Alan Claus Anderson, J.D., Polsinelli Law Firm, Professor, University of Kansas School of Law

Alan Claus Anderson is a Shareholder and Chair of Polsinelli's Energy Practice Group. Mr. Anderson represents renewable energy developers in project development and permitting on projects throughout the country, representing clients in transmission projects and more than 5,000 MW in operating wind, solar and battery storage projects.

 Mr. Anderson is an active speaker and teaches Renewable Energy Law as a professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. Mr. Anderson is also actively involved in numerous committees, organizations and trade groups supporting the renewable energy industry. Mr. Anderson has served as a member of the American Clean Power’s Midwest and Land Use Committees, Chair of the Government Team for the United States Department of Energy Electrify the Heartland Project, Solar Finance Lead for the Department of Energy’s Solar Ready KC SunShot initiative and Chair of the Kansas City Area Development Council's Advanced Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Council.

Emeka Anyanwu, CEO, Lincoln Electric System

Anyanwu became CEO of Lincoln Electric System (LES) – the municipal public utility serving Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding communities – in January 2024. Prior to LES, he served as Energy Innovation & Resources officer at Seattle City Light, one of the nation’s largest community-owned, not-for-profit utilities. In that role, he was responsible for leading strategic functions that included utility technology (IT/OT), information security, electrification, grid modernization, and current and future power resource strategy. Earlier in his career, Emeka spent 16 years at Kansas City Power & Light (now Evergy) in various roles, starting as a Distribution Engineer and moving into progressive leadership roles in T&D operations.

Emeka has been an active participant and contributor in industry discussions throughout his career. He has spoken at a variety of industry events and engaged with several technical and trade organizations. He has served on industry Boards including the Public Power Council, the Public Generating Pool, and Energy Northwest, as well as non-profit Boards for Genesis School and The Family Conservancy. He has also served on the External Advisory Committee for the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at Iowa State University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for GridForward and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. His recent awards include the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s Individual 2021 Power Player of the Year and the Energy Thought Summit’s 2023 Thought Leader of the Year.

Emeka has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University. He and his wife Brandy have been married since 2015 and have three energetic kids.

drake d. becksted, vice president of sales & marketing, isi solar

Drake Becksted joined ISI Solar in 2016, initially serving as Director of Operations, where he managed Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for over 200 MW of solar projects. As VP of Sales & Marketing, Drake drives client-focused policies, fosters repeat business, and advances strategic growth. He leads operational improvements, evaluates technological innovations, and spearheads cross-functional initiatives, aligning with ISI Solar’s mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality renewable energy solutions with expertise and ingenuity.

scott benson, manager of resource & transmission planning, les

Scott Benson is the Manager of Resource and Transmission Planning at Lincoln Electric System. His area’s primary responsibilities consist of planning for the utility’s future generation resource needs, including acquiring and administering renewable energy power purchase agreements, and planning transmission system upgrades and additions to serve those resources and the LES service area.

Jon Blumenthal, Chair, Mcgrath North

Jon Blumenthal chairs the Real Estate Practice Group at McGrath North in Omaha, Nebraska.  Jon has 30 years of experience in providing a wide range of real estate legal services including the purchase and sale of real estate, construction planning, financing, foreclosures, leasing, finance, and renewable energy matters.  Between 2008-2012, Jon helped his client launch the first utility-scale wind energy projects located in the State of Nebraska. Jon is a distinguished fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Great Plains Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA.  McGrath North is a full-service law firm of 74 attorneys located in the First National Tower in Omaha, Nebraska.

brian boerner, senior vice president of development, sandhills energy

Brian graduated from Creighton University and has been with Sandhills Energy since 2018. Brian has worked on all different stages of renewable energy projects from greenfield development to construction and operations. He currently oversees all development activities for the Sandhills Energy portfolio which contains over a gigawatt of late stage solar and wind energy projects.

David L. Bracht, Of Counsel, Kutak Rock , Past Director, nebraska energy office

David has more than 30 years' experience in business, government and law, including private legal practice and senior executive experience in private industry and federal and state government agencies. He advises clients involved in renewable energy development including biofuels, biomass and wind energy, as well as agribusinesses and businesses involved in production and processing of agriculture products.

