Viridis Initiative

Alex Ray has served as Chairman of the AAEA Board of Directors since July 1, 2023, and will remain Chairman until July 1, 2025. He has been a supporter and member of AAEA since 2014, having served on the Board of Directors since 2019.

Mirroring AAEA’s tagline mission, Alex says he has spent his career “dedicated to growing Arkansas’ economy through the expansion of advanced energy technology.

Alex currently serves as a Principal Developer and the U.S. National Practice Lead – Education for a global private equity infrastructure development firm, serving public-sector institutional clients, as well as private-sector commercial clients throughout North America. Prior to his current venture, Alex spent eleven and a half years leading the sustainable infrastructure business in Arkansas for a Fortune Global 500 Energy Services firm.

Alex’s work in advanced energy includes a development and direct delivery portfolio of more than $100MM in energy-efficiency-funded infrastructure projects, representing more than a quarter-billion dollars (U.S.) in avoided taxpayer spend and more than 1.2 metric tons of C02 sequestered on behalf of his clients. He is committed to the promotion of alternative and advanced energy technologies and infrastructure for the people of Arkansas.

Alex is a 7th-generation Arkansan who attended the University of Arkansas’ Walton College of Business where he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with an emphasis in Global Supply Chain Procurement, as well as Ouachita Baptist University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He and his family reside in Little Rock.

Walmart

Lisa V. Perry is a Senior Manager, Energy Services for Walmart, Inc. As part of the utilities team, Lisa is actively involved in helping Walmart meet its sustainability goals by working directly with utilities across the United States on renewable energy programs, energy efficiency, vehicle electrification plans, and resiliency, and by participating in state regulatory utility proceedings.

Lisa received from the University of Florida her law degree in 1999 and a L.L.M. in Taxation in 2000. She also completed a B.A. in Criminology and a B.A. in Psychology at the University of South Florida. Prior to joining Walmart, Lisa represented Walmart as outside counsel in general rate cases and renewable energy dockets before utility Commissions in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

The Stitt Group, Inc.

David Stitt is President & Chief Executive Officer for The Stitt Group, Inc. and Stitt Solar, in Rogers, Arkansas. The Stitt Group is a collaborative design / build firm specializing in the production of high performance homes. Stitt Solar is a SunPower “Master Dealer” and designs, sells, and installs solar for residential and commercial properties.

David has worked in the construction industry for over 30 years which included 7 years as a softwood lumber trader. Stitt has a BA in Economics from Iowa State University, has earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation by the National Association of Home Builders, is a past board member for the Ozark Natural Science Center.

David is married and has 2 daughters that attend The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Shine Solar

Caleb Gorden is an accomplished entrepreneur and renewable energy advocate based in Arkansas. He is the President and Co-Founder of Shine Solar, a solar energy company that has become one of the fastest-growing in the state. Caleb graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Political Science and worked in the solar energy industry before starting Shine Solar in 2016. Under his leadership, Shine Solar has become known for exceptional customer service and high-quality solar installations for residential properties. Caleb’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond his work at Shine Solar, as he is also a board member of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA); a non-profit organization that promotes the growth and development of advanced energy technologies in Arkansas. He is dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for generations to come, and his work at Shine Solar and with the AAEA reflects this commitment.

Pedal Steel Solar

Elisabeth leads business development at Pedal Steel Solar – a large-scale solar and battery developer, owner and operator – focusing on M&A and strategy. She previously led distributed generation development, finance and policy efforts at an Arkansas-based ESCO. Elisabeth holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Being born and raised in Arkansas, Elisabeth moved back to her home state to assist in the furtherance of the energy economy in Arkansas and the surrounding Heartland.

Envirotech Vehicles

Sue Emry is the Executive Vice President of Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV), a transportation industry-leading provider and manufacturer of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission vehicles. With years of experience in the transportation, vehicle manufacturing and financial industries, Emry joined the company in 2017 and continues to play an integral role in EVTV’s operations, including its efforts to establish a manufacturing facility in the United States, as well as managing the receipt of new vehicles from overseas manufacturers. She has served as Controller of EVTV since April 2021. Prior to that, she served as the Director, President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Envirotech Drive Systems, Inc. (“Drive Systems”).

Before joining Drive Systems, Emry held various roles of increasing responsibility with Michael Di Pietro, CPA, where she provided management advisory and tax preparation services primarily in the high-net worth client division. She also served as Chief Financial Officer of Sardo Bus and Coach Upholstery, a company with more than 100 employees specializing in transit vehicle refurbishment. Originally from Long Beach, California, Emry offers her expertise as a member of the Home School Legal Defense Association and the National Association of Tax Professionals, and on several board of directors including EVTV, The Arkansas American Cancer Society Advisory Board, and Louis Sardo Upholstery. She has received the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Elite Certification, Named AMP Power Women of 2022, ABPG 2022 Arkansas 250, and was recognized by the Arkansas Secretary of State for the notable achievements and contributions she has made to the state with the Arkansas Traveler Award.

Batesville School District

Biography coming soon!

Clark Medlock is the Director of Energy Efficiency Programs at Summit Utilities, Inc. As part of the Energy Efficiency team, Clark oversees the planning and implementation of Summit’s energy-saving portfolios in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Colorado.

Clark received a B.A. in Communications from Henderson State University in 2013. Before joining Summit, Clark began his career in energy at CLEAResult Consulting, Inc. where he consulted on natural gas programs in Arkansas.

Amy Morris is the Director of Finance for Entergy Arkansas. She has a B.B.A in Finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Before joining Entergy, she began her career with CenterPoint Energy where she held a variety of roles in the financial planning and analysis and regulatory departments. She joined Entergy in 2022 as the Manager of Regulatory Affairs before she transitioned to her current role as Director of Finance in 2023.

