Green Drives Conference and Expo
Speaker presentations listed below.
Links to conference recordings listed below.
Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation's annual Green Drives Conference & Expo was hosted on Thursday, May 9, 2024 by Powering Chicago at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute in Alsip, Illinois.
Green Drives – one of the largest clean-transportation conferences held in the Midwest – is an annual must-attend event for government officials, commercial and municipal fleet managers, corporate sustainability officers, and clean-tech and clean-energy professionals who want to learn how to use cleaner, lower emissions fuels and technologies, while saving money.
Advanced vehicle technologies, electric vehicles, and alternative fuels were showcased, including dozens of green vehicles and exhibitors. Attendees not only had a chance to network with experts from throughout the nation and the region, but they learned of first-hand experiences from fleets currently using alternative fuels and electric vehicles.
Green Drives Conference Recordings
Green Drives Part 1: 8:30 AM - 11:15AM
Green Drives Part 2: 12:45PM - 4:00PM
Speaker Presentations
Alternative Fuels: Insights and Updates
- David Gohlke, Energy and Environmental Analyst, Argonne National Lab
- Lynn Stafford, VP Business Development, True Alternative Fuel Systems
- Pete Probst, President, Indigenous Energy, B20 Club
- Tony Lindsay, Managing Director GTI Energy
- Jason Stair, Principal Engineer and Project Manager, GTI Energy
Which Alt Fuel(s) Will Work For Your Fleet and Why
- Stan Balicki, Director of Public Works, City of Elmhurst
- Jason van den Brink, CFO, Ozinga Energy
- Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, City of Moline
- Brian Robb, Government Relations, Lion Electric
Incorporating Alternative Vehicles Into Your Fleet
- Roberto Torres, Chief Mechanical Officer, Pace Suburban Bus
- Ken Crowley, Superintendent of Fleet Services, Village of Oak Park
- Jason van den Brink, CFO, Ozinga Energy
Fleet Electrification Readiness
- Tim Milburn, Founding Partner, Green Ways 2Go
- Sam Hersh, North America E-Mobility Solutions Lead, Arcadis
- Ken Crowley, Superintendent of Fleet Services, Village of Oak Park
- Nick Pupich, Director of Controls and Specialized Solutions at Connelly Electric
- Bob Hattier, Director of Renewable Energy for IBEW Local 134
- George Mostardini, Business Representative, IBEW Local 134
Funding Opportunities and Updates
- Samantha Bingham, Clean Transportation Program Director, Chicago Department of Transportation
- Ann Schneider, Ann L. Schneider and Associates LLC
- Denise Munoz, Director of Clean Energy Solutions Strategy and Implementation, ComEd
- Anthony Maietta, Life Scientist, Air and Radiation Division, Region 5, U.S. EPA
- Chris Meister, Executive Director, Illinois Finance Authority
When
Thursday, May 9, 2024
from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CDT)
Where
Powering Chicago
IBEW/NECA Technical Institute
6201 West 115th Street
Alsip, IL
Hotel Information
We reserved a room block at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Alsip for May 8, 2024 through May 9, 2024.
5000 West 127th Street,
Alsip, IL 60803
708-371-7300
2024 Green Drives Conference & Expo - Agenda
Registration and Welcome |
|
| 7:30am | Vendor / exhibit set up |
| 8:00am | Registration |
| 8:30am | Welcome by IACT and Powering Chicago |
Morning Sessions |
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| 9:00am | Alternative Fuels: Insights and Updates - Policy & Laws
This session is dedicated to enlightening fleet managers on the importance of considering alternative fuels. It offers valuable insights into emerging trends, potential opportunities, and the cost-saving benefits associated with adopting alternative fuel solutions. Attendees will discover the significance of reducing greenhouse emissions through the utilization of compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, and various other alternative fuel sources. Furthermore, the session will showcase LPG providers who are eager to support conversions and infrastructure development, while also introducing programs aimed at facilitating the transition towards electric vehicle (EV) strategies. Moderator Chris Lyon, Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA Speakers |
| 10:00am | Which Alt Fuel(s) Will Work for Your Fleet and Why
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear presentations on a diverse range of the most popular and easily-accessible alternative fuels. These presentations will delve into the practical applications of these fuels within various fleet operations and different environmental circumstances, providing valuable insights and guidance. Moderator Chris Lyon, Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA Speakers |
| 10:45am | Incorporating Alternative Vehicles into Your Fleet
Hear from fleets that have effectively implemented alternative fuels. Speakers will delve into the decision-making process involved in selecting the appropriate alternative fuel for their operations while also offering insights into their fleets today, including the payoff realized from these sustainable initiative. Moderator Chris Lyon, Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA Speakers |
