The MCEC Team

I. Katherine Magruder

Executive Director

Throughout her career Ms. Magruder has been focused on the balance of environment, economy, and cultural character in effective sustainable economic development.

As Executive Director of the Maryland Clean Energy Center, since 2009, Ms. Magruder manages the statewide green bank working to advance the commercialization and adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies in Maryland. She collaborates with multiple state and federal agencies, along with utility and private sector partners, to implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. In this role she operates financing programs, administers grants, engages in business development initiatives, oversees outreach, and monitors associated public policy activity.

Previously, as Chief of Staff at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Ms. Magruder was responsible for strategic planning, staff management and external relations. During appointment as the Director of Resource Based Industries at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (Commerce), she focused on sustaining the agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries and maritime industry sectors. Working in key positions with various municipalities, Ms. Magruder led local and regional agribusiness, cultural preservation, and ecotourism initiatives to benefit communities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Kathy is a member of the American Green Bank Coalition and currently serves as co-chair of the Association for University Research Parks Climate Technology & Building Caucus. She holds seats on the Maryland Power Plant Research Program Advisory Committee, the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Advisory Board , the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Climate, Energy & Environment Policy Committee and is appointed to the Governor’s Economic Competitiveness Sub-cabinet for Maryland.

Dorothy Kolb

Chief Financial Officer

Dorothy Kolb is an operations and finance executive with over 20 years experience in the sports, media and creative/marketing agency space including production, operations, and finance roles at CBS Sports, FOX Sports, NBC, Scripps Networks and CBS Radio as well as a foundational accounting start with Deloitte in NYC.

Dorothy holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting/Economics from Long Island University-Post, and professional certificates in Executive Women in Leadership from Cornell University and Human Resource Management from Villanova University. She is a CPA and a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Marcia Johnson

Senior Accountant

Marcia is a Washington, DC native with extensive experience in nonprofit, healthcare, and property accounting. She specializes in financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and process improvement. Throughout her career, she has supported complex financial operations, supported internal and external audits, and provided strategic financial insights that strengthen organizational performance.

Marcia holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Finance minor and is jointly pursing her MBA and CPA. Known for her analytical approach, integrity, and commitment to excellence, she is passionate about helping organizations build strong financial foundations that support long-term growth and mission-driven impact.

Mary Sirois

Operations Manager

Mary Sirois is the Administrative Assistant for the MCEC. She brings over 10 years of diverse experience in the non-profit and business sector with combined experience in organizational leadership in green building and energy efficiency, daily operations management, administration, and event planning.

As the leader of the US Green Building Council Maryland Chapter, she supported and brought green building professionals together through membership, advocacy, events and credential maintenance opportunities. At the Baltimore Energy Challenge, a partnership program of The Baltimore Office of Sustainability and Civic Works, she worked to bring simple yet effective energy retrofits to Baltimore City residents while also prioritizing work skills development.

Her broad background has varied from swinging a hammer and walking job sites to organizational management, daily operations, events planning and administration. In the past couple of years, you may also find her swinging with her two young children at the playground! She brings compassion, energy and enthusiasm to each role. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Non-Violence Studies from Elon University, North Carolina.

Anmol Vanamali

Chief Investment Officer

Anmol Vanamali is a sustainable finance expert with almost 20 years of experience working in climate, energy and infrastructure sectors with corporations, financial institutions, non-profit institutions and governments. Prior to joining MCEC, he was the Director of Innovative Climate Finance at the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) where he was responsible for institutional strategy development, transaction underwriting, interagency collaboration and external engagement related to climate finance. Prior to joining the DFC, he was the Director of Sustainable Finance at Winrock International and was responsible for designing and implementing sustainable finance solutions through partnerships with financial institutions and the private sector to achieve global sustainable development goals. Previously, he was the Financing Strategies Director with the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), responsible for designing and implementing impact investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Prior to VEIC, he was the Director of Finance and Policy Analysis at the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) and was a leading voice in areas of global climate finance and sustainable infrastructure. Earlier in his career, Anmol was part of the Principal Investments team at Macquarie Capital that focused on private equity investments in the renewable energy sector and an Assistant Manager at Gammon Infrastructure Projects Ltd., where he financed and developed large-scale infrastructure in India. He is also currently an Adjunct Professor at the Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) at Georgetown University where he teaches a course that explores the intersection of corporate sustainability and international development.  Anmol hails from India originally and has a Bachelor of Sciences degree from PSG College of technology (Coimbatore), a Masters in Business Administration from Sydenham Institute of Management (Mumbai) and a Masters in International Affairs degree from Columbia University (New York). He has business fluency in English, Spanish and Hindi and is conversational in French.

