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.
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.
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 the Chief Executive, Finance + Operations, Barry helps coordinate campus and project operations, as well as oversees the accounting and finance functions for Southface.
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!
As Curriculum Developer, Mike works with subject matter experts and partner organizations to develop curriculum materials for a wide range of trainings. He also manages the editorial and production process for Southface technical publications and other resources. Mike has the world’s largest collection of Devil’s Dice, aka limonite.
As Graphic Design + Visual Communications 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.
Jennifer works on outreach initiatives as a joint liaison for the EarthCraft and Southface Energy Rated Homes (SERH) programs. She earned her degree in Environmental Sciences and International Studies from Emory University.
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!
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 the Senior Manager of Communications + Outreach, Sarah leads Southface’s overall communications and marketing strategy to grow and mobilize communities of activists, donors and members. This includes branding, messaging, media relations and thought leadership. Sarah comes to Southface with 15 years of experience in global marketing, digital advertising and events. She lives in Atlanta and enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, traveling and yoga.
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.
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.
As the HR Manager, Jasmine partners with Southface’s leadership team to understand and execute the organization’s human resource and talent strategy as it pertains to the current and future talent needs: recruiting, retention and succession planning. Jasmine is also responsible for administering pay, benefits, enforcing company policies and serves a co-leader to the DEI committee. When Jasmine is not in the office, she enjoys exploring the city and spending time with her family and friends.
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.
As Communications Project Manager, Sarah coordinates the content of Southface’s outward-facing written media presence, from blog posts to press releases to email campaigns and more. She also coordinates the speakers for Southface’s monthly Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable. If you see Sarah hiking, on the soccer field, with a guitar in hand or chatting with friends and family, you know she’s in her happy place.
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.
Elizabeth leads the development and communications teams at Southface, ensuring we build strong, engaged partnerships with our donors, partners and other stakeholders and use our platform to help communities reimagine a future where regenerative economies are anchored by healthy, sustainable and equitable homes and workplaces. Elizabeth has over two decades of experience in the environmental and conservation community, raising transformational gifts by engaging donors as thought-partners in the work they support, building strong volunteer networks and helping to develop and communicate program visions that can command seven- and eight-figure philanthropic investments. She lives in Savannah with her husband and rescue dogs.
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
Dennis is the half of Southface’s Enterprise Applications division that is responsible for integrating cloud resources and keeping them light and fluffy. When he isn’t pointing and clicking and coding, he may whiz by you on bike, or you may see him at the dog park playing catch with his two hounds Vladimir and Elvis.
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.
Principal Hummingbird
MaKara is Founder and CEO of Hummingbird Firm, a management consulting firm specializing in strategic communications for the utility, infrastructure and environmental industries. MaKara was previously an Environmental Justice Attorney and Coordinator with GreenLaw where she focused on community organizing, fundraising and environmental justice considerations in conjunction with clean air and water litigation. Her interest in the links between human rights and the environment began with her work with Amnesty International and The National Geographic Society. She continues to be committed to the right of all Georgians, regardless of background, to live in an environment free from disproportionate health burdens created by pollution. Ms. Rumley earned her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and her Juris Doctorate from George Washington University Law School.
As the Communications Program Coordinator, Samantha helps with marketing, social media strategy and website design. Samantha also co-manages the Dennis Creech Emerging Leaders Program. When not at work, Samantha enjoys cuddling with her dog, Lu, solving jigsaw puzzles and finding treasures at thrift stores and garage sales.
As Policy Program Coordinator, Bailey tracks regulatory and legislative issues at the local, state and regional levels and helps coordinate organizational advocacy efforts internally and with key external partners. Additionally, Bailey leads Southface’s Solar for Georgia Communities Initiative, promoting distributed generation solar for low- to moderate-income communities through affordable housing, nonprofits, municipalities and houses of worship, and she manages GeorgiaEnergyData.org.
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.
Shane stewards the education, workforce development and research efforts of Southface and its program areas.
As a Senior Project Manager, Alex provides leadership for community engagement and partnerships, research, and advocacy on equitable development, energy equity, green affordable housing and climate resilience. Alex’s projects include Atlanta CREW, Energy Efficiency for All Georgia and State Lead, and acting as Climate Champion for the TransFormation Alliance and SPARCC Atlanta. Alex is a native Atlantan and loves spending time with his family and friends, exploring the city on his bike and walking his dog, Mia.
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!
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.
Associate Director for Quality and Sustainability and Chief Sustainability Officer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Liz, appointed as the first CSO for CDC in 2008, establishes sustainability in CDC policy and operations, implements healthy and sustainable work environments and facilitates staff involvement in sustainability efforts. At CDC since 1999, she has served as a construction project manager, design architect and design reviewer, working closely with laboratory, security and safety professionals on CDC’s high-containment labs and protocols. 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 and holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