Break & Lunch | |
| 11:15am | Visit booths in exhibit hall and outdoor vehicle display. Peruse and ask questions about vehicles on display, and schedule a ride-and-drive in participating displayed vehicles. Buffet Lunch opens at 12:30 pm. Tours of Powering Chicago will be available, and a Wallbox EV charger from EV Energy Group will be raffled off! |
| 12:45pm | Keynote Speaker: Michael Laughlin, Technology Manager, Department of Energy |
Afternoon Sessions |
|
| 1:30pm | Alternative Fuels Workforce Development
Identify suitable training avenues for employees, such as fleet mechanics, interested in learning about alternative fuel vehicles. Discussions will center around two available training programs, encompassing a comprehensive range beyond just electric vehicles (EVs). Moderator Chris Lyon, Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA Speakers |
| 1:45pm | Fleet Electrification Readiness
Discover available funding opportunities for electric vehicles (EVs), infrastructure development, and alternative fuels in this pivotal session. This is the most important session you'll attend all day! Speakers Background: Chris Lyon, Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA Basics of EV Charging: Tim Milburn, Founding Partner, Green Ways 2Go Fleet Planning - First Steps: Sam Hersh, North America E-Mobility Lead, Arcadis - Vehicle Electrification Case Study: Ken Crowley, Superintendent of Fleet Services, Village of Oak Park - Charging Infrastructure Best Practices: Nick Pupich, Account Executive, Connelly Electric. - Business Case Considerations: Tim Milburn, Founding Partner, Green Ways 2Go Operations and Maintenance: Robert Hattier and George Mostardini, Business Representatives, IBEW Local 134 - Operating and Maintaining EVs - Operating and Maintaining EV Charging Systems Future Considerations: Robert Hattier and George Mostardini, Business Representatives, IBEW Local 134 |
| 2:35pm | Funding Opportunities and Updates
The most important session you'll attend all day! Learn about how to acquire government assistance and participate in local initiatives to help fund your new fleet. Moderator Chris Lyon, Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA Speakers |
Closing |
|
| 4:05pm | Closing remarks: Elbert Walters, Executive Director, Powering Chicago |
Our Speakers
Christopher Lyon
Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA
IACT is pleased to present Christopher Lyon as the Green Drives Conference MC once again! Christopher started his career with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, where he was promoted the use of clean energy. Since July 2015, he has served as director of fleet relations for NTEA and liaison for the Green Truck Association, working as the link between distributors/manufacturers and end-user fleets and staying abreast of current issues impacting the fleet community. Christopher earned his Certified Automotive Fleet Manager’s designation from the NAFA Fleet Management Association in 2009. Christopher serves on the executive board of the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation and holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, Illinois)
Elbert Walters III
Director for Powering Chicago
Elbert “Bert” Walters III, is the Executive Director of Powering Chicago, a labor management cooperative by and between the Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago and the Union International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 134 (IBEW 134) promoting the benefits of using union skilled labor. Elbert served as a Business Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134 where he partnered in representing nearly 12,000 electricians in the Chicagoland region. Elbert started his career as an electrical apprentice in April 1999 where he received the Apprentice of the Year award. Within the I.B.E.W., Elbert serves as the Commander and Adjutant for the American Legion Electrical Post 769 and board member of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus. Elbert previously served as a member of the Electrical Joint Arbitration Board and as a member of Chicago Building Trades Council. Mr. Walters, was also an appointed member of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Council and served as Secretary of Labor Brothers United (LBU), a group of Union officials dedicated to closing the gap between union labor and community. Elbert’s dedication to the union and his community is evidenced by his commitment and involvement in establishing and hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast and coordinating union electrical volunteers for the Rebuild Together Chicago Metro Day of Service, which provides needed upgrades to disadvantaged
communities throughout the Chicagoland area. Elbert is dedicated to professional development and a recent graduate of DePaul University’s, three-year, Labor Leadership Program.
