Christina Halfpenny

Executive Director and CEO, Tina drives success through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and collaboration, and continuous improvement of business systems. Tina arrived at DLC in 2015 with a background in energy policy and program implementation, including chairing the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council as Director of the Energy Efficiency Division at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). She quickly established Efficiency Forward as an independent nonprofit and governance of the DLC with the mission to drive efficiency. Tina embraces the challenges inherent in making complicated lighting solutions simple and accessible and works to identify opportunities for broad scale energy savings and innovation in commercial and industrial buildings and outdoor environments. Prior to DOER, Tina’s extensive energy experience included directing energy efficiency programs for National Grid across its US territory. When she isn’t collaborating on advanced solutions, Tina is apt to be spreading the seeds of environmentalism –both figuratively and literally. Acting locally, Tina is part of a multi-town advocacy group for native and pollinator gardens and an environmental education volunteer with her kids’ school district. Globally, she has property in Costa Rica that she is reforesting and, on her last visit, was home to a jaguar nest.

Andrew Knapik

As Business Intelligence Manager, Andrew Knapik builds and maintains the DLC’s business intelligence analytics environment, keeping his finger on the pulse of all aspects of the organization and analyzing potential opportunities. Andrew came to the DLC in 2019 with an energy efficiency programs background, having previously worked with a program implementation contractor to provide outreach and assessment services for PacifiCorp. His move to the DLC grew from a desire to work with a non-profit driving meaningful change in the sustainability field. He holds a Master of Finance from the University of Utah and spends his free time traveling and pursuing outdoor passions such as trail running – a hobby that led him to run the Grand Canyon R2R2R (rim to rim and back) for his bachelor party.

Stephen White

As Chief Operating Officer, Stephen White facilitates the success of the DLC team through the tools of administration, finance, human resources, legal and IT. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and a Master’s in Public Administration and has spent most of his career in administrative leadership roles in the field of energy and environmental policy –most recently as Chief Operating Officer at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. Steve views efficient lighting as the workhorse of energy efficiency policy and enjoys being part of the DLC’s unique role in driving progress in this area. Deeply devoted to his hometown of Hull, Massachusetts a coastal community just south of Boston, Steve volunteers on the town Planning Board, Economic Development Committee, and Youth Lacrosse Board and coaches youth lacrosse.

Lisa Mirra

As Senior Accounting Associate, Lisa Mirra handles all of the DLC’s receivables and payables. She also assists manufacturers with payment process questions. A member of the DLC staff since 2018, Lisa worked for Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) when the DLC was still an entity of NEEP, moving to the DLC when it became an independent non-profit. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an Associate degree in Computer Programming. When not crunching numbers at the DLC, Lisa is often quoting football stats or watching sports of all types in person or at home with her family.

Aaron Feldman

Senior Technical Operations Manager Aaron Feldman joined the DLC in 2019 after spending seven years in various commercial lighting roles elsewhere–ranging from designing automotive exterior lighting to working as a senior design engineer for a large lighting manufacturer, and coordinating with design engineers to develop and execute test programs to obtain product certifications. At the DLC, Aaron provides research, analysis and program support for various programs and initiatives, driven by his interest in advancing energy efficiency and quality in the lighting industry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University and is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s (IES) Testing Procedures Committee and Membership Chair of the IES Cleveland Chapter. When not engaging in DLC work, Aaron might be found cooking or playing platform tennis.

Shashawnee Freeman

Shashawnee Freeman came to the DLC in 2021 with over a decade in the aerospace industry as an industrial and manufacturing engineer focused on quality, risk assessment and process improvement. Her experience includes three years developing efficient operations with suppliers and improving internal operations in jet engine manufacturing, a role in which she reviewed technical abnormalities and conducted root cause analysis and corrective action. Shashawnee applies this technical affinity in her current position reviewing DLC technical specifications, energy savings calculations and compliance with program policies. A graduate of Florida State University, she holds Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and an MBA with a Specialization in Operations Management. With a heart for mission-driven work, Shashawnee values the DLC efforts to improve the environment for human and wildlife communities through lighting. In her spare time, Shashawnee volunteers with several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, a local food pantry and as a hospice care relief caregiver.

Bagwat Mohan

As Technical Operations Manager in the DLC’s Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) program, Bagwat Mohan manages day-to-day business operations for the NLC Qualified Products List and provides technical expertise on policy development designed to accelerate market penetration of connected lighting. Bagwat joined the DLC in 2018 after working as an Energy Efficiency Consultant at Eversource Energy in Massachusetts. With a Master’s in Energy Systems from Northeastern University in Boston, a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University in Chennai, India, Bagwat has extensive experience in energy audits and energy savings calculations. A member of the Illuminating Engineering Society and the ANSI 137 Lighting Systems Committee, Bagwat was attracted to the DLC by the opportunity to join a like-minded team devoted to pursuing energy and climate solutions. In his free time, Bagwat is often playing music. Trained in Indian classical music since early childhood, he is an accomplished keyboardist who has performed concerts in several US states, as well as in India, Dubai, and Malaysia. Mixing music is also among Bagwat’s hobbies, along with reading up on astrophysics and watching documentaries related to history and evolution.