Previously David was appointed Director of the Nebraska Energy Office by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts in January 2015. He was a member of the Governor's Cabinet and principal advisor on energy policy, managing agency operations including administration of annual grants of $5 million, a revolving loan energy loan program with $48 million in assets, and State Energy Program activities and various energy efficiency and renewable energy grant programs. He served as Director until August 1, 2018, and then re-joined Kutak Rock after having practiced with the firm from 1997 to 2000.

tom brandt, senator, district 32

Tom Brandt was born in Beatrice, Nebraska in 1959. He graduated in 1982 from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with a Bachelor’s of Science in agricultural economics and mechanized agriculture. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Tom is also the president of the Southeast Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Plymouth Improvement Association. Brandt is involved in the Farmers Cooperative of Dorchester and is a chairman for the Jefferson County Republicans.

aaron brown, p.e., vice president of engineering development, isi solar

Aaron Brown is a licensed professional engineer that leads ISI Solar’s Engineering Development department, bringing 27 years of expertise in the electric utility industry. With deep knowledge in energy transmission, distribution, and generation, he ensures innovative, reliable solar solutions that prioritize client needs. Aaron’s experience managing budgets over $35M, overseeing multiple departments, and driving technological advancements enhances project efficiency and system reliability. His strategic approach to engineering and operations supports ISI Solar’s mission to transform renewable energy into sustainable growth with quality and ingenuity.

Molly Brown, Managing Partner, GenPro Energy Development

Molly Brown is the Managing Partner at GenPro Energy Development, based in Piedmont, South Dakota. She drives the company's vision and strategy, with a focus on developing distributed generation projects. With a background in quantitative economics, Molly has a knack for spotting and creating market opportunities in areas that often get overlooked.

Molly and her team are all about creating custom solar and storage solutions for municipalities, tribes, government entities, and commercial clients. They work with manufacturing facilities, community solar gardens, and large utility-scale projects.

Molly has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She thrives in fast-paced start-ups and loves consulting with friends launching their own ventures. She earned her BA in Economics and an MBA from Mills College in Oakland, where she focused on energy, quantitative analysis, and strategy.

Outside of work, Molly is active in her community. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, is President of the Board for the Deadwood Lead Economic Development Corporation, and is President of the Board for SDCEO, a Women’s Business Center that serves the State of South Dakota.

Molly Brown is not just a leader in renewable energy; she's a passionate advocate for sustainable practices and community growth.

stephen bruckner, attorney, fraser stryker pc llo

With over 40 years of experience at Fraser Stryker PC LLO, Stephen (Steve) Bruckner focuses his legal practice on energy, environmental, and natural resources law. He serves as lead counsel for a major Midwestern electric utility. His practice has included complex environmental cleanup, enforcement, and citizen suit litigation. Steve has extensive experience representing natural gas pipeline and distribution companies, including litigating rate cases before commissions, trial courts, and appellate courts.

Beyond litigation, he advises clients on major construction and development projects in the energy sector, such as power plant construction and renewable energy facilities. His practice also includes negotiating and managing purchased power contracts to support the evolving energy landscape.

Steve is a fellow at The American College of Environmental Lawyers and International Society of Barristers. He is rated AV® Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell® and has been recognized by Great Plains Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers®, including being named Best Lawyers® Environmental Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Omaha (2014, 2018, 2024) and Litigation – Environmental “Lawyer of the Year” in Omaha (2024, 2026).

claire burch, scientist, olsson

Claire Burch is a Scientist within the Utility Environmental Sciences team at Olsson. In her role, Claire works with clients on the planning and permitting of utility-scale wind and solar projects across the Great Plains region, working on projects from initial site due diligence through construction compliance and monitoring. She has also assisted municipalities, tribal nations, private organizations, and universities with evaluating solar feasibility at a commercial or community scale as well as assisting with grant applications to pursue funding for those projects. Claire is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oklahoma in Geography and Environmental Sustainability, where her research focuses on the environmental permitting of utility-scale wind and solar development. She is actively engaged in outreach and education opportunities in the renewable energy sector, including her role as President-Elect of the Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council and her previous work managing a research experience for teachers on the University of Oklahoma’s campus. Claire is a new member of the Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference planning committee, joining this year.

cASEY cATHEY, vICE pRESIDENT OF eNGINEERING, sOUTHWEST pOWER pOOL

Casey is a 21-year veteran of the power industry and a subject matter expert for energy markets, grid operations, and transmission planning. He was a leader in two energy market starts, the SPP Energy Imbalance Services market and the Integrated Marketplace. He has also operated and supported the Balancing Authority, Reliability Coordination, Tariff and Scheduling, and Transmission Operations functions. Casey and his team handle Transmission Planning, Generation Interconnection, Transmission Service, Modeling, Planning Compliance, Research & Development, and Resource Adequacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Louisiana State University, has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and has held a Professional Engineering license for sixteen years. 

