Meet our Members

Meet our Members!

Members - please sign in to your account and follow this link to be featured!
 

Meet Mary Alcaraz  PE, LC, CEM, LEED AP
Principal, EwingCole

Mary is a volunteer on the Education and Healthcare Circle committee's.

How does DVGBC benefit you?
The DVGBC is a wonderful organization to be a part of providing valuable sustainable design knowledge sharing and networking.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I am a part of the Educational Program Committee and I enjoy brainstorming and being a part of organizing interesting educational events for our membership.

Contact info: malcaraz@ewingcole.com

Meet Sally Azar
Graduate Student & Interior Designer,Philadelphia University Master's of Science in Sustainable Design Program

Sally volunteers for the:
Marketing Committee
Emerging Green Builders

How does DVGBC benefit you?
DVGBC membership gives me a unique opportunity to have an active role in promoting sustainable practices in the Delaware Valley. DVGBC members have a great opportunity to provide the necessary awareness needed to change current practices to ensure a better life for future generations. In addition to enabling me to be part of that change, DVGBC provides me with access to numerous events, workshops, and educational resources provided by sustainability leaders in the area. It also enables me to build a network with passionate and talented members from various fields. 

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
Being a member of the marketing committee provides me with a great sense of fulfillment. As an interior designer, I realize the impact the construction industry has on the environment. I knew I wanted to be involved in the efforts to change building practices and raise community awareness, but I did not know how to do it. Being a member of the marketing committee enables me to participate in finding solutions to increase membership and participation. We are currently working on using internal communication to reach out to current members in order to promote awareness and increase participation. By reaching out to business leaders, building professionals, and government, we can have a greater impact. 

480-390-2565
azer2586@philau.edu

Meet Alan Biehn
President, a.b.editing

 

Alan Volunteers for the Marketing Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
DVGBC benefits me by helping me connect with others who are interested in sustainability. The educational programs allow me to stay abreast of current issues and developments, thereby maintaining a level of expertise that is beneficial to the clients of my writing/editing business.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
My committee work centers around my writing and editing skills, just as my business does. I write, edit, and proof newsletter articles, emails, and web content. I enjoy working with sustainability-related copy and ensuring that DVGBC's marketing communications are clear and professional.

Email Alan@ab-editing.com

Meet Laura A Blau
Principal, BluPath Design

Laura volunteers for the:
Committee on Directors
Metro Membership Committee
Residential Circle

How does DVGBC benefit you?
BluPath Design is a full servie Architecture firem and our sister firm GreenSteps provides sustainable building consulting services. We have been proud members of DVGBC for years. We have made numerous connections with the thought and action leaders in sustainable building practice. Through our committee work and attendance of DVGBC events and using the web resources DVGBC is our 'ear to the rail' of what is happening in innovation, funding, policy and products to help us be the best practitioners we can be.

I have personally enjoyed the benefits of networking and have made many new friends in a broad range of ages, fields and interests.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
Serving on the Board of Directors has been an honor and a privilege. This board is dynamic, thoughtful and truly engaged in making our region sustainably healthy and strong. As the Board embraces social equity issues and works to engage the larger residential sector, as well as the commercial sector, our reach of influence expands.

I am actively engaged in the Residential Circle and enjoyed writing Green homes 101 with Sherry Riesner and Paul Thompson. I look forward to working on another iteration with the Residential Circle committee. This tool is being presented across the city in a variety of venues to help educate the general public on what a green building is.

 Since joining the Board I have worked on the Committee on Directors, guiding the reevaluation of our bylaws to bring them up to date with our growing and changing organization to help us do our work more effectively and with good transparent governance rules.

 I am transitioning into the Membership Committee. I hope to find new ways to engage our current members and attract new members from our broader community. I want DVGBC to reflect our diversity and access the breadth of talent that exists in our region. In all things I hope I bring and encourage us all to think through the lens of social equity and imbue our policies and tactics with the whole community in mind, not just our own sector. Sustainability and social equity are linked hand in glove. So I will be seeking new friends, partners and advisors to accomplish these goals. And remember, Green Build is coming to Philadelphia… come get involved with me and the rest of the DVGBC community to make it the best ever.