Keith Wang

Director of Finance Programs

As part of the MCEC finance team, Keith Wang supports current lending programs and actively participates in MCEC investment processes.

Keith is a veteran in the commercial banking industry with over 15 years of experience as a credit analyst, portfolio manager, and risk officer. During his time as portfolio manager, Keith was an integral part of the team that grew their lending portfolio from $20 million to over $250 million. He was responsible for analyzing, underwriting, structuring, and monitoring all clients held in the portfolio. As a former risk officer, Keith was responsible for comprehensive loan reviews which monitored any deterioration in credit quality of the bank’s existing clients. Keith has previously worked at FVCbank, Eagle Bank, TD Bank, and Navy Federal Credit Union.

Keith earned his BA in Business Management from Gettysburg College.

Noah Wood

C3 Fund Manager

Noah Wood supports the lending operations of the Maryland Clean Energy Center finance team, where he evaluates renewable energy financing opportunities through credit analysis, cash flow forecasting, and financial modeling.

Noah brings a strong background in commercial banking and lending to MCEC. As a Portfolio Lender, Noah supported a commercial banking team managing over $1 billion in outstanding loans and commitments. His responsibilities included portfolio management, loan structuring, and transaction closing. Over his seven years at Sandy Spring Bank and Revere Bank, he earned certifications in credit analysis, business and commercial lending, and commercial loan documentation.

Outside of finance, Noah has a wide range of interests and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Production from Full Sail University.

Colin Cline

Junior Lending Analyst

Simon Zimmer

Project Manager, Solar Development & Finance

Simon Zimmer possesses a unique combination of business (MBA), engineering (BSEE) and nonprofit experience in five countries and speaks English, Spanish and German (BA German) fluently. After completing his Peace Corps service in Honduras in 2005, Simon moved to Bogotá, Colombia. Six weeks later, he found his biological family after 30 years. It was a wonderful moment that helped him create a special bond with Colombia, which led him to create an international nonprofit organization with his adoptive family. Aguayuda’s mission is to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to rural communities in Colombia. Ten years later, they had helped over 10,000 people. In 2016, WaterAid, a large international water nonprofit organization, took over the mission, which he is proud to say continues to this day.

Since 2019, Simon has been working in the solar industry — initially, as a director of operations at Aurora Energy, a commercial solar company, in Columbia, Maryland. It was a great experience that showed him how producing clean energy can have a positive impact on the local community, the environment and the energy economy. However, one thing was missing: he wanted to combine his solar knowledge and experience to help disadvantaged people reduce their energy burden through access to solar energy. Fortunately, Civic Works, a local nonprofit, was looking for a solar program manager to lead and develop their low- and moderate-income rooftop solar program called Baltimore Shines. Three years later, thanks to the success of Baltimore Shines, he and his team have helped 18 families go solar and have received additional grant funding from MEA, the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, and ARPA with the goal of providing solar to an additional 170 families in the next few years.

For Simon, nothing compares to helping people and communities in need, whether it is for clean water or clean energy. With his unique combination of residential and commercial solar and nonprofit experience, and a strong track record of helping to improve people’s lives through sustainable projects, he is excited to work for the MCEC team as the grant program assistant director.

Simon has an amazing wife and two stepdaughters who make him proud every day.

Benjamin J. Rupert

Director of Procurement and Technical Assistance

Ben Rupert brings more than 15 years of experience developing, creatively financing, and implementing clean energy projects and programs to the Maryland Clean Energy Center. He has spent significant time working in both the public and private sectors, and has unique experience developing collaborative procurement solutions to implement cost effective clean energy projects. He has provided technical support and leadership for a wide array of energy projects, including energy efficiency, combined heat and power, microgrid, energy storage, and renewable energy systems including solar, wind, renewable natural gas (RNG), and biomass.

Beyond technical energy expertise, Ben holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy. He has significant experience developing and implementing climate and energy policy at the state and local levels, and has served as a building codes and standards advisor for the States of Washington and California. He is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), has served on the board of directors for the Association of Energy Engineer’s National Capital Chapter since 2016, and is a past president of the organizations Pacific Northwest Chapter.

Limunga Mingo

Program Manager, Procurement and Technical Assistance

Limunga Mingo was born and raised in Cameroon and moved to the US after high school. She received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and M.S. in Engineering Management (Cost and Finance Engineering) from The George Washington University. She specializes in managing technical projects and is often working to create or refine processes to streamline operations. She is fluent in French and has experience working across various technical fields for foreign companies. Limunga is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and energy to encourage others to succeed. She’s passionate about encouraging young females in STEM fields, enjoys traveling, and spending time with her daughter.