Stan Clouse, Senator, District 37

Senator Stan Clouse was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2024 and currently serves on the General Affairs, Urban Affairs, and Natural Resources committees. Born on December 4, 1956, in North Platte, he graduated from Brady Public Schools in 1975 and earned an associate degree from Mid-Plains Community College in 1996.

Before serving in the Legislature, Sen. Clouse was the mayor of Kearney from 2006 to 2024 and a member of the Kearney City Council from 2003 to 2024. Throughout his successful career with NPPD, he had been deeply involved in community and civic organizations, including chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and various boards related to healthcare, municipal governance, and social services. Now retried, he is proud to serve the constituents of District 37 and Nebraska at-large as a State Senator.

Shannon Coleman, Director of Energy Portfolio Planning, OPPD

Shannon Coleman is the Director of Energy Portfolio Planning at the Omaha Public Power District.  In this role, Shannon and her team are responsible for load forecasting, production cost modeling, near-term and long-term resource planning, analysis and reporting to demonstrate resource adequacy and system resilience, and other analytical services in support of strategic planning initiatives.  Prior to joining OPPD, Shannon led resource planning at the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, with load and resources in SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnect.  Previous to the utility industry, she worked in consulting engineering for ten years, specializing in industrial and district energy projects, hydronic and steam piping, and thermal system design.  In this capacity, Shannon led several projects through analysis, design, and construction.  Shannon graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Mathematics and the University of Nebraska with a Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering.  She is a registered professional mechanical engineer. 

Christopher Cook, Director of Operational Efficiency, ISI Solar

Chris joined ISI Solar in 2023, bringing extensive expertise in solar operations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and EV charging from his leadership roles at a leading residential solar company in Hawaii. In addition to overseeing operational efficiency, Chris leverages his unique background to drive ISI Solar’s business development and consulting services. Holding an MS and PhD in Statistics, Chris delivers data-driven, techno-economic modeling for large-scale solar projects. His insights empower clients to meet their sustainability goals while advancing ISI Solar's mission to transform energy solutions with quality and ingenuity.

George Dungan, Senator, District 26

George was born and raised in Lincoln. He holds a Juris Doctorate from American University, where he served in the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic representing the interests of people escaping violence, especially women and children. Prior to being elected to the legislature, he served as a Lancaster County Deputy Public Defender.

While in office, George has been a champion for working families, leading a bipartisan coalition which defeated the largest middle class tax increase in Nebraska’s history. He stood strong against the attacks on the ballot measures approved by voters and stopped the clawback of the minimum wage increase. During his first term, he passed legislation expanding access to affordable prenatal services for moms and their families, ensuring access to reliable, lower-cost childcare, and creating a program to prevent suicide among veterans who have served our country.

Lee Elliott, Director - Regulatory Affairs, Invenergy

Experienced with over 25+ years of combined regulatory experience in both state and federal policies in telecom and energy.  Spent 6 years at Southwest Power Pool supporting various working groups include the Cost Allocation Working Group, Regional State Committee and the Improve Resource Availability Task Force.  Currently at Invenergy, active participant in the SPP processes for the advocacy of policies that impact the construction, interconnection, and operation of generation and transmission projects.  Member of SPP’s Future Grid Advisory Group and Markets Operations and Policy Working Group.  Currently focused on the development of policies and procedures around HVDC lines.

Javier Fernandez, President & CEO, OPPD

Javier Fernandez has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of OPPD since 2021.  He joined the utility in 2017 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. 

Fernandez came to OPPD from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), U.S. Department of Energy, in Portland, Oregon.  He had been with the federal power marketing organization since 2012, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer.  He previously served as senior vice president of Fixed Income Capital Markets for D.A. Davidson & Company and vice president of Public France for Seattle Northwest Securities Corporation.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City, a master’s degree in business administration from Yale University, and a Utility Management Certificate from the University of Idaho.

He currently serves as Board Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Omaha Branch, vice-chair of the Large Public Power Council, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Omaha, and is a board member for Ameritas, Bellevue University, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and the Aksarben Foundation.

