Steering Committee
The Chapter Steering Committee consists of a Chapter Director, Secretary, Finance Director, Membership Director and Program Director. These elected officers serve a one-year term commencing August 1 and can serve two consecutive terms in a single position. The Communications Chair and Scholarship Chair are non-elected positions and are not subject to term limits. Director positions may be shared.
Director at Large
Kimberlee Centera | President & CEO, TerraPro Solutions
A trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Kimberlee Centera has over 20 years as a risk management expert for the development and financing of large-scale generator energy projects. Under her leadership, TerraPro Solutions (formerly Centera Land & Title Services) has generated over 5,500 MWs in renewables, with a total financed value of over $3.5 billion, making it the top risk management practice in the renewables market. Her expertise includes identifying, managing and mitigating risk. She consistently delivers outstanding results on complex high-value projects. TerraPro Solutions provides high-level expertise in the development and implementation of renewable energy projects including wind, solar and energy storage. Comprehensive services range from site feasibility and land acquisition to due diligence for investment and financing, through construction, compliance and post-construction operations. Kimberlee has her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands and she is a California licensed Real Estate Broker.
Finance Director
Keri Minnick | Tax Manager, EDF Renewable Energy
Keri is a CPA and Tax Manager at EDF Renewable Energy. Prior to joining EDF, she worked at public accounting firm, Moss Adams, specializing in corporate taxation and income tax provisions. Before beginning her career as a tax accountant, Keri prepared financial statements, budgets, and cash flow forecasts for small businesses. She currently does the accounting and regulatory compliance for her husband’s small business. Keri moved to the San Diego area from Montana when her husband was stationed at Camp Pendleton as a Marine. She attended California State University San Marcos and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Finance. She enjoys the year-round sunshine that allows her to pursue her passions – hiking and rock climbing.
Director
Marianne San Millan | Office Coordinator, Stoel Rives LLP
Marianne San Millan has over 25 years of experience in the legal services industry ranging from complex litigation, through corporate and transactional, to her present capacity in the energy development sector emphasizing renewable and sustainable energy. Marianne herself is an energetic and innovative force, historically landing in positions that encompass project management and business development strategies. Her strong belief in shining the brightest light on the brand she is associated with, coupled with her natural ability to extract from the human element their very best merge together for remarkable team dynamics and results. Marianne has a passion for growth, challenge and empowerment. She believes that these three elements are critical for success. As a mother to three daughters, now a grandmother to a next generation of woman, she hopes to partner with the dynamic women of this remarkable industry to learn from them, share their successes and make this platform available, shining a light and paving the way to the future.
Communications Co-Chair
Katie Cafouros | Business Development Manager at EDF Renewables North America
Katie has over 15 years of international and domestic experience in the energy sector.
Following a master’s degree in International Environmental Policy and Sustainability from UCSD, she now lives in San Diego developing behind the meter solar and storage solutions throughout North America.
Katie is also a founding board member of Young Professional in Energy’s (YPE) San Diego chapter, with a mission to promote innovative energy solutions and sustainability initiatives through organizing educational, networking and community events with San Diego’s energy professionals. She has also joined the board of WRISE as communications chair and actively pursuing outreach events and partnerships with like minded organizations.
Communications Co-Chair
Meredith Fuselier
Meredith Fuselier is the Director of Americas for Phillip Riley US. With nearly 10 years of global Recruitment Agency experience specific to energy, Meredith offers a well-rounded perspective on the industry. Meredith currently resides in San Diego, California where she leads the Phillip Riley team in their goals of adding value to the Renewable and Sustainability industry through specialized recruitment and gender/skill equality education. Meredith takes a relationship-based approach to building the business in the Renewable and Sustainability industry. She approaches her business relationships with intention and a genuine passion for the Renewable and Sustainable industries. Her personal vision drives her professional goals in that she seeks to add value to her relationships through a consultative approach on hiring strategies, market trends and leadership in its many forms. Interests: Yoga, Sailing, Pilates, Travel, Reading, Sunshine.
Membership Co-Chair
Jacqueline Abdo
Jacqueline is a Sr. Structuring and Transactions Analyst in the Project Finance team at EDF Renewables. She has gained 2.5 years of experience in the renewable energy industry with 4 years in real estate preceding that. She has a strong appreciation for cultural diversity having lived in many countries and speaking three languages. Her love for connecting with people allows her to adapt easily to any environment. Jacqueline is passionate about championing renewable energy, making her a perfect addition to the WRISE team. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, playing piano and discovering San Diego breweries.
Scholarship Chair
Vanessa Faucher | Media and Communications
Vanessa Faucher is an Experienced Content Manager with a history of working in the renewable industry. She is a dedicated, motivated and talented member of the TerraPro team. She is highly collaborative, responsive and exceptionally creative. A quick study, she easily adapts to new situations. Skilled in Adobe PS | AI | PR, Customer Service, Sales, Strategic Planning, and Marketing Strategy. Strong media and communication professional with a Bachelor of Science – BS focused in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of California-San Diego. Her friendly yet professional manner are an asset to the team and the organization.
Scholarship Chair and Membership Co-Chair
Bailie Lohman | Business Development and Marketing
A young professional in the field of renewables, Bailie Lohman assists with Business Development and Marketing at TerraPro Solutions. She is a motivated and proactive individual, who excels at networking with others. Bailie is excited to be on the WRISE SD Steering Committee as she desires to promote the advancement of women in renewable energy and simply be a friend to those members of WRISE. Bailie has a passion for innovation and cooperation in encouraging the team dynamic in all professional groups and organizations, emphasizing the concepts of shared success. In her personal life, Bailie’s passion lies in increasing her knowledge of the stock market and global economies.
Scholarships Co-Chair
Nicole Pontanilla | Business Development Consultant
Nicole is a Sr. Consultant for Business Development at Progressive Global Energy, a staffing solutions company in the renewables and utility industry. Prior to renewables, Nicole was a top performing account manager for staffing solutions and recruitment in healthcare. Her passion for gender and skill equality, as well as her career change to a new industry, is what led her to WRISE. Nicole has found lasting friendships and mentorships through the program, and hopes to be able to provide the same to others. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys yoga, visiting local wineries and paddle boarding.
Join WRISE Today!
Enjoy all the benefits of membership, support and community! WRISE National Membership can be accessed under the tab “Get Involved” at the National WRISE website.