Erin Walling

As the DLC’s Senior Technical Operations Analyst, Erin Walling supports a range of critical functions, from product application reviews and QA/QC support to process improvement. Erin came to the DLC after working for three years as an Energy Analyst involved in implementing Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s commercial rebate program –a job in which she utilized the DLC’s Qualified Products List almost daily. A desire to be part of an organization working to establish industry benchmarks and affect positive change in the field of energy efficiency led her to join the DLC staff in 2020. Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Oklahoma’s East Central University, where she was on the basketball team. An avowed Dungeons and Dragons fan, Erin also enjoys drawing and playing guitar.

Liesel Whitney-Schulte

DLC Program Director Liesel Whitney-Schulte’s responsibilities include oversight of the DLC’s stakeholder outreach and engagement, communications, and membership efforts. A member of the DLC staff since 2015, Liesel was previously responsible for operational oversight of the Solid-State Lighting Qualified Products List and technical development support. Prior to joining the DLC, Liesel represented a DLC Member and participated on the Technical Committee. She has over 20 years of experience working on utility energy efficiency programs and collaborating with lighting designers to create programs that simultaneously fit utility goals and promote quality lighting design. Lighting Certified (LC) by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP) and a member of the NCQLP Board of Directors, Liesel has also been an active member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) for most of her career, is past president of IES’ Milwaukee Section, and sits on the IES Illumination Awards Committee. When she isn’t working, Liesel is often up to her elbows in dirt or flour. An avid gardener of fruits, vegetables and shade plants during the growing season, she migrates to the kitchen during Milwaukee winters –creating up to 20 varieties of cookies for the holidays.

Andrea Shapiro

Andrea joined the DLC in June of 2016. She coordinates the marketing and communications efforts of the DLC, manages and promotes the DLC brand, and creates outreach materials DLC Members and stakeholders. Prior to working at the DLC, Andrea served as the Marketing Manager of United Planet, a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to building global community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cornell University.

Stuart Berjansky

With over 30 years in the lighting industry, including roles in sales, product management and solutions architecture for a major manufacturer, Stuart Berjansky provides technical direction for the DLC’s mission to advance widespread adoption of high-performing commercial lighting solutions. The opportunity to combine his professional experience with his personal quest for a better environment attracted Stuart to the DLC, where he has guided development of technical requirements in the Solid-State Lighting, Networked Lighting Controls and Horticultural Lighting programs since 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering with an emphasis in Illumination from Penn State, and has also worked in the energy services (ESCO) market and with various lighting designers. An animal lover who, with his wife, cares for three dogs, a cat and four chickens, Stuart has hiked the 42 miles of Appalachian Trail through Maryland, enjoys playing Pickleball, and likes to dance.

Kasey Holland

A member of the DLC staff since 2018, Kasey Holland leads all strategic planning and direction and development of Horticultural Lighting technical requirements as Technical Manager for the DLC’s Horticultural Lighting Program. After working as a graduate student research assistant at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s (RPI) Lighting Research Center, Kasey’s desire to work for a mission-driven organization and interest in product development led him to join the DLC where he also helps to inform quality of light topics for the DLC’s Solid-State Lighting Program focusing primarily on spectral quality considerations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics from Stephen F. Austin State University and earned a Master’s in Lighting at RPI and is a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers’ ES-310 Ag Lighting Group and the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Horticulture Lighting Committee. Although immersed in technical policymaking at the DLC, Kasey loves working with his hands, cooking BBQ, and playing video games.

Adrian Martin

Technical Analyst Adrian Martin conducts market research, analyzes data and supports software development and other DLC technical projects. The position fulfills Adrian’s dual goals of working to advance energy efficiency while engaging in math and science daily–objectives that dovetail with her educational background: a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from Pacific University and a Master’s in Green Technologies from the University of Southern California. At the DLC, Adrian appreciates knowing that she is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with commercial and industrial lighting. In her free time, Adrian sings (including recording song covers), paints and practices yoga.