Joe Francis, Former Associate Director, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy

At the end of the very memorable 2020 Joe retired after 45 with the Department of Environment and Energy. Joe was active in the merger of the Nebraska Energy Office and the Department of Environmental Quality and participated in the operations of the energy side of the new Department. Joe is involved in a number of environmental and energy efforts including participating on the Wind and Solar Conference Planning Committee. Joe is active in the Nebraska Land Trust, and serves as Treasurer, and is a member of the Finance Committee of Wachiska Audubon, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society. Joe’s grand children (and “children”) along with visits to his Father-in-law’s farm along with gravel biking and golf have come in handy in delaying many long delayed, waiting for retirement, household projects.

Ethan Frazier, Associate Director of Permitting, Mission Clean Energy

Ethan Frazier is the Associate Director of Permitting for Mission Clean Energy and brings six-plus years of experience siting and permitting renewable energy projects. Mission's permitting team works coast-to-coast, north-to-south across the Country in almost every major power market and has permitted roughly 1.5GW of solar and storage across 2024 and 2025. Ethan has done extensive direct outreach to public organizations, affected landowners, governmental entities, and other relevant stakeholders to carry Project's from early-stage siting through discretionary permit approval. Prior to arriving at Mission, Ethan was a member of Black & Veatch's Environmental Department, assisting with development of critical energy infrastructure and construction permitting. 

Tim Gay, President, Catalyst Public Affairs

Tim Gay is President and founder of Catalyst Public Affairs, where he represents over twenty organizations and companies, including NextEra and InvEnergy, two of the largest private developers of renewable energy in Nebraska. With deep experience in both business and public service, Tim helps clients navigate complex energy policy and regulatory issues at the state and local level.

Tim's energy sector expertise includes serving on the OPPD Board of Directors from 2013 to 2020, where he served as treasurer and board chairman. As a former Nebraska state senator and chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, Tim was heavily involved in the passage of over 70 legislative bills, including significant economic development, tax, and natural resource issues. He also served on the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2006, where he was chairman of the board.

Eric Gerrard, Public Policy Consultant Nebraska, Advanced Power Alliance

The Advanced Power Alliance’s efforts in Nebraska are led by a trio of veteran lobbyists from American Communications Group, Inc. – Eric Gerrard, Jennifer Williams, and Richard Lombardi.

Eric Gerrard serves as the lead lobbyist for the clean power industry in Nebraska, coordinating industry lobbyists to provide a single powerful voice on behalf of the industry to state policymakers. The American Communications Group, Inc. has represented Advanced Power Alliance members since 2008 and has been involved in every piece of Nebraska renewable energy legislation enacted by the nation’s only Unicameral Legislature. In the most recent Nebraska legislative session, Eric and the industry halted efforts to stop private renewable electric development in the State.

Eric was born in Norfolk, Nebraska and raised in Lincoln. After completing his undergraduate degree in Advertising at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Eric worked in the Chicago area in corporate communications and marketing. Following his time in Chicago, Eric received his law degree at the University of San Diego School of Law. Upon graduation, Eric returned to Lincoln to practice law. It was at that time he connected with American Communication Group and took a strong interest in the Nebraska Unicameral and the public policy side of the law. He is active in the community and serves on numerous non-profit boards.

JOHN HANSEN, PRESIDENT, NEBRASKA FARMERS UNION

John Hansen has served as the elected President of the Nebraska Farmers Union since 1990. In his 18th two-year elected term, Hansen also serves as Secretary for the NeFU Foundation and the NeFU PAC.

At the national level, Hansen serves on the NFU (National Farmers Union) Executive Committee, Budget and Audit Committee; Vice Chair of the Legislative Committee; and Chairs the Meritorious Service Committee. He also serves on the NFU Service Association Board, the NFU Political Action Committee Board, and the NFU Foundation Board.

He is the longest ever serving president of Nebraska Farmers Union and the NFU Board of Directors.

Hansen currently serves on USDA’s Nebraska State Technical Committee; Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Farm Crisis Council; and on the Board of Directors for the Coalition for a Prosperous America.   

Hansen has served as Chair or Co-Chair of the Wind and Solar Conference since 2007. 

For his service, John has received awards from the Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraska Sierra Club, Nebraska Grange, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference, U.S. Department of Energy, Nebraskans for Peace, American Corn Growers Association, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Nebraska Rural Radio Association’s distinguished “Service to Agriculture” award in 2018, and the “American Energy Champion” award from the Advanced Power Alliance in 2024.