Email: info@blupath.us, info@greenstepsonline.us

 

Meet Madeline Fucile
Senior Designer, Mitchell Associates

Madeline is volunteer on the Education Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?:
Primarily, it is the key affiliation for maintaining LEED updates and for promotion for sustainable design practices.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?:
Education and advocacy.

Contact info: mfucile@mitchellai.com

Meet Cynthia Gale
Vice President & Creative Director, BarberGale Group, Inc.

Cynthia is the Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
We have made some of our most valuable business development and personal connections directly through our active participation in DVGBC. We have the opportunity to talk with like-minded people about how our sustainable branding business can support and benefit any number of sustainable business models - all in an atmosphere of learning and sharing knowledge.

It has been refreshing to meet so many people with the same goals we have, and yet not feel any of the competitive vibes that come through in other professional organizations. It's truly energizing to be part of such a dynamic and committed group of people!

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I have been a member of the Marketing Committee, which my husband and business partner, Michael Gale, and I share responsibility for since early 2006.

We have been able to contribute creative services such as graphic design for some exciting events such as the Annual Green Building Celebrations, and we have had the privilege to design the past three DVGBC Annual Reports.

We are currently working through the details of a strategic marketing plan for the next four quarters. We thoroughly enjoy our work within the Marketing Committee, we are a dedicated and yet fun-loving committee.

Please email me at cgale@barbergale.com

Meet Paul Garvey
Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield of PA

Paul volunteers on the

How does DVGBC benefit you?
I look at my involvement in DVGBC as an opportunity to give back to the community and fulfill an obligations to a be good steward of our resources. Cushman & Wakefield, is a leader in the real estate industry and its commitment to sustainability and the environment. I have benefited by meeting or reacquainting with great people who want to the right thing, for our environment and community. 

Meet Greg Gibson, AIA
Architect, Design Consultant and Media Developer, DesignDeliverables.Com



Greg is a member of the Residential Circle.

How does DVGBC benefit you?
Because I am looking for learning opportunities to document and package, my association with volunteers and the material made available through DVGBC are enormously helpful. In committee, my finger is on the pulse of sustainable building and education efforts in the Philly Metro area. Plus, in my architectural practice I need to know (the good and bad) technical solutions being used by other local sustainable pros.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
My role has been to help with Green Tours. I have chosen to go deep versus wide re: volunteering with DVGBC. Bringing to committee my experience from the previous "solar age" and AIA Research Corporation, I find a staggering amount of information passes through the Residential Green Circle, and is ultimately lost. In coordination with staff, I have begun still and video documentation of selected tours and events, intending to arrive at a media-oriented format we have code-named "Virtual Tours". A beta version of one can be found at this gallery:

You can email Greg at ggibson@designdeliverables.com

Meet Shelley Grabel
Educational Training Specialist, Delaware Technical & Community College

Shelly is a volunteer on the Education and the Delaware Branch Steering Committee's

How does DVGBC benefit you?
As the only community college in Delaware, we want to provide the best in green building training and keep our students and our community engaged and informed about sustainability issues.

Meet Eunice Hameyie
Project Engineer, DVL Automation

Eunice is a volunteer on the Education and Emerging Green Builders (EGB) Committee's

How does DVGBC benefit you?
It provides an opportunity to meet different personalities and a great way to share knowledge on different subjects.

Meet Jon Jensen LEED AP Homes
Technical Consultant, MaGrann Associates

Jon volunteers for the:
Education Programs Committee (EPC)
Residential Circle

How does DVGBC benefit you?
I benefit from the exposure to others on the cutting edge of residential green building in the region.  It helps me provide the very best to my clients, pooling the experiences of market leaders & innovators in a healthy spirit of “Co-opetition.”

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
As Co-chair of the Residential Circle, I enjoy interacting with a diverse group of residential professionals who share my passion for green building. As a LEED for Homes provider & technical consultant, one of my primary and favorite roles is that of an educator. DVGBC benefits me by keeping my horizons broad. Through my involvement here, I stay connected to many more sides of green building issues than I might otherwise. Consulting with builders seeking LEED for Homes and NAHB green certification on their projects can be narrower than I imagined when I started doing it! I value staying attuned to the issues builders face selling green homes, the concerns of home performance contractors and existing homeowners, as well as the interests of legislators attempting to drive the existing home market toward large scale transformation.

