As a Technical Project Manager on the Research team, Rawad splits his time between data analysis on indoor air quality for the Building America project and doing energy-efficiency assessments for the GoodUse and NEWE programs.
Mike Barcik is a Technical Principal at Southface and has been with the organization since 1995. With B.S and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, Mike is the author of numerous technical resources and has developed and led thousands of trainings for RESNET, BPI, LEED, DOE, EPA and other programs. He’s active in energy code development and often leads workshops on the latest code changes. Since 1999, Mike has trained over 1,500 individuals in RESNET’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) program, and in 2010 he helped create the Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier program to certify over a thousand individuals for blower door and duct leakage testing, as required by the 2009 and later energy codes. Mike served as LEED Faculty for BD+C, EB O&M and Homes, as well as helped develop and teach the EarthCraft family of sustainable programs.
Mike co-authored Decatur Georgia’s High Performance Building Ordinance which requires third-party certification for new and substantially renovated single-family, multi-family and commercial projects. During the second week of January, he loves leading MLK Volunteers to weatherize homes for low-income seniors. Mike lives with his much-smarter architect wife and two daughters in a 1920 Craftsmen bungalow that they are lovingly restoring and making more efficient. Thanks to efficiency improvements and a 4kW photovoltaic array, they’ve offset 95% of their electricity consumption and use only a third of the gas originally consumed.
Paul project manages green building certifications, such as EarthCraft, and provides technical assistance to builders and developers looking to implement sustainable construction techniques. Paul loves all things woodworking and is an avid remodeler of his family home.
As a Senior Project Manager on the Technical Services team, Nathan oversees Southface Energy Rated Homes (SERH), Southface’s RESNET-accredited HERS QA providership. In addition to overall program management and field support, Nathan assists SERH’s HERS raters in growing their organizations through new product/service development, marketing and communications. Nathan also applies his Mechanical Engineering and MBA degrees to support Southface on a multitude of strategy and innovation initiatives. In his free time, Nathan enjoys traveling, hiking, boardgames and spending time with family and friends.
Associate Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis Cox Automotive
Chris has been with Cox Enterprises since 2002. His first ten years with Cox Communications were spent in Financial Planning and Analysis, Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategy, and Product Development Finance. Chris was also one of the founding members of Cox Conserves in 2007 and has been an active member ever since, including at Cox Automotive, where he transferred in 2013. Chris received his BA from the University of Notre Dame and MBA from the University of Texas.
Founder & CEO 2KB Energy Services
George has been working in the energy efficiency field for over 20 years and has been directly involved with over $200M of energy and environmental solutions projects in the built environment. As the Founder and CEO of 2KB Energy Services, an energy management and sustainability consulting firm, he has had direct responsibility for coordinating and supporting diverse teams to ensure project results at all levels. He is active in the energy services community, serving as the private sector co-chair for the Energy Services Coalition-Georgia Chapter. George holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Florida A&M University and an MBA from Georgia State University.
As the Education Project Manager for the EMPOWERED project, Peter brings a unique background leveraging his experiences as an educator and a strong acumen for navigating the construction industry. He hopes to break down barriers and ease the transition to a more sustainable future for our built environment. On the weekend you can find Peter on the golf course or enjoying time with his fiancé and their two dogs, Arya and Oli.
LEED AP BD+C, LEED FELLOW
As Director of Technical Services, Laura provides leadership and technical expertise for the programs she manages, including organizational sustainability planning; commercial, residential and community building consulting; and building certification programs including LEED and EarthCraft Light Commercial. Her experience prior to Southface includes commercial construction project management, campus planning and developing design standards for clients including the State of Georgia and Emory University. Over the past ten years, Laura has focused on Sustainability Consulting for retail, commercial and government buildings, volume retail and school campuses.
As a Technical Project Manager, Sam provides design review and consultation to outside clients and projects in the Earthcraft Multifamily program, performs energy modeling for programs across Southface and is working on his Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater certification. Sam is a registered architect and has a background in commercial, multifamily and hospitality architecture, and an undergrad degree from Georgia Tech. Outside of the office, he can often be found pedaling his two children around town in a cargo bike and tinkering away on various home improvement projects.
As a Senior Project Manager on the Technical Services team, Nathan provides leadership and technical assistance to multifamily residential projects. The projects include market rate, affordable housing, new construction and renovations that are pursuing green building certifications and rebate programs, such as EarthCraft Multifamily, NGBS Green, LEED for Homes, Georgia Power Rebate Programs and Energy Star Statement of Energy Design.