Thomas J. Kent, President & CEO, nppd

THOMAS J. KENT, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nebraska Public Power District. Mr. Kent was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer in May 2020. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has also completed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (“INPO”) reactor technology course for utility executives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined the District in May 1990 as an engineer at Cooper Nuclear Station and has served in many positions at the District through his career. He was appointed Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in May 2011. Mr. Kent is a veteran of the United States Navy and is very active in the electric utility industry and his community. He served on the Southwest Power Pool Members Committee and is currently serving as a Board member of the Nebraska Power Association, Nuclear Energy Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, The Energy Authority, American Public Power Association, Large Public Power Council, and the MidAmerica Council Boy Scouts of America. He and his wife, Dacia, live in rural Lancaster County, Nebraska, and they have two adult children.

David Levy, Partner, Baird Holm Law Firm

David Levy represents clients in zoning, land use, energy, and general real estate matters.  He regularly appears before various elected and appointed bodies.  David’s expertise includes land use and development, municipal law, real estate finance and incentives, and renewable energy development.

David is a registered lobbyist in the State of Nebraska.  In 2014, David successfully concluded a multi‑year effort to pass a 20‑percent state tax credit for rehabilitation of historic buildings in Nebraska.  Since then he has helped public and private clients generate millions of dollars in tax credits while making significant investments in historic rehabilitation projects across Nebraska.  In 2016, David played a central role in legislation that significantly streamlined the regulatory process for wind and solar energy generation facilities.  In 2018, David helped lead a successful effort to overhaul the tax-increment financing statutes in Nebraska.

David has taught Land Use Law at the University of San Francisco School of Law and legal writing at Creighton University School of Law.  Since 2011, David’s peers have selected him for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in Land Use & Zoning Law.  He is civically active, and he serves on numerous boards and committees, frequently in a leadership role.

David is an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley undergraduate and Master’s in City Planning programs.  He received his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.  He is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dexter Liu, Executive Director, NextEra Energy Resources

Dexter Liu is an Executive Director at NextEra Energy Resources who leads a development team responsible for utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage development across 15 states in SPP, MISO North, and Colorado. Collectively, his team has over 8 GW of projects in active construction and contracted backlog. Dexter has a MBA and Master of Environmental Management from Duke University as well as a B.S. in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of California Berkeley.

Rich lombardi, nebraska registered lobbyist and public policy director, the advanced power alliance

The Advanced Power Alliance’s efforts in Nebraska are led by veteran lobbyist Richard Lombardi and his company American Communications Group, Inc.

Over the past three decades, every piece of Nebraska renewable energy legislation, enacted by the nation’s only Unicameral Legislature, has had the involvement of Rich Lombardi. This expertise encompasses and includes statutes which eventually created the Nebraska Energy Office, state solar easements, renewable tax credits, regulatory incentives for renewables and specific wind energy legislation passed since 2008 due to the renewable energy industry’s commitment to advocacy in the state.

Gunnar Malek-Madani, Project Scientist/Remote Sensing Analyst, Olsson

Gunnar is a geospatial scientist with over ten years of GIS and remote sensing experience who specializes in spatial and remote sensing analysis for renewable energy and power delivery clients. Gunnar has conducted original academic research in geospatial science and has developed published scientific methods utilizing a variety of spatial and remotely sensed datasets. His work at Olsson includes GIS and remote sensing analysis for the purposes of modeling, predicting, and monitoring site conditions for clients, minimizing the time, labor, and cost spent on field efforts.

Dustin Marvel, Government & Community Relations Manager, Public affairs, oppd

Dustin Marvel serves as the Government & Community Relations Manager at Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), where he is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to the district's 13 counties in southeastern Nebraska. With about 85% of this area being rural, Dustin strongly emphasizes the importance of Nebraska's agricultural resources by working to preserve the state’s heritage while addressing the increasing electricity demand.

With over 25 years of fostering community engagement and driving impactful initiatives nationally, Dustin’s robust background in public service and organizational training plays a crucial role in advocating for renewable energy projects from a public power standpoint throughout Nebraska. By working with local elected officials, the agricultural sector, and key community figures, Dustin has successfully empowered individuals and organizations to take an active role in their communities, emphasizing transparency and collaboration. His efforts have cultivated a culture of inclusivity and innovation within public power initiatives.

Aaron Miller, Energy Loan & Planning Section Supervisor, NDEE

Aaron has worked at the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (formerly the Nebraska Energy Office) since 2014.  Aaron is responsible for several State financing and grant programs that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy projects including solar and wind energy. Aaron is also involved with providing key statistics and maps for wind and solar projects across the State.

