David Alvarez

Assemblymember David Alvarez was elected to the California State Assembly in June of 2022 to represent the 80th Assembly District. The 80th Assembly District includes the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, Bonita, Lincoln Acres, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro, along with the cities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

Assemblymember Alvarez serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance and the Select Committee on Reconnecting Communities. Additionally he is a member of the following legislative committees: Budget, Education, Insurance, Governmental Organization, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife.

Prior to being elected to the Assembly, Alvarez has been a small business owner and has served for over sixteen years in government, including eight years as a San Diego City Councilmember.

Alberto Ayala

Alberto has nearly 30 years of professional experience in industry, government, and academia. He is currently Executive Director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and Adjunct Professor at West Virginia University. He is also former Deputy Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board. Trained as a mechanical engineer with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Davis, Alberto has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and reports.  He is a contributor to the book “Ambient Combustion Ultrafine Particles and Health” and is working on “Three Forks in the Road, the Volkswagen diesel cheating scandal,” an upcoming book about his role in the VW case.

Nick Barilo

Nick Barilo is Executive Director of the Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (www.aiche.org/chs) and Hydrogen Safety Program manager at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). CHS is a global nonprofit resource that supports and promotes hydrogen’s safe handling and use across industrial and consumer applications in the energy transition. As Executive Director of CHS, Nick helps to facilitate access to hydrogen safety experts; develop comprehensive safety guidance, outreach, and education materials, and provide a forum to partner on worldwide technical solutions.

Nick is also a licensed fire protection engineer having over 30 years of experience and has dedicated his career to reducing risks to personnel and property. He has served on the NFPA 2, Hydrogen Technologies Code committee and was instrumental in developing the document’s fundamental chapters. His work at PNNL provides essential hydrogen safety support for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Office. In this capacity, he directs the U.S. Hydrogen Safety Panel activities and leads safety knowledge dissemination and first responder training efforts. Nick has authored papers and journal articles and has presented both nationally and internationally on hydrogen safety.

Elizabeth Betancourt

Elizabeth Betancourt applies scientific principles and two decades of planning and policy work to California’s resource challenges, integrating a passion for cross-sector innovation and science-based discovery with natural pragmatism and community-based solutions. Elizabeth’s work in this space has resulted in a diverse and dedicated network of co-conspirators moving California resource policy to better reflect the reality of our interconnected world and the holistic perspective that climate adaptation demands.

With experience at all levels of government and private and non-profit entities, Elizabeth’s day job is with the Department of Conservation. She has an MS in Watershed Science (Colorado State) and BS in Environmental Management (UC Davis). Elizabeth owns a small farm in Shasta County, operating educational programs for underserved youth.

Christine Casey

In her current role as Deputy Secretary of Freight Policy at the California State Transportation Agency, Christine focuses on freight and goods movement, port issues, CalSTA’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program, hydrogen, and off-shore wind.

Before joining the team at CalSTA, Christine served as a committee consultant with the Assembly Transportation Committee, where her portfolio included air quality and climate change issues, mobile source programs, zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure, freight and goods movement, and sustainable communities strategies.

Previously, Christine was Director of Partner Engagement at the California Council on Science and Technology, a non-profit that partners with academic and research institutions across the state to advance science-based policy. Christine also worked as a Budget Analyst with the Department of Finance, where she developed and administered budgets for departments in the California Environmental Protection Agency and served as the lead fiscal and policy analyst for the state’s Cap and Trade Program. Christine began her career in policy as a CCST Science Fellow with a placement in the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing.

Erin Childs

Erin Childs serves as the Executive Director for RHA, bringing a background in energy planning and policy, technology acceleration, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to RHA, Erin worked at a clean energy consultancy, where she supported clients in navigating the energy transition and advancing clean energy technologies. Before moving to the Northwest, Erin worked at Southern California Edison on policy, strategy, and planning for the implementation of California’s energy and environmental goals. Erin joined RHA in 2024.

