David Gardiner has more than 35 years of experience analyzing and shaping successful domestic and global clean energy and sustainability strategies in both the public and private sectors. As principal of DGA, he provides high-level strategic guidance to the corporate executives and non-profit leaders with whom the firm works. Among his principal areas of expertise are renewable energy, energy efficiency, thermal energy, clean air policy, sustainable transportation, and forest and land issues. David uses this knowledge, coupled with his strong ability to make sense of complicated issues, to help clients develop informed, thoughtful strategies to maximize bottom line impact.

Prior to founding DGA, David served as the Executive Director of the White House Climate Change Task Force during the Clinton Administration, where he participated in development of domestic policy and in international climate negotiations. As EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Policy, David led EPA’s climate change efforts, as well as programs to reinvent EPA’s approaches to key sectors such as transportation, agriculture, metal finishing, and real estate development. Prior to joining the Clinton administration, David was Legislative Director for the Sierra Club in Washington, D.C. David has a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Harvard College.

Blaine Collison has an extensive background in helping companies and institutions evaluate, implement, and communicate renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change initiatives. After several decades working in partnership with the business community, governments, and other institutions which are seeking a low-carbon future, Blaine joined DGA as senior vice president in 2018 to assist our clients in advancing clean energy.

Before joining DGA, Blaine was the Managing Director of Marketing & Partnerships at Altenex, an Edison Energy company, where he led the development of Altenex’s corporate sustainability services, communications, and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining Altenex in April 2014, Blaine served 17 years at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, with multiple roles in the ENERGY STAR program and a decade leading the Green Power Partnership. Blaine has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Anjali Patel is the Vice President for Clean Energy with David Gardiner and Associates (DGA). Her work focuses on providing companies, organizations, and governments with strategic guidance on policies that are needed to support their climate goals. Anjali’s work includes serving as the Policy Director for Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG), a not-for-profit organization that brings together a diverse coalition of sponsors and supporters interested in expanding long-distance transmission to achieve widespread consumer benefits (e.g. decarbonization, economic development, and improving affordability, resiliency, and reliability). Before joining DGA, Anjali served as the Litigation Supervisor at the Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia where she represented consumers before PJM and in federal and state proceedings. Anjali earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan, an M.S. in Environmental Policy from Drexel University, and a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Case Western Reserve University.

Julie Lush serves as the Chief Operations Officer for David Gardiner and Associates. She oversees all aspects of the firm’s finances, operations, and human resources. Julie came to DGA after a decade with M+R, a strategic communications firm that works with non-profit organizations focused on alleviating suffering, human rights, and democracy, dismantling inequality, making art and knowledge accessible to everyone, and fostering a healthier and sustainable world. At M+R, Julie oversaw strategic planning and budgeting, business operations, and a wide array of human resources issues. Julie also spent two years working at Grassroots Campaigns, Inc., where she ran all operations for fundraising and public outreach campaigns for a wide array of non-profit organizations. She has her Master of Business Administration from American University and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Denison University.

Emily Kent is the Senior Director for Clean Energy with David Gardiner and Associates (DGA). Her work focuses on managing a mix of electric and thermal decarbonization projects, including work on grid transmission, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle decarbonization, and clean fuels. She comes to DGA with nearly a decade of experience in decarbonization policy and analysis. Before joining DGA, Emily led the Zero-Carbon Fuels program at the climate nonprofit Clean Air Task Force, where she focused on hydrogen’s role as a climate solution. Her past experience also includes greenhouse mitigation analysis and carbon accounting at ICF, where she supported federal clients such as the EPA, DOE, and USAID. She holds a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and a BA in Environmental Policy from Washington University in St. Louis.

Perry’s background is in fundraising for environmental nonprofit organizations and climate advocacy. For over a decade, she has built support from individuals, foundations, and corporations for regional, national, and international groups addressing the symptoms and causes of climate change. Most recently, Perry worked with Citizens’ Climate Lobby as a Senior Development Officer. As Membership Director with the RTC, Perry will focus on recruiting, stewarding, and strengthening relationships with members and sponsors. She lives in Alexandria, VA, with her spouse and young child. Perry has a BA in International Relations & Political Science from Wellesley College, and an MA in Environmental Theology from the University of the South in Sewanee.

Ruth Checknoff brings a background in international clean technology development and climate policy to DGA. As a Project and Research Director, she leads technology, market, and policy initiatives to break down barriers to renewable thermal energy deployment with the Renewable Thermal Collaborative. Before joining DGA, Ruth worked as the Policy Manager at Last Energy, where she led policy development and local community engagement to accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy for industrial decarbonization. Ruth earned a Master of Public Policy and a B.A. in Environmental Sciences and Psychology from the University of Virginia.

Oren Lieber-Kotz brings a background in environmental, Earth sciences, and climate change research. His work at DGA contributes mostly to projects involving renewable thermal energy technology, implementation, and policy. As a Research Analyst, Oren supports the work of the Renewable Thermal Collaborative with research, writing, project organization, relationship development, and data analysis of various kinds.

Before coming to DGA, Oren worked as an Earth & Planetary Sciences researcher at Yale University, focusing on marine geochemistry and rock dating. He earned a B.A. in Geology from Carleton College in Minnesota, where he helped found and lead a climate activist group. His research experience with the US Geological Survey in wildfire adaptation and at the University of Maryland in urban hydrology developed his broad analytical skills and motivated him to pursue a career in climate action.

Hannah Schuster is a communications associate with DGA, where she focuses on providing communications and research support to DGA clients issues related to the clean energy transition, grid reliability, and sustainable transportation. Before coming to DGA, she was a local reporter for public radio stations in Virginia and D.C. Her work also appeared on national NPR programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Hannah has a B.A. in American Studies from Brandeis University.

Dave Grossman is the Principal at Green Light Consulting, which he founded in 2006. He has developed expertise across a wide range of climate change and energy issues, as well as other sustainability topics. In his consulting, he has helped numerous clients – including non-profits, philanthropic foundations, trade associations, corporations, and intergovernmental organizations – transform complex concepts and processes into logical, organized, and clear results.

Dave has been studying and working in environmental policy, politics, law, and grassroots organizing since the mid-1990s. Prior to founding Green Light in 2006, he managed projects for the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE), worked in the 2004 presidential campaign cycle, served as a law clerk for the Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, and was a grassroots organizer on endangered species and fisheries issues with the National Audubon Society (through Green Corps). In addition to numerous reports and other publications produced through his consulting, Dave has also published on topics such as the feasibility of tort-based climate change litigation. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Politics and received his law degree from Yale.

Anna Dixon, a DGA research associate, provides in-depth research and analysis of decarbonization technologies, developments, and opportunities to inform and improve climate action.  Anna also provides communications and organizational support to the Combined Heat and Power Alliance.Before joining DGA, Anna interned with the Industrial Decarbonization and Carbon Management working groups at Boundary Stone Partners, a climate-focused consulting and lobbying firm. She also completed an internship with the U.S. EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance where she dealt with matters related to pesticide regulations. Anna has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Tulane University.

Allison Fabrizio, a research associate, supports the comprehensive analysis needed to develop and implement effective and equitable climate solutions. Previously, Allison has worked with various NGOs, including Friends of the Earth U.S., Dream.Org, the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network, the Pachamama Alliance, and Citizens Climate Lobby. Allison holds a BA in Environmental Analysis from Washington University in St. Louis.