Trevor Mitchell-Lipton, Graduate Intern, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Trevor Mitchell-Lipton is a Graduate Intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where he supports developer outreach for the Community Power Accelerator (CPA), helping projects access capital and technical assistance. He also contributes to Renewable Siting, Technical Engagement, and Permitting (R-STEP) efforts, as well as various multinational initiatives through the Clean Energy Ministerial. 

Trevor holds a Bachelors of arts in International Affairs from the University of Colorado Boulder, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Colorado Denver. 

JOSH MOENNING, Director, New Power Nebraska

Josh Moenning is director of New Power Nebraska, a state affiliate of the American Clean Power Association, and owns and operates a small business in the fields of renewable energy development and public affairs.  He served as Mayor of the city of Norfolk, Nebraska, from 2016 to 2024 and as a Norfolk City Councilman from 2012-2016.  He also assists his family's beef business and has two children. He's worked in the Nebraska Legislature, for the U.S. House of Representatives, and as executive director of the infrastructure development group 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska

Christopher Ollson, Ph.D., Ollson Environmental Health Management

Dr. Christopher Ollson, Ph.D. of Ollson Environmental Health Management (OEHM) has 25 years of international consulting experience. He is North America's foremost expert in environmental health issues related to the renewable energy sector. Dr. Ollson has aided in permitting >20 GW of installed wind, solar and BESS projects in over 25 states. Chris has testified at numerous county commissions, state hearings and court proceedings with respect to potential health concerns in living in proximity to renewable energy projects. Dr. Ollson is a firm believer that effectively communicating health research in public forms helps to reduce community concerns and provides regulators (local and state) with the basis to set appropriate permit siting conditions. In addition to working with the development community, he was the consultant of record for the Vermont Public Services Department in developing wind turbine sound standards and has appeared before the Kansas, North Dakota and Indiana Senate Committees on proper siting of wind projects. Dr. Ollson maintains an active research program through his Adjunct Professor appointment at the University of Toronto.

justin pickar, senior director, origination, geronimo power

Justin Pickar is Senior Director, Origination at Geronimo Power (formerly National Grid Renewables), where he has been a key contributor since the company’s inception in 2008. With nearly two decades of experience in renewable energy, he has led the origination and development of wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the Midwest and Great Plains, helping shape the region’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

At Geronimo Power, Justin focuses on building partnerships with utilities, cooperatives, and large energy users, aligning renewable generation with the fast-growing needs of data centers and other large loads. He has played a central role in originating and acquiring projects that balance commercial innovation, grid reliability, and meaningful community benefits.

Justin is passionate about strengthening rural economies, championing coexistence between landowners and renewable development, and ensuring the economic benefits of clean energy remain in local communities. He frequently speaks on the intersection of energy, infrastructure, and economic growth, highlighting collaboration as the key to unlocking long-term value.

He divides his time between the Black Hills of South Dakota and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and frequently commutes to Minnesota to stay connected with family, friends, and Geronimo Power’s headquarters in Bloomington.

Dan Quick, Senator, District 35

Senator Dan Quick represents District 35 / Grand Island in the Nebraska Legislature. He previously held this office from 2017 to 2021. Before serving in 2017, he worked for the Grand Island Utilities Department for 28 years. He first started out in Coal Handling and later moved into the maintenance department where he worked as a maintenance mechanic and welder. He was elected in 2022 to the Central Community College Board and served in that position until January of 2025. Senator Quick was elected to the Legislature again in 2024 and currently serves on the General Affairs, Urban Affairs, and Health and Human Services Committees.

Dr. Jonny Rogers, Ceo, Persimia

Dr. Jonathan Rogers is the CEO of Persimia and also the Lockheed Martin Professor in the School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. He holds MS and PhD degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech, and a BS degree in Physics from Georgetown University. Dr. Rogers is a leading aerospace researcher with nearly 20 years of experience in modeling and simulation of air vehicles, control design, and ballistics analysis. He has led research projects on projectile and ballistics modeling for NASA, the US Air Force, US Army, US Navy, and other aerospace organizations. Dr. Rogers is a leading expert on modeling and simulation of blade and ice throw fragments from wind turbines, and has been retained as a subject matter expert (SME) on this topic by local zoning boards and wind farm developers. He has also studied aviation flight safety in the vicinity of wind farms, leading flight studies to document the effects of wake turbulence on aircraft. Dr. Rogers has served as an SME in permitting processes and judicial hearings in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, Michigan, New York, and other locations across the US and Canada. He has authored several archival peer-reviewed publications on the topic of blade throw modeling and aircraft turbulence in wind turbine wakes in top wind energy journals. He also authored sections of IEC 61400-31, an international standard on wind farm siting risk assessment processes.

