GLREA Board Member Nomination Bios
Mark Bauer
Owner/President - Bauer Power
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board
I am in the trenches installing solar and wind systems every day for commercial and residential Michiganders. I have served on numerous boards for my community, other non-profits, and for-profit industries. I have marketing talents that have driven my company to the level we are at currently, and in a short period of only 6 years.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
I purchase products from worldwide distributors and manufacturers every day, making Bauer Power a company on the pulse of the latest tech and changes in the industry.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
Because I think the GLREA needs a wide range of ideas that provide guidance in decision making concerning actions, trade shows, and programs that the GLREA decides to implement here in Michigan.
Have you been involved with GLREA in the past? If so, in what manner?
YES. I have taken classes, taught classes (GO SOLAR), promoted the GLREA extensively, and been a major contributor/sponsor/supporter since 2004.
Please include any additional relevant information you feel has yet been address on a separate sheet.
My company is expanding, and taking advantage of other opportunities that have emerged in other states. Our unique perspective can only enhance the direction, goals, and strategies that the GLREA may want to implement, so we can further embed renewable energy in Michigan’s economy.
Diane Durance
Executive Director, Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board
Diane Durance is the executive director of Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest. GLEQ is a statewide organization that offers entrepreneurial education and a technology-focused business plan competition for new ventures in alternative energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, homeland security and information technology. Prior to GLEQ, Diane was president of the Ann Arbor IT Zone, a membership organization for technology companies. Diane’s responsibilities included increasing membership and member involvement, developing new member and community programs, managing multi-organization events, defining and implementing member benefits, soliciting sponsor support, writing grant proposals, and developing on-line resources.
The IT Zone hosted 160 networking and education events with more than 4,700 attendees annually. Diane also managed Ann Arbor SPARK facilities, meetings and events, accounting and reporting, and SPARK Business Accelerator/Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti SmartZone education programs for two years until the merger of the two organizations. Prior to the IT Zone, Diane had twenty-three years experience in entrepreneurial and management positions in technology-based businesses, service companies, government and nonprofit organizations. She founded three companies, including a telecommunications engineering firm, a marketing communications publishing company, and a venture-funded, residential construction business.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA
Diane has relationships with technology, business development and economic development organizations and universities throughout Michigan. Her board of directors includes leaders from TechTown, NextEnergy, Southwest Michigan First and Automation Alley.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board
Diane is a current GLREA board member
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement
Diane has represented GLREA at this year’s Michigan Energy Fair and staffed a education session in Ann Arbor. Diane is a volunteer contributor to the planning committees of several large statewide events including TechKnow Forum, TiECon and ACE (Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship) and is chairing the Mid-Michigan Commercialization Collaborative which includes participation from four universities and a dozen economic development and entrepreneurial support organizations in a seven-county area in Mid-Michigan.
Education
Diane holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration, both from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
Shane LaHousse
Senior Engineering Manager - Emerson ASCO-Numatics
Licensed Builder
Director of North American Business Development - Renovo
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board
Shane leads product development for the Miniature Product Group of Asco-Numatics, a subsidiary of Emerson Electric. He is also working with Renovo Power Systems to launch an innovative grid-tie inverter applicable to residential PV and wind markets. Previously he has worked within the automotive industry in several positions including strategic planning and product development. Shane is also licensed builder in Michigan who has developed several real estate projects, including his own home in Ann Arbor. He holds degrees in Aeronautics from M.I.T. and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
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Partnership within Renovo provides contacts with alternative energy experts and advocates within China and India.
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Extensive network of MIT and University of Michigan Ross School of Business contacts as well as access to their respective alumni networks.
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Employment and access to individuals within Emerson Electric, a Fortune 100 corporation active in development and commerce of energy efficient solutions.
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A global network of business and technology professionals within suppliers and consultants of Emerson.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
Opportunity to actively engage in the promotion of renewable energy use and policies in support of a belief that energy policy now more than ever is central in the extension of economic opportunities and political stability within Michigan and beyond.
