Staff Bios
Sean Reed, Founder and Executive Director
As Clean Energy Coalition’s executive director, Sean Reed provides strategic planning, leadership, and guidance to the organization. Mr. Reed has successfully acquired, managed, and completed more than 30 state and federal grants valued at more than $55 million. Before founding Clean Energy Coalition in 2005, he served as a program developer and energy analyst for the City of Ann Arbor’s Energy Office and the joint City of Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County Community Development Department. Mr. Reed has also worked for WARM Training Center in Detroit as a program manager, at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation; the Olkonorei Integrated Pastoralist Survival Program in Tanzania, Africa; and as an instructor at the Japanese Ministry of Education in Imadate, Japan.
Mr. Reed has presented on the topic of energy efficiency at numerous statewide and regional conferences in Michigan.
Born in Malawi, Africa, Mr. Reed has traveled and worked widely, living in Africa, Asia and Europe. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and master’s degrees in social work and urban planning from University of Michigan, as well as certificates as a housing rehabilitation specialist and home energy rater.
ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Cassandra Fletcher-Martin, Business Operations Director
Cassandra Fletcher-Martin provides financial management and operations oversight to Clean Energy Coalition’s busy, project-based work environment. Ms. Fletcher-Martin brings more than 15 years financial, operational, and corporate development experience driving growth and profit enhancing strategies to the organization.
Prior to joining Clean Energy Coalition, Ms. Fletcher-Martin was a Senior Analyst for Capital Growth Advisors, LLC where she provided valuation, merger and acquisition, and capital sourcing services. Ms. Fletcher-Martin began her career in corporate banking and has since held increasingly responsible positions across financial, non-profit, media, and technology industries.
Ms. Fletcher-Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University.
Matt Sandstrom, Business Development Manager
As business development manager, Matt Sandstrom is charged with creating and implementing a diversified development program for long-term sustainability. His responsibilities include fundraising, securing grants, and marketing and selling Clean Energy Coalition’s services.
Mr. Sandstrom formerly served as a division manager for Clean Energy Coalition, overseeing transportation projects, such as Michigan Green Fleets, and acting as coordinator of Detroit Area Clean Cities. Prior to his work as division manager, Mr. Sandstrom was a fleet zone manager for Ford Motor Company. While at Ford, he oversaw more than $36 million in parts sales to fleets and dealers throughout Northern California and the Pacific Northwest and earned distinction for excellence in dealer and fleet satisfaction. Later, Mr. Sandstrom administered a U.S. Department of Labor program for the County of San Mateo, California, assisting human resource managers with outplacement strategies.
Mr. Sandstrom holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University and a master’s degree in transportation management from the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University.
Bonnie Schmick, Communications Manager
Bonnie Schmick oversees communications for Clean Energy Coalition, developing and implementing outreach and public relations strategies to promote the organization, its projects, and its services.
Ms. Schmick has extensive experience writing for a variety of platforms, managing websites, acting as a spokesperson, and utilizing technology to effectively communicate. Prior to joining Clean Energy Coalition, Ms. Schmick worked in corporate communications for Borders, where she held a series of positions focusing on employee communications, public relations, and event planning. Earlier in her career, she acted as an editor and graphic designer for a large trade association.
Ms. Schmick holds a bachelor’s degree in history from University of Michigan.
OPERATIONS
Joel Baetens, Project Manager
Drawing on his technical background, Joel Baetens manages energy efficiency projects, completes energy assessments, and works with clients to select the right energy conservation strategies for them.
In the past, Mr. Baetens developed energy efficiency recommendations as an energy engineering contractor for the residential and commercial sectors. His work has focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, with significant experience at the Building Energy Center at the University of Dayton.
Mr. Baetens completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering at Oakland University, and a master’s degree in renewable and clean energy at University of Dayton. He is the co-founder of People Helping Everyone Eat Daily (PHEED), a non-profit dedicated to eliminating hunger through food rescue programs.
