community impactful work.
Rivera's artistic journey is marked by a profound commitment to collaboration with marginalized communities, using public art as a vehicle to amplify their voices and aspirations. Through his work, he seeks to ignite critical introspection and empower individuals to harness their own potential.
Now, as the freshly appointed Outreach and Engagement Representative for CEF, Rivera is poised to leverage his expertise and passion to foster meaningful connections and drive positive change within the community.

Rebecca reed:
Director of Project Development

With a background in interior architecture and more than a decade in renewable energy, Rebecca leads our project development team with both precision and compassion. A pioneer in Minnesota’s solar industry since 2010, she has built high-performing engineering teams, set new standards for documentation, and advanced architectural coordination for integrated solar design. Rebecca stays ahead of industry trends, navigating policy changes and fostering statewide solar education. Guided by her commitment to land stewardship and sustainable design, she brings technical excellence and genuine care to every community she serves.

Jillian wilde:
Project development manager

As CEF's Project Development Manager, Jillian Wilde guides our projects from initial brainstorming sessions through construction and ribbon-cutting! She pivoted from veterinary medicine to become a Climate Change Specialist with the EPA, where her passion for bringing renewable energy projects as life changing solutions in rural and marginalized communities was founded. She expanded on this drive with the Department of Energy, by acting as the Technical Project Lead to build microgrids on critical infrastructure. Jillian has devoted her career to bringing renewable energy to marginalized communities across the United States. Her alma mater gave her the title "America's Renewable Energy Sweetheart" for her work with Tribal Nations.
Outside of work she is an avid reader, sailor, dog sled racer, and boxer who maintains close ties with her Indigenous roots through ceremony, language, and her perception of the world and her place in it.

Paolo speirn:
Geothermal program developer

Paolo Speirn has been working on solutions to climate change for over fifteen years. After running farmers markets, advocating for sustainable food policy, and organizing for a Green New Deal, he began his energy career by supporting communities around the metro as they shifted to energy efficiency and renewables. Now, he’s using his community engagement expertise to pilot a super-efficient networked geothermal system. The project will slash users’ energy bills and make natural gas obsolete in their homes and businesses.
Paolo has roots and community in northern California, northern New Mexico, and southern Minnesota. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him climbing, biking, phone banking, making art, and taking a dance classes.

board of directors

Rizwan bankwala (Chair)

Rizwan's professional background is in finance, accounting, and valuation. His work spans a variety of sectors, including medical research, commercial real estate, and energy. Rizwan enjoys running, woodworking, and canoeing in the summers.

mitchell rogalsky

(vice chair)

Mitchell is a trained electrical engineer, and currently works as a Transmission Project Manager with Great River Energy. He originally cut his teeth on utility-scale solar with CEF back in 2018, helping build the Faribault, Clarks Grove, and Ramp A gardens. Since then he’s worked on many more solar projects across the country, as well as wind farms.

Peter Ingraham

Peter currently serves as an Energy Innovator Fellow through the U.S. Department of Energy, hosted at G&T cooperative Great River Energy. The program is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education to engage with critical energy host organizations on projects in advancing solutions aimed at modernizing the power system, improving energy infrastructure for transportation and industry, and enhancing the reliability, affordability, and resilience of the U.S. power system. His professional background includes leading public affairs work with Clean Energy Economy MN; he holds an M.S. in Economics from Purdue University and completed a policy fellowship at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Ingraham is a resident of Minneapolis and has served on the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment since 2022.