Katie Laning Niebaum brings two decades of strategic communications, public affairs and management expertise from her leadership roles within Arkansas’ business community, state and national business trade associations, and Capitol Hill.

Since 2016, Katie has served as an owner and partner of CDP Strategies, a consulting firm supporting non-profit and corporate clients through an array of specialty services, including organizational and event management; advocacy and policy development; and communications and media relations.

From 2021-2023, Katie served as President of Delta Solar, a solar energy design and construction company serving agricultural and commercial clients. As executive director of AAEA and AAEF from 2016-2020, Katie led efforts to promote Arkansas’ fast-growing advanced energy industry. Under her leadership, the trade association secured key policy initiatives and regulatory decisions spurring the deployment of advanced energy technologies. Earlier roles include vice president of communications and media relations for the National Restaurant Association, and communications director for U.S. Senator Blanche L. Lincoln.

Katie has been named to Arkansas Business’ “40 Under 40” list (2019), the “Arkansas 250” list of influencers (2018 and 2019), and Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Power Women” list (2022). Katie is a Little Rock native, a proud alumna of Little Rock Central High School, and a graduate of the University of Virginia. She lives in Little Rock with her husband and three children.

Michael Parker began working in the construction industry after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Auburn University, with a Minor in Business Administration. He has spent more than half of his 31-year career working for Nabholz, starting as the EVP of Preconstruction and working his way up to his current position as President of Central Operations. In 2013, Michael co-founded Entegrity Energy Partners, which is wholly owned by Nabholz and he currently serves as the Company’s President.

Michael brings to each project his experience with a variety of areas — including construction, specialty services, energy services, and environmental services. He is especially skilled in energy services, preconstruction, management, and thinking outside of the box. Michael is also a LEED Accredited Professional, is certified through the Advanced Management Program and holds an ASHE Healthcare Construction Certificate.

A regular contributor to a variety of causes in his community, he is a member of the Northwest Arkansas Council, serves on the Executive Committee of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the Urban Land Institute NWA Advisory Board and the Dean’s Circle of the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design. He is a past chair for the Arkansas Chapter of the United States Green Building Council.

Current responsibilities include managing all aspects of Entegrity’s Operations as well as Nabholz’s Central Operations.

Pete is the CEO of Cor Power Management and Cor Solar and Electric. I started in energy efficiencies in 2012 which includes LED lights, motor controls and HVAC efficiencies for municipalities, schools and commercial.

In 2019 Pete started Cor Solar and Electric with the focus of agricultural solar. He provides the daily operational oversight for the company and it’s partners.

Sam is the Senior Vice President of Renewable Energy for Bernhard. He is a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Arkansas and is responsible for Bernhard’s development of solar and renewable energy projects. Since joining Bernhard, Sam’s team has helped secure contracts for 42MW of solar and 10MW (26.5 MWh) of battery storage. Specifically focused on healthcare institutions, these project advancements have positioned Bernhard as one of the leading developers of solar and storage projects within the US healthcare market. Sam has experience in project development, asset management, and decarbonization to create strategic partnerships that help fulfill his client’s sustainability goals.

CHRIS THOMASON
Vice President for Planning and Development
University of Arkansas System

Chris Thomason received a Bachelor of Arts (Cum laude) in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1995. He graduated with High Honors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Bowen School of Law in 1998.

Chris began practicing law in Hope in 1998 and was a member of the Wright, Burke, Thomason and Graham Law Firm until the end of 2002. In 2003, he opened his own private practice law office in Hope. Chris served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the 8th Judicial District North (Hempstead and Nevada County) from 1999-2002.

In 2002 he was elected to his first of two terms representing District 3 in the Arkansas House of Representatives. In the Arkansas House, he served on the House Transportation Committee, State Agencies and Government Affairs Committee, Joint Budget Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Insurance and Commerce Committee. He was the Chairman of the Joint Performance Review Committee. Chris was recognized by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette as one of the “Top Ten Legislators” in the Arkansas General Assembly in 2003. In addition, he received the “Advocate of Justice Award” by the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the “Advocate of the Year” by the Advance Practice Nurses Council and was named a “Champion for Children” by the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

Chris was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighth North Judicial District in 2006 and took office January 1, 2007. As a member of the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association, he served on their Legislative Committee.

On August 1, 2008, Chris became the Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (then known as the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope). He was elected to the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges (now known as Arkansas Community Colleges) Executive Committee, where he served a two-year term as the chairman representing the twenty-two (22) member colleges from across Arkansas. He also served as the chairman of the Southwest Arkansas Community College Consortium, a group made up of Presidents and Chancellors of five of Southwest Arkansas’ Community Colleges that are committed to working together to develop a regional vision for education and economic development.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Thomason, U of A Hope-Texarkana experienced historic student enrollment and graduation rates. In 2012 the college founded and constructed a new campus in Texarkana, Arkansas. Significant campus successes included setting an all-time graduation record and enrollment record in fall 2018, constructing and launching Hempstead Hall, the region’s premier thought and entertainment venue, developing a first of its kind textbook program that has fundamentally changed one of the most significant barriers to student success, and initiating on-campus adult educational services, secondary career centers and the first of its kind collegiate high schools.

On March 10, 2020, Chris was named the Vice President for Planning and Development for the University of Arkansas System. In his role with the UA System Office, Chris is leading projects that broadly impact the UA System campuses, divisions, and units, including facilitating future system growth and development, leading efforts to integrate services such as systemwide contracting, exploring public-private partnership opportunities, assisting with risk management projects and spearheading institutional and economic development strategies.

Chris and his wife, Penny, have been married 27 years. They are the proud parents of Allen, their 18-year-old son who is a freshman at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. They reside in Little Rock.