Tyson Eckerle

Tyson Eckerle serves as Senior Advisor for Clean Infrastructure and Mobility in the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and Chief Government & Strategy Officer for the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). In these roles, he collaborates with multiple stakeholders to streamline California’s efforts to accelerate our transition to a clean energy ecosystem, building on his experience as GO-Biz’s first Deputy Director of Zero Emission Vehicle Market Development.

In addition to helping launch ARCHES, Tyson served as lead author and steward for the development and implementation of California’s first Zero Emission Vehicle Market Development Strategy, and both the Hydrogen Station and Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebooks. Tyson holds a B.A. in  Biology from the University of California, Davis and a Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) from the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Barron Effenberger

Drawing upon more than 15 years of experience in industrial automation with Emerson and the Impact Partner Network, Barron assumes a pivotal role in driving the business development agenda for Caltrol’s Advanced Solutions. By Harnessing Emerson’s comprehensive suite of industrial automation technologies, Caltrol works to craft advanced solutions that mitigate project risks, enhance reliability, and drive operational efficiency. Fueled by a passion for digital transformation and sustainability, Barron actively advocates for Caltrol’s commitment to environmental stewardship as a representative of Sustain SoCal, promoting eco-friendly practices throughout Southern California.

Katrina Fritz

Katrina Fritz is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Hydrogen Business Council, the largest and longest established hydrogen trading association in the U.S. Katrina leads the organization as chief advocate and champion for advancement of hydrogen and renewable fuels sectors to achieve air quality and climate objectives.  

Over the past 20 years, Katrina has worked with business and government leaders around the world to champion air quality, decarbonization, and economic growth through the development and use of innovative technology.  She has advised global Fortune 500 companies and the public sector on business development and energy and environmental policy and regulation in distributed generation and hydrogen markets.  

She has also led U.S. state level energy policy and market development outreach for the Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative, with the guidance of state agencies.  Katrina was appointed to the New Jersey Governor’s Fuel Cell Task Force in 2021 and has served as an expert to the European Commission on clean energy programs. Katrina has worked as an executive at UTC Power and Plug Power in business development and government relations and as an Independent Director on the Board of Advent Technologies. She has held leadership positions in numerous clean energy trade associations and advisory boards. Katrina holds a BA degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. 

Angelina Galiteva

Ms. Galiteva has been leading California’s Statewide Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) initiative since 2021. In late 2023 she was officially appointed as CEO of the Alliance. ARCHES is focused on accelerating the decarbonization of the 4^th largest economy and creating a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.  Angelina M. Galiteva is the Founder and Board Chair of Renewables 100 Policy Institute, an organization dedicated to accelerating the global transition to 100% renewable energy for all sectors.  In 2011 Governor Jerry Brown appointed Ms. Galiteva to the California Independent Systems Operator Board (CAISO), one of the largest transmission operators in the World.  On October 2020 Angelina became the first Female Chair of the CAISO Board of Governors and in March 2023 Governor Newsom reappointed Ms. Galiteva to serve her 4^th term on the Board.

Angelina also serves as Chairperson of the World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) and is a Founding Board Member of the Global Clean Energy Desalination Alliance.  Ms. Galiteva is an expert in strategic issues related to renewable energy, new technology development and implementation, optimizing power system resiliency and efficiency, as well as overall sustainability and environmental policy programs for public and private entities. As such she is frequently sent as a US State Department representative expert on renewable energy and power grid resiliency and reliability issues.  In addition, Ms. Galiteva is founder and principal of NEOptions, Inc., a renewable energy product and project development firm. Previously, Ms. Galiteva was the Executive Director of Strategic Planning for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), overseeing the utility’s renewable energy program, she also worked at the New York Power Authority. Ms. Galiteva is an attorney with a JD Degree and Masters in International and Energy Law.

Angelina has overseen numerous utility scale renewable energy, bulk storage, combined heat and power project developments, including distributed generation and microgrid specific installations.  She has experience structuring electric vehicle to grid programs, accelerating the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure as well as financing large scale renewable power project development both in the US and abroad.

