Chet Knaup
PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP
PRESIDENT
Chet’s interest in energy efficiency began in 2000, while working for an HVAC manufacturer. Since then, Chet transitioned into consulting engineering where his passion for energy efficiency blossomed and grew, as he practiced in one of the greenest cities in the US: Portland, OR. Over the past 20 years, Chet has had the unique opportunity to work on energy efficient projects in numerous states and multiple countries across five continents. His passion for developing unique methods of energy reduction has never wavered. Chet has worked with green building certification programs for the past 14 years and has been fortunate to have worked on LEED and Passive House (PHIUS) Certified projects, as a Mechanical Engineer, Energy Engineer, Sustainability Consultant and Project Manager.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
ACCREDITATIONS: Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer in Virginia, Member of ASHRAE, Member of USGBC, USGBC LEED AP BD+C, ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional
Sandy Barrier
ACCOUNT MANAGER
SBarrier@spectrumenergyllc.com
Sandy is focused on business development and account managing, with an extensive experience in Energy Efficiency projects in commercial, health care, industrial, schools, universities, municipalities, federal and local governments buildings, along with data centers. She previously worked for ICF, under the Pepco Empower Maryland Incentive programs, 2017-2021, working to ensure collaboration for key accounts to meet energy efficiency goals. Her strong business development skills, professional reputation, and customer service have built strong relationships in her over 30 years working in Montgomery County. Sandy has an associate degree focused in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from Montgomery College.
EDUCATION: Montgomery College Associate’s degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Empower Maryland Commercial & Industrial Incentive programs 2017-2021
Tom Polansky
SENIOR ENERGY ENGINEER & ACCOUNT MANAGER
TPolansky@spectrumenergyllc.com
Tom is a mechanical engineer executive with 30 years of experience in the areas of energy conservation projects, design of energy efficient mechanical systems, implementation of emerging renewable energy distributed generation technologies, and all types of energy efficiency.
Earlier in his career, Tom was instrumental in selling and overseeing projects with the military and NASA including specialized HVAC systems to cool docked submarines, ruggedized mobile electronics shelters, anti-ballistic missile defense systems, three of the space shuttles, Delta rockets, and highly specialized transport systems for satellites. Later in his career, he was responsible for many energy projects including extensive energy projects at five large Army garrisons in the MD/VA/DC area.
With his passion in energy efficiency, he analyzes buildings to determine the most cost-effective energy conservation measures using both conventional and out of the box approaches.
EDUCATION: Valparaiso University, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Shailesh Negi
CEM, BEP
SENIOR ENERGY ENGINEER, LEAD
He is a licensed Certified Energy Manager and Business Energy Professional with over 12 years of energy engineering, energy management experience. His interest in energy efficiency and management sparked in 2008 when he was granted an opportunity to work as a Research Associate with the Industrial Assessment Center at Oklahoma State University. He turned his interest into a full-time passion and has ever since gained valuable experience developing turnkey energy projects for Commercial and Industrial sectors. His expertise further expands to providing technical leadership and cost-effective framework for various state driven utility demand response programs.
Shailesh also serves as a mentor and believes in fostering an environment where brainstorming leads to practical ideas and effective solutions for his clients. During his free time, Shailesh enjoys traveling, watching sports, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Robin Seabolt
CEM, CMVP
SENIOR ENERGY ENGINEER
RSeabolt@spectrumenergyllc.com
Robin is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Measurement and Verification Professional with over 30 years of energy engineering and project development experience. After spending many years in R&D at a major equipment manufacturer, she realized that energy efficiency brought together interests for better more efficient buildings and the desire to decrease the impact the equipment that she designed left on the earth. She has worked for various HVAC equipment manufacturers supporting sales teams by educating account managers and clients in energy efficiency. She has performed energy audits in thousands of buildings to identify unique solutions to meet the needs of the client.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering UMBC, Bachelor of Science Medical Technology University of Maryland Medical School
ACCREDITATION: Certified Energy Manager, Certified Measurement and Verification Professional
Daniel Augustine
ENERGY ENGINEER II
DAugustine@spectrumenergyllc.com
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering from Penn State University and has spent the last ten years working in the energy industry in numerous aspects. During his time with First Energy, CLEAResult he qualified over 22,000 MWh in energy savings for lighting, HVAC, process, LEED-NC, and other energy efficiency projects. He has also worked under an ESCO performing measurement and verification tasks for federal and regional accounts. Dan has experience creating commercial and residential energy models for project evaluations and studies using a multitude of software. Additionally, he has written energy code compliance studies for cities across the United States. Outside of the
energy efficiency field, Dan has worked under the Department of Energy to create life cycle analysis models of GHG emissions of natural gas extraction and power generation for all supply chain steps from production to distribution. All these experiences have allowed Dan to work with energy in many facets and further his passion for building sciences.