David bergstrom
(treasurer)

David is Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Wellington Management, Inc. (WMI). He oversees the company's property management division, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of WMI's four-million-square-foot real estate portfolio. Dave has extensive experience in development, construction, mechanical systems, architectural design, code compliance, energy efficiency and vendor management. He supervises a staff of 11 property managers, building engineers and customer service professionals. Prior to joining WMI in 2005, Dave first served as Assistant Director and Mechanical Systems Manager at Macalester College, where he also provided oversight for $70 million in construction projects. Later, as a Manager of Building Services at Ecolab's St. Paul corporate campus, he oversaw daily operations, construction and a $49 million renovation for Ecolab's corporate campus in Eagan. Dave earned a B.A. in Economics from Macalester College. Additionally, he recently completed a professional development course in real estate leadership through the Harvard Business School Executive Education program.

lisa callahan

Lisa Callahan is a consultant specializing in regional resilience and community-focused sustainability initiatives, supporting communities across Southern Minnesota on climate preparedness, water management, waste reduction, clean energy, and economic development strategies. Her work includes grant writing, early-stage project development, and advancing state and federal initiatives that strengthen long-term community resilience.
Lisa brings a multidisciplinary background in sustainable finance and project strategy, with experience in ESG consulting and renewable energy development. She previously worked in investment banking as an equity analyst covering energy technology and holds a degree in Finance with a minor in Computer Science from the University of St. Thomas.

Cory Neeley

Cory Neeley works for Cooperative Development Services as the Ag & Energy Program Specialist. He has nearly a decade of experience helping commercial and industrial customers track and manage energy use in their facilities. He enjoys helping rural farmers and small businesses with energy projects and seeks to help people become proactive and engaged in energy issues. He recently served as an Executive Director of a Solar Cooperative, an innovative solar investment cooperative based in Wisconsin which received support from CEF's leadership as it grew. Cory is excited to serve members of CEF and give back to an organization that gave him so much support when he needed it most. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering and spending time adventuring outdoors with his wife, kids and two English Springer Spaniels.

Mary jo wiatrak

MaryJo is an attorney that serves as an advocate for democratic organizations, and has been a member of CEF since 2013. Her philosophy about energy involves a framework of justice, which allows her to go beyond the technological challenges and consider the political opportunities as well. She serves on the board of the YMCA of the North, is a member of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Minnesota Bar Association, serves as a River Guardian for the Friends of the Mississippi River, and previously worked for the Indian Child Welfare Law Center.

Brett Thompson

With a Bachelor of Science in automotive engineering technology, Brett implemented his technical and engineering skills at Ford Motor Company and with General Electric Wind Energy. Brett then pivoted to the more challenging task of being a stay-at-home dad. With his children now older and more self-sufficient, Brett has spent the last few years substitute teaching in Minneapolis Public Schools. Brett enjoys coaching his kid’s sports teams or just watching from the sidelines. He also may be found hiking, biking, or in the kitchen tweaking recipes. Brett has been fascinated by solar power since he was a kid when his dad brought home a solar powered calculator. Using his broad knowledge base and endless curiosity, Brett strives to improve his own life in such a way that he does his part to foster a kinder, more sustainable world.

aaron miller

**Aaron Miller, PhD** is a technology and data executive with more than 15 years of experience leading large-scale analytics, AI, and digital transformation across healthcare, insurance, and life sciences. He specializes in helping organizations use technology and data to scale operations, improve decision-making, and turn strategy results.
Aaron's commitment to clean energy extends beyond his professional career. Since moving to Northeast Minneapolis, he has transformed his home into a near net-zero energy system through solar installations, full-home electrification, energy efficiency improvements, and electric vehicle adoption. These experiences have given him firsthand insight into both the opportunities and challenges of the clean energy transition.
As a member of the Cooperative Energy Futures Board of Directors, Aaron is excited to help expand equitable access to clean energy by combining thoughtful governance, practical innovation, and a commitment to building resilient, community-owned energy solutions.

Mohamoud Egal

Mohamoud is a clean energy advocate and social entrepreneur whose work bridges community empowerment, technical expertise, and environmental justice. His journey began in 2018 with the founding of Nyota, a for-profit enterprise providing renewable energy home appliances, including PV systems, solar water heaters, and solar air conditioners, to underserved communities in Kenya and Somalia. Through this work and the diaspora-led Give A Star Campaign, Mohamoud helped expand access to clean, off-grid energy in areas facing both economic hardship and climate displacement.

He holds certifications from NABCEP and BPI, and brings technical insight to CEF’s home and community solar programs.