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our team

Executive Director

Charles (Charley) Cormany

Charles (Charley) Cormany

Executive Director

Mr. Cormany is the Executive Director of Efficiency First California (EFCA). His experience includes over ten years as a Home Performance contractor for three companies, including his own. Having been involved in hundreds of residential energy efficiency retrofit projects, he provides a “boots on the ground” perspective to policy and program design efforts. He is versed in residential energy efficiency diagnostics, HVAC system design, sales, marketing, and business development.

He manages a dedicated team of professionals, providing membership support and advocating for clean energy contractors in California. Together they have created the Clean Energy Connection, a free-to-use online contractor directory tool that connects homeowners to our verified contractor base.

EFCA also provides contractor support services for utilities and is the program administrator for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) residential rebate programs.

Mr. Cormany enjoys the educator role and regularly shares information via blog posts and informational meetings with contractors. For more information, visit the Efficiency First California website.

Director of Strategy

Gabe Lieb

Gabe Lieb

Director of Strategy

Gabe is the Director of Strategy for Efficiency First California. His primary focus is overseeing the SMUD Contractor Network and SMUD’s residential gas-to-electric conversions rebate programs. His duties include program design, reporting, strategy, and managing the contractor support and quality control teams.

Besides his day-to-day duties managing the SMUD programs, Gabe also helps with the overall strategy in EFCA’s other ventures: Clean Energy Connection, the EFCA trade group, and Business Development.

Gabe started working in the Home Performance and residential energy efficiency industry and CleanTech after receiving his MBA with an Emphasis in Sustainable Business from San Francisco State in 2012. Prior to his master’s, he worked for many years in marketing and production design in the natural food and media industries.

Senior Program Manager

Stacy Robinson

Stacy Robinson

Senior Program Manager

Stacy is a Senior Program Manager of the SMUD Residential Rebate Program for Efficiency First California. She has held that position with EFCA since 2017 and she works with contractors and SMUD in administering the rebate program. Her duties include:

  • Contractor support and training
  • Project review for rebate payment
  • Field Quality Control inspection management

She has worked at Efficiency First California since June 2012 in various capacities, including training, membership, marketing, and as a part-time sub-contractor to Build It Green to assist with homeowner customer service calls for the PG & E rebate program.
Before EFCA, Stacy had a long history of working in customer service, HR, sales and marketing, and publishing when she owned the Nevada City Advocate, a monthly community newspaper, for ten years.

She has extensive community service experience, including serving on the Rotary Club of Nevada City, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and unique city event boards of directors. (Nevada City Bicycle Classic, Joe Cain Days (Mardi Gras), Merry Widows, Nevada City 100th Birthday, and the Constitution Day Parade).

When Stacy is not at work, she enjoys gardening and traveling when she can. She is about to rekindle her favorite past-time: building stained glass windows now that she has a sunny new studio!

Director of Operations

Emily Miron

Emily Miron

Director of Operations

Emily Miron started EFCA as Assistant to the Executive Director in late 2023. She is involved with many aspects of day to day operations including membership, human resources, payroll, marketing, staff management and SMUD budgeting & deliverables. 

After finding her initial career in the fashion industry unfulfilling, she changed directions and moved into the wellness industry. There she studied various forms of alternative healing and became certified as a Life Coach 2010.  She spent many years working in operations for an executive coaching company where she was involved in virtually every aspect of the business. Her career has traversed multiple industries with the commonality being her love for helping people. 

In her off time she enjoys being in nature and spending time with her family and friends taking advantage of everything this beautiful wine country has to offer. 

Director of Education

Kevin Beck

Kevin Beck

Director of Education

Kevin Beck is a third-generation home improvement expert who has dedicated his career to helping clients turn their remodeling dreams into an energy efficient reality. With a passion for sustainable building practices and high-performance homes, Kevin takes pride in helping clients and contractors navigate the new energy horizon.

Kevin’s journey in the home improvement industry began with his family’s legacy. His grandfather started Beck’s Lumber & Hardware in 1922, a business that thrived until its sale in 1976. Following in his family’s footsteps, Kevin pursued a degree in Construction Management and Construction Technology, eventually obtaining his General Contractors license in 1989.