Amy Gillespie

Grant Administration & Compliance Officer

Amy Gillespie most recently was the School Director/Director of Education for Triangle Technical School in Chambersburg, PA. She has a 30-year background in leadership and management, training, and organizational development. She also has a 15-year background in research and grant writing. Prior to moving to Maryland, she was Executive Director for a non-profit agency supporting vocational rehabilitation and workforce development. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in West Virginia and teaches for the Connecticut State Community College system. She has also worked locally for municipal government in Hancock, Maryland.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Art Degree in History/Political Science and Secondary Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY and a Master’s in Human Services specializing in Non-profit Management from Post University in Waterbury, CT. She is currently working on becoming certified through Quality Matters as a Certified Online Course Developer.

Amy has a wonderful husband, four boys and two fabulous dogs!

Damion Trasada

Community Engagement Project Manager

Damion Trasada has been involved in program delivery and policy initiatives around workforce development, education, and sustainability for over twenty years. He has managed a diverse portfolio of federal grants with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, working with dozens of non-profit and local government partners to implement large federal funding sources including the Community Service Block Grant, Emergency Rental Program, and Low-Income Heating Assistance. Damion has also helped to advance anti-poverty and economic development initiatives in Missouri in his roles at the Missouri Housing Development Corporation and as Deputy Director of State Boards and Commissions.

Prior to joining MCEC, Damion served as the Regional Director of Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors to Work Program, providing veterans and their families with employment counseling and placement services. He also currently serves as a volunteer board member for the Uplift Institute for Global Sustainability, a community-based organization that supports projects promoting sustainable environmental and economic development. Damion holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and resides with his family in southern Maryland.

Maya Ross

Wood Energy Coordinator

Maya Ross is the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s Wood Energy Coordinator, responsible for increasing the use of woody biomass as a viable energy source across Maryland, while ensuring proper forest management. Maya has prior experience in environmental policy and environmental justice, including work with both the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and the Maryland NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) committee. With the NAACP, Maya was responsible for leading a research project on ECJ issues in Maryland, which culminated in a conference presentation and a panel discussion with former Obama administration advisors.

Maya holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland.

Daniella DiRubba

Grants Administrative Assistant

Pamela Powers

Director of Government & Industry Relations

Pamela Powers joined the Maryland Clean Energy Center team in 2017. As MCEC’s Government & Industry Relations Manager, she plans, develops, and executes a proactive government affairs strategy to meet the Center’s mission and objectives. Pamela monitors policy initiatives and reports to industry stakeholders on legislation and regulation while facilitating government relations for the organization. Pamela liaises with stakeholders, business representatives, vendors, and the general public.

Pamela coordinates the MCEC continuing education solar training for realtors. Pamela supports senior staff with event development and management, including logistics and site selection.

Pamela joined MCEC after serving as Chief of Staff to Former Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines, Vice Chair of the House Appropriation Committee. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She resides in Annapolis with her Old English Sheepdog, Elliott.

Maggie Groff

Government & Industry Relations Assistant

Maggie Groff is a recent Environmental Science and Policy graduate from the University of Maryland, specializing in policy and politics. With a strong academic record, Maggie also served as the school’s Sustainability Advisor, where she was a guest speaker in numerous classrooms, educating first-year students on environmental challenges and sustainable practices.

Having previously worked as a Policy Intern at the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), Maggie has now taken on the role of Government & Industry Relations Assistant, where she helps track legislative activity in the Maryland General Assembly and coordinates with key industry stakeholders. She is excited about the opportunity to learn and grow at MCEC and is eager to contribute to solutions for a sustainable future.

Outside of MCEC, Maggie has quite the soft spot for four-legged friends. During her time in college, she worked at a doggie daycare and dedicated her time to volunteering at an animal shelter. She also enjoys spending quality time with her dog, Bella, whenever she can.

Pragna Yalamanchili

Pragna Yalamanchili serves as a Policy Intern at MCEC and helps track and summarize Maryland clean energy bills. She is a second-year student at the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Environmental Science & Policy. Her concentration is in Environmental Justice, and she is pursuing a minor in Rhetoric. She has also served as a research assistant in both the Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics and the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, where she has worked on projects ranging from quantifying the cost of carbon dioxide emissions to studying the impacts of wildfire smoke on chronic kidney disease incidences.

Outside of the classroom, she holds leadership positions in two clubs on campus: Empowering Women in Law and the South Asian Student Association. She is also a part of the UMD Fellows Program, pursuing a concentration in Economic Diplomacy. After earning her degree, she hopes to attend law school and become an environmental lawyer.