You can email Jon at JonJensen@MaGrann.com

Meet Kristie Kozenewski
Sustainability Specialist, Re:Vision Architecture

 

Kristie is the Chair of the Education Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
DVGBC is a prime force in the greening of our industry. Committees and events provide great opportunities for meeting and exchanging ideas and knowledge with individuals from a wide variety of disciplines. The educational programs offered help me and my co-workers to stay on top of the latest developments in sustainable building practices. DVGBC’s advocacy of green building policies encourages the creation of new environmentally responsible projects. All of these combined benefit me, my company, and my community.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?:
As Chair of the Metro Educational Programs Committee, I find it rewarding knowing I have a hand in the programs that are provided by the DVGBC. Helping in the advancement of the greening our industry gives me a sense of accomplishment in doing the right thing for the environment. I really enjoy working with and getting to know the diverse group of talented individuals that make up the EPC as well as meeting those that attend the programs. The sense of community reminds me that I am not alone in wanting to see a better world for future generations.

Email: kozenewski@revisionarch.com

Meet Heidi Kunsch
Energy Specialist, PA Dept. of Environmental Protection

Heidi volunteers for the:
Advocacy Committee
Educational Programs Committee
Green Schools Circle

How does DVGBC benefit you?
Networking is one of the key benefits which DVGBC membership and involvement provides me.  Being around so many like-minded professionals who are passionate about green buildings is a great experience.  When I attend a DVGBC meeting or event and see all the familiar faces, it's almost like seeing family. 

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I am a green building tour guru for the educational programs committee and schools circle.  I love planning tours of green buildings, because I truly feel that there is nothing as valuable and inspirational as seeing the building first-hand and hearing from the project team that designed the building, as well as the owners perspective.  I like to think that I am planting a seed in each of the people attending the tours I organize...that they will thus be inspired to promote green buildings in their own lives afterwards. 

Meet Peter Levasseur, AIA, LEED
Architect, KDA Architects

Peter volunteers for the:
Governance Committee
Lehigh Valley Supervisory Committee
Advocacy Committee
Education Committee
Sponsorship & Development Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
I have been an active proponent of pro-active environmental leadership since I was an intern graduating from architecture school in 1993. DVGBC gives me a forum to continuously improve my ability to build high-performance green buildings with exceptional friends, colleagues, and clients. My company benefits from the leads, the extensive network, and the relationships I and my firm's employees have built thru active involvement. I thoroughly enjoy the empowering and motivational aspects of meeting like-minded leaders in our Delaware Valley business community. I also find DVGBC to be a fun, exciting, entertaining, and extremely responsible community. DVGBC over and over and over again introduces me to fiery, passionate, dedicated individuals who work hard, celebrate life, and cherish our natural environment (or what's left of it).

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I have been on the Board of Directors for a few years now (nominated to Vice President in 2009) and have trained over 2500 professionals thru the DVGBC CRAM for the LEED AP Exam training program. As I continuously hone my skills in green design one building at a time, I enjoy meeting people who involved in their very first LEED project or improving their skills in environmental leadership. We all have unique talents we bring to the table from our life and experience, and thru DVGBC I see people excel. Thru my involvement on the Sponsorship and Development Committee, the Educational Programs Committee, the Board, and the Executive Committee, I have learned there is a role for each of us in DVGBC, and as a volunteer organization we have something for everyone who wants to help out. The most rewarding experiences I have had in DVGBC have been when I jumped in enthusiastically, was active and pushed to change the world thru the things that I do best. As an architect, I love quality buildings. As an enviromentalist, I see innovative new ways to excel, and many opportunities for us to build better buildings. DVGBC helps me exceed my goals in these areas.