After gaining valuable experience in management roles at home improvement stores, Kevin established his own company, initially named Beck Custom Builders, and built and remodeled homes for over 35 years. Starting with small home repair jobs and expanding to remodeling, then became one of the few custom home builders emphasizing home performance and net-zero construction practices.

Throughout his career, Kevin’s commitment to Contractor Training and Education as well homeowner education has remained unwavering. His practical yet aesthetically pleasing design styles have earned him numerous awards, and he is recognized as a trusted expert in the field.

With an extensive background rooted in tradition, combined with a forward-thinking approach to sustainable building practices, Kevin is the sustainability ‘go-to expert’ for homeowners and Contractors looking forward to the transition to electrification.

Data Engineer

Matt Nieszop

Matt Nieszop

Data Engineer

Matt is the Data Engineer at Efficiency First California. He joined the team in 2023 to wrangle data and reporting for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s gas-to-electric conversions rebate programs. With robust Data Analytics & Business Intelligence experience, Matt looks forward to scale EFCA data into the electrified future.

Prior to a data career, Matt spent decades in many industries, including stints as a Construction Foreperson leading crews to install seating at large sports arenas and as an entrepreneur manufacturing and selling energy bars at farmers markets and music festivals. A most fond experience was achieving American Sign Language fluency while employed at the Texas School for the Deaf.

Away from the data, Matt enjoys spending time with family, supporting live music, road trips in his beloved van, and connecting on LinkedIn!

Program Manager, Clean Energy Connection

Isabella Martin

Isabella Martin

Program Manager, Clean Energy Connection

Isabella Martin has been with EFCA since 2022, where she currently serves as the Program Manager for the Clean Energy Connection Directory. With a rich background in customer service across various organizations, Isabella brings a strong foundation in interpersonal skills to her role. Holding an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology, she is currently deepening her understanding of human dynamics through studies in Family Science and Human Development at Sac State.

Beyond the professional realm, she finds joy in exploring the natural beauty of the Tahoe National Forest through hiking, emphasizing her dedication to personal well-being and environmental awareness. Isabella Martin’s multifaceted experience, educational pursuits, and passion for clean energy underscore her dedication to making meaningful contributions to both her community and the sustainable energy landscape.

SCN Program Coordinator

Rizzia Legaspi

Rizzia Legaspi

SCN Program Coordinator

Rizzia is the Program Coordinator of the SMUD Contractor Network for Efficiency First California. Her duties include communicating with new and existing contractors about anything SCN-related; from enrollment to customer complaints and discipline. She also runs monthly educational events like Open Office Hours with the SMUD Program Manager and Lunch & Learn.

Before joining EFCA, she worked for six years as an administrative assistant and later as an operations assistant for a local PG&E Trade Pro Partners in Monterey Bay.

In her free time, Rizzia enjoys cooking for friends and family, road trips to National Parks and hiking with her pup. She also enjoys volunteering in the kitchen at Home First Shelters and Services.

Membership Manager

Daniela Grimsich

Daniela Grimsich

Membership Manager

Daniela Grimsich is responsible for all things Membership. With a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing and a background in Bay Area startups, Daniela specializes in social media, content creation, email marketing, Spanish content, and branding.

Before joining EFCA, Daniela founded her own business in Ecuador—The Doodle—a beloved brand specializing in holistic and organic dog treats. Her entrepreneurial spirit and multicultural insights enrich her contributions to EFCA’s vibrant community.

Outside of work, Daniela finds inspiration in nature, enjoying activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring new destinations.

Program Associate

Erin Jasper

Erin Jasper

Program Associate

Born in the cheese-loving land of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and now soaking up the sun in Sacramento, Erin Jasper is a proud SCC student completing her degree in Mechanical Electrical Technology. By day, she is a Program Associate for EFCA, diving deep into SMUD rebate reviews for the Charge @ Home and Heat Pump Water Heater initiatives. Joining Efficiency First California was a no-brainer for Erin; she is all about energy efficiency, decarbonization through electrification, and the magic of heat pumps.

When Erin isn’t championing clean energy, you can find her glued to a football game, shooting hoops, chilling by the lake, playing with puppies, or getting lost in a world of art.

