Virginia Clean Cities is served by a dedicated and skilled Board of Directors from all areas of the Commonwealth. The board has oversight over the general organizational structure of Virginia Clean Cities and is made up of stakeholders in good standing who have made significant contributions to the Clean Cities effort in Virginia.
Nell Boyle, President
Sustainability Coordinator, City of Roanoke
Nell Boyle, a LEED Accredited Professional, is the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Roanoke. Serving the citizens of Roanoke by providing education and outreach to the community, Ms. Boyle is the voice of the city regarding green practices and environmental protection. In addition to these services, she monitors and analyzes the energy performance of the city’s facilities, as well the collecting and reporting community and municipal greenhouse gas emissions. She is responsible for the strategic implementation of city’s climate action initiative.
Chelsea Jenkins, Vice President
Deputy Secretary Commerce and Trade, Commonwealth of Virginia
Chelsea Jenkins is the Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prior to her current role, Chelsea was the VP of Government & Industry Relations for ROUSH CleanTech, the clean technology division of Roush Enterprises. She leads strategic efforts including building partnerships with government and nongovernmental organizations, product development strategy and managing regulatory, legislative and public policy initiatives for advanced clean transportation programs. She joined ROUSH CleanTech’s business development team in 2011, managing commercial, transit and school bus fleet accounts on the east coast. Prior, Jenkins served as the Virginia Clean Cities executive director and program coordinator. A recipient of the 2009 Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year award, she was inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame in 2011. Jenkins helped establish Valley AIRNow, an air quality outreach program for two counties in Virginia, and was instrumental in the development of a biodiesel production. Jenkins holds a degree from James Madison University in Integrated Science and Technology.
David Robinson, Secretary
Creative Director, Birch Studio; Co-Founder, EarthWork Collective
David Robinson is the Founder and Creative Director of Birch Studio. Decades of experience providing creative and technical solutions. Known for simplifying the complex. Process-oriented for consistency and scalability. People-oriented in relationships and problem solving. Building and supporting brands in the clean energy and real estate sectors.
David developed the Flux Report, a one-pager that presents data for various clean energy technologies and presents them in a visually-engaging format. The Flux Report was adopted by a dozen Clean Cities Coalitions for co-branding and distribution.
He earned a BS in Architecture from the University of Maryland, has advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and is proficient in HTML, CSS and PHP and WordPress development.
David is an executive board member of Virginia Clean Cities, finds deep satisfaction on a mountain bike, and works to make a more sustainable lifestyle easier for everyone.
Robin Jones, Treasurer
Retired Energy Program Coordinator, Virginia Department of Energy
Robin Jones was energy program manager for the Commonwealth and retired at the end of 2021 after serving as manager for Virginia’s biofuels, propane, electric planning and electric deployment projects. She served the Commonwealth for over 30 years at the Virginia Department of Energy (formerly DMME).
A native of Petersburg, Virginia, Jones graduated with a bachelor degree in Economics from Southern Methodist University and was subsequently awarded a Master of Urban Planning by the University of Virginia and an MBA from the College of William and Mary.
Robin worked as an energy program manager for many years at Virginia Department of Energy. Her knowledge of alternative fuels, green fleets, electric vehicles and federal programs was unmatched. Her division has expertly advised state agencies, nonprofit organizations, local government fleets and industry partners for many years.
On December 16, 2021, Virginia Clean Cities recognized Robin Jones with Virginia Energy Public Service Award to honor her decades of commitment to advancing clean transportation in the Commonwealth. Now retired from state service, Robin resides in Richmond and is active in public service on a volunteer basis.
Ben Delp
Director of Research Development & Promotion, James Madison University
Benjamin T. Delp is the Director of Research Development and Promotion at James Madison University. In this capacity, he leverages the resources of the university to identify research and scholarship opportunities for JMU faculty and students, while cultivating strategic alliances with government, university, and private sector partners. Mr. Delp plays a key role in the marketing and promotion of JMU research capabilities and projects, along with supporting the Intelligence Analysis degree program through lectures and student mentorship.