Levin Nock

Levin Nock researches and develops new policies for the Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) and LUNA programs using the DLC’s stakeholder engagement process. He came to the DLC in 2016 eager to help develop and launch the NLC Qualified Products List as a new way to support energy savings across North America and values knowing that his work contributes to solutions to both the climate crisis and diminishing dark skies. Prior to the DLC, Levin managed research on energy efficient LED lighting and lighting controls at Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Oregon. His experience also includes analyzing commercial building energy efficiency at an national research firm and positions in R & D at a large controls manufacturer and various startups. A member of the Illuminating Engineering Society and the ANSI 137 Lighting Systems Committee, Levin holds a biomedical engineering PhD in adaptive imaging from Duke University, a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Cornell University, and a Sustainable Building Advisor certificate from Seattle Central Community College. When he isn’t honing policy at the DLC, Levin enjoys swimming and hiking, as well as tinkering with and riding his DIY electric bike.

Leora Radetsky

With over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry, Senior Lighting Scientist Leora Radetsky provides lighting science input for the DLC’s technical requirements. Drawn by a desire to make a difference in the industry through market transformation, Leora came to the DLC with experience as a research scientist at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s (RPI) Lighting Research Center and director of customer education at a prominent lighting software company. Leora counts the ability to work on myriad aspects of lighting and energy projects as the most rewarding part of her DLC position. A recipient of an Illumination Engineering Society (IES) Regional Technical Award from the Northeast region, Leora is also Lighting Certified by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions, and a member of IES and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. In addition to a Master’s degree in Lighting from RPI, Leora holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering with an Emphasis in Illumination from the University of Colorado. Still loyal to the Centennial State, Leora roots for the Denver Broncos and eschews most TV watching except for professional football! She also enjoys art museums and hiking and kayaking in the Adirondacks.

Andrew Antares

Since joining the DLC in 2022, Andrew Antares has provided organizational and communication expertise to the technical team as they articulate policies affecting a wide array of lighting industry stakeholders. Andrew earned an MBA in International Business after a 15-year career in the restaurant industry sparked his interest in balancing ideals with economics in pursuit of more responsible use of the planet’s resources. He came to the DLC with experience working in energy storage, as well as various roles in the LED industry, from product development through project management. Weary of selling the products offered by individual companies, Andrew saw the DLC as an organization able to guide the entire industry toward development and deployment of the best products in terms of quality and efficiency. He views working alongside the DLC’s warm and expert staff as the most rewarding aspect of his job. When he’s not working, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family…and collecting obscure, low-budget horror movies.

Jason Jeunnette

Jason joined the DLC in early 2022 as Technical Manager of Building Integration, a position in which he enjoys exchanging ideas and perspectives with the full gamut of lighting industry stakeholders. “Every time I speak to someone,” he says, “I come away from the conversation with new thoughts and ideas that make the programs I am working on better.” Jason came to the DLC with 25 years of lighting industry experience, most recently as director of lighting at a sales agency focused on the distributor and contractor markets. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatrical Lighting from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Architectural Lighting from Parsons The New School for Design, Jason spent 20 years as an architectural and theatrical lighting designer in New York City, focusing on lighting controls. He is Lighting Certified, a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of Chicago, and spends free time skiing and volunteering as a Cub Scout den leader.

Anthony Samuel

Anthony Samuel joined the DLC in 2022 to lead transition of DLC’s formerly “waterfall” Information Technology (IT) system to the more iterative and collaborative “Agile” methodology. Since then, Anthony has overseen a rapid transition from concept to project implementation, resulting in continuing improvement of the DLC’s IT environment. A results-driven individual who is passionate about success, Anthony previously worked more than ten years in IT in the oil, gas, and energy industries managing DevOps IT digital transformation backlog implementation. He is a member of the Project Management Institute, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and an MBA in Project Management from American InterContinental University (AIU) Houston. His IT credentials include certifications as SAFe Scrum Master, Scrum Master, and DevOps Project Manager. When he isn’t working on the DLC’s IT, Anthony enjoys soccer and spending time with his family.

Katy McSurdy

Katy McSurdy joined DesignLights Consortium as their Content Marketing Specialist in July 2023. She has been working in the energy industry for almost a decade focusing on content and communications for energy efficiency, energy software, and grid management. Prior to working at the DLC, Katy served as the Content Marketing Manager of Resource Innovations, an energy consulting firm and program implementer, and as an Editorial Lead for Salesforce’s Energy & Utilities business line. Her experience spans from business development to content and corporate marketing. Katy graduated from Ursinus College with a BA in Writing and Environmental Studies.

Brian Buggs

Technical Operation Analyst Brian C. Buggs came to the DLC in 2023 with over 30 years experience in different industries ranging from manufacturing, testing, research and development, and technical customer service. Over 15 of those years were spent in the lighting industry, working specifically with with photometry and validation testing.

A graduate of DeVry University, Brian holds an Associates of Applied Science in Electronics Technology with a concentration in Technical Management, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Luther Rice University.

He serves his community as a pastoral leader and works with various community service groups.

Karla Winter