As a Technical Program Coordinator, Jo’De provides logistical and technical support for EarthCraft Multifamily and Southface Energy Rated Homes (SERH) projects. She is also earning her HERS Rater certification. She is a proud Georgia Tech alumna, and when she is not cheering on the football team, she enjoys dancing, creative writing and playing Minecraft.
Stephen specializes in commercial building sustainability. His primary role is to consult on LEED and EarthCraft Light Commercial projects. When he isn’t geeking out on sustainability, he is planning his next international trip—23 countries and counting!
Senior Quantitative Specialist Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Neil joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in April 2011 as an Economic Research Analyst in the Research Department. His research projects were primarily focused on mortgage lending and understanding what went wrong leading up to the financial crisis, but he also kept pace with developments in labor markets. After doing that for three years, Neil moved to S&R to fill a growing need for quantitative specialists in the Federal Reserve’s Stress-Testing program. Prior to joining the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Neil completed his master’s degree in Applied Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His focus was on econometrics and analytical techniques used in banking for risk management purposes.
Executive Vice President The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Inc.
Keith has been with Whiting-Turner since 1983 when he graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Civil Engineering. Keith resides in Atlanta where he oversees the company’s operations of the company’s fifteen offices in the southeast. Whiting-Turner is a 111-year old employee-owned firm and is one of the five largest commercial builders in the United States. Keith has been very active in several trade associations over his 37-year career including AIA, CMAA, SCUP, AURP, and APPA. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at COAA (Construction Owners Association of America).
Tricia works to inform, engage, and recognize Southface supporters and clients across communications channels, amplifying our shared accomplishments to build momentum toward a more sustainable future for us all. In her off time, she enjoys trying to keep plants alive, playing with her dog, and camping throughout the Southeast.
As Graphic Design + Visual Media Coordinator, Davis develops the look and feel of Southface programs and media, working to widen our reach and communicate efficiently. He loves to illustrate and, when not at work, you can often find him riding his bike, learning new recipes or playing Nintendo Switch.
As Program Coordinator for Sustainability Services, Erin supports Southface’s efforts to advocate for sustainability and equity in the built environment. As a Georgia native, Erin loves spending time outdoors exploring the state’s natural variety. She also enjoys coffee, music and building Legos with her nieces.
Gretchen Gigley serves as Program Manager for Nonprofit Solutions, where she leads the expansion of GoodUse, Southface’s successful resource-efficiency grant program. This expansion includes developing regional and national portfolio partnerships, fundraising and implementing strategic marketing strategies. To date, the Nonprofit Solutions programs have positively impacted over 250 nonprofits around the nation, minimizing their environmental impact, increasing water- and energy-efficiency in their facilities, and ultimately saving these organizations mission-critical dollars. In her spare time, Gretchen loves to bake, sing and explore the world with her 7-year old son, husband and hound dog!
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc.
As Senior Project Manager for Policy, Catherine works on a variety of projects related to green building, affordable housing, climate and energy policies. Catherine comes to Southface with a Masters in City and Regional Planning and a background in politics and real estate consulting.
Bryant Hains is a Senior Technical Project Manager at Southface Institute. He received his BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University. He is currently the Principal Investigator for two Building America projects, investigating new technology in HVAC performance, ventilation and indoor air quality. He also performs both residential and commercial resource-efficiency audits as part of the GoodUse and NEWE programs at Southface.
Shareholder Baker Donelson
John specializes in commercial litigation and works a broad range of disputes that businesses commonly encounter, such as contract disputes with customers and vendors, claims that a business has committed fraud or other business torts, disputes among owners of a business and insurance coverage disputes. John received his law degree from the University of Georgia and his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America® in Construction Litigation, 2015 – 2017 and is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association and Lawyers Club of Atlanta, among others.
As a Technical Principal on the Technical Services Team, Steve’s extensive background in building codes and building inspections lends support to a range of projects within the Technical Services, Sustainability Services, Policy and Education teams. Steve enjoys learning woodworking the hard way while building classical guitars in his shop.
As a technical project manager on the Technical Services team, Elizabeth encourages progress through research and educational professional partnerships that underscore the link between energy-efficient housing and resident health in low-income communities. She also assists with thoughtful planning solutions to balance the benefits of natural and built environments. Elizabeth loves macaroni and cheese, gardening and her cat Pickles!
