Executive Director

Brian Deal

Dr. Brian Deal is a Professor of Landscape Architecture and affiliated faculty in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Illinois. He is the Executive Director of the University’s Smart Energy Design Assistance Center; Director of the LEAM laboratory; and active in number of University and community sustainability initiatives; he also collaborates with several international Universities on comparative approaches to planning and urban sustainability. His work has been supported by a host of regional, state, federal, and international agencies. 

He is actively engaged in teaching and research on issues relating to energy systems and sustainable planning. His scholarship includes the study of planning from an energy conservation perspective, urban land use transformation and modeling, planning for climate change, and approaches that enable communities to make better (more sustainable) decisions.

Associate Director

Todd Rusk

Todd Rusk is the Associate Director at the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), and he conducts energy efficiency projects for public sector, commercial, industrial, institutional and not-for-profit facilities. Todd holds a B.S. Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has been recognized as a Certified Energy Manager™ by the Association of Energy Engineers since 2002.

Since 1999, Todd has served in various roles related to technical assistance, technology development, and applied research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In his current role at SEDAC, Todd directs SEDAC’s many programs, working extensively with public sector agencies to help them realize significant energy cost savings in their buildings.

In addition to his work at UIUC, Todd serves as a commissioner on the City of Urbana Sustainability Advisory Commission, where he helped to develop the City of Urbana Climate Action Plan and the City of Urbana Water Plan.

Assistant Director of Operations

Sumi Han

Sumi Han is the Assistant Director of Operations for SEDAC. She manages the Illinois Energy Conservation Code Training Program and conducts energy assessments for public sector buildings with a special focus on lighting and new construction projects. In 2009 and 2015, Sumi taught “Environmental Technology: Lighting” for the School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

Sumi has been a Certified Energy Manager since 2018, US Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional since 2006 and a Lighting Certified Professional (the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions) since 2001. In addition, Sumi has been an International Association of Lighting Designers Associate since 2008. She has an M.S. in Lighting from Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI); an M.A. in Art Education from UIUC; and an M.E. in City Planning from Hongik University, Seoul, Korea.

Technical Director

Robert Nemeth

Robert Nemeth is SEDAC’s Technical Director, overseeing the technical aspects of our work: facility site visits, energy assessment reports, retro-commissioning studies, new construction design assistance, and staff training to make sure our engineers stay up to date on the latest energy efficiency technologies. He also develops educational content and presents at SEDAC webinars and workshops.

Robert’s parents lived through the deprivations of WWII in Europe, and they imparted on Robert a sense of frugality. Robert has been energy and resource conscious since his childhood.

“I find helping others save energy very fulfilling. Meeting facility engineers, touring their facilities, and learning about new technologies is always interesting.”

Robert’s love of architecture, engineering, and resource efficiency have been important motivators in his private and professional life. His experience includes working with the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois for HUD, helping to investigate mold, moisture and energy-related problems in Native American Housing. He also worked for the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory for eight years as a researcher in the Energy Systems Division, and he has worked as an architect and in the construction and cabinet-making industries. He has rebuilt several houses, one a historical residence.

Robert was a licensed Architect in the State of Illinois, and has been involved with the design and construction of buildings since 1975. He has a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, a Masters of Architecture, and Master of Science in Civil Engineering, all from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has taught building technology courses at the University of Illinois in the School of Architecture and at Parkland College in the Building Sciences Department.

Outside of work, Robert volunteers with a local non-profit historic preservation, construction and salvage group which keeps building materials from being landfilled when buildings are demolished. He also enjoys backpacking with friends, which has provided him with a great appreciation for untouched landscapes and getting by with just what you can carry on your back.