Andrew McColm
Associate Director – Business Formation at University of Michigan
Registered Professional Engineer - Ontario
Member IEEE
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
Business Formation, manages the group within the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer which is focused on assisting faculty, staff and students in the creation of start-up companies based on UM technology. Andrew focuses on information technology, engineering and the physical sciences. Included in this category are the energy related startups from the University. In the last fiscal year, the Business Formation group launched 13 new startup companies.
Prior to joining OTT, Andrew had a twenty year international career in telecommunications, which included several senior management and executive level positions across four startup ventures. Most recently he was Chief Operating Officer of Canbras Communications, a publicly traded firm on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Prior to Canbras Communications, Andrew was President and CEO of a telecommunications startup in Brazil, which he grew to over 700 employees, and US$50 million in annual revenue while raising over US$100M in debt and equity funding.
I bring to GLREA two decades of operating experience in regulated industries. My professional interests in renewable energy are focused on launching Michigan based businesses o a foundation of state of the art technology. My personal interest in renewable energy is as a homeowner and ratepayer in the state. In my professional capacity, I have a great deal of exposure to the global renewable energy market, in particular the wind and solar industries. I feel that it is important that we take an active, rather than passive role in promoting renewable energy options at all levels within the state.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
I have a very strong network through the academic, governmental and early stage investment groups in Michigan and throughout the Midwest.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
In both a professional and personal capacity I’m very interested in renewable energy solutions. In a professional capacity I’m responsible for launching startup companies from the University of Michigan in the based on innovative alternative energy technology.
In a personal capacity I am currently in the process of constructing a LEED certified home. Therefore, I have a personal interest in the evolution of energy policy and regulatory framework in Michigan that is focused on renewable energy.
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement?
I have been a board member for Ann Arbors New Enterprise Forum, which helps out new entrepreneurs network and gow their ventures. Involved with the Benton Harbor area Habitat for Humanity, took the team lead for the Financial Reconstruction team. I have also served on the Alumni Admissions Committee for the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Education
Andrew has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Management and an MBA with High Distinction from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He lives in Ann arbor and is currently in the process of constructing a LEED certified house between Ann Arbor and Dexter.
Mario L. Morrow
President - Mario Marrow and Associates
Director - Michigan Department of Communication
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
Mario Morrow joined the Department of Labor and Economic Growth in January 2008. He oversees the Department of Communications, which includes the Division’s of Media and Public Relations, Media and Technology and Freedom of Information.
Director Morrow is also the president of Mario Morrow and Associates, a political, educational, media and public relations firm based in Detroit, Michigan. Morrow and Associates has been the “to go” firm for relationship and image building as well as crisis management in Michigan for a number of years.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
Director Morrow was born and raised in Detroit. He received all his formal training in the Detroit Public Schools. Upon graduating from Mumford High School in 1977, Morrow entered and completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. In 1992, Morrow completed his graduate studies at Wayne State University earning a Masters of Educational Administration.
Corporate clients are also among the seekers of Morrow’s talent. Such companies and organizations include: The Detroit Canada Tunnel Corporation, Long Insurance Services, One United Michigan, Wayne County Community College District, Kmart/ Hartford Baptist Church (7 Mile Meyers Project), The Detroit Charter Revision Committee, Society of Mechanical Engineers, Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT), Michigan Education Association (M.E.A.), National City Bank, MuniVest Financial Group, Long Insurance Group, Fritz Enterprise Inc., Oppenheimer and Company as well as Post Newsweek’s WDIV/CHANNEL-TV4.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
Director Morrow began his professional career as a teacher with the Detroit Board of Education in 1982 as a teacher of gifted & talented students in the elementary grades. Since that time, Morrow has grown into several different leadership positions in both the business and educational fields. Mr. Morrow started off as a substitute teacher moved through the ranks of teacher, department head, assistant principal, principal (elementary and middle school), executive director of communications (Assistant Superintendent) with Detroit Public Schools, and worked his way up to superintendent of Albion Public Schools. He has also worked for such companies as Alma College as the Assistant Director of Admissions, SMART Transportation as the Manager of Community Affairs, Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services as the Director of Outreach and Triangle Publications (TV Guide Magazine) as a Circulation Field Representative.
