**** update****Members of the Detroit Regional Chapter:The board is open for the election of the DRC Board of Directors through December 1, 2009. In order to vote in the election, you will need to log onto the USGBC national website at www.usgbc.org with your ID and password. Click on "Membership" and then "Members Only" on the pull-down menu. On the Members Only page, click on the "Access Members Only Benefits" link on the right. Then scroll down to the link under the Elections paragraph. That link should take you to the ballot. Please note that a ballot for a national election is also available for voting. As we noted yesterday, if your membership has lapsed, you will need to renew before you will be allowed to vote. Please take advantage of this opportunity to help select leadership for the Detroit Regional Chapter.
Detroit Regional Chapter - 2010 Board of Directors Candidates
The Detroit Regional Chapter of the US Green Building Council is pleased to announce the following nominees for the Board of Directors. Voting will begin soon; you'll be notified by email and provided with voting instructions. Voting will conclude on December 1, 2009. Following is a list of nominees with brief statements and summaries of qualifications:
Incumbents
Saulius K. Mikalonis, Senior Attorney, Plunkett Cooney
"I have a long-standing interest in sustainability, dating back to the early 1980s when I worked for the Solar Lobby/Center for Renewable Resources. I wish to continue in my present capacity as a USGBC-DRC Board Member."
- DRC Board member, secretary and Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee - Environmental attorney with 20 years experience - Vice-Chair for Sustainable Development of the American Bar Association Section on Environment, Energy and Resources Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Ecosystems Committee
Kenn Rickman, Strategic Account Executive, InterfaceFlor
"I am very excited for the opportunity to continue to serve on the DRC Board in a time where leadership and commitment are very necessary to move the chapter forward. I hope to use my relationships with the National USGBC to bring continued support to our chapter's strategic initiatives."
- DRC Board Member, current Vice Chair, former Chair of Events & Programming, Communications, and Greening the Heartland committees - Current member, National USGBC Special Task Committee on Diversity - Trained in Dynamic Governance and Facilitation
Robert Stevenson, Senior Vice President, Ghafari Associates
"I wish to use my experience in industry as well as working on boards and committees to promote sustainable practices under the auspices of the USGBC and its LEED programs."
- DRC Board Member, Greening the Heartland Committee, Strategic Planning and Chapter Policy Summit - Served on Board of Directors of Michigan Minority Chamber of Commerce and multiple other non-profit organizations. Active in Engineering Society of Detroit, Construction and Design Committee - Member of ASHRAE and Society of American Military Engineers
New Nominees
Roderick Brown, President and Chief Strategist, Syn-Energy Solutions, LLC
"The most compelling issues facing this planet are the consequences associated with not addressing global warming and climate change. The USGBC is a key player in the fight to stabilize and mitigate future implications. Its mission and vision resonate with my own personal interests. I would like to use my unique strategy and planning skills, coupled with the passion of DRC members to enhance our influence and impact at an accelerated rate."
- DRC Policy and Education committees (current) - Co-Chair, DRC Strategic Planning Initiative Task Force - 25 years with GM in multiple, high-level strategic planning and management positions
Jeff Gaines, Manager of Programming and Planning, Senior Associate, Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.
"I believe that it is not enough to design and construct building that are energy efficient, avoid excess waste, and preserve various components of our environment. These things should be done, but accomplished within the context of the human spirit - our health, safety and sense of well-being. Design professionals have the distinct opportunity to demonstrate smart, meaningful, sustainable design solutions and produce environments that are beneficial both in the conservation of resources and our quality of life."
- DRC Education Subcommittee, 2003-2004 - Founder and past chair of Albert Kahn Associates Sustainable Design Committee - LEED AP, licensed architect, certified planner, presenter at Greening the Heartland (Detroit, Chicago)
Paul H. Goldsmith, Adjunct Faculty, Lawrence Technological University
"My continued commitment to the chapter has never been ‘higher.' My background will support the entire new board in an open and conscientious building of the future chapter activities. At this critical juncture in the chapter's life cycle, I want once more to bring my ‘common sense' approach back to an active role in the chapter."