Please feel free to contact me at peter@ecotelligent-design.com or levasseur@kd-arch.com

Meet Matt Lillard
Senior Consultant, Applied Energy Group

Matt is a vounteer on Education and Delaware Steering Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
It's invaluable to be able to share experiences and ideas with other advocates and members of the green building community.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I'm excited to be a part of the Delaware Steering committee.

Contact info: 302.504.3072

Meet Muscoe Martin
Principal, m2 Architecture

 

How does DVGBC benefit you?
DVGBC provides terrific educational opportunities for me and my staff.
DVGBC also advocates for green building policies and provides outreach to the region, expanding the opportunities for my firm and for all of us.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
As a member of the Board of Directors, I try to provide the perspective of a small business owner and architect. In addition, I have extensive experience and knowledge of USGBC gained from serving on the national USGBC Board of Directors as well as the LEED Steering Committee. I enjoy the debate and discussion about the mission and future of the organization. The growth and evolution of DVGBC over the past few years has been fascinating to see up close.

www.m2-arch.com

Meet James V Mascaro
Eastern Region Development Manager, DP Partners

James volunteers for the Educational Programs Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
The DVGBC is a forum that advocates sustainable design throughout the region. The organization allows for like-minded people to share ideas, promote sustainability, promote savings through "green" development and construction while encouraging protection of the earth's resources.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
As a new member, I am impressed by the breadth of experience and knowledge of its' members. Helping to further educate those already involved in sustainability while bringing the "green" basics to those just getting involved. 

You can reach James at 717-557-5754

Meet Michael O'Brien
Vice President of Business Development, W.S. Cumby, Inc.


 

Michael is a volunteer on the Finance and Governance Committee's

How does DVGBC benefit you?
My involvement with DVGBC has been a rewarding expreience, both personnally and professionally. Over the past few years I have come to know some of the region's most visionary leaders and believe this organization will continiue to be an important catalyst for change well into the future.

Contact info: mike@cumby.com

Meet Patti W. Peiffer
Marketing Strategist, quesited, llc

Patti Volunteers for the:
Educational Programs Committee
Green Residential Circle
And is Co-Chair for the Marketing Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
As a Marketing Strategist and member of DVGBC, I have the opportunity to share my professional knowledge with members of other disciplines.

Together, we produce programs which communicate the benefits of sustainability and product and service innovation to advance the DVGBC mission within the DVGBC community and the broader regional community.

The DVGBC experiences connect me to others with unique knowledge and talent that is shared generously and with enthusiasm
 

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
As a member of the Marketing Committee, I provide market research, analysis, and strategic planning for DVBGC initiatives. I enjoy working with the team of creative professionals to develop engaging and informative communications.

I’m also a member of the Green Residential Circle, I’m actively involved with the Green Home Tours and Green Homes 101, both community focused programs. I assist with the marketing to ensure the programs are known and well received in the community.

And, I’m a member of the Education & Program Committee, I’m a liason between the Green Residential Circle and the EPC, ensuring activity coordination between the two groups.

pwpeiffer@quesited.com 
770.722.4405

Meet Mark Purcell
Director of Business Development, Nason Construction

Mark is the Vice President of the Delaware Branch Steering Committee
and volunteers for the:
Committee on Directors
Finance Committee
Advocacy Committee
Healthcare Circle
Marketing Committee
Membership Committee
Sponsorship & Development Committee
Student Design Competition

How does DVGBC benefit you?
DVGBC offers both education expertise to give me a competitive advantage in the construction market. It also offers valuable networking opportunities in the design and construction industry with target clients in various markets.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
As a co-founder and past President, my role is to help our committees find the best ways to contribute to our non-profit's mission and how we, as a committee, can best serve the needs of our membership.

