Note: Program is best viewed on a mobile device in landscape mode.
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Agenda
4:30pm | Networking Reception | |
5:15pm | Awards Program | |
Host Welcome | Jerry Williams, SAS | |
RTCC Welcome | Dr. Deb Wojcik, RTCC | |
RTCC Overview | Emmit Owens, RTCC | |
Platinum Sponsor Remarks | Andrew Wall, PowerSecure | |
Research Innovation in Cleantech | ||
Cleantech Entrepreneur | ||
Equity in Cleantech | ||
Cleantech Impact: Local Government | ||
Our Foundations for Excellence in Cleantech | Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, NC Commerce | |
Cleantech Impact: Economic Development | ||
Cleantech Talent Development | ||
Cleantech Impact: Water | ||
Cleantech Impact: Energy | ||
Building on Our Strengths to Accelerate Cleantech Innovation | Kevin Hernandez, ScottMadden | |
Cleantech Impact: Transportation | ||
Diversity in Cleantech | ||
Cleantech Champion | ||
Creating a Collaborative Vision of our Cleantech Future | Dr. Deb Wojcik, RTCC | |
6:45pm | Networking Reception | |
8:00pm | Event Concludes |
Meet Our Speakers
![](https://www.researchtrianglecleantech.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/JW9.jpg)
Jerry Williams
Opening Remarks
Chief Environmental Officer, SAS
As Chief Environmental Officer, Jerry Williams helps lead the development and execution of SAS’ sustainability strategy across operations worldwide. He uses SAS analytic solutions to manage the company’s global operational data, report Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure SAS is compliant with rapidly emerging environmental regulations.
Jerry is a primary facilitator of smart campus and environmental initiatives at SAS and key contributor to ongoing resource efficiency programs. In the community, he is often asked to speak about the urgency of addressing climate change, the benefits of a clean energy economy, plug-in electric vehicle infrastructure, LEED certification, solar and other corporate sustainability initiatives to a wide range of municipal, education and legislative audiences. He actively fosters collaboration and engagement across operations through the deployment of SAS Visual Analytics reporting to front line subject matter experts.
![](https://www.researchtrianglecleantech.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Andrew-Wall_Dec-2021-1-911x1024.jpg)
Andrew Wall
Platinum Sponsor Remarks
Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, PowerSecure
Andrew Wall serves as senior vice president and chief commercial officer for PowerSecure. He is a member of the executive management team and is responsible for leading the commercial organization to deliver sustained, profitable growth of the company. In this role, Mr. Wall leads and oversees the strategic growth development and execution, corporate development, sales and marketing performance, and delivery of world-class customer experience.
Prior to joining PowerSecure, Mr. Wall served as senior vice president and chief commercial officer for NN, Inc., a diversified industrial company, combining advanced engineering and production capabilities with in-depth materials science expertise to design and manufacture high-precision components and assemblies for a variety of markets on a global basis. Prior to joining the NN, Inc., Mr. Wall served in numerous leadership positions for ABB, a global manufacturer of heavy electrical equipment and automation technology, with roles spanning corporate strategy, business development, marketing, sales, and business unit general management over an 18-year tenure. Mr. Wall also serves on the Board of Directors for Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster, an industry-funded, industry-led organization focused on accelerating growth and leadership of the cleantech economy, leveraging the unique concentration of industry, academic, and government leaders in the Research Triangle of NC to create benefits through innovation, deployment, and talent in the region, North Carolina, and beyond.
Mr. Wall holds a Bachelor of Science, Business Management from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration from Elon University.
![](https://www.researchtrianglecleantech.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Image-1-683x1024.jpeg)
Machelle Baker Sanders
Lightning Talk: Our Foundations for Excellence in Cleantech
Secretary of Commerce, NC Department of Commerce
In February 2021, Governor Cooper appointed Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders to lead the North Carolina Department of Commerce, enlisting her experience as former Administration Secretary, strong background as a business leader and her extensive knowledge of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce. Secretary Sanders’ vision for North Carolina’s post-pandemic economic restoration is to work with partners to attract better paying jobs, support small businesses, and stimulate our state’s innovation and entrepreneurial economy. Her bold and purposeful leadership aims to ensure North Carolina’s diverse state is an inclusive one that works for all people.
![](https://www.researchtrianglecleantech.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kevin-Hernandez_525x525-Cropped-525x525-1.png)
Kevin Hernandez
Lightning Talk: Building on Our Strengths to Accelerate Cleantech Innovation
Partner, ScottMadden
Kevin Hernandez is a partner with ScottMadden where he specializes in grid modernization, electrification and the clean energy transition. Since joining the firm in 2012, he has consulted with a variety of utility and industry clients on issues ranging from non-wires alternatives and DER integration to fleet electrification and EV infrastructure planning. Kevin earned his B.A. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an M.A from the U.S. Navy War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and his M.B.A. from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy.
![](https://www.researchtrianglecleantech.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Deb-Wojcik.jpg)
Dr. Deb Wojcik
Lightning Talk: Creating a Collaborative Vision of our Cleantech Future
Executive Director, Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster
Deb Wojcik joined the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster as Executive Director in August 2021. She brings over 20 years of experience in program leadership and development, stakeholder engagement and network building, career and professional development, and environmental education and communication.
Deb has worked extensively to build strong relationships across sectors and effectively address complex challenges through creativity and collaboration. She has developed and managed innovative programs at the Pratt School of Engineering and the Nicholas School of the Environment of Duke University, Stanford University, University of Florida, North Carolina Coastal Federation, North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, and with technology companies.
Deb earned a PhD from the University of Florida focused on adaptive management of resources and stakeholder education and engagement. Her doctoral research focused on using a network approach to understand communication flows and decision making around water and wildlife resources in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. She was a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University and holds Master of Environmental Management, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Bachelor of Science degrees from Duke University.