Simplifying and Accelerating Illinois’s Energy Transition

Vice President of Central Region

Al Willis

Al is the Vice President of our Veregy Central region. He manages all operations, engineering and P&L for this region, ensuring our projects meet our clients goals, optimized energy and long-term customer value. After graduating with a bachelor’s from Pittsburgh State University, Al has served as a well-respected and accomplished leader in various management roles within the industry.

Director of Sales

Bob Smith

Bob manages the Central Region sales team and is responsible for setting its market strategy. He also supports key Higher Education, Major Metropolitan Counties and Cities accounts. Bob enjoys working with clients to develop innovative solutions for energy efficiency and infrastructure renewal of existing facilities. And he was instrumental in the growth and acceptance of Energy Saving Performance Contracting ESPC working with state legislators to adopt enabling procurement statutes. He has 35 years of industry experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University. 

Director of Sales

John Shaw

John manages Veregy’s account representatives in Missouri and Texas. He and his team work closely with the Saint Louis office engineers and project managers to develop innovative solutions for K12 and Local Government infrastructure and facility improvement needs. His 20 years of prior work in government, including as a City Manager, gives him a unique perspective on projects and allows him to better serve communities with capital improvement needs and restrictive budgets. He understands key organizational objectives, challenges, and risks. He helps Veregy formulate an energy and resource management strategy that promotes the lowest lifecycle costs and provides guaranteed healthier environments for occupants. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Vincent College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri.

Vice President of Business Development

Kurt Schneider

Kurt is a co-founder of Johnson Melloh Solutions, the Indianapolis Veregy location. His primary role at Veregy is to develop relationships with clients to better understand the solutions that fit the client’s operational and financial needs.  Kurt has helped numerous municipal, K-12, commercial, and aviation clients find the perfect solution for energy efficiency. Kurt is directly involved with all projects, big or small, and uses his vast experience to develop the best solution for each customer and their needs. Kurt holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Management from Indiana State University. 

Director of Operations

Josh Hannoy

Josh serves the Director of Operations for Veregy’s Central Region. His responsibilities include construction management, field coordination, and negotiating contracts with subcontractors. Josh brings vast experience in project management and electrical expertise to Veregy. Josh’s experience in the industry combined with his understanding of construction ensures Veregy projects are always on time and within budget. Josh holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Ball State University. 

Manager, Solutions Development & Engineering

Jason Becker

Jason is a 25-year veteran of the construction and management industry whose areas of expertise include construction management, construction practices, services and products. His knowledge and background allow him to fully manage construction projects, including scheduling, estimating, contract negotiations, as well as the coordination of design, engineering, contractors and design-build companies. He leads the process of managing performance contracting projects for regional teams to ensure accurate estimates, high-quality installation, problem solving, customer satisfaction, and on-time completion. Jason also provides attention to the energy conservation measures’ proper implementation to facilitate the success of the energy cost avoidance guarantee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from the University of Nebraska.

Manager, Solutions Development & Engineering

Eli Hannoy

As Regional Operations Manager for the Central Region of Veregy, Eli oversees all aspects of his assigned projects and is responsible for assuring the project is done to the highest quality and meets all necessary timelines and budgets in addition to exceeding the customers’ expectations.  Eli demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills that allow him to identify and resolve potential construction issues in order to avoid additional costs or delays to the project. Eli is a graduate of Indiana University, with over 10 years of construction experience.

Director of Marketing and Communication

Gina Bicknese

Gina brings more than 30 years of experience in office administration, marketing and promotion. She began her career as a city clerk for the City of Ames, Iowa. She has been instrumental in helping school districts and counties pass bond issues, Prop C waivers, and sales-tax initiatives. Her responsibilities include administrative support, marketing and customer relations, and bond-election support services for clients in the development of their community information campaigns.  

Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications

Becky Werra

Becky, as the Strategic Marketing and Communications Director at Veregy, plays a critical role in supporting the Enterprise and Federal Sales teams. Working closely with the Vice President of Marketing and Regional Sales Directors, she is instrumental in developing innovative marketing campaigns to build sustainable, resilient, and safe communities. With an extensive background spanning 25 years in information systems sales, marketing, and energy performance contracting, Becky’s expertise is diverse and comprehensive. Her portfolio encompasses environmental and energy solutions and information systems, positioning her uniquely to understand and address the complex challenges faced by the manufacturing industry, commercial sectors, and federal governments. Becky’s work is pivotal in helping these entities achieve their energy reduction and decarbonization goals through Veregy’s cutting-edge environmental solutions.