Ms. Galiteva holds a JD and LLM Degrees in Energy and Environmental Law from Pace University School of Law and is a globally recognized expert in the area of designing regulatory structures and programs to support the development of carbon free technologies and the transition to a reliable, resilient carbon free future.

Chris Hannan

Chris Hannan was sworn in as President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council in July 2023 after being unanimously elected by the SBCTC Executive Board. Previously, Hannan served as Executive Secretary of the LA/OC Building Trades.

Hannan, a 27-year union member, began his career as an apprentice at Sprinkler Fitters UA Local 709 and became a journeyman, apprenticeship instructor, and then President of the local.

Hannan resides in Orange County with his wife and two children.

Mike Hart

Mike Hart has been the CEO of Sierra Railroad Company for 30 years, leading its freight, passenger, and real estate divisions to significant environmental achievements, including the development of America’s first hybrid hydrogen locomotives in collaboration with the State of California. His company, Sierra Northern Railway, was named the “Most Environmental Railroad” in 2024. Additionally, as CEO of Sierra Energy, he collaborates with public agencies, academia, and industry on environmental and regulatory issues. Sierra Energy is working with Sierra Railroad Company to develop locomotives powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries using Sierra Energy’s zero-emission FastOx gasification technology. Sierra Energy’s FastOx gasification can take any type of waste and convert it to clean energy, including hydrogen, with no emissions. His work has earned him prestigious recognitions such as the “Environmental Hero” from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a Railway Age Influential Leader, and a “Champion of Change” from the Obama administration. Hart is an alumnus of the University of California at Davis, Singularity University, and Stanford Business School’s Advanced Management Program, and serves as an Edmund Hillary Fellow in New Zealand.

Austin Hastings

Austin Hastings serves as the Vice President of Gas Engineering for Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Mr. Hastings has spent his entire 28-year career in PG&E’s natural gas business serving in a variety of engineering, operations, construction, and business development roles. His current role leads the engineering and gas strategy organization and is responsible for the strategic development and evolution of the natural gas system in PG&E and California, and how it will play a pivotal role as part of a decarbonized economy.

Mr. Hastings graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering from California State University Fresno in 1997.  In 2000, he earned his professional engineering license from the state of California, also in mechanical engineering.

Jeremy Hayward

Jeremy Hayward, 39, serves as the President of Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corp (RREDCO), where his astute leadership has been evident over the past 4 years, alongside his decade-long commitment to his Tribe. With a bachelor’s degree in business, Jeremy has chaired the investment committee and served as a dedicated board member for over ten years. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband to Jennifer and a caring father of two.

Jeremy’s passion for sustainability is reflected in his focus on green energy projects, particularly in biomass to hydrogen and solar initiatives for the past 3 years. He has also contributed significantly to tribal governance, serving on the tribal council for 4 years and actively supporting non-profit organizations benefiting tribal communities without electricity.

Jeremy’s journey in tribal service began at the age of 14, and he is widely recognized for his strong leadership, forward-thinking objectives, and ability to unite people toward shaping a better future for the next seven generations.

Darek Imadi

Darek Imadi is a Managing Consultant at Guidehouse specializing in decarbonization and low carbon fuels . Darek has extensive experience in hydrogen infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in the North American Hydrogen Backbone (NHB) initiative, HALO H2Hub, and the Guidehouse Hydrogen Consortium. He has led multiple projects where he has shaped the vision for regional hydrogen networks, focusing on priority pipeline corridors and regional supply and demand dynamics. Darek’s expertise includes economic analysis of hydrogen pipelines as well as conceptual level design of H2 distribution networks.  His work has addressed national and regional barriers,  full value-chain economics, business cases, and the shaping policy and regulatory environments. Additionally, Darek has also supported infrastructure development in the Nordics, working on significant projects such as the Nordic Hydrogen Route and the Baltic Sea Hydrogen Collector infrastructure projects.

Alice Kessler

Alice Kessler is the Co-Managing Shareholder of the Sacramento Office, Co-Leader of the California Government Law & Policy Group in the firm’s Sacramento office, and Co-Chair of the firm’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. She is an accomplished legislative strategist with a track record of rapid advancement grounded in proven strategic and communication talents, collaborative skills, and trusted integrity. Alice has deep relationships with California policymakers, thought leaders, and community-based organizations. She leverages her well-honed skills to build consensus, gain buy-in, and motivate team members and partners.