As a Policy Advisor, Kevin promotes energy and water efficiency and renewable energy in state regulatory proceedings, utility operations and local government policy.
Tamila Kianfard is a human rights advocate, first and foremost. Her focus on empowering and developing the most vulnerable of the world brought her back to her hometown of Atlanta, after realizing change must start at home. From Women’s Freedom Forum in Washington DC to St. Anne’s Women’s Shelter in South Africa, Tamila has gathered much experience and knowledge in human development. Today, she has shifted her attention to the daunting effects of climate change, honing in on sustainability efforts. She has a BA in International Affairs from Kennesaw State University, with a concentration on diplomacy and development.
Executive Director Ray C. Anderson Foundation
Previously, John was an Associate Attorney with the Atlanta office of Sutherland, Asbill and Brennan, LLP, specializing in U.S. Federal taxation. During his time with Sutherland, Lanier represented the interests of various Atlanta-based nonprofits, including the Ray C. Anderson Foundation. He has experience with nonprofit formations, compliance and applications for recognition of tax-exempt status. John is an active member in the Marist School Alumni Association, serving as Vice President for Service and Spirituality. John earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and holds bachelor’s degrees in history and economics from the University of Virginia.
Stu is responsible for all things Information Technology related—networking, servers and security, oh my! He helps on other projects as well, whether doing blower door testing or building green infrastructure and getting to drive the Bobcat. He’s happy to help on any project. At the end of the day, he knows that Han shot first.
Imani assists with projects stemming from the Policy and Sustainability Services teams. Currently, her primary focus is co-coordinating the Care and Conserve Plumbing Repair Program. In her spare time, Imani enjoys baking, binge-watching various Netflix series and shopping.
As the Research Technical Principal at Southface, Hugh provides vital leadership and technical direction to various programs within the organization. His specific responsibilities focus mainly on collaborating with senior leadership to define and implement research priorities. Hugh is fervent about living, regenerative and adaptive building design methods.
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships ConstructConnect
Laura Marlow is the VP of Strategic Partnerships at ConstructConnect, a design/construction data provider. She is responsible for managing relationships with the AIA, AGC, USGBC and other industry partners. Laura also leads her company’s corporate sustainability strategy. Additionally, she is the Executive Director of AEC Cares, a non-profit that coordinates renovation projects in low-income communities throughout the United States. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Design Futures Council and is active with Hands on Atlanta and the Tanzanian Children’s Fund.
Co-director Perkins + Will
As Co-director of Perkins+Will’s firmwide Sustainable Design Initiative (SDI), Paula assures that sustainable ideas are an integral part of the firm’s projects and practices. She coordinates sustainability efforts across the international firm’s offices, teaches sustainable design workshops and speaks frequently on sustainable construction, business practices and visioning. Paula is a Fellow of The American Institute of Architects, is the 2016 Chair of the AIA National Committee on the Environment (COTE) and immediate past co-chair of the AIA National Materials Knowledge Group. She is also a LEED Fellow and USGBC LEED Faculty member.
As part of Enterprise Applications, Ali is responsible for project buildout and coaching project leads on best practices using our project management software. Ali also has a great appreciation for street art and calligraphy.
Elizabeth Moore is well-known in conservation and philanthropic circles as a tireless champion of protecting the planet, environmental education, and engaging communities in solutions to resource challenges. She has been a leading philanthropist in this sector, providing $2M to Mote Marine Laboratory to conduct research on coral reefs in the Florida Keys, $1M to create a Marine Science Center at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, and partnering with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to protect Triangle Ranch, a 1,100-acre property near Myakka River State Park now permanently protected from development.
Gaea handles all things related to accounting for Southface. She takes care of closing the books, cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. While not at the office, Gaea co-leads her daughter’s girl scout troop, runs her kids to their various extracurricular activities and helps her husband with his basketball organization, atlantanets.com.
As the Program Manager for Policy & Sustainability Services, Megan leads Southface’s efforts to advance clean energy and sustainability through partnerships with local governments. A Rocky Top native, Megan loves spending time outdoors and is always planning her next trip
As the Controller, Finance + Operations, Davina oversees the accounting, finance and enterprise application functions. She has a Bachelor of Business of Administration and a Master of Accountancy from Millsaps College.
