NCEF Launches New Community Councils to Support Solar for All Program 

Las Vegas, NV– The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) proudly announces the launch of five Solar for All Community Councils, each dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of solar energy reach Nevada’s low-income and historically underserved communities. 

These councils include the Persistent Poverty Community Council, Local Governments and Schools Community Council, Affordable Housing Community Council, Tribal Advisory Board, and Labor Community Council. Composed of members from their respective communities and supported by NCEF staff, these councils will play a critical role in shaping solar energy initiatives that address the unique needs of each group. 

Each council will focus on robust community engagement through surveys, listening sessions, and other methods, to identify and address the most pressing concerns within their communities. Their insights will help ensure that NCEF’s Solar for All program is equitable, accessible, and beneficial to those who need it most. 

“Addressing persistent poverty requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our most vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Mary House, CEO and Co-Founder of CHR Inc. and Chair of the Persistent Poverty Community Council. “Our council is committed to identifying real solutions that uplift and empower those in historically underserved communities who are looking for ways to lower their energy bill and live a healthier life.” 

“We are committed to creating sustainable and affordable housing and recognize the importance of integrating clean energy solutions into our projects,” said Natalie Prochaska, Director of Planning and Research at Nevada HAND, and Chair of the Affordable Housing Community Council. “The Solar for All program presents a unique opportunity to not only reduce energy costs for low-income residents but to also support housing goals.” 

“The Tribal Advisory Board will help ensure Tribal Nations in Nevada are aware of the opportunities available to them to advance Tribally owned clean energy projects,”said Andrea Martinez, Chairman of the Walker River Paiute Tribe and Chair of the Tribal Advisory Board.  

“Our workforce is the backbone of our economy, and it is essential that we create opportunities that are inclusive and equitable,” said Steve Hamile, COO of Sol Up and Chair of the Labor Community Council. “The Labor Community Council is focused on advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and career growth. With the Solar for All program, we’re not only bringing clean energy to those who need it the most but also creating new jobs and providing valuable training opportunities that will empower Nevada’s workforce.” 

“We are committed to ensuring the benefits of the Solar for All program reach our communities,” said Marco Velotta, Planner and Chief Sustainability Officer at City of Las Vegas and member of the Local Governments and Schools Community Council. “By integrating clean energy solutions into our schools and other public facilities we will reduce energy costs and set the example for future generations to build a more sustainable Nevada.”  

“These community councils bring together diverse voices from across Nevada to ensure that the Solar for All program is effective at meeting the needs of our communities,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of NCEF. “Working hand in hand with these councils is how we will create lasting change.”  

About the Nevada Clean Energy Fund 

The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. NCEF was established by Nevada legislation in 2017 as the state’s green bank. NCEF implements programs for diverse Nevada stakeholders, including affordable housing, Tribes, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and rural communities. Clean energy measures include building electrification and efficiency, renewable energy, clean vehicles, and others. 

Persistent Poverty Community Council Members

Dr. Mary House, CEO, CHR Inc.; Liz Becker, IRA Campaign Coordinator, and Ericka Castro, Organizing Director, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada; Tracy Byrd, Director Outreach Ministry, Mountaintop Faith Ministries; Joselyn Cousins, Assistant Vice President, Community Development and Regional Manager, Nevada, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco; Lizette Guillen, CEO, Nevada Partners; Jessica Mahon, Program Director – Weatherization and Workforce Development, Community Services Agency Reno; Audrey Peral, State Director, Chispa Nevada; Chasity Martinez, Community Organizer, Faith in Action Nevada; Janet Quintero, Vice President of External Affairs, United Way of Southern Nevada; Jackie Spicer, Climate Equity Policy Fellow, Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition; Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong; Kathi Thomas, Community Services Director Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority; Assemblyman Howard Watts.

Affordable Housing Community Council Members

Natalie Prochaska, Director of Planning & Research, Nevada HAND; Beth Dunning, Director of Community Development, Nevada Rural Housing; Maurice Page, Executive Director and Juawana Grant, Director of Education and Outreach, Nevada Housing Coalition; Christine Hess, CFO, Nevada Housing Division; JD Klippenstein, Director of Development, Reno Housing Authority, Jess Molasky, COO, and Armen Hadjimanoukian, Director of Development, Ovation Development & Management; Eric Novak, President, Praxis Consulting Group; David Paull, Managing Director, CORE Advisory Partners; Michael Sciortino, Vice President of Development, Brinshore Development, Frank Stafford, Director of Modernization and Development, Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority.

Tribal Advisory Board Members

Andrea Martinez, Chairman, Walker River Paiute Tribe; Nicole Castillo, TERO Program Director, Walker River Paiute Tribe; Daphne Emm Hooper, Director of Indigenous Relations, University of Nevada, Reno; Benjamin Lee John, Tribal Business Officer, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe; Thurman Roberts, Tribal Career Navigator, Nevadaworks.

Labor Community Council Members

Steve Hamile, COO, Sol-Up; Rob Benner, Secretary Treasurer of Building & Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada; Pesach Chananiah, State Policy Organizer, BlueGreen Alliance; Warren Hardy, Warren Hardy Strategies; Travis Miller, Owner, Great Basin Solar; Guy Snow, President of SolarNV. 

Local Governments & Schools Community Council Members

Brian Beffort, Sustainability Manager, Washoe County; Robert Burgy, Sustainability and Climate Manager, Clark County Department of Environment & Sustainability; Suzanne Groneman, Sustainability Manager, City of Reno; Tory Jackson, Sustainability and Climate Manager, City of Henderson; Phoebe Judge, Sustainability Manager, University of Nevada, Reno; Marco Velotta, Planner and Chief Sustainability Officer,City of Las Vegas.

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