Mr. Delp serves on the Commonwealth of Virginia Information Technology Summit (COVITS) Advisory Board, volunteers on the Harrisonburg Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee, and leads an annual Thanksgiving food drive in support of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. He is a graduate of James Madison University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as an Honors Scholar, and Master of Public Administration as a Fellow with the Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance.
Kate Staples
Electrification Manager, Dominion Energy
Kate Staples is the Electrification Manager for Dominion Energy Virginia. Previously, she developed and implemented renewable and demand side management programs for Dominion Energy’s residential and non-residential customers. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Virginia Tech and her MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a Six Sigma Green Belt and received her Certified Energy Manager certification in 2014.
Mike Cecere
Regional Manager, Eastern Region for Clean Energy
Mike joined Clean Energy, North America’s largest provider of vehicular natural gas, to expand their Eastern Region Solid Waste and Recycling market in 2007. Mike is responsible for Clean Energy’s business development activities where he works closely with public and private refuse fleets to grow the natural gas vehicle industry. He focuses on developing long-term fueling agreements with high volume refuse fleets that benefit from both fuel and operational cost savings associated with transitioning their diesel fleets over to clean domestic natural gas.
Erick Pinzon
Regional Director, Drive Electric Tidewater
Erick Pinzon is the Regional Director for Drive Electric Tidewater and in this role, Erick served as a long-term volunteer for the Virginia Clean Cities coalition beginning in 2014. Erick was 2016 Stakeholder of the Year for VCC and was personally responsible for successful negotiations of hundreds of electric vehicle charger infrastructure deployments while running a wide range of events annually. Eric has owned more than a dozen electric vehicles. In his professional career, Eric worked at Tesla from 2012 to 2021, and also served as a master technician with Checkered Flag BMW.
Elizabeth Rafferty
Director of Government Affairs, Hunton Andrews Kurth
Elizabeth’s practice focuses on government affairs; legislative, budgetary and regulatory strategy; and economic development efforts on behalf of businesses, government, and other clients. Prior to joining Hunton Andrews Kurth, Elizabeth served in various roles, including as director of government relations where she assisted businesses, associations, and individuals before Virginia’s legislative and executive branches of government. Elizabeth is also the former policy and legislative director at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), where she was responsible for oversight of the agency’s policy initiatives and legislative functions. Elizabeth helped launch GO Virginia, an economic development program designed to grow and diversify the Commonwealth’s economy. While at DHCD, she worked as an advisor for community development for the Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Governor’s administration.
Cathie J. Vick
Chief Development and Government Affairs Officer, The Port of Virginia
Cathie J. Vick is the chief development and government affairs officer (CDGAO) for the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) where she oversees The Port of Virginia’s government relations, community outreach, economic development, engineering, environmental services, and maritime incident response. Before accepting her role at the port, Cathie served as deputy director for energy policy in the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, where she helped to implement energy policy initiatives in the Commonwealth. She also worked as director of government relations for Virginia Natural Gas, where her responsibilities included advocacy to state, local, and federal officials, guiding the company’s civic and charitable sponsorships and donations, and managing its conservation programs. She has a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law, a master’s degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from James Madison University. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Cathie is also a 2005 Fellow of the Sorenson Institute of Political Leadership, a 2009 graduate of LEAD Hampton Roads, a 2015 graduate of LEAD Virginia.
Morgan Whayland
Director of Government Affairs, Virginia Natural Gas
Morgan Whayland has served the Board since 2019 and is the Director of Government Affairs at Virginia Natural Gas (VNG). Morgan is transitioning from the apprentice role on the Board to the leadership seat for VNG. In her professional role, Morgan works on state energy policy and liaises with local governments throughout VNG’s service territory. Morgan also has prior experience working within a Virginia local government and managing government relations, environmental, and resilience programs. Morgan received her Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Foreign Affairs also from the University of Virginia.
David Gelman
Business Development Manager, VEIC
Based in VEIC’s Mid-Atlantic Office, Dave Gelman is a mechanical engineer, attorney, and project manager with over 30 years of experience in clean energy and transportation. Dave is a regular volunteer for and partner/advisor to VCC and a member of its Policy committee. He has conducted technical, regulatory, legislative, and policy analyses of advanced vehicle technologies for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Congressional Research Service, as well as for a number of state-level programs. Dave has also conducted strategic planning for major alternative fuel vehicle programs including Clean Cities, participating in the original program plan and leading more recent strategic planning activities for DOE, as well as preparing a regional strategic plan for the Mid-Atlantic coalitions including Virginia. Dave has a long history of involvement with VCC, having worked with four VCC Executive Directors.