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement?
Morrow is still sought after by the media for his thoughts and opinions on politics. No one has ever accused Morrow of being bias or unfair, at least to his face. He calls it like he sees it. And because of that fact, he is the most quoted political analyst in the Midwest. He is regularly called upon by such newspapers as The Detroit News, The Detroit Free Press, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, CNN, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, as well as the Associated Press and the United Press International. Mario Morrow has also been a radio talk show host of WQBH and WXYT.
In 1993, NBC/Time -Newsweek retained Morrow’s professional services as their top political analyst for their Detroit affiliate WDIV/Channel 4. This made Morrow the first African-American and youngest person to serve in such a capacity.
Mario Morrow is no stranger to the political environment. He has consulted and advised some of Detroit’s highest profiled politicians. Such former and current clients include: Detroit City Council Member Gil Hill, the late Dr. Charles C. Vincent, Wayne County Community College Board of Trustee Frank Hayden, State Representatives Martha Scott and the late Jackie Vaughan III, Wayne County Clerk Teola Hunter, Former Detroit School Board Members Larry Patrick, David Olmstead, Mary Blackmon, Penny Bailer, and Judge Paula Humphries, Judge Kurtis Wilder, and the Campaign to re-elect Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to name a few.
Bruce Rasher
Director of Operations – Asset Repositioning Management Group
Previous experience – Consumers Energy’s first Manager of Renewable Energy
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
Bruce Rasher is employed as the Director of Operations for the Asset Repositioning Management Group within CB Richard Ellis, Inc.’s Global Corporate Services, based in Detroit. CBRE is the world’s premier, full-service real estate company providing real estate finance, investment, brokerage, development, and services.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
Bruce joined CBRE in April 2008, coming from his previous employer, Consumers Energy, one of the nation’s largest combination utilities providing electric and natural gas service to more than 6 million of Michigan’s residents. While with Consumers Energy, Bruce held management positions in environmental compliance and policy, corporate real estate and facilities, brownfield redevelopment, economic development, and renewable energy policy, programs and project development. Bruce was Consumers Energy’s first Manager of Renewable Energy and was a Michigan registered lobbying agent for Consumers Energy.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
Bruce’s contributions to the GLREA as a member of its board of directors will be derived from his breadth of understanding and experience in:
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The energy industry
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Utility rates and regulation
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Federal and state environmental policy and legislative development
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Federal and state renewable energy policy and legislative development
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Renewable energy economics and project development
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Economic development
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Finance
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Real estate
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement.
Bruce’s extensive volunteer service includes serving two terms as the Mayor of the City of Marshall, Michigan, chairing the Marshall Area Development Alliance, serving as Vice-chair of Oaklawn Hospital’s Board of Directors, and is on the Board of Directors of the National Brownfield Association.
Education
Bruce received his BS from Michigan Sate University in 1976 and MBA in Finance from Western Michigan University in 2002. Bruce was a 1999 Fellow at Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research Michigan Political Leadership Program.
Arcadio D. Ramirez
Founder and Partner – Maestro Management Group, LLC
Member of State Bar of California
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
Throughout his 20+ year professional career Mr. Ramirez has been extensively involved with early stage companies. As an attorney with Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosti he advised start-up companies with financing, commercial, corporate governance and intellectual property issues. In financings alone, he directed projects exceeding $15M.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
From the practice of law, Mr. Ramirez transitioned into entrepreneurial ventures -organizing, securing financing, operating and selling two companies, including one of the first venture-funded transaction based internet sites, Do It Sports. In addition, Mr. Ramirez has served on the management team and acted as a business consultant to numerous early-stage companies.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
Mr. Ramirez has been engaged as a management consultant by a number of Fortune 50 companies including AT&T, Intel and Ford Motor Company. Engagements included: new product development strategy, customer segmentation and restructuring, financial process re-engineering, and private marketplace strategy projects. These projects saved/earned clients millions of dollars.
