Governance

The Colorado New Energy Improvement District is governed by a Board of Directors pursuant to 32-20-104 C.R.S.  This board includes the Colorado Energy Office Director or their designee and six other governor-appointed members. The board members represent experiences working in energy efficiency, renewable energy, commercial real estate development, banking and finance, and the utility industry. 

Michael Turner, Chair

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Finance; Colorado Energy Office

Michael Turner is a seasoned leader in energy policy and climate solutions, with over 15 years of experience driving sustainable initiatives. As the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives & Finance at the Colorado Energy Office, he leads programs that promote clean energy adoption and innovative financing. Since joining the office in 2013, Michael has held roles such as Director of Building Innovation & Energy Finance and Director of Commercial and Industrial Energy Services, consistently championing energy efficiency and sustainability. His prior work includes consulting for organizations like the Center for Clean Air Policy, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the United Nations Development Program, where he developed impactful projects, including a $40 million waste-to-energy initiative in Colombia.

Michael holds a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Policy from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in English and Economics from Colorado College, alongside advanced certification from the Yale School of the Environment. His global experience, including roles in Uganda and with the Peace Corps, informs his collaborative and strategic approach to energy transformation. Dedicated to advancing clean energy and climate solutions, Michael strives to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth and community empowerment.

Grant Nelson

Partner; Integro Strategic Finance

Grant Nelson is a seasoned professional with over two decades of expertise in real estate development, strategic finance, and investment management. As a Partner at Integro Strategic Finance, based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Grant specializes in PACE loan origination, facilitating innovative financing solutions for sustainable development projects. Simultaneously, Mr. Nelson serves as a Partner at Republic Investment Group, leveraging 14 years of experience in strategic investment to manage and grow a diverse portfolio. Earlier in Nelson's career, Grant spent a decade as Vice President of Development at Goldberg Properties Inc., where Grant oversaw all aspects of real estate development, from site selection to project stabilization.

Nelson holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder - Leeds School of Business, with concentrations in real estate and international business. With a proven track record in managing complex projects and investments, Grant continues to excel in delivering financial and developmental success across various sectors. Grant is recognized for combining strategic vision with a deep understanding of real estate and finance to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

Kate Cusack

Managing Director, Head of Production; Nuveen Green Capital

Kate Cusack is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in commercial real estate financing, legal transactions, and strategic leadership. Currently, she serves as the Managing Director, Head of Production at Nuveen Green Capital, where she leads CPACE loan financing initiatives to support sustainable development projects. Her tenure at Nuveen Green Capital includes previous roles as Vice President of Originations, Senior Transaction Counsel, and Transaction Counsel, where she honed her expertise in structuring and executing complex financial transactions. Before joining Nuveen, Kate spent over a decade at Foote & Associates PLLC, focusing on commercial real estate and corporate finance law.

Kate’s career foundation was built through diverse roles, including analyst positions at JPMorgan Chase in the Global Financial Institutions Group and legal assistantship in corporate finance at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations from Georgetown University and earned her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. With a unique blend of financial, legal, and strategic skills, Kate is recognized for her ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver impactful solutions in the real estate sector.

Matthew Baldner

Regional President for Denver Metro; ANB Bank

Matthew J. Baldner is a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of expertise in retail banking, commercial and real estate lending, product development, and team leadership. He currently serves as the Regional President at ANB Bank, where he has led strategic growth and operational excellence in the Denver Metropolitan Area for nearly a decade. Prior to this role, Matthew held key leadership positions at Steele Street Bank & Trust, including Executive Vice President of Retail Banking and President of the Cherry Creek Market, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the bank’s footprint and enhancing its retail banking operations.

Matthew began his career at FirstBank of Colorado, where he served as Executive Vice President and gained extensive experience in lending and product management. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Iowa State University and further honed his expertise by completing the Graduate School of Banking program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Recognized for his strategic vision and ability to foster organizational growth, Matthew continues to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results in the banking industry.

Rachel Mountain

Director for Commercial and Industrial Solar; Namaste Solar

Rachel Mountain is the Co-owner and Director of Commercial Sales at Namaste Solar, where she helps businesses and property owners leverage solar energy to achieve significant tax benefits, reduce operational expenses, and boost net operating income (NOI). Drawing on her expertise in navigating complex challenges like split incentives, NNN leases, and short-term holds, Rachel delivers tailored solar solutions that align with the unique needs of commercial real estate investors. With nearly a decade of experience at Namaste Solar, she has held roles including Director of Commercial & Industrial Sales and Commercial & Industrial Solar Developer, driving innovative projects that promote sustainability and financial performance.

Growing up near the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Rachel developed a deep appreciation for nature, inspiring her to earn a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her passion for renewable energy emerged as she studied the impacts of mountaintop removal, motivating her career in solar development. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rachel is actively engaged in community service as the Treasurer for the Namaste Solar Foundation and as a volunteer for organizations like GRID Alternatives and Community Food Share. A certified solar energy expert, she continues to champion projects that advance her personal mission of fostering positive social and environmental change.

George McGuirk

Manager - Federal Regulatory Affairs; Xcel Energy

George McGuirk is a highly experienced power industry professional with extensive expertise in power and gas market fundamentals, state and federal regulatory structures, and ISO/RTO market operations. Currently serving as the Manager of Federal Regulatory Affairs at Xcel Energy, George leverages his in-depth analytical skills to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and advance strategic initiatives. With nearly a decade at Xcel Energy in roles including Western Markets Analyst and Senior Regulatory Analyst, he has been instrumental in model development, process improvement, and regulatory analysis, contributing to the company’s leadership in energy markets.

George's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Science and Engineering from Rice University and dual graduate degrees in Energy and Earth Resources and Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, where he focused on CleanTech and Energy Finance. Beyond his professional achievements, George is an avid fly fisherman, mountain biker, and aspiring backwoods Dutch-oven chef, reflecting his appreciation for nature and commitment to sustainability. With a career spanning regulatory policy, market analysis, and innovative energy solutions, George continues to drive meaningful impact in the evolving energy sector.

Stephanie Greene

Managing Director of Sustainability Consulting & Advisory; CBRE

Stephanie Greene is a global leader in sustainability, decarbonization, and clean energy with nearly two decades of experience driving innovative solutions across industries. As the Global Head of Sustainability Advisory at CBRE, she leads initiatives to unify and expand sustainability and ESG services, focusing on strategies for decarbonization, energy transition, and creating zero-carbon solutions for the real estate sector. Previously, Stephanie served as Managing Director of the Carbon-Free Buildings team at RMI, where she guided a 70-person team to align global real estate practices with a 1.5-degree climate path through electrification, renewable energy procurement, and sustainable materials use.

Before joining CBRE and RMI, Stephanie held leadership roles at PG&E, including Director of Clean Transportation Strategy & Policy, where she spearheaded innovative electric vehicle initiatives and served as Chief of Staff to the CEO. Her academic credentials include a Master’s in Earth Systems and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Policy from Stanford University, as well as an MBA with honors from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. A passionate advocate for a zero-carbon future, Stephanie is recognized for her strategic vision and ability to foster transformative change across utilities, real estate, and mobility sectors.