Bonnie Bona, Project Manager
As a project manager for Clean Energy Coalition, Bonnie Bona works with municipalities and building owners to deliver energy efficiency improvements by providing access to incentives and affordable loans.
Ms. Bona has worked as a consultant and energy auditor throughout Ann Arbor, Michigan, and as an architect for Bona & Kolb Architects & Designers and Frederick H. Hermann Associates Architects. Ms. Bona is a member and past chair of the Ann Arbor City Planning Commission, served as chair of the University of Michigan Museum of Art Friends Board, and has sponsored several policy initiatives and resolutions in support of more walkable land use regulations.
Ms. Bona earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from University of Illinois and a master’s degree in architecture from University of Michigan. She is a registered architect, member of the American Institute of Architects, and LEED-accredited professional.
Erica Briggs, Project Manager
Erica Briggs focuses on non-motorized mobility solutions, including developing a bike share system for the City of Ann Arbor, Safe Routes to School, and pedestrian safety.
Prior to joining Clean Energy Coalition, Ms. Briggs was a consultant for the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition and Director of Ann Arbor’s getDowntown Program. She has a passion for building livable communities through good urban design and sustainable transportation.
Ms. Briggs holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University and a master’s degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to her work at Clean Energy Coalition, she is Chair of the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition, a board member of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, Vice-Chair of the Ann Arbor Zoning Board of Appeals, and a Planning Commissioner for the City of Ann Arbor.
Aaron Champion, Project Manager
As a project manager for Clean Energy Coalition, Aaron Champion focuses sustainable transportation solutions and acts as coordinator for the Detroit Area and West Michigan Clean Cities Coalitions.
Prior to joining Clean Energy Coalition, Mr. Champion served as a programs representative for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where he implemented and monitored 70 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and State Energy Programs, including several alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicle projects. Additionally, Mr. Champion provided geospatial and data analysis on acquisition and divestiture projects for Chesapeake Energy.
Mr. Champion earned bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in regional and city planning from University of Oklahoma. He is also a member of the American Planning Association and the Michigan Association of Planning.
Rebecca Filbey, Program Supervisor
As program supervisor, Rebecca Filbey oversees projects that promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Michigan.
Prior to her work with Clean Energy Coalition, Ms. Filbey was the climate change program manager for the British Council USA, where she created, developed, and managed the U.S. component of the International Climate Champions, a 60-country initiative that engaged young people in communicating about climate change. Additionally, Ms. Filbey was the manager for external affairs in the funding division of Conservation International and an account manager at Stanton Communications in Washington, D.C., where she provided strategic communications support to clients ranging from electric utilities to non-profits.
Ms. Filbey has a bachelor’s degree in biology (with honors) from Wake Forest University, a master’s degree in modern history from St. Peter’s College at Oxford University, and a master’s degree in environmental sustainability (with distinction) from the University of Edinburgh.
Nick Helmholdt, Project Manager
Nick Helmholdt focuses on municipal government energy consulting and community energy program development and management.
Mr. Helmholdt has worked as a research and teaching assistant at Cornell University, as a student assistant for the Michigan Energy Office, and as an AmeriCorps VISTA member for Habitat for Humanity of Ingham County, Michigan. He has developed energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in both urban and rural settings.
While earning his bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University, Mr. Helmholdt studied urban redevelopment in Germany and Austria. He also holds a master’s degree in applied research in human environment design from Cornell University. An Eagle Scout, he has earned numerous awards and distinctions.
Jenny Oorbeck, Program Director
Jenny Oorbeck works to create more energy efficient communities throughout Michigan. During her career, Ms. Oorbeck has developed and implemented policies and programs that address climate change, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, while providing substantial financial savings to both the public and private sectors.
