State and local governments play a crucial role in driving transportation decarbonization but shifting federal policies and evolving incentives have made the path to electrification more complex. Join us for an in-depth discussion on how municipalities can stay ahead, navigate changing regulations, and accelerate the transition to electric fleets.

Key Topics

• Insights from our new guidebook on fleet electrification
• How local governments can effectively plan and implement EV transitions
• The enduring benefits of fleet electrification despite policy shifts
• What’s changing—and what’s not—when it comes to federal mandates, state
  incentives, and utility programs

Speakers

Alistair Pim, VP, Innovation & Partnerships, ACT, Moderator

Prior to ACT, Alistair was VP of Business Development and Alliances in the Global Smart Cities segment at Schneider Electric, where he was responsible for developing the partner ecosystem. Alistair has extensive experience in the energy technology industry initiating and developing strategic relationships regionally and globally with IT industry leaders and local government, then building and managing teams to leverage these relationships for mutual business benefit and customer value. Prior to Schneider Electric Alistair was with start-up SynQor Inc, working as GM European operations, and VP WW Sales. Alistair serves on the cleantech committee for the MIT Enterprise Forum and served on the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of ASAP (Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals), and is a CSAP (Certified Strategic Alliance Professional). He holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management (UK) and a BS in Engineering Science from the University of Exeter (UK).

Dr. Jay Golden, Dynamic Sustainability Lab, Syracuse University

Dr. Jay Golden is the inaugural Pontarelli Professor of Environmental Sustainability and Finance at Syracuse University. Dr. Golden is an internationally recognized researcher and academic of the dynamics of the global sustainability transition including risks, unintended consequences and opportunities. He is the author of the recently published book: Dynamic Sustainability: Implications for Markets, Policy and National Security.

Golden received his Ph.D. in engineering from the University of Cambridge and his master's degree in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Development from a joint program of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge. He also holds a Professional Mastery of Project Management Certificate from Stanford University, an MLE in Higher Education from Harvard, and has a B.A. degree in Management.

Karen Apple, Electric Vehicle Program Manager, City of Phoenix

Karen Apple has over a decade of experience and knowledge in public policy issues and project management related to transportation and the environment. Karen joined the City of Phoenix Office of Sustainability as the Electric Vehicle Program Manager in March 2020 and manages the planning and program development of projects that support the accelerated adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). This work includes: developing EV education and awareness initiatives, implementing the installation of charging stations for public and City workplace and fleet use, implementing EV-ready building codes, coordinating with City departments to integrate EVs into the fleet, and continuing to collaborate with other local, regional, and state stakeholders and utility partners to increase EV adoption and decrease air quality emissions.

Prior to joining the City of Phoenix Office of Sustainability, Karen served as a Project Manager/NEPA Planner with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department since 2005. Ms. Apple holds a Master’s of Environmental Planning from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Policy – Transportation from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

John Lushetsky, Senior Vice President, Mintz Levin Strategies

John is uniquely positioned, having spent 15 years serving in senior executive-level positions in the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Army. Most recently, he was a senior advisor to the director of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office, where he led outreach and business development for programs to finance clean energy projects dealing with advanced vehicle manufacturing, critical minerals for battery supply chains, and commercial demonstration of advanced technologies. In addition to several senior operational roles, he also served as Director of the DOE Solar Energy Technology Office, the Deputy Assistant Secretary responsible for clean transportation and energy efficiency, and Executive Director of the Army’s Energy Initiatives Task Force, all high-profile positions that advanced key administration policy objectives and required broad engagement across federal and state governments.

John is much sought-after for his insights about our rapidly-evolving clean energy ecosystem, which he highlights in Mintz’s monthly Energy & Sustainability Washington Update.