I am passionate about helping building managers, business owners, and facility operators successfully find resources, funding and solutions that help their facilities reduce environmental impacts and costs. I lead several programs at SEDAC that help public and private buildings and businesses connect with sustainability and energy efficiency services. As a part of my role, I also plan, prepare and execute outreach strategies, communications and campaigns across all SEDAC programs and provide support to help clients reach sustainability goals. I assist with funding and program development, as well as organizational strategic development. I am thrilled to also lead programmatic, funding and outreach development for sustainable business programs in Illinois and nationally.

SEDAC is an applied research program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. SEDAC is a public-private partnership that operates in collaboration with the 360 Energy Group along with other energy entities across the state like the Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. SEDAC provides advice and analysis to facilities to achieve energy efficiency savings and reduce the Illinois energy footprint.At SEDAC, I manage our outreach work with our current programs, as well as develop new ways to reach facilities, professionals and the general public about energy efficiency strategies, opportunities, and best practices.

GBENN is a consortium of 26 unique local, state-wide and national green business programs from across the United States. Our mission is to facilitate sharing and relationship-building among green and/or sustainable business engagement programs across North America in order to advance the national interests of such locally-focused approaches and spread effective practices.I lead the coordination Network activities, host national events, as well as facilitate the strategic objectives and direction of the Network. www.gbenn.org

As a co-founder of the Illinois Green Business Association, I still work to connect businesses to the Green Business Certification program and assist with the strategic development of the organization. Through the IGBA, I also oversee the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) and serve as their leadership chair. GBENN is a consortium of green business engagement programs looking to share best practice information and uncover opportunities to collaborate while maintaining local program uniqueness.

The Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) is a 501C3 non-profit organization that is committed to improving sustainable practices in Illinois businesses through education and engagement. Our vision is that a sustainable business culture is the standard practice of economic activity. Companies, communities, and consumers will thrive through healthy, mutually beneficial relationships that are diverse, resilient and balanced. IGBA's main programs include a green business certification,Green Business Ally program, and education, including the Illinois Green Business Summit. The IGBA depends on private philanthropic support from individuals, corporations and foundations to sustain our work. Our aim is to make Illinois a leader in green business, just as we are a leader in green practices, environmentally-efficient business, renewable energy, local foods, and other aspects of the transition to a more sustainable future.Key AccomplishmentsSpearheaded the growth of the first non-profit green business association in Illinois, resulting in the creation of the first state-wide green business certification program for Illinois, increasing business sustainability and profitability with over 3,000 companies throughout the state.Certified 80+ individual businesses throughout Illinois as sustainable under 9 areas of sustainability, such as water, waste, energy, and many more; connecting businesses to existing incentive programs, reducing operational costs and increasing environmental efficiencyReached over 2,900 Illinois businesses in one year through overseeing direct installation and assessment programming in partnership with local utilities, securing energy savings and engaging businesses in sustainable technology

I work with the Make A Difference manager to bring nonprofits from across the country to Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL yearly on Memorial Day weekend to promote their organization, conduct on-site engagement activities, and raise awareness about their critical missions. I coordinate 12-15 nonprofits yearly from load-in to load-out for the four-day weekend and coordinate activities such as stage announcements, workshops with artists or on-site demonstrations, engagement activities, and pre-festival promotion. I also assist with sustainability efforts on-site to keep grounds clean and support the Make a Difference staff as needed.

The Land Connection trains new farmers and helps existing farmers transition to sustainable agricultural practices. We also help promote local farmers/foods through hosting the Downtown Champaign Farmer's Market every Tuesday from 4-7pm May-Oct. In my position, I oversee development and growth of The Land Connection's programming, seek and submit grant applications and manage overall grant funding portfolio.

Cassie Carroll, Associate Sustainability Specialist, joined ISTC in March 2015, bringing experience in sustainable business program development, green practice integration, and accreditation. She manages the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award program, and supports the development of combined and affiliate programs under the Technical Assistance Program. Cassie also works with organizations throughout Illinois, as well as national green business programs, to understand sustainability gaps and needs to bring innovative and accessible sustainability opportunities to the Illinois marketplace.More here: http://www.istc.illinois.edu/about/staff_cassie_carroll.cfm

I collected baseline data about utility, fuel, and resource use and compiled a report with goals and milestones to improve environmental efficiency at the CCFPD.

I assisted in trapping and drawing blood samples from small to medium sized animals at Allerton Park for toxoplasma ghondii and managed scent station field research.

Worked to remove invasive species and participated in restoration projects throughout the park.