Alice helped to launch the startup state advocacy practice at one of the largest public affairs consultancies on the West Coast, where she worked to advance the interests of technology firms, automakers, trade associations, and local government entities. As managing partner for one of the fastest growing lobbying firms in Sacramento, she oversaw all business operations and represented clients in the areas of energy, technology, health care, and education.

She has led policy and community initiatives in the San Francisco and North Bay Area markets for the largest cable television and broadband provider in the United States. She has also directed all legislative, political, and administrative advocacy for a $12 million organization that has been the driving force behind some of the most comprehensive civil-rights protections in the nation for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Alice also volunteers her time for her community. Among other honors, she has been recognized as an individual who has made an impact on the movement to secure full and lasting equality for LGBTQ+ people. She has appeared extensively in print, broadcast, and radio media, including the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee, and San Diego Union Tribune.

Amy Kitson

Amy Kitson is the Director of Hydrogen Engineering and Strategy at SoCalGas, where she leads the technical activities for what could become the nation’s largest clean renewable hydrogen transport system. Angeles Link aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric generation, heavy-duty transportation, and industrial sectors in Central and Southern California.  In addition to Angeles Link, Amy also leads the hydrogen blending team.  There is a pending regulatory application with the California Public Utilities Commission to conduct two demonstration projects to develop data to support a safe hydrogen injection standard for the State of California.

With over 22 years in the utility industry—including 19 years at SoCalGas—she has held numerous leadership roles spanning project management, engineering, risk management, system integrity, and clean energy initiatives. Prior to joining SoCalGas in 2005, Amy worked at Consumers Energy in Michigan.

Amy holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from California State University Northridge and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.

Jaimie Levin

Jaimie Levin has been at CTE since July 2013. Previously, he worked for public transit agencies in the Bay Area for 26 years and served as the Director of Environmental Technology at AC Transit, where he developed their successful fuel cell bus program. He led the development of CTE’s Fuel Cell Electric Bus Commercialization Consortium, in partnership with AC Transit and Orange County Transportation Authority, to procure 20 next-generation fuel cell buses and supporting infrastructure. He initiated and manages the NorCAL ZERO project of 16 public organizations and private companies to launch the largest Class 8 Fuel Cell Truck deployment in North America. He is also the lead for the “1,000-Bus Initiative” that will deploy over 1,000 fuel cell buses in California as a key project in California’s $12 billion ARCHES Hydrogen Hub Program. Jaimie holds a Masters of City Planning degree (MCP) from the University of California at Berkeley.

Julia Levin

Julia Levin is an attorney and expert on energy and climate policy.  She has served as the Executive Director of the Bioenergy Association of California (BAC) since its founding in 2012.  Prior to BAC, Julia served as the Deputy Secretary for Climate Change and Energy at the California Natural Resources Agency where she chaired the Governor’s Bioenergy Working Group and led development of California’s 2012 Bioenergy Action Plan.  Julia has also served as a Commissioner on the California Energy Commission, where she led the Commission’s work on renewable energy and energy efficiency.  Previously, Julia worked for the National Audubon Society, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the World Bank, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.  Julia has a B.A. from Brown University and a law degree from the University of California, San Francisco.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-levin-90654450/

Eugene A. Litvinov

Eugene Litvinov is the Director of Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business Development at Hyundai Motor North America. Eugene is responsible for supporting Hyundai’s hydrogen initiatives in North America, which include commercial vehicle sales, infrastructure development, commercialization of hydrogen, and related future mobility solutions. He joined Hyundai in July 2019.

Eugene has more than two decades of total experience, including 17 years in the automotive industry, with leadership roles at both Nissan North America and Porsche Cars North America. Prior to his current role, Eugene was the Director of Corporate Planning for the Global COO Office as well as the Director for Business Acceleration within Hyundai. In these roles he supported various strategic initiatives and maintained the governance structure within North America.

