Bill Suggs, President of AABE-NYMAC
Ralph Cleveland, AABE National
Lenny Singh, Senior Vice President, Con Edison
Driven by the increasing awareness of climate change and its effects, there has been a global shift in focus towards preserving the global climate system. This includes attempts at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2021 the federal administration unveiled ambitious climate goals, with plans of achieving 65% reduction of emissions from federal operations by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. How will these goals be realized on a federal level, and how will this affect climate efforts in New York?
Panelists:
Donovan Gordon, Director of Clean Heating & Cooling, NYSERDA
Chris Halfnight, Urban Green
Greg Elcock, Director of Energy Efficiency and Demand Management, Con Edison
Owen Brady Traczyk, Program Manager Distributed Gas Solutions, National Grid
Moderated by:
James Hendon, New York City Department of Veterans’ Services
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant changes to daily life for people around the world. From building operations to mental health, the pandemic required shifts in the way society functions. What impact has the pandemic had on the energy industry? How have companies addressed the needs and concerns of their employees?
Panelists:
Nancy Shannon, VP of HR; Pandemic Response Team, Con Edison
Moderated by:
Rica Johnson, Con Edison
The college experience is an important time in the lives of many young people. What resources are available to Black students in higher education? How can they prepare for challenges they will face during and after college?
Panelists:
Arlene Maclin, President & CEO, MacSmith STEM Enterprises
Willie Rockward, Chair and Prof. of Physics Dept., Physics & Engineering Physics, Morgan State University
Dr. Donna-Lee Granville, Alumni
Nicole Johnson, Black and Latino Male (BLMT) & TRIO Scholars
Moderated by:
Dr. Cluny LaVache, Bedford Academy High School
Prof. Andre Taylor
Anita Farrington
Renee McClure
Timothy Graham
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, 55th District, New York State Legislature
Changes in leadership typically give rise to changes in legislation. In 2021, New York saw transitions of leaders at both the city and state levels. How will these changes influence the energy industry? Are policies and infrastructure surrounding energy expected to change significantly, or to progress similarly to how they have in recent years?
Panelists:
Melanie Littlejohn, VP, Customer & Community Management, National Grid
Shaun Hoyte, Con Edison
Richard Thigpin, Senior Vice President, Corporate Citizenship, PSE&G
Moderated by:
Karen Brown, Facilities Management, Con Edison
In 2020 many companies committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within their ranks, especially in leadership positions. Studies show that diversity in the workforce makes companies more profitable and better suited to serve individuals from various communities. What are companies currently doing to ensure they can meet these goals? What must be done to ensure that women and members of BIPOC communities are able to successfully attain executive roles?
Panelists:
Gina Callender, Director of Strategic Planning, Con Edison
Tohma Gadson-Shaw, Manager, Human Resources Labor & Wage, Con Edison
Natalie Edwards, Chief Diversity Officer, National Grid
Moderated by:
Tevon Eversley, Mechanical Engineer
Starting a business is no easy task. Research concludes 21.5% of startups fail in the first year, 30% in the second year, 50% in the fifth year, and 70% in their 10th year. This panel will consider common challenges faced by entrepreneurs and ways to overcome them. Join to hear about best practices for managing your business and articulating your ideas.
Panelists:
Carla Hunter Ramsey, Global Director of Supply Chain Corporate Social Responsibility, National Grid
Lynton Scotland, Chief Procurement Officer, Con Edison
Carolyn Green, Founder/Managing Partner, EnerGreen Capital Management
Michael Garner, Supply & Diversity Offer, MTA
Moderated by:
Fleur Callender, National Grid
Rudy Wynter
Ken Shaw