EDUCATION: Pennsylvania State University Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering
ACCREDITATION: Engineer in Training, Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. Certified Energy Manager, AEE First Energy Commercial & Industrial Incentive Programs 2013-2015
Trevor Pontacq
ENERGY ENGINEER II
TPontacq@spectrumenergyllc.com
Trevor is an Energy Engineer who received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis. After dedicating his time in college to researching alternative forms of renewable energy Trevor was motivated to pursue a career as an Energy Engineer at Spectrum Energy. Utilizing his experience with building energy modeling, Trevor works with clients to determine energy conservation measures that can help projects reach their full energy efficiency potential. He is determined to uncover all available financial benefits for customers searching to become energy efficient and save on costs.
EDUCATION: The University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Jen Xiong
ENERGY ENGINEER II
Jen received her master’s degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University. Her interest in energy efficiency sprouted since 2014, while working as an application engineer for an HVAC manufacturer to provide energy efficient and cost-effective solutions for various waste heat recovery projects. Since then, she expanded her passion in building energy efficiency and energy modeling. Jen’s unique background in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering helps her to evaluate and develop green solutions in an integrated way.
EDUCATION: North Carolina State University Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
ACCREDITATION: Certified Energy Manager, AEE. LEED AP Building Design and Construction
Hailey Brennan
ENERGY ENGINEER I
HBrennan@spectrumenergyllc.com
Hailey is an Energy Engineer who received her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland. Her enthusiasm for energy engineering arose from her hands-on experiences in HVAC, combining it with optimization and consulting skills learned throughout college and various internships. She has participated in SkillsUSA, MCAA, and CMAA, among other activities. She has proven leadership skills in teambuilding and public speaking.
Hailey is motivated in giving back to the community, serving as a mentor to students interested in a career in the mechanical field, and acting as a Student Activities Committee Chair for ASHRAE Baltimore.
EDUCATION: The University of Maryland Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
ACCREDITATION: Engineer in Training, Maryland Department of Labor
Ali Marvi
ENERGY ENGINEER
Ali Marvi is an energy engineer who recently graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. As an intern at Spectrum, he experienced firsthand the inner workings of the company and the HVAC industry. Ali is passionate about energy efficiency and contributing to sustainable building design amidst a global climate crisis. Furthermore, he is excited to use the technical knowledge and creative problem-solving skills garnered throughout his time as a student to grow as a budding engineer.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland
Lauren Johnson
PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
LJohnson@spectrumenergyllc.com
Lauren Johnson has dedicated years to a career in administration and finance. Her experience in accounts receivable for a multi-location healthcare organization, customer service in multiple industries, and organizing different projects throughout her career lends to her current role as Project Manager for Spectrum Energy LLC. Lauren has a passion for project management and is currently attending classes in pursuit of a Project Management Professional Certification.
Lena Barakat
PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
LBarakat@spectrumenergyllc.com
Lena Barakat supports the team with a diverse background that is utilized across all areas of the business. Her eye for detail and commitment to customer service allows her to assist in multi-project management and sales tracking, keeping projects focused, meeting client goals and deadlines.
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