Executive & Administration
Bill Kent
Bill has served as Executive Director of AEE since November 2017, succeeding Al Thumann, Founder of AEE. Bill has been involved in the energy management industry for over 30 years and brings expertise in energy efficiency, automation, building systems, and executive leadership. In his 14 years at AEE, he has led many key initiatives and has been managing the day to day operations of the organization in his previous role as Managing Director.
His current focus is to promote the vision and mission of AEE to both developed and developing countries around the world – reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the quality of life and economic advancement through the implementation of clean energy solutions.
Bill attended the University of Georgia and is a Certified Energy Manager® (CEM®), and serves on numerous Boards and Advisory Groups.
Mary Elise Cox
Mary Elise Cox is a seasoned professional with a robust background in project and contract management, sales, business development, and strategic partnerships. As the Senior Director for Global Development at AEE, she brings over 17 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry. Mary Elise is a recognized leader who has held various positions at the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). Her key accomplishments include leading global growth and expansion, striving to fulfill the organization’s vision for a clean and sustainable future, building and maintaining relationships across cultures, demonstrating passion and commitment to making a positive difference. Mary Elise is dedicated, passionate, accomplished, and committed to making a positive impact in the world.
Jennifer Vendola
Jennifer joined AEE in 2005 as Certification Director and assumed the position of Controller in 2007. She handles all aspects of accounting, human resources as well as database management. Jennifer holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Chemistry and Accounting from Georgia State University.
Catelyn McGovern
Catelyn joined AEE in 2024 as the US Business Development Director. She has over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy industry, including a background in solar and storage EPC, federal contracting, energy savings performance contracting, and residential demand response and virtual power plants. She specializes in relationship building, contract administration, business development, and sales and marketing . Catelyn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from Wofford College and an MBA from The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina.
Martijn Prak
Martijn joined AEE in 2024 as the Training Development Program Manager. In his role, he is responsible for managing all AEE training programs, beginning at development, through implementation, and ongoing maintenance. Driven by his passion for addressing climate change, he brings with him several years of experience working in the renewable energy industry and managing training programs in the non-profit sector. Martijn is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and holds a Bachelor’s in Public Administration and Organization Science and a Master’s in Political Science.
Jessa Jansen
Jessa joined AEE in 2022 as the Executive Assistant. Originally from Florida, Jessa moved to Atlanta in 2008 and has worked in Marketing and Administration for over 13 years. Jessa has a pride in offering support as well as building relationships. Jessa graduated from American InterContinental University in 2020 with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
Connie Meadows
Connie joined the AEE staff in 2004, assisting with Membership and Conference Registration. She later took on the role of Conference Registration Director and in 2023, she moved into the Accounting Assistant role where she handles all general accounting duties. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Georgia State University.
Nina Palmieri
Nina joined AEE in 2024 as the Office Manager. Living in Metro Atlanta all her life, Nina graduated from Georgia State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s in film and media and a minor in journalism. With a background in the film industry, photography, journalism, radio, and a passion for environmental sustainability, she plays a significant role in managing administrative projects at AEE.
Ahmed Alsammarraie
Ahmed joined AEE in 2024 as the Business Analyst & Database Manager. In his role, he is responsible for ensuring the performance, integrity, and security of the AMS and Certification System. With a strong focus on planning and implementation, he plays a vital part in the development and maintenance of testing protocols, workflow documentation, and process guidelines for the AEE AMS and Certification systems.
Membership
Cheyenne Kimbrell
Cheyenne joined AEE in 2018 as Conference Speaker Director and transitioned into Director of Chapters & Membership in 2022. She is responsible for working with all existing AEE chapters and developing new chapters globally. Cheyenne holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration Event Management from The University of Alabama.
Lisbeth Paglialonga
Lisbeth joined AEE in February 2022 and is the Member Engagement Specialist. As the Member Engagement Specialist, she is working to support student chapters, develop resources for them to prosper, and assist in supporting professional chapters and awards. She graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and is excited to bring creative ideas to new student chapters.
Ian Watsky
Ian joined AEE in 2023 as a Member Engagement Specialist. He is responsible for developing and implementing programs and services to enhance current corporate membership and recruit new members. He graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational and Professional Communication and a minor in Leadership Studies.
Michelle Whitlock
Michelle joined AEE in 2008, and has worked as the Conference Speakers Director and Digital Communications Director and assumed the role of Executive Administrator in 2020. She transitioned to Director of Recognition in 2022. Michelle oversees the AEE Awards Programs at international, national, and regional levels, and administers programs for the AEE Energy Managers Hall of Fame and Officer nominations and elections. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Georgia State University.
International
Samar Al Tekreeti
Joined AEE as International Project Director in 2022. Samar is managing all aspects of proposal, contract, & project implementation for AEE’s international activities. She is an engineer who has vast experience in both the engineering and education sector with more than 14 years of engineering practical practice. She previously worked The British University of Dubai as the Head of Department for their Professional Development & Examinations Centre and managed AEE’s Training and certification programs in UAE. She holds a bachelor’s in Interior Design, a Masters in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment and a PhD candidate in Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment. She also holds CEM, CEA and PCF credentials from AEE.
Kate Feltgen
Kate joined AEE in 2007 as part-time help in the Membership and Conference Registration Departments, and in 2008 she assumed the role of Executive Assistant to Executive Director, and then in 2014 she took over as the Director of Information Services. She is now assisting the International Certification department. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s in Music Performance from Georgia State University.