Samantha Bingham
Clean Transportation Program Director, City of Chicago Department of Transportation
As the Clean Transportation Program Director for the City of Chicago’s Department of Transportation, Sam is responsible for developing and implementing policies, programs and projects that reduce direct emissions from the transportation sector and assist in achieving the City's sustainability goals. During her 15 year tenure at the City, Sam has leveraged over $70 million in local and federal grant funding for clean vehicle incentive programs in the Chicago region, including the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations and medium- and heavy-duty hybrid and electric trucks and buses. Sam also serves as the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities coordinator for the local Chicago Area Clean Cities coalitions whose goal is to reduce petroleum in the transportation sector primarily through education and technical assistance.
Anthony Maietta
Environmental Protection Specialist, US EPA Region 5
Anthony (Tony) Maietta is an Environmental Protection Specialist in the Chicago/Region 5 office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air and Radiation Division. Tony graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution. Since 2003 his work at EPA includes review and processing of state clean air laws under the Clean Air Act, transportation conformity in Indiana and Ohio, and managing voluntary programs such as the Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative, the SmartWay Transport Partnership, EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, and EPA’s Ports Initiative.
Dave Gohlke
Energy and Environmental Analyst, Argonne National Laboratory
David Gohlke is an Energy and Environmental Analyst at Argonne National Laboratory. His research interests include vehicle cost of ownership and household transportation affordability, vehicle manufacturing and supply chains, environmental impacts and characteristics of electric vehicles, and community accessibility to core opportunities and shared mobility. Dave is a member of the Transportation Research Board standing committee on Transportation Energy and earned a Ph.D. in Physics from Ohio State University.
Tim Milburn
Founding Partner, Green Ways 2Go
Tim has over 30 years of experience in managing people and projects in a range of energy and environmental industries. As Partner in GW2G since 2011, Tim has been engaged in developing the business and has been active in the field making sure alternative fuel technologies and supporting installations always meet expectations. Tim has been on the Steering Team of the Chicago Area Clean Cities, now the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation and has completed several useful studies on their behalf. He has also been the Project Advisor for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus EV Readiness program since 2018, developing extensive research and collateral in collaboration with the Caucus. Milburn provides information, resources and recommendations for municipalities and other local governments related to transportation electrification.
Pete Probst
President, Indigenous Energy
Pete Probst is the President of Indigenous Energy, a company that was founded in 2008 with the goal to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Indigenous Energy contracts with the Chicago Park District to manage their high blend biodiesel fleet which uses B20 to B100 year round. Pete also serves as the Biodiesel Advisor to the IL Soybean Association and works on fuel quality, education and expansion of biodiesel to end users around the Midwest. Pete has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Tony Lindsay
Managing Director, Gas Technology Institute
Tony Lindsay is Managing Director of the Energy Delivery Group at the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) where he oversees the organization’s research and development activities for technology concepts, products and services focused on ensuring a safe and reliable energy delivery infrastructure.
Sarah Mark
Fleet and Facilities Manager, City of Moline, IL
Sarah Mark is the Fleet and Facilities Manager for the City of Moline, IL. The scope of Sarah’s responsibilities includes asset acquisition, maintenance, capital improvement, and data and cost-benefit analysis. In addition to managing the City’s rolling and fixed assets, Sarah has taken a personal interest in identifying and implementing sustainability efforts into day to day operations. One such special interest is the use of alternative fuels, specifically B20 biodiesel. Sarah has presented many times on the City’s successful use of B20 biodiesel, including presenting at the International Biofuels Conference in Medellin, Colombia in 2019. Outside of the office, Sarah is an amateur photographer who enjoys taking outdoor pictures as well as family photos.
Stan Balicki
Director of Public Works for the City of Elmhurst
Stan Balicki is the Director of Public Works for the City of Elmhurst. Holding an Illinois Class C Water Operator’s License and a master’s of public administration degree from Northern Illinois University, Stan leads a department of 90 full-time employees responsible for engineering, water and sewer operations, refuse and recycling operations, maintenance of city streets, forestry and grounds, building maintenance and the central garage with an operating budget exceeding $56 million. Having spent his 30-year career in public works field management and operations, Stan previously served as the Village of Downers Grove’s Assistant Director of Public Works from 2004 to 2020. He has a passion for environmental initiatives including sustainability projects such as solar and wind power, and the use of alternative fuel in municipal fleets.
Ann Schneider
President, Ann L. Schneider and Associates LLC
Dr. Schneider has 35 years of professional experience in public finance and policy, including 19 years of executive-level transportation policy experience. Nine of Ann’s 27-year career with the State of Illinois were focused on transportation. As Secretary of Transportation for Illinois, Ann directed the emphasis on freight and multimodal transportation planning, and innovative solutions to transform transportation. Dr. Schneider has worked for the last 10 years as a transportation policy consultant obtaining $320 million in grant funding. She obtained her Doctor of Public Administration and Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield. She also serves on the I-ACT Steering Committee.