Before joining Hyundai, Eugene held various executive roles within Porsche, Infiniti, and Nissan, working for both regional and global executives within the respective companies. His time at those companies included overseas assignments in Stuttgart, Germany and Yokohama, Japan. In his early career, Eugene worked five years within several management consulting companies, including Deloitte Consulting.

Eugene is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, GA, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology, as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Jerry McNerney

A green-energy trailblazer, Senator Jerry McNerney has been working on renewable and clean energy issues for four decades. He was elected to the California state Senate in November 2024, after serving in Congress for 16 years.

In the Senate, Sen. McNerney serves on the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and Budget Subcommittee #2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy. He is also the chair of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee.

In Congress, McNerney became the congressional expert on energy, water and tech issues, including chairing the Artificial Intelligence Caucus, the Congressional Grid Innovation Caucus, and the WiFi Caucus. He authored the AI in Government Act.

McNerney holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Prior to serving in Congress, he spent 20-plus years as an engineer and consultant in the energy and clean energy industry, helping develop cutting-edge wind technologies and wind turbines.

Tim McRae

Tim McRae is the California Hydrogen Business Council Vice President for Public Affairs and represents the organization and member priorities on a wide range of state and federal policy issues including energy, environmental, and transportation. Prior to his joining the Council in 2024, he was Senior Vice President for Sustainable Growth at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, developed commercial wind projects for Aries Power and Industrial, worked on sustainability and energy efficiency for PG&E, advised on climate change policy for the British government, and managed a variety of legislative lobbying, administrative lobbying, and statewide ballot measure campaigns for the Planning and Conservation League in Sacramento.

Alexus Merino

Alexus Merino is the Managing Director of the First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2), the nation’s first public hydrogen utility. Since 2013, she has served in various leadership roles within the City of Lancaster, where she played a central role in advancing clean energy strategy—particularly hydrogen—and now oversees FPH2’s statewide initiatives to build a connected, public-serving hydrogen market.

A passionate technologist and designer, Ms. Merino is known for her ability to unite cross-sector teams to solve complex problems at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and public policy. She also works to expand international collaboration through efforts like the Pacific Hydrogen Alliance.

Ms. Merino holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and a master’s degree in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology from the University of Southern California (USC), a foundation that enables her to bridge science, business, and design in service of lasting public impact.

Wayne Nastri

Wayne Nastri was unanimously appointed by the South Coast AQMD Governing Board as Executive Officer in December 2016 after serving as Acting Executive Officer since April 2016. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, the National Association of Air Quality Agencies (where he Co-Chairs the Criteria Pollutants Committee), and the Environmental Professionals Network. In addition, he serves on the U.S. EPA Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Previously, he served as the U.S. EPA’s Regional Administrator for Region 9 – Southwest Region from Oct. 2001 through Jan. 2009.

Before his federal position, he served as the Governor’s Appointee on the South Coast AQMD Governing Board from August 1997 to August 1998.

Mr. Nastri holds a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine.

Tanya Peacock

Tanya Peacock is Managing Director at EcoEngineers, an international clean energy consulting firm. Based in Los Angeles, Tanya is responsible for expanding EcoEngineers’ energy transition practice in California and simultaneously leads the fast-growing hydrogen sector.

A well-known clean energy champion, Tanya serves on the Board of Directors of First Public Hydrogen. Tanya chaired the CHBC Board of Directors in 2023/2024 and currently serves as a Board Member. Throughout her career, Tanya has developed policies and programs to support energy decarbonization.

At EcoEngineers, Tanya works with clients to assess project viability, understand relevant policy and regulatory landscapes, estimate carbon intensity, maximize available credits/incentives, and pursue regulated and voluntary carbon market opportunities. Additionally, EcoEngineers provides verification services for clean fuels programs, tax credit claims, and greenhouse gas inventories.