Education
Mr. Ramirez received his business education at the University of Michigan Business School. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School and his B.A. with highest honors from the University of Michigan. Mr. Ramirez resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan; he has two children and is an internationally competitive Triathlete.
Joseph Savanyo
Purchasing/ Supplier Management Ford Motor Company
Lead for program management of Ford’s industry first electric plug in small truck
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
I have an academic and practical background in renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy practices. I am currently at Ford Motor Company and have led the program management of Ford’s industry first electric plug in small truck and am currently Co-chairman of the Society of Automotive Engineers recycling demonstration event at the annual SAE conference. I have recently been a speaker and consultant at The Yale Club, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, UBS, Credit Suisse, Fidelity Investments, Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, Battery Ventures, Swiss Re, William Blair, Bain & Company, Putnam Investments, D.E. Shaw, Ochs-Ziff, Davidson Kempner, CPMG, and other world class financial firms.
I served as a Director of Business Development at Ford Motor Company’s Greenleaf subsidiary where I worked to start-up a $150M recycling company with 33 locations and 1000 employees. Previously I held 9 business and technical positions focused on 4 continents and cutting across each functional area in Ford. I led project management of Ford’s industry first products such as the plug-in electric Ranger and natural gas powered van, composite material/nanotechnology applications, etc. I have also acted as an angel investor/executive that led to the IPO of startup plastics manufacturer, founded a plastic recycling firm, among other startup companies. I was also an investment banker in New York, and prior to that was at General Motors as an engineering supervisor.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
I am involved with Ford Motor Company’s renewable/sustainability efforts which may have tie-ins with GLREA. I have control of investment capital as Managing Director of venture capital fund Maple Venture Partners which focuses on clean technology start-up company investments. I regularly travel globally interacting off shore investors and technology leaders. I have extensive contacts with the The University if Michigan currently acting as an official venture capital mentor for The University of Michigan Ross Business School mentoring university originated alternative energy startup companies. I am also on the boards of three small companies that could be helpful in promoting GLREA activities. I also have extensive financial contacts in New York having been an investment banker in Manhattan.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
I think that renewable energy will be a tremendous growth sector of the economy having studied the topic for many years. I would like to help GREA promote the increase in use of renewable energy technologies, sustainable energy practices, and alternative energy technologies. Being a member of the GREA board would be a good synergy with my current green technology venture capital financing activities, alternative energy corporate activates, and alternative energy academic background.
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement.
I am active in a variety of strategic fuel efficiency and clean tech initiatives around the globe including being advisor member for clean technology firms such as Adura System, Inc a leading Silicon Valley clean technology company providing world class fuel efficiency hybrid intellectual property.
In regards to GLREA I was a volunteer at the June 2008 3rd Annual Michigan Energy Fair in Onekama, MI and I have been following GLREA activities for over two years. I have attended GLREA seminars and am a member.
Education
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Conversion from Michigan State University, an MBA from The University of Michigan specializing in venture capital focusing on clean technology, and am also working on a graduate degree in alternative technology management at the Lawrence Technological University.
Doug Selby
Meadowlark Builder
Current GLREA Board Member
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
Doug has been in the building industry for 15 years. As co-founder of Meadowlark Builders in Ann Arbor, Michigan, our mission is to aim for the apex of sustainable construction - buildings that produce more energy than they use, and have a net positive affect on our local economy and the environment in general. We incorporate super-insulated building envelopes, advanced heating and cooling systems that use renewable energy sources and interior air quality equipment, and solar photovoltaics to achieve our goals.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
As end users of renewable energy equipment we are aware of many of the issues that are pertinent to this association. Doug would like to be a part of the transformation of our energy production systems to being fully renewable, and based on the sun and present carbon. Buildings consume about 40% of the world's energy supply and our methods of building are extremely regressive at this point. We must tackle this important sector to have a big impact on our dirty energy production. As a member of several building organizations, Doug can act as a liaison to the building industry.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
Doug is a current GLREA board member
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement.
