Working Group Leaders

Dr. Craig Becker is a professor of over 20 years in East Carolina University’s Department of Health Education and Promotion. He earned his Ph.D. from Arizona State University, his master’s degree in wellness management from Ball State University and his B.S. in business/accounting from Purdue University. Craig’s research and teaching emphasize salutogenesis and the positive aspects of health. His work explores how individuals and communities can thrive, and he has generated over 100 scholarly international and national publications and presentations about the origins of health. He is devoted to advancing salutogenic principles to benefit people and the planet. Craig actively participates in the ECU Sustainability program and recently completed ECU’s first faculty workshop on Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum.Additionally, he successfully secured approval for the first sustainability-designated courses at ECU.

Heather Brutz joined the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center in 2015, after receiving her MBA from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Previously, she lived in the Washington, DC, region, where she worked on federal transportation policy. At the center, she runs the transportation team and is the lead in their fleet consulting work. She also oversees the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) grant program and provides oversight on the team’s educational efforts. Heather currently resides in Chapel Hill.

Reid Conway is director of energy and utilities at Western Carolina University, overseeing the energy management program and the Office of Sustainability and managing the university’s steam and water plants. Additionally, Reid serves as general manager of the electric utility company Western Carolina Power. Before joining WCU, Reid worked for 15 years at the North Carolina Energy Office. During this time, Reid directed the state’s Guaranteed Energy Saving Performance Contracting Program and the Utility Saving Initiative Program. Reid also created and managed a technical assistance program for the state of Tennessee’s Office of Energy Programs. Reid continues to serve as the technical expert on energy-related topics, primarily focusing on energy efficiency strategies within local and state governmental sectors, providing on-site energy assessments, strategic energy planning and performance contracting consultation services. His background is in the electric utility industry, performance contracting, facility maintenance, building codes and HVAC. Reid is a licensed commercial HVAC contractor and was one of the first professional energy managers at the Institute of Energy Professionals. Reid holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia, and an energy management diploma from North Carolina State University. He is pursuing a master’s degree in construction management from WCU.

Mike Kapp serves Appalachian State University as the director of sustainability and Energy Management. He coordinates with Planning, Design & Construction and academic departments to steer the university toward climate neutrality. Mike’s 38-year career as an architect has been rooted in sustainability as a certified sustainable building advisor, LEED-accredited professional, and certified Passive House consultant. He and his wife, Renee, are building the first Phius-certified home in Watauga County to be their personal residence.

Lanie Karstrom is the sustainability outreach director at Appalachian State University, having joined the Office of Sustainability in 2022. Her experience in campus outreach, zero waste programming and student-led initiatives has equipped her with the tools to foster sustainability-based programming, curriculum and operations. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Lanie earned a bachelor’s degree 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 App State’s mission to meaningful sustainability impacts. Her favorite sustainable practices include following a vegetarian diet and biking, both of which reduce emissions while providing a great mental and physical boost — as self-care is a form of sustainability too! Outside of work, Karstrom enjoys outdoor activities, hiking, camping, kayaking and biking.

Jennifer Maxwell joined Appalachian State University in 2006 and leads many campus sustainability programs, including the university’s zero waste commitment, the Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store, GreenSuite engagement programs, green labs, sustainable purchasing, film series, event planning and STARS data management. She is a founding member of the App State Sustainability Council and Living Green Residential Learning Community. Maxwell sees the importance of volunteering her time in the community and region. She serves as chair 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 of the Town of Boone Sustainability Committee. She earned a bachelor’s degree in appropriate technology with a minor in business and a master’s degree in higher education, both from App State. In her free time, Maxwell enjoys live music, the great outdoors and time with her family.

Shelly Parker is a senior project manager at the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, with 15 years of experience in sustainable transportation and transportation demand management. She has managed sustainable transportation programs with local providers in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, as well as municipalities in Wake County and five universities across the Triangle region.Parker is a certified Project Management Professional with a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia and a sustainable communities and transportation certificate from the University of Washington. A TDM Certified Professional, she has served on the development task force for the Transportation Demand Management Professional Certification, coordinated educational webinars for fleet managers nationwide, and worked with experts to launch a four-part series on EV charging infrastructure. She was formerly executive director of Leadership Alexandria in the Washington, D.C., region and worked with the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce in Georgia.

Jonathan Pierson is Appalachian State University's energy manager, specializing in large-scale energy efficiency projects. His work through the university’s Facilities Operations department includesHVAC and building automation optimization, LED lighting upgrades and building envelope improvements. He actively seeks funding for further energy improvements and advises for the student-led Renewable Energy Initiative, which develops on-campus renewable energy systems. Pierson is a certified energy manager and a certified building commissioning professional through the Association of Energy Engineers, which have helped him to implement cost-effective energy solutions at App State.

For the last 16 years, Miriam Tripp has worked in University of North Carolina system’s finance division, supporting capital projects such as the 2000 Higher Education Bond Program and, more recently, the systemwide lighting performance contract and implementation of Interscope, the statewide capital project reporting system. During her 20-year career at North Carolina State University, Tripp worked in purchasing before taking on progressively responsible leadership roles in telecommunications, space planning and management, and facilities planning and design. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina, a master’s degree in management from NC State and a professional energy manager certification.