The Virginia Clean Cities story begins in 1996 in Hampton Roads when the U.S. Department of Energy recognized the city as a Clean Cities Coalition. In 2001, the non-profit Virginia Clean Cities, Inc. was created to manage the Coalition. In 2009, Virginia Clean Cities formed a partnership with James Madison University enabling both organizations to leverage resources, current initiatives, and future opportunities. Virginia Clean Cities serves as a cornerstone program in the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER).

The Clean Cities program is sponsored by the Department of Energy in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992. This legislation’s express intent is to ensure national energy security by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products. The Clean Cities program was chartered to help achieve this objective by promoting alternative fuel use in the transportation sector.

View our logos on our Photos Page.

Mission Statement

Virginia Clean Cities advances air quality improvement, economic opportunity, and energy security through deployment of alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, education programs and other petroleum reduction activities.

How Does Clean Cities Work?

Clean Cities draws stakeholders from local, state, and federal agencies; public health and transportation departments; commercial fleets; transit agencies; and other government offices; as well as auto manufacturers, car dealers, fuel and equipment suppliers, public utilities and nonprofit associations.

Clean Cities is instrumental in cultivating an advanced transportation community in which people learn about a wide range of options and technologies. In addition, Clean Cities helps create markets for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), hybrids, fuel blends, fuel economy and idle reduction. More importantly, Clean Cities provides a forum for members to leverage resources, develop joint projects, collaborate on public policy issues, and promote petroleum displacement and clean air technologies.

Clean Cities partnerships address the challenge of moving the United States away from the infrastructure and practices that contribute to the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum and toward energy independence and security. Clean Cities brings the national goals outlined in DOE’s Advanced Energy Initiative to the communities that can realize the end results.

Meet the Team

Virginia Clean Cities has offices in Charlottesville and at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. In addition to the team that manages the day-to-day operation of the organization, Virginia Clean Cities also draws on a large, diverse and engaged group of stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth and the nation.

Alleyn Harned

Executive Director
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: (540) 568-8896
Mobile: (804) 539-9425
Schedule a meeting: calendly.com/alleyn
aharned@vacleancities.org

Bio

Alleyn joined Clean Cities is 2009, the same year Virginia Clean Cities, Inc., formed a partnership with James Madison University. That partnership allows Clean Cities and the university in Harrisonburg, Virginia to work together to leverage resources, support alternative fuel initiatives and pursue opportunities to decrease pollution and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Prior to being named Executive Director, Alleyn served as VCC’s Business Development Director. He serves as the Virginia representative to the nine-state Southeast Natural Gas Vehicle Corridor Committee, and was the coordinator for Virginia’s initial 2010 electric vehicle readiness effort. Harned was appointed to the State Advisory Board on Air Pollution in 2013.

Alleyn has worked on transportation and energy-related issues in Virginia since 2006. Before joining the VCC staff, Alleyn served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia where he assisted in drafting Virginia’s initial Energy Plan, and participated in the Virginia Commission on Climate Change and Governor’s Energy Policy Advisory Council. Harned is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, and has a master’s degree from James Madison University, where he serves in an A&P faculty role.

With Virginia Clean Cities, Harned leads the coalition’s collaborative effort to assist stakeholders and the Commonwealth in programs to improve air quality, and increase American energy security and economic opportunity through the increased use of alternative fuels and vehicles.

Matthew Wade

Deputy Director
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: (540) 568-4051
Schedule a Meeting: calendly.com/mwadevcc
mwade@vacleancities.org

Bio

Matthew serves as Deputy Director of VCC. He joined VCC in 2013 after six years in local government administration with the goal of comprehensively reducing petroleum use and harmful emissions in Virginia. As Deputy Director, he oversees the management of staff operations and VCC’s grant portfolio for alternate transportation fuels infrastructure, vehicle deployment, education, and outreach. As the senior VCC executive responsible for managing the financial strategies of the university and nonprofit side, Matthew is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He earned a Masters of Public Administration from James Madison University in 2007 and a Masters of Business Administration in 2018.
Sarah Stalcup-Jones

Research and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Programs Manager,
Chief Equity Officer
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: 540-212-4143
sstalcupjones@vacleancities.org

Bio

Sarah serves VCC as the Research and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Programs Manager and Chief Equity Officer. She is passionate about working in a role that allows her to pursue her goal of being a part of a larger community dedicated to bettering the world through the promotion of cleaner and more equitable environmental and social practices. Prior to joining the VCC team, she worked as a research assistant at Drexel University studying climate and environmental justice. Sarah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability with a minor in History and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Policy from Drexel University.
Bruce Vlk

Electric Vehicle Program Manager and Communications Director
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: 434-277-3418
bvlk@vacleancities.org

Bio

Bruce is the Electric Vehicle Program Manager and Communications Director at VCC where he leads several EV projects and engagement initiatives. Bruce also serves as VCC’s communications director managing media relations, marketing and social media. In coordination with the Executive Director, he contributes to the coalition’s business development and public policy efforts.

Bruce has two decades of experience in state government and higher education in Virginia. He earned his master’s degree in public administration from James Madison University and B.A. from George Mason University. He currently serves as an appointed member of the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Board of Trustees, among other volunteer activities.