Doug has been a board member of the GLREA for the past year. He is the outgoing chairman of the Washtenaw Remodeler's Council, and the upcoming chairman of the Home Builders Association of Washtenaw County. He is active in the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and a steering committee member that organized the last two annual "Remodel Green" conferences.
Education
Doug received his BS in Chemistry from Michigan State University in 1992. He has received higher education in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University, and has participated in ongoing education in the building industry. Doug holds a real estate salesperson license and a building license in the State of Michigan, and currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan with his wife, daughter and an upcoming child
Craig Weed
Cooper Standard Automotive
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
Craig A. Weed has over 25 years leadership experience in new technologicial introductions and large scale project operations. He spent ten years in Industrial Automation Industry developing, engineering and marketing the naoscent technologies of programmable controllers, machine vision systems, robotics, automated guided vehicles and cell controllers. He has held leadership positions in direct sales and application engineering. The next fifteen years involved learning the Automotive Industry with Ford and Visteon Corporation through positions in finance, design engineering, vehicle marketing, program management and account management. The last six years have been spent in Powertrain Fuel Systems with increasing emphasis on altering our fuel delivery systems designs for alternative fuels.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
Mahtama Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Craig has expressed his desire to be a catalyst for change by utilizing his educational background and work experience to help GLREA make renewable energy commonplace through event marketing, fund raising, and membership growth. He has a background in industrial training to lend to course development and classroom instruction. Further, his current position has exposes him to alternative fuels, direct injection fuel systems and related technologies.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
Craig is a current GLREA board member
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement.
Craig has represented GLREA the past 2 Michigan Energy Fairs and various other events at other facilities such as Lawrence Technological University and Oakland University.
Education
Craig received both his MBA and BSIOE degrees from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. He also completed follow up study in digital electronics with an Associates of Electronic Engineering Technolgy from MCCC. He is currently active in City of Berkley as newly elected President, Friends of Berkley Parks & Rec, and as board member of the Woodard Dream Cruise Adhoc Planning Committee. In addition, he is active with the Investors Business Daily/Detroit– Planning Committee. He holds a real estate license and currently resides in Berkley, MI with his wife and two children.
Mike Windemuller
CEO/Owner – Windemuller Electric Inc.
Describe the skills and talents you feel you can bring to the board.
Mr. Windemuller is CEO and a major stockholder of Windemuller Electric Inc. He has been with the company since 1972 and is a Licensed Master Electrician in the State of Michigan. His professional experience includes a variety of positions within the company and service in the U.S. Army. He serves or has served as: Associated Builders and Contractors President, Associated Building and Contractors Apprenticeship Committee, Independent Electrical Contractors’ “Cutting Edge Seminar” instructor, and on the Boards of three non-profit organizations.
What access to resources do you possess that will benefit GLREA?
My personal experience and contacts in renewable energy are in ethanol; I have been involved in the construction of an ethanol plant, attended seminars on ethanol, and served on the board of a start-up ethanol company in Woodbury, MI until its acquisition by US BioEnergy. Windemuller is headquartered in Wayland, Michigan with satellite offices in Big Rapids, Montague, Kalamazoo, Manistee, Petoskey and Traverse City, serving industrial, institutional, government, utilities, commercial and municipal customers, so we have a great network of business contacts in the state. My role within my company affords me the time and professional latitude to devote to an organization like the GLREA.
Why are you interested in joining the GLREA board?
I believe strongly in renewable energy and I want to see Michigan businesses succeed. I am also pushing “green” within Windemuller. We have been involved with renewable energy since 2001 when we installed our first wind turbine (with a name like WINDemuller, we just have to be involved in wind turbines), and today I am involved in strategic decision making to expand our services for wind turbines, ethanol plants, and solar panels. I recognize that state and federal policies are big drivers in this area.
Describe previous volunteer experience, or previous GLREA involvement.
Windemuller Electric exhibited at both the 2007 and 2008 GLREA Energy Fair, and our Sales and Marketing Manager, Daryl Holwerda, has worked with Nick Cucinelli to explore Windemuller’s participation in several clean energy projects.