You can reach Mark at 302-299-6548

Meet Sherry Riesner
Promoter, Connector & Wordsmith, for Green Building & Real Estate, SmartBuildingTalk.com & Keller Williams Real Estate

Sherry volunteers on the:
Education Committee
Marketing Committee
Residential Circle

How does DVGBC benefit you?
As a realtor, as well as a marketing and business development consultant for companies such as solar providers, being actively involved with DVGBC strengthens my knowledge of the technical aspects of our business, and new trends in products, practices, and certifications. It helps me be aware of what I know and what I don’t know, with a growing network of highly skilled professionals I can reach out to for answers, and refer each other business. DVGBC is one of my favorite organizations – a community of smart and dedicated professionals who really “walk the walk”, and many have become personal friends.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I am co-chair of the Residential Circle, and also give input to the Marketing and Educational Programs Committees. It continues to be an honor to be a committee chair and network and learn from my colleagues who are in the "trenches" as architects, energy auditors, contractors, and other building science professionals. It’s been thrilling to see our Residential group expand in numbers, and the quality and quantity of our initiatives over the past few years. As my social marketing expands, I love promoting DVGBC events, and other news and projects on my blog about green building and homes in the Philadelphia region, www.SmartBuildingTalk.com and on Facebook and LinkedIn. P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for DVGBC’s LinkedIn group and Facebook page, which are open to DVGBC members and not-yet-members...!

You can contact Sherry at Sherry@SmartBuildingTalk.com

Meet Linda Schultz
Senior Vice President, Colliers International



Linda is the Chairman of the Delaware Branch Steering Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
What an incredible way to expand your knowledge and your network of like minded professionals.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
As Co-Chair of Membership Committee, it's challenging to find and keep members and to provide a rewarding experience. As Chair of the Delaware Branch Steering Committee, we have a whole new platform to develop and more challenges! The members and people we meet are wonderful, thoughtful and committed.

Contact Delaware Office - 300 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE - 302-425-4078

Meet Garima Sharma
Senior Marketing Analyst, JP Morgan Chase

Garima volunteers for the Marketing Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
Involvement in DVGBC's committee provides me with an excellent opportunity to sharpen my marketing and leadership skills. Not only do I get to learn about green practices but also I am exposed to a great platform for networking with a wide array of like minded and accomplished professionals. DVGBC is a strong example that validates the thought that economic growth and sustainability go hand in hand.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
As a part of the Marketing Committee, I am involved in strategic planning, analysis & execution of marketing campaigns to increase members' and sponsors’ engagement. It gives me immense satisfaction when I apply learnings from my past experiences to DVGBC's advantage.

Please feel free to contact me at garima0608@gmail.com or view my professional profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/garimasharma

Meet Dean Sherwin
Principal, Construction Cost Management

Dean volunteers for the:
Green Residential Circle
Educational Programs Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
DVGBC gives me valuable opportunities to deepen my understanding of Green Building from the many knowledgeable members that I meet at events and on committees. It organizes many good educational programs. It also gives me opportunities to be more involved in helping to promote Green and sustainable building.
 

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I have a say in developing policy in specific areas. I help to organize specific events and provide resources for them - at present, with the residential circle, that means mainly Green Home tours and exhibition events. I enjoy experiencing the enthusiasm and dedication of fellow volunteers

Email Dean at costman@verizon.net

Meet Marla Thalheimer LEED AP
Sustainability Manager, Liberty Property Trust

Marla is a volunteer on the Education Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
Liberty Property Trust has been a sponsor of the DVGBC since its inception, and we will continue to provide our support for years to come. We fully support the mission of this organization and are proud to be associated with them.

As a member myself, I have been able to meet many valuable business contacts, make new friends, and plug into the heartbeat of sustainability for our region. This is an exciting time as Philadelphia and the surrounding areas are making changes in how they do business. Being a part of DVGBC affords me and my company the opportunity to be a part of this change, and to stay on the cutting edge of the information, ideas, and technology.

What is your primary role in your committee(s) and why do you enjoy it?
I am an active member in the Educational Programs Committee. Not only is this an amazing group of people to work with, but I love being a part of educating the region on sustainability. I have learned so much in everything from the process, to the sessions themselves. If you want to get the most out of your membership, get involved! You will be glad you did.

Meet Charlie Tomlinson
Principal, Wallace Roberts & Todd

 

Charlie volunteers for the:
Committee on Directors
Governance Committee

How does DVGBC benefit you?
It helps me to broaden the community of persons and organizations that see sustainability as an absolute necessity to ensure that the world we live in will be here for all future generations.

Please feel free to call me at 215-732-5215

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