José Pérez

José L. Pérez is a renowned entrepreneur and leader in the American energy industry. He is the co-founder, President, and CEO of Hispanics In Energy (HIE), a national non-profit organization he established in 2012. The organization aims to promote Hispanic inclusion in the energy industry. Under his leadership, HIE has organized successful energy policy forums in various states, including Washington D.C., Illinois, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Washington D.C., Arizona, Puerto Rico, and California. It has a presence in 25 states.

In 2022, José was appointed as a National Petroleum Council (NPC) member by the Energy Secretary. In 2024, he is an active member of the Hydrogen Energy study team and served as a reviewer for hydrogen energy proposals before the DOE.

In 2021, he testified before the House Energy Committee on energy policy and discussed the impact of the energy transition on America’s Hispanic workers and businesses.

In 2020, José was named “Energy Ambassador” by the U.S. Department of Energy, tasked with assisting all communities in accessing energy offices and providing advice on enhancing equity in energy.

José has held several leadership positions in the energy industry, including serving as Chair of the Energy Utilities Diversity Group in Minnesota in 2019. In this role, he worked with policymakers, regulators, labor, business, and industry leaders to successfully launch policies promoting greater participation by diverse communities.
He also prepared a Resolution in partnership with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to encourage the utility commission convening power to increase diversity in the Energy STEM pathway, which was approved by the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC).

He has also created and led several non-profits, such as the National Utilities Diversity Council (NUDC), the California Utilities Diversity Council (CUDC), and the Energy Utilities Diversity Group (EUDG) in Minnesota.
José has also held executive positions in the California government, including at the California Department of Transportation and the California State Personnel Board. He is an expert in personnel management in the private and public sectors. Additionally, he served as a special advisor to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Arizona Corporation Commission, Illinois Commerce Commission, and California Public Utilities Commission. He has held formidable leadership positions in business trade associations.

Overall, José L. Pérez is a highly respected leader in the energy industry, recognized for his efforts to enhance community

Jamie Randolph

Jamie Randolph is Principal Hydrogen Program Manager, Greenhouse Gas Emission Strategies at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Vice Chair on the Board of Directors of the California Hydrogen Business Council. Jamie is enabling a decarbonized energy portfolio by building the framework and strategy for decarbonizing both the gas and electric systems with clean hydrogen. PG&E’s 2030 goal is to reduce cumulative carbon emissions by 2.5 MMT and reach net-zero by 2040. One path to meet this goal is transitioning the gas system to transport and deliver clean molecules, such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen, to help decarbonize PG&E’s operations and the energy used by our customers.

Brandon “STIX” Salaam-Bailey

Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey (born July 13, 1983) is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter, activist, and entrepreneur. Stix was born and raised in Watts, CA. He started off as a full-time dancer in 2002, creating one of the most popular dance movements in the world called “KRUMP.” The new dance craze eventually went mainstream after it hit the big screens in a documentary film titled Rize.

During the end of summer 2015, pop star Iggy Azalea tweeted that she was back in the studio with her good friend Stix, who was instrumental in developing the early stages of Azalea’s career, to work on her 2017 release Digital Distortion. The first leak, “Azillion,” received over 1 million views on SoundCloud in 2 days, and the first official single, “Team,” debuted at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Iggy’s highest debut of her career. The song is Gold certified by the RIAA.

In 2016, Stix was Tanqueray Ten and Ciroc’s official music program ambassador for their liquor spirit. His superior ability to perform secured him a slot as the opening act on the Puff Puff Pass Tour 2 behind West Coast legend Snoop Dogg. Other acts on the tour included Dogg Pound, Warren G, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Stix was also selected for Pepsi Co’s ‘Stubborn Soda’ series campaign.

In 2018, Stix created the Thinkwatts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on economic development, homeless housing solutions, programming, and financial assistance to underserved and underprivileged communities. To date, the foundation has impacted over 40,000 residents and 7 cities across Los Angeles County. Moreover, Stix is the official ambassador for LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club), the LA Rams, and the LA Clippers. He has created the theme song for all three teams and has launched multiple community activations over the past year.

Furthermore, Stix was awarded four CLIO Awards for his collaboration with the Rams on projects titled “What’s Watts” and “It Takes All of Us.”