In addition to serving as an SME to the wind energy industry, Dr. Rogers's company Persimia designs and builds custom drones used by wind farm operators for wildlife impact studies and blade inspections. These drones have completed over 2,000 flights at wind farms in Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois.

Jason Rosenkrantz, Resource Planning & Risk Manager, NPPD

Jason Rosenkranz is the Resource Planning & Risk Manager for Nebraska Public Power District. In this role, he has responsibility and oversight of load forecasting, Integrated Resource Planning, production cost modeling, and energy market risk management. Over his 18-year tenure at NPPD, Jason has worked in a variety of roles including areas such as distribution engineering, asset management, resource planning, corporate strategy, and business transformation. Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Kansas State University, a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Master of Energy Business Degree from the University of Tulsa.

JC Sandberg, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association

JC Sandberg is the Chief Advocacy Officer at the American Clean Power Association (ACP). He leads ACP’s state and federal advocacy, legal, and transmission teams. JC led the clean energy industry’s advocacy around the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as well as industry efforts to shape IRA implementing rules and regulations.

Prior to joining ACP, Sandberg led global government affairs and policy at GE Renewable Energy. In this role, JC was instrumental in the global growth of the company’s onshore and offshore wind, grid, hydro, and storage businesses. Sandberg played an active role in the establishment of policy and regulatory frameworks enabling the accelerated deployment of renewable energy in domestic and foreign markets.

Sandberg began his policy career in 2001 as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works where his portfolio included surface transportation, federal government response to the 9/11 attacks and a range of environmental issues. During his Senate tenure, Sandberg was a lead Senate negotiator on the $300 billion reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Following his work on the Hill, he served as Counsel to the law firm of Baker Donelson where he advised clients on energy and infrastructure issues.

Sandberg earned his B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University and his J.D. from the University of Arizona.

Ken Schilz, Government Affairs Specialist, Nebraska Strategies

Schilz joined Nebraska Strategies after serving for eight years as a Nebraska State Senator, representing ten counties in western Nebraska. Senator Schilz was elected Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees and served on the Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Business and Labor, Education, and General Affairs Committees.

Schilz understands the Legislative process in a way that only someone who served in the body can. He is especially skilled at connecting clients with resources across the state. He has worked with various companies to create relationships with communities and other entities to further economic development, entrepreneurship, and job growth within the state. Schilz has excellent relationships with State Senators and is a daily fixture at the Nebraska Capitol.

Before serving in the Legislature, Schilz managed a 20,000 head feed yard for 15 years. He served as president of both Keith County Area Development and Nebraska Water Users and was a member of the Ogallala Planning and Zoning Committee and the Water Policy Task Force representing South Platte Water Users.

Schilz received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Schilz and his wife Deb have two children, Jake and Elizabeth.

Lauren Sher, Senior Director of Power Origination, NextEra Energy Resources

Lauren Sher is the Senior Director of Power Origination for NextEra Energy Resources. In this role, she works with NextEra’s power customers across the Southwest Power Pool on new generation projects and transactions.

Lauren recently held the role of Senior Director Development for Decarbonization.  In this role, Lauren was the leader of FPL’s sustainability story, serving as the intermediary across Florida Power and Light to coordinate all efforts to work toward the common goal of meeting NextEra Energy’s 2045 goal.

Lauren Sher recently held the position of Director of Environmental Policy and Sustainability for NextEra Energy, Inc. In this role, she led the policy team for all environmental and natural resources policy in state capitols, the Congress, and the Executive Branch and directed the environmental inputs for NextEra’s Corporate ESG program. In her previous role with the company, Lauren was a Director for Federal Government Affairs in Washington, DC, where she represented NextEra Energy on tax policy and climate legislation and regulations.

Before joining NextEra Energy in 2015, Lauren worked in the United States Senate for 7 years. Most recently, she served as Senator Bill Nelson’s energy and environment advisor. Prior to that, she worked for Senator Jeff Bingaman in several capacities, including Professional Staff Member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. 

Lauren Sher received her B.A. from Newcomb College at Tulane University. She also has a Masters in Global Environmental Policy from the School of International Service at American University. She lives in Jupiter, Fl with her husband and two children. In all of her free time, she likes to run and swim.