Michelle Staudenmeier

Director of Marketing and Communications

Michelle Staudenmeier is an award-winning creative professional with over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, earning over 70 awards for her work, including numerous ADDY Awards, the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition for creative excellence in the United States. As an accomplished creative professional, marketing strategist, and brand builder, Michelle is driven by a passion for making the world a better place.

Michelle’s professional journey began in advertising agencies, where she cultivated her love for innovation and developed a drive for new ideas. She has since transitioned to mission-based organizations, holding notable positions that underscore her commitment to impactful work.

For over a decade, Michelle supported conservation, directing the marketing and creative efforts at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. As the Assistant Director of Advertising & Brand with Friends of the National Zoo, she crafted and executed strategies that elevated brand visibility, increased revenues, and motivated public engagement. Her ability to identify compelling insights and transform them into effective marketing and communications materials has been pivotal in achieving these outcomes.

More recently, Michelle has dedicated her expertise to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical and mental disabilities. As the Creative Director for a human services organization, she has worked towards a world that values diversity, celebrates inclusion, and promotes accessibility. Her innovative campaigns and strategic initiatives have significantly bolstered corporate reputation, increased brand awareness, and improved engagement metrics across all channels.

Michelle graduated with honors from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

Pam Bucklinger

Sr. Manager of Partnerships & Communications

Pam brings more than 15 years of experience in content creation, brand development, and community partnerships. Before joining MCEC, she crafted memorable, on-brand content for diverse clients, ranging from government agencies to nonprofits. Her expertise spans all digital platforms, including web pages, social media, email campaigns, podcasts, and blogs.

Pam’s career began at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where she served in various leadership positions, including Assistant Director of Corporate Programs. She played a key role in content development for digital marketing, securing corporate sponsors, and forming valuable community partnerships. Pam’s efforts consistently exceeded fundraising targets and enhanced the Smithsonian Zoo’s mission with science and conservation organizations.

Outside of work, Pam has a passion for community engagement and sustainability. She currently volunteers as a Social Media Lead for Moms Demand Action and sits on two nonprofit boards that focus on sustainability and education. Her published freelance articles have appeared in both local and national magazines.

Pamela holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science and has won several marketing awards plus “Writer of the Year” from National Wildlife Federation. Pam is mom to her son, a rescue dog named The Marvelous Mrs. Mabel, and a 40-year-old turtle.

Daniel M. Hazard

Digital Marketing Specialist

Dan Hazard is a digital marketer and content producer with half a decade of experience working in politics, issue advocacy, and academia. As MCEC’s Digital Media Specialist, Dan provides creative services and oversees the Center’s website and social media channels.

Prior to joining MCEC in 2024, Dan served as the Communications Specialist for the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center in Nashville, TN. He previously worked as a Digital Director in the U.S. Senate and as an Associate with PLUS Communications in Arlington, VA.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Spanish and has earned various digital marketing certificates throughout his career.

Connor Adams

Marketing & Communications Associate

Connor Adams is currently a student at the University of Maryland, College Park. From procurement and policy to marketing and community outreach, Connor supports various departments in his role as a MCEC intern.

After graduation, Connor hopes to pursue a career in strategic communications and marketing.

Ben Margolis

Director

Ben Margolis serves as the Director of the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA), where he leads Maryland’s clean energy technology commercialization and investments. He oversees statewide programs supporting entrepreneurs from early-stage ideation and company formation through prototyping, manufacturing, and investment readiness.

Ben has 20 years of experience in clean energy, technology commercialization, venture development, and investment. Prior to returning to MEIA as Director, he served as a Business Fellow at Breakthrough Energy, supporting commercialization efforts for emerging power and industrial technologies. He previously co-founded MEIA and served as its Commercialization Manager, designing programs to help move technologies from the lab to market.

His earlier experience includes managing a first-of-a-kind advanced energy investment portfolio at Clean Feet Investors, leading business development at renewable energy company Sol Systems, and founding a strategic advisory practice focused on commercialization and technology transition. Ben holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland.

Mike Ducker

Ecosystem Manager

Emily Sheppard

Program Coordinator

Emily Sheppard serves as the Program Coordinator at the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA), where she supports the day-to-day operations and delivery of MEIA’s programs for climate tech and clean energy startups.

Her responsibilities include participant recruitment and engagement, event logistics, scheduling, communications, stakeholder coordination, participant tracking, and program administration. She works closely with entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and other stakeholders to create a strong and supportive experience for MEIA participants.

Emily holds a Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology from George Mason University. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and building the connections, resources, and programs that help climate technology companies grow in Maryland.