Michael D. Laughlin, PMP
Technology Manager, Technology Integration Program, U.S. Department of Energy
Mr. Laughlin is a Technology Manager in the DOE Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Technology Integration (TI) program, bringing almost 30 years of alternative fuel and advanced transportation technology experience to his role. He manages a portfolio of competitively awarded DOE TI programs to demonstrate and deploy alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. He also manages TI technical work with DOE national laboratories to create technical assistance products for education and outreach, including the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center and the Fuel Economy Guide. He serves as the liaison between TI and the VTO Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) program, translating EEMS technical findings into insights for TI stakeholders.
Brian Robb
Government Relations Director
A lifelong resident of the Chicago area and graduate of DePaul University, Brian comes to Lion Electric having spent the last 8+ years involved in public service and governmental outreach. Most recently, Brian served as Congressman Bill Foster's Senior Advisor working out of the 11th District of Illinois in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. In this role, Brian worked as the lead liaison on issue areas ranging from National Labs outreach, education, environment, business/manufacturing, organized labor, and more.
Currently, Brian is working to actively engage key government stakeholders on the electrification of the transportation industry as Lion Electric’s Director of Government Relations. Since joining Lion, he has assisted in the navigation of key federal and state legislative efforts to push for stronger clean energy initiatives, and to promote market support for greater EV adoption. Brian is leading the Government Relations team in strategic policy efforts in target states across the country, advocating policy makers for greater funding of the rapidly growing EV industry, and helping Lion continue to be a national leader in the medium and heavy-duty electric vehicle space.
Denise Munoz
Director, Strategy & Implementation, ComEd
As part of ComEd’s Clean Energy Solutions team, Denise is the Director for Clean Energy Solutions Strategy and Implementation. Her team designs and manages strategies across the full portfolio of ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Portfolio and Demand Side Management solutions for customers to support the overall ComEd Strategy, policy and regulatory commitments. Her team also has responsibility for the innovation and new products function ensuring the development of new products and services that directly support the achievement of portfolio targets as a result of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). In addition, she has the primary responsibility for the management, direction, planning and oversight of ComEd’s energy efficiency portfolio and the new beneficial electrification plan.
Since joining ComEd in 1992, Denise has held a variety of roles in Energy Efficiency, Distribution Operations, Project Management, Regulatory, and Marketing.
Denise graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Chemical Engineering. Denise is currently on the board of directors for the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, an appointed co-chair for the Women in Peak Load Management and on the advisory committee for the University of Iowa’s Honors Program.
Ken Crowley
Superintendent of Fleet Services, Village of Oak Park, IL
Ken has 30 years of experience in fleet services with the Village of Oak Park, IL. After 25 years as a fleet technician, he has been serving as Superintendent of Fleet Services for the past 5 years where he is responsible for 250 pieces of equipment.
Jason van den Brink
Chief Financial Officer, Ozinga Energy
Jason joined Ozinga Energy in 2019. He has a decade of experience in financial strategy and analytics. He is passionate about sustainable business practices and financial excellence. Jason recently took on the role of CFO and enjoys being very hands in with planning of both internally and customer funded CNG and RNG projects. Jason holds a MS in Nonprofit Management from Spertus Institue, a BS in Public Accounting from Calvin University, and is a registered IL CPA.
Roberto Torres
Chief Mechanical Officer, Pace Suburban Bus
Roberto Torres is the Chief Mechanical Officer at Pace Suburban Bus, where he manages implementation and performance for the electrification of Pace buses, facilities, and infrastructure through the agency’s Project Zero initiative.
Roberto began his career at International Harvester in 1998 as a proud United Auto Workers (UAW) member, working in the research and development lab and collaborating with engineers to lower greenhouse gas emissions. In 2012, Roberto moved to the public sector as part of Cook County’s air monitoring division before transitioning to a bus maintenance manager role at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in 2016. At the CTA, Roberto gained valuable experience in public transportation, published two official CTA documents, and led a team that had the highest performance for two years straight.
In 2019, Roberto moved to the City of Chicago as a vehicle maintenance manager. He managed the northside garage for police and city service vehicles, one of the top-performing garages thanks to strong relationship building and positive employee management. He was a team member for the City’s electrification project for police and city service vehicles and worked on plans to update facilities to support electric vehicles.