As the environmental manager for the City of Richmond, California, Ms. Oorbeck developed and directed climate change, energy efficiency, green building and waste diversion programs, and an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Under her direction, Richmond implemented the Urban Environmental Accords, establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals; numerous EECBG projects; and passed a food ware ordinance eliminating the use of Styrofoam and plastic to-go ware from restaurants. She has also served as program manager and acting director for the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority in Walnut Creek, California, managing waste diversion programs for five cities.
Ms. Oorbeck holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mills College and a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment.
Laura Palombi, Project Manager
Laura Palombi works as a project manager to advance alternative fuel infrastructure and advanced vehicle technologies throughout Michigan.
Prior to her work as project manager, Ms. Palombi served as an intern at Shepherd Advisors Consulting, where she wrote a market briefing on the photovoltaic solar panel industry in support of the firm’s strategic goals to attract clients in the clean-tech manufacturing sector. She also worked as a program development intern for the City of Ann Arbor’s Energy Office and as the associate curator of invertebrates at the Detroit Zoological Society, where she established Michigan’s first captive rearing program for a federally endangered butterfly.
Ms. Palombi earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree in entomology (with high honors) from Michigan State University. As a dual-degree student at the University of Michigan’s Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, Ms. Palombi earned master’s degree in business administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and master’s degree in science from the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Additionally, Ms. Palombi studied abroad in Nepal, Costa Rica, and Canada.
Mark Rabinsky, Project Manager
Mark Rabinsky is a project manager and Ann Arbor Clean Cities Coordinator for Clean Energy Coalition.
Prior to joining Clean Energy Coalition, Mr. Rabinsky was the director of sustainability at Jackson Community College (JCC) in Jackson, Michigan, where he created a program of study in alternative energy and oversaw the installation of a residential wind turbine for use in training students. In addition to his work developing curriculum at the college, Mr. Rabinsky was instrumental in writing a grant to secure funding that developed a weatherization training program. Prior to his work at JCC, Mr. Rabinsky was a senior securities lending associate at eSecLending in Boston, where he supervised global activity of government treasuries and corporate bonds with on-loan balance amounts in excess of $3 billion.
Mr. Rabinsky holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Massachusetts – Amherst and master’s degree in sustainable systems from University of Michigan.
Heather Seyfarth, Program Supervisor
Heather Seyfarth is an AICP-certified planner and program supervisor for Clean Energy Coalition, working to help create sustainable communities and encourage the adoption of clean energy solutions.
Prior to joining Clean Energy Coalition, Ms. Seyfarth was a community planner for the Land Information Access Association in Traverse City, Michigan, where she co-managed Partnerships for Change, a program that helped local jurisdictions overcome regional barriers to cooperation in land use planning. Her work in Traverse City earned her distinction as one of the region’s 40 most influential individuals under the age of 40 by Traverse City Business News.
Ms. Seyfarth holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Alma College, master’s degrees in urban planning and social work from University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in sociology from Central Michigan University. In addition to her work at Clean Energy Coalition, she serves as Chair of the Michigan Association of Planning’s Social Equity Committee.
Allison Skinner, Project Associate
Allison Skinner focuses on community-driven energy efficiency projects throughout Michigan.
Past projects include the Reimagining Detroit: Green Economy Initiative, where she aided the City of Detroit with evaluating and improving its solid waste services and expanding its recycling program, and managing marketing and fundraising initiatives for XSeed Energy, a Clean Energy Coalition project working to develop high-profile renewable energy projects in the Ann Arbor community.
Before joining Clean Energy Coalition, Ms. Skinner served as an au pair in Spain and volunteered at an orphanage in the Philippines.
Ms. Skinner earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and non-profit management from Eastern Michigan University. A Dale Carnegie graduate, she holds national certification in non-profit management and leadership from the Non-Profit Leadership Alliance and is the recipient of the prestigious American Humanics Next Generation Nonprofit Leader Award. She is also a member of the Michigan Recycling Coalition (MRC) and has completed the MRC Materials and Recycling Management Training program.