Her qualifications are as varied as her experience. Becky is a LEED-accredited professional, emphasizing her commitment to sustainable building practices, and holds FEMA certification, showcasing her preparedness in emergency management. Her educational background includes a certification in information systems project management from the DePaul College of Telecommunications and Information Systems, and she is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional through the Digital Marketing Institute. Becky holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lakeland University.

Manager of Marketing and Communications

Lindsay Yazel, CDMP, PCM-DM

Lindsay is responsible for all aspects of communication and advertisement for local central team and contributes to the nationwide Veregy marketing team. She brings several years of graphic design experience and creative background and works to develop effective, eye-catching marketing collateral and personalized project proposals. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Indiana University.

Manager of Regional Technology

Mike Tennenbaum

Mike’s primary focus is to lead the controls team in the design, engineering and implementation of building automation systems for Veregy projects. Other duties include startup, verification and commissioning of these systems to achieve lower energy and operational costs while improving comfort for occupants. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri.

Manager of Strategic Development

Jim Blumfelder, ASHRAE

Jim leads business development efforts coordinating with sales and engineering to assess opportunities, prequalification, and needs analysis of potential projects. His extensive background in working with customers on project development and his knowledge of mechanical and building systems allows him to assist in the preliminary assessment of projects and the identification of customer goals, potential costs, and the process required foe a successful project. Jim also handles quality control and monitors project progress to assure customer goals are met. He holds an Associate of Science in Industrial Electronics Engineering from St. Louis Community College.

Human Resources Manager

Jennelyn Giovando, SHRM-SCP

Jennelyn has 14 years of experience working in Human Resources and Employee Relations. As the manager of Human Resources for Veregy’s Central and East Region, Jennelyn designs and implements Human Resources programs, identifies and implements process improvements and relies on her years of experience and expertise in employee relations to resolve issues. Jennelyn promotes and supports a culture of inclusivity that drives motivation and innovation. Jennelyn holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Lindenwood University

Project Developer III - Enterprise Sales

Sumit Ray, PE, CEM, LEED, MS, MBA

Sumit Ray is the Principal Engineer and the Center of Excellence lead at CTS. Sumit focuses on developing and managing energy infrastructure projects for K-12 schools, municipalities, large commercial, industrial and educational clients. Also, as a decarbonization practice lead, provides consulting services for utility & energy infrastructure master planning, district energy, combined heat & power, renewable energy and GHG reduction strategies.

As a Center of Excellence lead, Sumit is responsible for developing standardized processes, tools and templates for efficient project development. This is a cloud-based platform for remote access by all engineers.

Sumit has more than 28 years of industry experience. He has PE license for multiple states. He earned a Master of Science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Florida and an executive MBA from Michigan State University.

Performance Assurance Manager

Amy Nemeth, LEED AP

Amy has been an energy services leader for 29 years, honing her focus on quality and performance. She manages teams of engineers and project management staff to develop and deliver turnkey facility improvements on time and on budget. Amy leverages her extensive knowledge of mechanical and control systems for the design of new systems that maximize efficiency, comfort, and investment for the client. Her responsibilities include design, energy analysis, estimating and coordination to bring projects to contract while ensuring client needs are met throughout the process. Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University. 

Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Paul Benson, Sr.

Paul Benson has been in the construction industry for over 25 years. Most recently, he has been the Regional Safety Director of the largest steel erector/fabricator in the US. He utilizes his knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to develop practical and compliant programs and policies. His responsibilities, in part, will be to maintain a safe and healthy job site, work with local subcontractors to ensure they follow Veregy company policies and work with National Insurance and Risk programs to ensure compliance and risk reduction.

Paul has a certificate of completion with the International Associate of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, as well as being a certified OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer. He is also an accredited Safety Manager Specialist, from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Director of Vehicle Electrification

Scott Wisner

As a former transit professional and innovator with several years experience working for Valley Metro RPTA, Scott joined the Veregy team in 2021 to head up our vehicle electrification division. Scott is responsible for working directly with municipalities, schools and transit customers to deliver EV fleet and infrastructure plans and solutions that support your organizations needs.