Jorden McLean

Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: 540-212-4792
jmclean@vacleancities.org

Bio

Jorden serves as the Communications and Engagement Coordinator for Virginia Clean Cities. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Geographic Science from James Madison University.

He has an academic background in human geography, sustainability, and environmental justice, and holds professional experience in digital marketing and content creation. In his free time, he enjoys taking photos, exploring nature, and learning about sustainable development.

Gregory Brennan

Program Coordinator
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: ‪(540) 257-6808‬
gbrennan@vacleancities.org

Bio

Gregory Brennan has an academic background in the fields of geology, environmental science, and sustainable resource management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Environmental Science from James Madison University and a Master’s in Sustainable Resource Management: Policy & Practice from the University of Limerick. He has professional work experience in Project and Logistics Management.

Gregory is thrilled to join Virginia Clean Cities as a Program Coordinator; driven by his passion for environmental equity and sustainable transportation, Gregory is committed to creating a greener and more equitable future. He believes in the power of collaborative efforts to drive positive change and looks forward to leveraging his expertise to contribute to the transition towards cleaner energy sources and a more sustainable society.

Russell Presnell

Program Coordinator
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: ‪(540) 874-2470
rpresnell@vacleancities.org

Bio

Russell serves Virginia Clean Cities as a program coordinator with a primary focus on fleet relations.
He has over twenty years experience in the transportation sector and is passionate about applying his practical experience in logistics and fleet management to furthering alternative energy initiatives, infrastructure and best practices.
Russell graduated with a bachelors of science from James Madison University with a focus in telecommunications management.
Kat Thompson

Administrative and Financial Coordinator
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: 540-212-4164
kthompson@vacleancities.org

Bio

Kat serves VCC as the Administrative and Financial Coordinator. She has a background in research and conservation and is excited to use her skills to help improve environmental quality throughout Virginia. Kat has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environment and Society from Florida State University and a Master’s Degree in Conservation Technology from Florida Tech. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and playing with her cat, Daniel.
Ian Lassetter

Program Associate
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
ilassetter@vacleancities.org

Bio

Ian is a Program Associate with VCC. He is a recent graduate from JMU with a degree in International Affairs and Spanish Language major. As a Program Associate, Ian supports VCC’s programs and activities that expand the use of alternative fuels in Virginia while curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Cassandre Torres

Community Engagement Liaison
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Office: 540-212-9416
ctorres@vacleancities.org

Bio

Cassandre joined the team as the Community Engagement Liaison and will be focusing on pursuing the Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice Initiative. She is excited to be collaborating with communities all over Virginia to develop transportation projects that address on the ground needs. She believes in creating meaningful long-term relationships built on genuine care, trust, and transparency. She earned a B.A. from the University of Virginia with a double major in Anthropology and Global Environments & Sustainability.
Ryan Varricchio

Intern
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
rvarricchio@vacleancities.org

Bio

Ryan Varricchio is one of our new Virginia Clean Cities 2023-24 interns and has an interest in the transportation sector. He is excited to learn about the processes of implementing alternative fuels into Virginia’s communities. During his time as an intern, he intends to assist with research and analysis for current projects, outreach and event planning, and working with staff to assist in the implementation of clean light and heavy-duty vehicles into surrounding areas. He strongly values the opportunity of working with Virginia Clean Cities to understand current environmental impacts, and he hopes to assist with making cleaner present and future environmental conditions more accessible throughout Virginia. Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at James Madison University, with a minor in Public Administration. In his free time, he enjoys going on drives, spending time with family and friends, and is a big fan of Panda Express.
Kristen Nehring

Intern
Virginia Clean Cities
c/o James Madison University
1401 Technology Drive
MSC 4115
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
knehring@vacleancities.org

Bio

Kristen Nehring is one of our new Virginia Clean Cities 2023-24 interns. She will be graduating from James Madison University in 2026 with a bachelor of science in geology with an astronomy minor. As an intern, Kristen will help staff with outreach support, strategic planning, and research support. Along with this, she will help staff with their projects according to her interests, which include in-depth planning/strategy, sustainable transportation, and alternative fuels.
David
David Robinson

Marketing Lead
Birch Studio
619 East High Street, Suite 4
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Office: (434) 977-9303
david@birchstudio.com

Bio

David founded Birch Studio in Charlottesville in 1996 and serves as Creative Director. In this capacity, he has overseen the branding and marketing of many small and mid-sized businesses in a variety of industries. He has trained and worked with numerous creative and technical staff since hiring Birch Studio’s first employee in 1999. David launched Flux Report, a periodical that presents data from the alternative fuels sector (biodiesel, ethanol, propane, etc.) and presents them in a visually-appealing format. Flux Report has been adopted by several Clean Cities Coalitions and is currently distributed to over 15,000 readers. David lives in Charlottesville with his wife and son, loves camping, mountain biking and hang gliding, and serves on the boards of Virginia Clean Cities, Mill Creek South HOA and Court Square Condo Association. He is an advisor to RideForward at UVA. He earned a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Maryland.