Customer Service Specialist, AHS Team

Kari Clark

Kari Clark

Customer Service Specialist, AHS Team

Kari joined EFCA in the summer of 2024 as a Customer Service Specialist with the SMUD Advanced Home Solutions Team. She has 15 years of experience in the HVAC industry and has worked with several HVAC contractors as a Lead Dispatcher and Sales Coordinator.

She lived in Solano County her whole life and recently moved to Sacramento a year ago. When she isn’t working, she enjoys time with her family and friends, watching documentaries or investigation shows, and she loves to cook. 

Customer Service Specialist

Rachel Lehmkuhl

Rachel Lehmkuhl

Customer Service Specialist

Rachel is a dedicated Customer Service Specialist at Efficiency First California, where she passionately assists clients in achieving a more sustainable future. With a strong commitment to exceptional service, Rachel goes above and beyond to ensure that every customer enjoys a seamless and positive experience. Her expertise and enthusiasm for sustainability make her an invaluable asset to the team, as she continually strives to exceed client expectations and promote environmentally friendly solutions.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys baking, finding inspiration in the great outdoors, and being creative in the craft room.

Outreach Coordinator

Natalie Anderson

Natalie Anderson

Outreach Coordinator

Natalie is the Outreach Coordinator for Efficiency First California.  She connects with manufacturers, distributors, contractors and real estate professionals to inform and educate them.  As a trade organization, it is our commitment to help contractors be informed and involved with California’s energy objectives.  Natalie strives to be a voice for these goals and maintain EFCA as a paramount resource.

In her previous roles as a corporate recruiter, Natalie connected client corporations with the right talent to grow their brands.  While her work spans multiple industries, she is particularly passionate about making connections and transferring knowledge as we strive to build a future with clean energy.

When not out shaking hands, Natalie enjoys playing catch with her dog Benson, visiting the wine country or in front of her grill creating a new conconcotion.  She enjoys trying a variety of cuisines as they arrive on the Sacramento food scene!

Finance Manager

Jennifer Stine

Jennifer Stine

Finance Manager

As Finance Manager, Jennifer manages application processing and quality assurance within the home performance utility programs, while directing organization operations (accounting, finance, tax, and HR).  Previously, Jennifer was the owner and COO of a prominent Central Valley farm supply retailer where she was responsible for all operational aspects, including the implementation of a companywide automation and inventory control system.  Prior to purchasing the business, Jennifer served as the regional production manager for the largest California based poultry producer, supervising eight fryer farms (two-million fryers per growing cycle).  She managed all production, bird health, facility maintenance and personnel activities.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis and serves on the advisory council for Brighton Energy Inc. in Sacramento.

Policy Director

Chandra Apperson

Chandra Apperson

Policy Director

Chandra is the Policy Director for Efficiency First California. While her primary focus is keeping up with policy and regulatory activities, she also provides support for the SMUD residential rebate programs. She started working in energy-efficient residential buildings in 2014 as the office manager of her family’s home performance contracting company. Outside of EFCA, Chandra is part of the Energy Code Ace subject matter expert team, where she helps develop and deliver Energy Code-related training. She also provides private Title 24 Energy Code Compliance consulting services. 

Chandra is a Certified Energy Analyst, HERS Rater, BPI Analyst Professional, and a California-licensed attorney. She is a frequent traveler with a passion for theme parks, historical sites, and natural wonders, and she often takes her husband and two teenagers along for the ride.

Sr. Technical Advisor

Tom DiCandia

Tom DiCandia

Sr. Technical Advisor

Tom DiCandia has over 25 years of management experience, responsible for quality, productivity, and bottom-line profit in a variety of business fields. Tom is a BPI Building Analyst, certified by the Building Performance Institute. Tom began studying and implementing energy conservation and alternative energy in commercial property management in the 1990’s.

Tom’s technical background includes electronics, electrical, audio, and a working knowledge of plumbing and mechanical systems. Tom trained in residential home performance with the California Building Performance Contractors Association, Pacific Energy Center, Saturn Online, Home Safe Environmental, and a variety of individual classes ranging from residential water conservation strategies to the technical installation and servicing of high-efficiency combustion appliances, solar thermal systems, and hydronic radiant distribution systems.