Teniece Price-Williams
Teniece joined the AEE International department in August of 2017. She handles all training and certification processing for international certification training courses and AEE Training Partners. Teniece is in charge of processing all certification renewals with AEE Training Partners.
Annie Sandlin
Annie joined AEE in 2023 as the International Administrator. She works with all members of the international team and strives for efficient and effective operations for a high-quality experience for all partners. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management and a minor in Spanish.
Certification
Helen Johnson
Prior to joining AEE in 2004, Helen started her career in the energy industry in 1999 working with a company that provided seminars and trade shows services for AEE. In her current role as Certification Development Director, she oversees the ISO/IEC 17024 accredited programs, as well as establishes standards and consistency among certification processes. She works hand in hand with the certification boards and technical committees to review, update and confirm that the certification body of knowledges and exams are current and appeal to a global audience. Helen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree focused in Hospitality Administration from Georgia State University.
Katy Meyer
Katy joined AEE in 2024 as the Accreditation Program Manager. In her role, she is responsible for project management to develop and launch newly accredited residential certification programs and manage additional accredited certification programs. She brings with her a decade of experience in content development and project management, along with 20 years in customer service. Her impressive background includes managing successful live and online educational courses, leading cross-functional teams, and developing adult educational materials. Katy’s ability to handle complex projects is evident in her work leading initiatives and guiding teams. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL.
Michelle Zakin Leclerc
Michelle joined AEE in 2009 as an Administrative Assistant and assumed the role of Certification Director in the summer of 2010. She oversees the CMVP®, EEP, and PCF Programs. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from Clemson University.
Francine Seskin
Francine joined AEE in 2006 as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing at Georgia State University. She assumed the role of Certification Director in 2008. She is responsible for the following certification programs: CEA, BEP, CBCP, EBCP, CDSM, CIEP, CGD, DGCP, CEP, CWEP, REP, REA, GBE, CSDP, CRM, CLEP, CPQ, BESA.
Priscila Carbaugh
Priscila joined AEE in 2011. She is in charge of certification renewals globally and also serves as the AEE Scholarship Director for the AEE Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from Mercer University, a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing, and a Graduate Certificate in Fintech |Blockchain from Georgia State University. She also is PMP, and Climate Leadership, Sustainability Studies certified.
Training
Cathy Mitchell
Cathy is a Florida native who currently lives in Grayson, Georgia. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters and equally proud grandmother to eleven amazing grandchildren. Cathy holds a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Edward Waters University.
As a lifelong learner, she enjoys researching, designing, developing, implementing and evaluating learning content. Cathy has a knack for connecting with learners through relevant and engaging material that supports blended learning for all audience types. She brings over twenty-five years of experience in the Learning and development space with fifteen years of experience in leading training teams, facilitating leadership workshops, building departments, and helping employees tap into their highest potential.
Cathy’s passion for life is rooted in progressive learning — she has held positions as an educator for Duval County Public Schools; an Adjunct Professor, and several Leadership positions. She is a Certified Life Coach and a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach – who believes that when we operate in our natural talents, we are most effective and happier in our careers. Cathy is an advocate for Leadership Development and Relationship Building and uses her knowledge to strengthen the teams that she is responsible for.
Cathy has an array of hobbies including roller skating, gardening, baking, walking, and spending time with her family and close friends.
Anne Krapf
Anne joined AEE in 2021 and is the Office Manager. As the Office Manager, she was responsible for handling general inquiries, supporting members, overseeing general office operation, and assisting departments as needed. Anne moved into the Training Administrator role in 2022 and looks forward to helping create a clean and sustainable future.
Ryan Ayala
Ryan joined AEE in 2024 and is the U.S. Public Training Coordinator. He was born and raised in San Diego, California and graduated from The University of Alabama in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. Ryan handles the coordination of all U.S. CEM and non-certification training programs.
Emily Kimis
Emily joined AEE in 2024 as the US Private & Chapter Training Coordinator. She coordinates all private and chapter trainings from end to end and ensures each event runs smoothly. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Leadership Studies from the University of Central Florida. She also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Her background spans across various fields of education, and she is very passionate about promoting accessible learning opportunities for all.
Conferences, Expos & Events
Lauren Lake
Lauren joined AEE staff in 2003. As AEE’s meeting planner, Lauren coordinates conferences and trade shows, including securing bids and contracts for audio-visual equipment, computers, medical services, security, photography, event services, and catering. She oversees the design, printing and distribution of promotional materials for shows and membership. She can also be contacted regarding show sponsorship opportunities. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Georgia State University.
Cameron Sonefeld
Cameron joined AEE in August of 2022 as Conference Speaker Director. She is in charge of developing the conference programs and coordinating the speakers for each show. Cameron earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Wofford College in May of 2022.
Rachel Hobson
Marketing & Communications
Andrea Taylor
Andrea joined AEE in 2023 as Marketing Director. She is responsible for driving and delivering strategies and activities to advance the growth of AEE. Andrea brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience in very diverse spaces like advertising agencies, large multinational corporations, the state government and the association industry. Bilingual English-Spanish, Andrea also speaks conversational Italian and Portuguese.
Laurie Beth Nix
Laurie Beth Nix joined AEE in 2021 and is currently the Marketing and Communications Manager, focusing on propelling AEE’s brand forward through social media and digital marketing. Laurie Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Middle Georgia State University in Interdisciplinary Studies concentrating in New Media and Communications.
Paulina Cervantes
Paulina joined AEE in 2023 as the Marketing Specialist. In her role, she works as the department coordinator and is responsible for executing email marketing efforts. Paulina earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with an Area of Emphasis in Digital Marketing from the University of Georgia in May of 2021.
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