Michael Shonka, President, Solar Heat & Electric, Inc.

Michael Shonka with Solar Heat and Electric has 30 years of experience with solar energy projects, including many applications of solar air, water, and electric systems. Solar electric in Nebraska is growing due to increased utility rates and favorable consumer attitudes toward sustainability. The company has a number of firsts in the state: the first net metering installation, community solar project, center pivot system, and solar-heated greenhouse. Shonka is a solar instructor at community colleges in Nebraska and Iowa.

Eric Stoutenburg, Chief Development Officer, Eolian Energy

Eric leads strategy and execution for Astral’s portfolio of development projects including energy storage, thermal generation, geothermal, and powered industrial sites. Before that, he was Chief Development Officer at Able Grid Energy Solutions managing investment and development activities for a 10 GW portfolio of energy storage projects. He holds a Doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Jon Sunneberg, Utility Scale Alternative Energy Manager, nppd

Jon is currently the Utility Scale Alternative Energy Manager at Nebraska Public Power District. He has been at the District for 37 years. His background and experience includes power marketing, resource planning and risk manager, and both generation and transmission system operations.  

Jon is a native Nebraskan and holds degrees from Southeast Community College, Bellevue University and an MBA in Finance from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

hunter traynor, executive vice president of legislation & policy, ne chamber

Hunter Traynor is the Executive Vice President of Legislation & Policy for the NE Chamber. In this role, Hunter leads policy research and analysis, as well as manages state and federal government affairs as the NE Chamber's chief lobbyist. Prior to joining the NE Chamber, Hunter practiced law at Rembolt Ludtke LLP in Lincoln, NE, with practice areas focused on business services, estate planning and administration, real estate, and government. A life-long Nebraskan, Hunter was born and raised in Elkhorn and received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before graduating with highest distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

luke virgil, director of economic development, wayne america, inc.

Luke Virgil has been the Director of Economic Development at Wayne America, Inc. in Wayne, NE since 2017 and has over 13 years of experience in economic development. Throughout his career, Virgil has championed renewable energy development, small business revolving loans, high-quality childcare, affordable housing, and reliable broadband access as strategies to help rural Nebraska thrive. Virgil grew up near Wahoo, NE and received his B.S. in Political Science at Wayne State College. Virgil and his wife have two children, and they all share a passion for baseball.

Sandra J. Washington, Vice Chair, Lincoln City Council

Ms. Washington is currently a City Councilperson (At Large) for Lincoln, and sits on the boards of the Lincoln Community Foundation, Nebraska Trails Foundation,  the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Emeriti Board of the American Association of State and Local History.  Before her service on City Council Sändra served as a Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Commissioner and on the City of Lincoln Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.

Washington worked with the National Park Service for nearly 25 years, retiring in 2014 as the Association Regional Director for Cultural Resources, Planning, Construction, Communications, Legislation and Congressional Affairs.  After graduating from the Ohio State University with a Bachelors and Masters of Science, Sändra worked as a field ecologist with the Ohio Department of Resources before moving to Nebraska. 

Carol Waszak, Manager Renewable Energy Resources, OPPD

Carol Waszak is the Manager of Renewable Energy Resources for OPPD and has held that position since August of 2023.  Prior to that Carol was a Transmission & Distribution Project Manager, where she led a variety of different projects such as building new substations, replacing transformers, and regulatory compliance projects.  Carol has also spent 16 years at OPPD’s Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station where she held various roles including Project Engineer, Nuclear Fuels Engineer, Supervisor Nuclear Fuels, and Supervisor Design Engineering. In her current position, Carol is responsible for bringing new renewable energy resources to OPPD as well as maintaining existing renewable energy contracts.  In addition, her team monitors new alternative energy technologies and engages in public outreach.

Carol holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Doane University and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

hannes d. zetzsche, attorney, baird holm

Hannes D. Zetzsche is a real-estate and energy attorney. He helps clients negotiate land rights, prepare real-estate agreements and secure land-use and environmental permits for energy, infrastructure and other commercial and industrial projects throughout Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and Wyoming. He has experience developing renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and battery storage, electric-vehicle charging stations, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, pipelines, mineral rights and water rights. Hannes is also a registered lobbyist in Nebraska.

After attending college, Hannes managed a large hay farm in central Oregon. He then moved to Nebraska to attend law school. Before joining the firm, Hannes worked as a judicial clerk to the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Michael G. Heavican.