During the 5 years Tom spent at Recurve/Sustainable Spaces, Tom performed home performance testing on at least 300 homes and managed close to 1,000 projects as a project manager. Tom joined SDI Insulation in 2011 to continue to offer home performance efficiency solutions to homeowners and improve existing residential building stock using building science principles. Tom’s current studies continue to include building science, building performance testing and remediation, and environmental impact awareness.

Tom DiCandia is also an Officer member of the EFCA Board of Directors.

Sr. Technical Advisor

Ryan Connally

Ryan Connally

Sr. Technical Advisor

Ryan Connally has been working in the residential construction industry since 1989, and in 2001, became the Lead Faculty in the Construction Technology Program at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento. There, Ryan has developed industry recognized training programs for the Construction industry, and more recently, the Home Performance industry. Ryan is currently the Department Chair for Construction, Architecture and Building Inspection, and the Director and Lead Proctor for the college’s Building Performance Institute – Test Center.

Since 2005, In conjunction with the local Habitat For Humanity affiliate, Ryan and his students have contributed greatly to the construction of over 27 homes, including 12 LEED certified homes, and have provided energy auditing, diagnostic testing, and retrofit work on many of their remodels.

Ryan also stays busy as one of the quality control inspectors with Efficiency First California’s, Field Quality Assurance team, as well as an OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer. Ryan received his BS from the University of Oregon in 1995 with a major in Sociology, and a minor in Architecture, and more recently earned a masters degree from CSUS in Higher Education Leadership. Ryan’s hobbies include Fishing, camping, and other outdoor pursuits.

Quality Control Inspector

Henry Liu

Henry Liu

Quality Control Inspector

Henry Liu is a dedicated professional who is currently an integral part of the quality control inspector team with Efficiency First California’s Field Quality Assurance program.

Henry’s journey in the field of civil engineering began when he earned his BS degree in Civil Engineering from CSUS in 2016. Over the course of more than five years, Henry has gained valuable experience in various aspects of the industry, honing his skills, and deepening his understanding of the complexities involved in various civil infrastructure projects.

Outside of work, Henry values the importance of spending quality time with his loved ones. He cherishes moments with his family, often taking advantage of their shared love for the outdoors. Hiking, camping, and engaging in other outdoor activities are some of the ways in which Henry rejuvenates himself and finds balance in his life.

Quality Control Inspector

Eddie Maximo

Eddie Maximo

Quality Control Inspector

For most of the past two decades, I’ve been involved in both coaching and instruction in higher education. My current position as the Assistant Head Swim Coach at Cosumnes River College began in 2015. While serving as Asst. Head coach, I was also hired as the Instructional Assistant to the Construction Technology Program at CRC. There I served to assist in preparing the Construction program training lab, including off-campus home construction with Habitat for Humanity. In 2021, my role serving the college shifted when I became the lead Lab Technician for the new Maker Space facility at CRC. The Makerspace movement brings advanced manufacturing technologies like CNC, 3-D printing, lasers, and more, to colleges, and my current role as Lab Tech requires that I run, maintain, and even develop new directions for the Maker Space at Cosumnes River College. In Spring 2023, I joined the Field Quality Control team at Efficiency First California, as a verifier, helping to ensure quality workmanship and high efficiency appliances being installed as part of the SMUD Home Rebate Program.

Click on a name to find out more about a team member.

board of directors

Chair

Dan Thomsen

Building Doctors

Dan Thomsen

Chair

Building Doctors

Dan Thomsen is the President and founder of the Building Doctors, a home performance contracting that is a Building Performance Institute accredited company. Dan received a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University and a Master of Science from North Carolina State University.

He is a Building Performance Institute certified Building Analyst and Envelope Specialist, an instructor and verified contractor with the California Building Performance Contractors Association, a verified contractor with the Home Performance with Energy Star Program, certified through the California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services and an existing home rater, and a founding member of Efficiency First where he is on the Board of Directors, the National membership chair, on the marketing committee and the Southern California Chapter Chair.

