Our Team
Administration
Mike Kapp
Interim Director of Sustainability
Office: East Hall (Bottom Floor)
Phone: 828-262-2665
Email: kappmj@appstate.edu
CPHC, CSBA, LEED AP, NCARB, RA
Mike Kapp has been with App State since 2022. He is an architect with over three decades of experience having directly managed projects totaling half a billion dollars in North Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Washington, DC.
Mike grew up in North Carolina and earned a B.A. in architecture from NC State University in 1986. He moved to the West Coast in 1990, where he solidified his interest in producing a sustainable built environment, earning credentials as a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor, LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Passive House Consultant. Upon his return to North Carolina in 2013, Mike managed building projects for NC State’s Capital Project Management department and then joined App State’s Planning, Design and Construction department in 2022, where he managed the opening of the Hickory campus.
Heidi Ellis
Executive Assistant / Office Manager
Office: East Hall (Bottom Floor)
Phone: 828-262-2669
Email: ellishj1@appstate.edu
Heidi Ellis has been with Appalachian State since 2022. She brings more than 20 years of experience in office administration and business management to her role in the Sustainability and Energy Management office. Heidi has a contributive knowledge of organization and administrative effectiveness in local and corporate office settings. As executive assistant and office manager, Heidi enjoys interacting with a diverse group of students, faculty and staff members. She is a two-time Appalachian State alumna, holding an M.A. in special education-cross categorical and a B.S. in communication disorders with an English minor. Heidi loves the outdoors, traveling, genealogy, flower gardening, home decorating and spending time with family.
Leadership Team
Chris Caudill
Energy Analyst
Office: Facilities Operations Building
Phone: 828-262-6888
Email: caudillcl@appstate.edu
Chris Caudill has been with App State since 2015. As the energy analyst for the university, he focuses on benchmarking and analyzing energy and water usage for all university-owned buildings and properties. The data acquired through this process helps steer the development of large-scale energy reduction projects at the university, which Chris helps to coordinate and manage.
Chris holds a B.S. in community and regional planning from App State. He was instrumental in bringing the first electric vehicles and EV chargers to the motor fleet rental program at App State. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and gardening.
Jim Dees
Technical Director
Office: East Hall (Bottom Floor)
Phone: 828.262.2658
Email: deesjh@appstate.edu
Jim Dees has served in App State’s Office of Sustainability since 2012. HIs areas of expertise are in sustainability data, climate action planning, campus gardens and the university’s renewable energy systems. He is the lead advisor for Team Sunergy, App State’s solar vehicle team, and the Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative. Jim spearheaded the development of the first climate action plan for App State and is responsible for the design and construction of the Roots Garden on Howard Street.
Jim holds a B.A. in geography from Frostburg State University. He has developed a wealth of experience in the field of sustainability, ranging from climate action planning to sustainable urban agriculture. Jim has a natural enthusiasm to educate and mentor students with an intentionally simplistic approach to sustainability. If he’s not on campus, look for Jim on the New River with his family.
Lanie Karstrom
Sustainability Outreach Director
Office: East Hall (Bottom Floor)
Phone: 828-262-2657
Email: karstromlr@appstate.edu
Lanie Karstrom serves as App State’s sustainability outreach director, having joined the Sustainability office in 2022. Her previous experience in campus outreach, zero waste programming and student-led initiatives has successfully equipped her with the tools necessary to foster sustainability-based programming, curriculum and operations. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Lanie earned a B.A. in marine science with a minor in environmental science from Coastal Carolina University in 2019. Her passion is student engagement, guiding each student toward their goals while helping form the connection between the office’s mission and applicable sustainability impact in a university setting. Her favorite sustainable practices are her vegetarian diet and biking - using them as ways to reduce emissions and get a great mental and physical boost - as self-care is a form of sustainability too! Outside of work, Lanie enjoys outdoor activities. A few of her favorites are hiking, camping, kayaking and biking. She also enjoys time inside with her two cats.
Jennifer Maxwell
Sustainability Program Director
Office: East Hall (Bottom Floor)
Phone: 828-262-2667
Email: maxwelljb@appstate.edu
Jennifer Maxwell has been with App State since 2006 and leads many campus sustainability programs, including the university’s zero waste commitment, the Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store, GreenSuite engagement programs, the green labs program development, sustainable purchasing, event planning and the Sustainability Film Series. She is a founding member of the App State Sustainability Council and the Living Green Residential Learning Community. Jennifer sees the importance of volunteering her time in the community and region. She serves as chairperson for the Regional Waste Management Committee of the High Country and the Collegiate Recycler’s Coalition of North and South Carolina. She is also vice chair with the Town of Boone Sustainability Committee. She holds an M.A. in higher education with a concentration in community college and university leadership and a B.S. in sustainable technology with a minor in business, both from App State. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys live music, the great outdoors, and time with her family.
Jonathan Pierson
Energy Manager
Office: Facilities Operations Building
Phone: 828-262-4893
Email: piersonjs@appstate.edu
Jonathan Pierson is App State's energy manager, specializing in large-scale energy efficiency projects. His work encompasses HVAC and building automation optimization, LED lighting upgrades and building envelope improvements. He actively seeks funding for further energy improvements and serves as an advisor for the student-led Renewable Energy Initiative, fostering the development of on-campus renewable energy systems. Jonathan holds certifications as a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Building Commissioning Professional from the Association of Energy Engineers, which have helped him to implement cost-effective energy solutions. Jonathan is an App State alum with a master’s degree in industrial technology with a concentration in appropriate technology.