- Founding Member of the DRC, former board member and former chairman of the board - USGBC LEED Faculty, teaches multiple LEED curriculum courses at workshops around the country; LEED AP in multiple disciplines - Architect, Harley Ellis Devereaux; principal in Greenworks Studio
Robert James Hoekstra, Project Manager-Plant Operations, Henry Ford Health Systems
"I wish to be a part of the continuation in promoting Green Building awareness and practices at many levels. From K-12 education involvement in Metro Detroit school districts to municipal government interaction to media exposure in order to further environmental stewardship and foster a new generation of leaders."
- 30 years experience in green technologies and environmental design - Project manager on several multi-million-dollar projects for automotive firms in Detroit area - "Born and bred ‘Detroiter' with fierce pride in my hometown"
Juanita R. Jones, Managing Member, RJR Consulting, LLC
"I hope to bring a viewpoint of creating sustainable communities that helps to uncover solutions to problems plaguing area residents through the advancement of green building and design. As a practitioner in community redevelopment and affordable housing, I feel a responsibility to professionally engage in learning and advancing the cause in my own small way."
- LEED AP, licensed residential builder, real estate sales license, credentialed Project Management Professional - Master Degree, Social Work and Community Planning, University of Michigan - Multiple neighborhood renovation and redevelopment projects in Detroit Metro area
Kevin Mlutkowski, Marketing Manager, American Concrete Institute
"The DRC of the USGBC includes intelligent, creative, and honest green building enthusiasts. I would like to use my experience to lead the chapter to a financially sustainable future by (1) establishing a structure to communicate more effectively with members, non-members and the general public, (2) adding value to chapter membership to increase the retention of existing members and recruitment of new members; and (3) providing opportunities to effectively engage volunteers."
- Editor in Chief, Sustainable Spotlight (DRC newsletter) - Member of DRC Communications Committee, General Circle representative - Member of Environmental Advisory Committee, City of Berkley
David J. Norwood, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Dearborn
"I believe I can contribute to the chapter's growth and success due to my experience and background in municipal government (law, building and sustainability). Also, I bring a unique perspective on the chapter's mission with my legal background. Finally, I have been committed to USGBC's mission as an advocate at the local, state and federal level."
- Co-Chair, DRC Public Policy Committee 2005, Greening the Heartland Committee, DRC National Congressional Advocate Representative 2008 - Licensed attorney with environmental law focus - Multiple major development and construction projects in Dearborn
Charles Peters, Program Manager
"I have chosen to move to the green building industry after 17 years in automotive. My intent is to put my time and energy into something I care deeply about. I believe that USGBC has a great potential to make large and lasting changes that move us towards sustainability and will help reduce or avoid negative effects from climate change due to global warming."
- Current work on Dynamic Governance implementation and DRC Strategic Planning Initiative - Interest in Mayors Alliance for Green Schools and Neighborhood Development - Planning Committee, Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit
Robert Prud'homme, President, Robert Prud'homme Design, LLC
"We are entering a critical period. It is important that we provide direction, clarity and value for members. My experience with governmental bodies and local issues has given me insights into political processes and continues to provide valuable connections that will benefit the DRC."
- Former board member, Transportation Riders United and River Raisin Institute -Two decades of green building experience -Chair, Ferndale Board of Zoning Appeal & Transportation Advisory Council
Kim Rosseter, Operations and Project Manager
"My desire to become a Board member is in part due to my interest in identifying and implementing strategies to gain efficiencies while leveraging/optimizing our resources. Having had many hours of involvement over the past several months, I feel that I am capable of significant contribution toward the decisions that need to be made whether budgetary, programming, operational or other."
- LEED AP, Co-Chair, DRC Outreach Committee, member of Green Schools Advocacy Committee - DRC Strategic Planning Initiative Task Force - Troy Sustainable Practices Committee, Macomb Green Task Team