Andrea Pinabell has served as the President of Southface since January 2017. Prior to joining Southface, she served as the Vice President of Sustainability, Global Citizenship, at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. where she led the strategy, operations and integration for Starwood’s global sustainability programs and its related philanthropic efforts. Prior to that, she served as the Director of the Sustainable Cities Institute & Program Manager of Sustainable Community Development with The Home Depot Foundation.
Andrea earned BS in chemical engineering from Iowa State University and brings over 25 years of wide-ranging sustainable business and operations expertise. She serves on the boards of 2030 Districts, Institute for GA Environmental Leadership and Center for Responsible Travel. She has also been honored with multiple awards, including being among Georgia Trend magazine’s 2020 Notable Georgians, Atlanta Magazine’s Atlanta 500, a 2018 Energy Leader 75 and Smart CEO Magazine’s 2015 Award honoring visionary leadership in the commercial real estate industry. An Iowa native, she is a proud mother to Anthony and dog mother to Cooper. Connect with her: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andreapinabell and on Twitter @DrePinabell
As the Executive Assistant to the President, Kayla manages special projects and assignments for Southface’s senior leadership team, the board of directors and employees. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys precious moments with her cat, Samuel Bernard and her husband, Mr. Pressley.
Principal Red Rock Global Capital Partners
Tyrone has specific responsibility for directing all financial advisory services and private placement activity. Prior to re-joining Red Rock Global, he was Managing Director of Redevelopment at Invest Atlanta. Tyrone is a graduate of Dartmouth College with degrees in Economics and Government, as well as the University of Chicago Law School and Booth School of Business, where he received his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees, respectively. He is past Chair of the Public-Private Partnership Council of the Urban Land Institute and was a participant in the Atlanta District Council’s Inaugural Center for Regional Leadership Development. Tyrone is also a graduate of the 2012 Class of Leadership Atlanta, the 2013 Class of Leadership Georgia and the 2013 Atlanta Regional Commission Leadership Institute.
CEO Urban Eco Group
Dave Radlmann is a key player in the Atlanta real estate industry, with more than 21 years of experience in real estate development and general contracting with projects totaling over $400 million dollars, including $300 million in sustainable construction and design. For the last 11 years, he has served as the CEO at Urban Eco Group, and his responsibilities include managing real estate development, design and construction of urban-based projects. Many of the projects have received certifications in Earthcraft, Energy Star, LEED, Building America and Net Zero Ready. Some of his notable recent work includes development management of The Leon, a mixed-use project next to Ponce City Market in Atlanta, including retail and 75 condos. He is also doing development management and general contracting for a 308-acre mixed-use community, Eastmore, in Conyers, Georgia, delivering 756 single-family homes, 81 townhomes, 358 multi-family units, 570,000 square feet of retail, offices and medical offices, and 84 acres of open area and trails. He has also worked on Grant Park Place, Glenwood Park and Lindbergh Plaza among others. Dave’s recognitions include receiving 2018 and 2015 Awards of Excellence from the Atlanta Urban Design Commission, the 2015 National Housing Innovation Award from the U.S. Department of Energy and the 2014 EarthCraft House of the Year from Southface Institute. Dave currently serves on the Greater Atlanta Home Builder Association’s Board of Directors, is a photographer and plays in the Atlanta band Rockit 88.
Dr. Charles Reith has 25 years of experience working in energy, mining, agriculture, environmental remediation, waste management, and academia. His responsibilities have included executive management, project execution, technical analysis, solution development, and sustainability auditing. His clients include multinational firms such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Newgold; national resource companies such as Petroleo Mexicano, Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction, and Petroleos de Venezuela SA; resource ministries in Trinidad, Egypt, Peru, and Ghana; and dozens of small businesses, municipalities, and NGOs. Charles has been on the Florida House Institute Board of Directors since 2016, and Chair since 2019.
As the Multi-Team Program Coordinator, Spencer works on a variety of policy and education projects. As an Atlanta native, Spencer loves biking around the city, playing soccer, and hiking throughout the Southeast.