Roberto joined the Pace team in 2022. He has a BS in Business Management and an MBA in Finance.
Curt Ward
Professor, Joliet Junior College
Curt Ward brings over 40 years of talent, experience, and automotive knowledge to his work. Curt is an automotive professor specializing in hybrid and electric vehicles at Joliet Junior College. He has co-authored six textbooks with James Halderman for Pearson Education and has presented at numerous automotive and teacher conferences across North America. Curt has an Associates of Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology from Southern Illinois University. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Organizational Communications from North Central College. He earned his Master’s degree in Adult Education at the University of Phoenix.
George Mostardini
Business Representative, I.B.E.W. Local 134
George Mostardini, a proud member of I.B.E.W. Local 134 for 23 years, rose from a 5-year apprenticeship to owning his own electrical contractor business. Along the way, he became the go-to guy for electrical codes and standards, obtaining numerous national licenses and the City of Chicago Supervising Electricians License. George also developed the first Local 134 electrical exam prep curriculum and had the opportunity to come full circle and teach at Local 134's apprentice facility. As a business representative, he does private consulting and volunteers on boards dedicated to electrical advancement. George holds an AAS in Electrical Construction Technology as well as course certificates from the University of London Business School and Yale.
Robert Hattier
Business Representative, I.B.E.W. Local 134
Robert Hattier is the Director of Renewable Energy for IBEW Local 134. He also serves as the Executive Director for the Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, a State of Illinois grant funded Workforce Development Organization authorized under the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA). Bob has over 20 years of experience in the solar energy and adjacent technology industries. Since 2008, he has been teaching courses on Solar, Energy Storage, and Electric Vehicle Charging throughout the Midwest. Bob holds many industry specific credentials and licenses. And his dedication to advancing the renewable energy industry can be seen in his involvement on several Board of Directors, codes and standards development committee appointments, education development projects, and allied professional training.
Sam Hersh
North America E-Mobility Solution Lead, Arcadis
Sam Hersh is the North America E-Mobility Solutions Lead at Arcadis. He has built a career driving novel projects at the intersection of the built environment, climate change, and the energy transition. He comes most recently from Revel, a New York-based EV charging, electric rideshare, and micromobility startup, where he developed the company’s in-house EV charging design and buildout capabilities and launched development programs in two cities. Prior to his work there, Sam held positions at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate Policy, and in public finance investment banking and economic consulting.
Jason Stair
Principal Engineer, GTI Energy
Jason is a Principal Engineer and Project Manager at GTI Energy. He has 15 years of experience in research and development with a focus on novel natural gas and hydrogen infrastructure development and testing. During his time at GTI Energy he has worked on the development and testing of a home refueling compressor for residential refueling of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. He has also worked extensively on CNG dispensing, including development of advanced fueling techniques and communications hardware that enables safer, fuller fills of CNG vehicles.
Lynn Stafford
VP Business Development, True Alternative Fuel Systems
Lynn has been VP, Business Development with True Alternative Fuels since 2010. Formally known as STAG USA, True AFS designs, manufactures and installs dedicated and bi-fuel, LPG and CNG fuel systems for municipal, law enforcement and commercial fleets. Mr. Stafford consults with Drive Clean Indiana, a Clean Cities Organization and is a Board member of IACT. In Detroit, as Sr. VP, Creative Director at BBDO, he was responsible for sustaining and communicating the DNA of the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge Brands.
Vehicle Registration
At Green Drives, we can accommodate dozens of environmentally friendly vehicles, including passenger vehicles, medium-duty trucks and buses, transit and school buses, and heavy-duty Class 8 tractors. However, if you are interested in bringing an alternative-fuel, electric or hybrid vehicle, you must register your vehicle(s) on our Vehicle Registration Page. Specific instructions about bringing vehicles to the event will be sent to you a week prior to the program.
Fleet managers can attend Green Drives for free!
A MAX OF ONE free pass per fleet organization is available for a limited time only! Additional tickets may be purchased. Offer is available for commercial or government fleet managers or other fleet operations decision makers, such as directors, city managers, mayors or county officials. To receive a complimentary pass, send a request by March 29 at 5PM CT to Bethany at bethany@il-act.org with your name, title, organization, and contact information. Upon approval, a special link will be sent to you to use to redeem your ticket.
Event Sponsors