Treasurer

Sean Armstrong

Redwood Energy

Sean Armstrong

Treasurer

Redwood Energy

Together with his partner Michael Winkler, Sean Armstrong of Redwood Energy has led the Zero Net Energy design (all-electric and 100% solar powered) in new construction and rehab design of more than 7000 units of housing in California, primarily affordable but including subdivisions and market-rate condos.

A committed environmental leader since starting environmental clubs in two successive high schools, his career in Zero Net Energy (ZNE) construction began in college in 1995 the oldest ZNE-effort demonstration house in the U.S., at Humboldt State University. As a Co-Director in 1999, the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology allowed Sean to support the installation of a new wind turbine in the backyard, a new ZNE-scale PV array on the roof, a biodiesel refinery in the backyard, a pedal-powered TV/VCR, and many more experimental technologies.

Professionally, Sean began work on ZNE design in 2005 with developers of affordable housing in HSU’s college town, Arcata. The City Council required the developers to build the first 50% ZNE apartment complex in the U.S. (Courtyards of Arcata). When it successfully opened in 2006, the City of Arcata raised the bar and in 2009 required a 100% ZNE offset at the senior housing called Plaza Point, which in 2012 was the first apartment complex to actually achieve ZNE in North America. In 2011 Michael and Sean formed Redwood Energy to support ZNE multifamily affordable housing, and we have grown to support ZNE tiny homes, subdivisions and residential towers.

Our clients include Affirmed Housing, AMCAL, CHISPA, Eden, Pacific Communities, the Corporation for Better Housing, Mutual Housing California, MidPen, MLK Partners, Danco Communities, Palm Communities, Mini Mansion, RCD, Duffie Inc, Community Housing Works, Standard Property, Related Properties, and many more.

Secretary

Tom DiCandia

Tom DiCandia

Secretary

Tom DiCandia has over 25 years of management experience, responsible for quality, productivity, and bottom-line profit in a variety of business fields. Tom is a BPI Building Analyst, certified by the Building Performance Institute. Tom began studying and implementing energy conservation and alternative energy in commercial property management in the 1990’s.

Tom’s technical background includes electronics, electrical, audio, and a working knowledge of plumbing and mechanical systems. Tom trained in residential home performance with the California Building Performance Contractors Association, Pacific Energy Center, Saturn Online, Home Safe Environmental, and a variety of individual classes ranging from residential water conservation strategies to the technical installation and servicing of high-efficiency combustion appliances, solar thermal systems, and hydronic radiant distribution systems.

During the 5 years Tom spent at Recurve/Sustainable Spaces, Tom performed home performance testing on at least 300 homes and managed close to 1,000 projects as a project manager. Tom joined SDI Insulation in 2011 to continue to offer home performance efficiency solutions to homeowners and improve existing residential building stock using building science principles. Tom’s current studies continue to include building science, building performance testing and remediation, and environmental impact awareness.

Board Member

Mark Oliver Hall

Revalue.io

Mark Oliver Hall

Board Member

Revalue.io

Mark Oliver Hall is an Oakland, CA native, and former Capital Improvement Project Manager for the City of Oakland, instrumental in the adoption of the 2008 ARRA Green Jobs and Environmental Action & Resilience Plan.

For the last 7 years, Mark has worked in the private sector for Revalue.io, an energy efficiency project developer working to prepare communities for the clean energy transition through energy efficiency and workforce development.

In 2019, Mark was appointed to the California Green Bond Market Development Committee by CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma and is currently working with local jurisdictions and issuers to increase adoption, equity and diversity.  Mark is a graduate of Morehouse College and a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers.

Board Member

Debra Little

AjO

Debra Little

Board Member

AjO

Debra is a home performance and valuation specialist and creator of AjO, a data tool that equips contractors to quickly collect and report data on energy upgrade projects. AJO produces a One Page Report that supports data requirements of appraisers to attribute value to performance assets.

Debra is active in education of real estate appraisers and agents on valuation and market representation of high-performance home assets; energy and water efficiency, beyond energy, and renewables.

Debra’s experience building her own high-performance home in 2007, appraising in CA (2001- present), home performance consulting (2009-present), along with earlier work in data, video production, and marketing in NYC informs her current focus as she directs AjO. AjO integrates behavior and brain science to drive demand for building science.

Click on a name to find out more about each board member.