More recently, Nike made history by partnering with Stix, making him one of the first non-athlete influencers to create their own custom AF1. Additionally, the Thinkwatts Foundation was a grantee of Nike’s Black Community Commitment.

In an effort to address the digital divide and financial inequities, the Thinkwatts Foundation partnered with MoCaFi Bank and the City of Los Angeles to introduce the Angeleno Connectivity Program, which provides unrestricted banking access to unbanked residents in LA City and free internet access to low-income communities.

Lastly, on Juneteenth 2021, Stix was the recipient of the prestigious Key to the City from Councilmember Joe Buscaino. Stix is one of only two people to ever receive the Key to the City of Watts.

Samir Sheikh

Samir has over 25 years of experience in developing air quality improvement programs, and was appointed as the Valley Air District’s Executive Director/APCO in 2018.  Serving a region facing severe economic and public health challenges, the Valley Air District has implemented amongst the most innovative and stringent air pollution control strategies in the nation through cooperative stakeholder and community engagement. Samir has worked with a wide range of stakeholders to form a variety of successful coalitions to bring significant resources to the Valley for clean air programs and strategies, with over $7 billion in public/private clean air investments administered by the Valley Air District to date. Samir has made employees’ welfare, wellbeing, and empowerment a top priority, with overall focus on improving public health and providing excellent customer service to the public.

Tom Swenson

Tom began his career in 1988 with the California Energy Commission working with alternative fuels.  In 1993, he joined the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management working to reduce emissions from mobile sources, including the development of heavy-duty incentive programs.

Tom joined Cummins in 2003.  In his current role as Director, Global Regulatory Affairs, Tom is works with regulatory agencies, business partners and industry partners to implement Cummins’ Destination Zero effort.

Tom is based in Sacramento, California, holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Sacramento State and a California Professional Engineering license.

Heather Tomley

Heather Tomley is Managing Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs for the Port of Long Beach, California, named to the post in 2019, leading the Port’s Environmental Planning, Master Planning and Transportation Planning divisions. She joined the Port in 2005 as an Environmental Planning Associate and was promoted through the ranks to Director of Environmental Planning in 2014.

The Planning Bureau’s portfolio includes efforts to implement Green Port Policy, protect habitat, improve air and water quality, manage stormwater, adapt to climate change, implement the Port’s energy initiatives, manage the Community Grants Program, find transportation efficiencies, seek and manage grants for transportation infrastructure and environmental projects, analyze traffic patterns and identify rail improvements, plan for future land uses, and facilitate strategic planning.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Tomley served as a Project Scientist with SCS Engineers and an Air Quality Specialist for the San Luis Obispo County (Calif.) Air Pollution Control District.

Ms. Tomley earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and her Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Sydney Vergis

Sydney Vergis is an Assistant Division Chief in the Industrial Strategies Division, where her responsibilities include development and implementation of California’s landmark climate disclosure laws as well as helping to oversee climate programs.   Previous responsibilities included overseeing new and emerging air pollution control programs and policies related to mobile source emissions including developing and implementing medium, heavy duty, and off road emissions regulations as well as many of CARB’s incentive programs. She previously led CARB’s Legislative Office and is a former Senior Land Use Planner and Yolo County Planning Commissioner.

Sam Wade

Sam Wade serves as the Vice President of Public Policy at the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.  Previously Mr. Wade worked as Chief of the Transportation Fuels Branch at the Californian Air Resources Board, where he oversaw the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program for four years.

In other roles at CARB, Mr. Wade served as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, developed the Cap-and-Trade rule, and authored portions of California’s first Greenhouse Gas Scoping Plan.  He’s also worked in energy policy at Pacific Gas and Electric and with a bioenergy/biochar start-up.

Sam holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. Davis, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii, and an M.P.A in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University.