John Phillips
President, Phillips Energy
John Phillips is Co-owner and President of Phillips Energy, Inc. and JCB Transport, Inc. John oversees all fuel delivery operations and new products and services. He has over 25 years experience in the fuels industry. His expertise includes extensive work with conventional as well as alternative fuels delivery and refueling infrastructure. He has assisted multiple municipalities and private fleets through the transition process from conventional to alternative fuels. His vision for the future allowed Phillips Energy to be one of the first companies in Virginia to offer three different alternative fuels in one retail location. John was educated at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va and is a Class A Contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Natalie Van Dyke
Sales Director, Renewable Energy & Sustainability Strategies, Electratherm
Natalie is the Sales Director for Renewable Energy and Sustainability Strategies at Electratherm. Prior to that role she was the transport sales manager for North America for Bitzer US, where she supported program innovation and technology integration of a range of BITZER products. In this role she was involved in transit in bus and passenger rail, especially vehicle air conditioning. Natalie has made community improvement, air quality, domestic energy security cornerstones of her work. Prior to this role, Natalie was Digital Marketing Manager at Sonny Merryman.
Bill Griffiths
Fleet Manager, Chesapeake Virginia
30 years of Corporate, Federal, local Government and United States Air Force (USAF) experience, extensive knowledge in all areas of Fleet Management. Bill joined the City of Chesapeake Team, as Fleet Management Director in August 2023. An Air Force Veteran, Bill is a recognized industry leader with an exceptional record of operational excellence and green fleet initiatives; most recently as Senior Vice President, Fleet & Maintenance, for Beacon Mobility, a nationwide organization operating more than 12,000 vehicles in 22 states. He previously served in executive fleet management roles for a variety of public and private entities including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Forest Service. He has also been honored as the National Public Fleet Manager of the Year (2015), the Greater Washington Fleet Manager of the Year by the DOE Clean Cities Coalition (2016), and the National School Transportation Association School Bus Innovator of the Year (2023).
Erin O. Puryear
Manager, Member Services & Energy Innovation Planning
For over 30 years, Erin has worked in the electric utility industry in a number of different capacities including rates, regulatory, retail electricity, energy marketing / trading, and member services. As the Manager of Member Services & Energy Innovation Planning at Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, her responsibilities include member communications, the development and coordination of energy efficiency and demand response programs, strategic electrification initiatives, particularly transportation electrification, and load research activities for ODEC’s 11 member-owner distribution cooperatives. She serves on the G&T Managers’ DER Subcommittee and NRECA’s DER Membership Advisory Group.
Whitney Kopanko
EV Program Manager & Director of Marketing, Sonny Merryman
Whitney is Director of Marketing and EV Program Manager for Sonny Merryman, known to many as “Virginia’s Bus Company.” In her role as EV Program Manager, she provides support for the program in many facets, including grant and funding project management, new business and partnership development, customer education, community support and engagement, operations and deployment support, and performance analysis and reporting. Over the last three years, Whitney has worked with 40+ Virginia school divisions to successfully procure and deploy their first electric school buses. In addition, Whitney has built relationships with many partners within the electric transportation industry, including project partners, Dominion Energy and Virginia Clean Cities, to provide a wholistic support model for customers. Whitney holds a B.S. in Business Administration: Marketing and a Master of Business (M.B.A.) and has been with the Sonny Merryman company for 8 years
Charles “Chuck” Cramer
Director of Fleet Services, City of Lynchburg, VA
Passionate, highly effective executive with multiple years of experience specializing in fleet, equipment, and facilities management across multiple locations. Skilled at developing and executing solutions to optimize operations. Exceptional interpersonal, time management, and leadership skills, with strong prioritization instincts. Director of Fleet Services 2016-present. Previously was Fleet Manager of 1923 federal vehicles at 12 facilities with U.S. Air Force from 1991-2016. NAFA Certified Automotive Fleet Manager.