Executive Director Wholesome Wave Georgia
An experienced nonprofit leader with a strong advocacy background, Will is currently Executive Director of Wholesome Wave Georgia, an Atlanta-based nonprofit whose mission is to increase access to fresh, healthy, locally-grown food for all Georgians. Prior to joining Wholesome Wave Georgia, Will was Deputy Director of Food Well Alliance, a collaborative network of local leaders working together to build thriving community gardens and urban farms. Will is an active member of Georgia’s local food movement, having served as a member of the Board of Directors of Global Growers Network and Wholesome Wave Georgia.
As Senior Manager of Development, Catherine engages Southface members, the community and philanthropic partners to invest in the Southface mission to promote sustainable homes, workplaces and communities. She coordinates our annual Visionary Dinner and monthly Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable. She comes to Southface with a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University and nearly 15 years nonprofit resource and community development experience. She is passionate about climate justice, housing affordability and sustainable communities. She lives in Atlanta and loves cooking, hiking, Audible and traveling.
Katie is working on advocacy for the organization, with a focus on utility regulatory and green buildings policy issues. Fun fact, she has traveled to over 30 countries and speaks 3 languages.
Shane generates and directs the strategic and long-range efforts to position Southface as a leader in catalyzing a regenerative economy in the Southeast and beyond. The Strategy and Impact programs (education, research, advocacy, and sustainability services) represent Southface’s front line in identifying and implementing the conditions necessary to transition to regenerative states.
Shane is a registered architect and holds a Master of Architecture from NC State University. He has over 30 years of experience in architecture, education, sustainable and regenerative design, planning, portfolio management and strategy. His thought leadership helps to frame Southface’s pursuit of its vision of a regenerative economy through responsible resource use, racial equity and a healthy built environment for all. He serves on the board of Action Cycling Atlanta and has a passion for all things canine, bicycles, and this beautiful planet we call home. Connect with Shane on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mshanetotten
As the Education and Garden Manager for Southface Sarasota, Kate is responsible for design and implementation of gardens that model how sustainable landscape design can be a place for meaningful change and joy in our communities. She’s passionate about including students, volunteers, and homeowners in the process so that they can learn through hands on experience, building their own skills to influence growth for good. In her downtime, Kate is probably on her bike, in the woods, with her wingman/adventure dog Goose at her side.
Franchise Leader, Innovation The Coca-Cola Company
Nikki has spent the last seven years with The Coca-Cola Company, where she co-led the Global Food Safety Initiative and drove technical performance through field engagement and program development in more than 200 countries and more than 800 sites. She has also partnered on delivering the company’s sustainability goals and commitments. As Coca-Cola’s Regional Technical Manager, she continues to partner in ensuring the company delivers product across North America, commercializes new product and ensures both internal and external compliance. Nikki has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University.
Stephen is responsible for developing and implementing environmentally sustainable operations and maintenance practices for the Southface building and its surrounding campus. His duties include maintaining the Southface demonstration facility, equipment, green infrastructure, landscape and gardens. As the resident beekeeper, his most favorite and loyal staff members are the Southface bees!
As a Project Manager with Sustainable Cities, Maria works on a variety of projects related to advancing clean energy and sustainability in local governments throughout the Southeast. She comes to Southface with a Masters in International Development and Energy, and a background in affordable housing and procurement
Amber Whittle, a PhD in Zoology and Ecology with a specialty in Conservation Biology, is Managing Director of Southface Sarasota and leads the organization’s Florida-based presence, including external relations, program development and fundraising.
Prior to joining Southface, Amber was the Director of Conservation at The Florida Aquarium, Center for Conservation and she led all the conservation initiatives at FLAQ, primarily focusing on coral, turtles, and sharks/rays, and as the Director of Grants and Foundations, she raised over $3.9M in less than 2 years. She also has experience as an environmental consultant and as the Habitat Research Administrator at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
Amber received her BS in Zoology and her BA in English from the University of Florida and her Doctorate in Zoology/Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology from the University of Hawaii at Manoā. Amber was raised in Sarasota and returned in 2004.
Senior Advisor
Buildings and Facilities Strategy and Innovation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Liz serves as the Senior Advisor for Buildings and Facilities and previously served as CDC’s first Chief Sustainability Officer. She brings innovation to facility policy and operations while implementing healthy, resilient, equitable work environments for CDC staff. Liz was instrumental in the development of FITWEL and authored the AIA Best Practice on Lactation Rooms. She has strengthened policy and understanding around the health impacts of the physical environment, gender issues in design, access to healthy food and design effects on health equity. Liz is a registered architect with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture, from Georgia Tech.