Blaine Waymire

Blaine Waymire is a Project Manager for Hydrogen Engineering and Strategy SoCalGas, where he is responsible for advancing hydrogen blending projects and policy. In this role, he oversees the implementation of hydrogen blending demonstration projects within live, operational utility pipelines and manages the regulatory strategy for hydrogen blending. Blaine brings 13 years of experience in the utility industry, with specialized expertise in Hydrogen Research, Distributed Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in California. Additionally, Blaine is recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers as a Certified Energy Manager and Distributed Generation Certified Professional.

Adam Weber

Adam Weber holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Tufts University, and a Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley.  Dr. Weber is a Senior Scientist and Leader of the Energy-Conversion at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and co-Director of the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck Consortium. He is also the Chief Technology Officer of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). Dr. Weber has coauthored over 240 peer-reviewed articles and 11 book chapters on fuel cells, flow batteries, and related electrochemical devices. He is the recipient of awards including 2012 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2016 Sir William Grove Award from the IAHE, and a 2020R&D100 award. He is a Fellow of The Electrochemical Society.

Lori Wilson

Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson was elected in April 2022 to represent California’s 11th Assembly District, which includes all of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties. Assemblywoman Wilson is the only Black woman in California history to be appointed Chair of the influential Assembly Transportation Committee and made history as the first legislator to be elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (2023-2024) as a freshman. In addition to her legislative leadership, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Assemblywoman Wilson to serve on the Governor’s Military Council. Established in 2013, the Council provides a sustained focus on growing California’s defense and national security missions in state administration. Assemblywoman Wilson’s track record in the California State Assembly includes delivering policies that create good jobs, keep the community safe, and improve the quality of life for her constituents and the people of California.

Frank Wolak

Mr. Wolak is the President and CEO of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), representing leading international and domestic companies and organizations that are advancing innovative, clean, safe, and reliable hydrogen energy technologies.

Mr. Wolak has experience in all facets of energy including executive positions both within and outside the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, including at an international energy services company, a power development and investment company, public energy resources corporation, and as management consultant providing insight to clients in emerging technology and utility segments.

Mr. Wolak holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western New England University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Hartford.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-wolak-71a4344/

Michelle Yanez

Dr. Yanez is the Principal and CEO of MY Workforce Solutions LLC, a certified SB/MBE/WBE consulting firm. She started her business with over 25 years of experience in workforce and economic development. Her company offers services in project management of workforce and job training programs. Her aim is to connect strategic partners in the supply and demand of workforce to foster pathways for students, business, education, labor, government and community-based organizations. Her company places a focus on green job training and the development of pre-apprenticeship programs that lead to union and high road jobs in underserved communities.

Dr. Yanez serves as a project manager for the Miguel Contreras Foundation (MCF), the non-profit partner of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. She manages the MCF Introduction to EV and Fuel Cell Technology training program for opportunity youth at Charter Oak Adult Education in the San Gabriel Valley. From 2021 to 2023, she served as the Project Manager for the USW-Proterra Training and Apprenticeship Trust, managing an Introduction to Electric Bus Manufacturing program funded by a $1 million High Road Training Partnership (HRTP), a California Workforce Development Board initiative.

Before starting her business, she worked in the community college system. She became an education and workforce leader when she was elected to the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees in 2001 and later appointed to the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board. She also served as a business advocate and brought her two passions together when she worked as the Director of Education Pathways for the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership from 2014 to 2019. She supported colleges and k-12 schools that looked to connect with business partners for advisory boards and work-based learning.

Dr. Yanez has earned a Doctorate of Education, with a focus in civil justice from CSULB and a Masters of Public Administration with a focus in government from USC.

Bill Zobel

William (Bill) Zobel serves as Senior Director of Hydrogen Supply and Infrastructure for the Pilot Company, responsible for the development and execution of the company’s Clean Hydrogen strategy. Pilot delivers innovative solutions across its retail, energy, and logistics operations, keeping interstate travelers moving through its leading network of more than 800 travel centers across North America. Prior to joining Pilot, Bill served in senior roles with Iwatani, Trillium (now Love’s Alternative Energy), the Sempra Utilities, BP and ARCO. Bill served as Executive Director of the California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) in 2020 and 2021. Bill is a graduate of Columbia University’s executive business program and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from California State University Long Beach.