Senior Advisor

Tim Lindsey

For over 35 years, Dr. Tim Lindsey has helped organizations increase their competitiveness through improved sustainability performance in their processes, products, and systems. He is an accomplished program and project manager with experience in multiple sectors, including: mining, manufacturing, energy, biofuels, agriculture, food processing, chemical processing, and electronics. Dr. Lindsey is an internationally recognized expert regarding the use of sustainability principles to drive innovation. He served as Caterpillar’s first Global Director of Sustainability from 2012 to 2016 where he successfully championed the company’s transformational change to recognize sustainability as their 5th core value. During this transformation, he worked closely with various business units to implement sustainability principles throughout the corporate value chain. This included corporate roles (research, product development, human resources, accounting, strategy, and risk) and operational functions (supply chain, manufacturing, quality, logistics, dealerships, and customer operations).

Prior to his Caterpillar career, Dr. Lindsey spent 20 years at the University of Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, where he led their sustainability research, education, and outreach efforts. In his roles there, he worked with hundreds of companies across multiple sectors to improve their sustainability performance. Prior to his work with the U of I, Dr. Lindsey was with Exxon for 7 years in the Powder River Basin at one of the world’s largest coal mining operations. He served Exxon in the roles of Reclamation Manager, Safety Director, and Senior Project manager where he supervised the activities of 40 contractors and over 1,000 personnel. He has authored multiple publications on energy efficiency, alternative energy, alternative fuels development, and sustainable business innovation and developed 3 U.S. patents regarding industrial fluids management and water purification. In January of 2016, Dr. Lindsey founded Highlander Innovation Inc., where he and his colleagues help businesses drive and implement more sustainable innovation.

He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Southern Illinois University and a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois.

Marketing & Outreach Program Manager

Cassie Carroll

Cassie Carroll, SEDAC’s Marketing and Outreach Program Manager, is motivated by a desire to conserve and protect our earth’s finite and precious resources. 

“Everyone has an opportunity to be more efficient and conscious of what they use and how they use it. Every little change helps reduce our overall impact on the earth.”

As she directs SEDAC’s outreach, marketing, and client recruitment efforts, Cassie helps customers move towards a more energy efficient future. A popular workshop speaker and marketing strategist, she has a knack for engaging with customers to help them overcome barriers to energy efficiency.

“I love helping customers across Illinois engage with energy efficiency, uncover opportunities, and eventually realize their energy goals.” 

Cassie’s work at SEDAC is a small part of her larger involvement in sustainability efforts in the community and throughout the state, which include founding the Illinois Green Business Association, supporting local agriculture and food systems, leading the Green Business Engagement Network, organizing service opportunities and youth programming as the Champaign West Rotary RYLA and Interact Chair, serving as the Chair of the University YMCA Board of Governors, and bringing nonprofits from across the country to Illinois music festivals to amplify their missions and promote their causes.

Outside the office, Cassie enjoys yoga, meditation, and canning the produce she grows in her backyard.

“I’m experimenting with hot sauces now, but enjoy making unique flavor combinations for jams, compotes, and other types of canned goods.” 

Data & Reporting Coordinator

Abby Bethke

Abby Bethke, SEDAC’s Data and Reporting Coordinator, is responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes operations of SEDAC. In addition to coordinating data collection and reporting, she manages information technology and office operations for the SEDAC team. 

Abby’s interest in sustainability began when she worked as a Research Facilitator for a group of climate change scientists at the Carnegie Institution for Science’s Department of Global Ecology at Stanford University. She has a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Michigan and a Master of Accounting Science from the University of Illinois. In addition to working at SEDAC, she manages the accounting and payroll for her husband’s tech start-up.

Abby is fun to talk to on a range of topics. Do you love sports? Abby is a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan. Do you love travel? Her family lived in France for 2 years and Australia for 6 months. Do you love music? Abby once had dinner with Mandy Patinkin. Want updates on the kids? Abby is happy to talk about what her three talented adult children are up to. 

Senior Energy Engineer

Donghwa Kim

Donghwa Kim is a Senior Energy Engineer at SEDAC, providing technical support and outreach to customers. She conducts energy assessments and retro-commissioning studies, and coordinates with utilities to administer energy efficiency programs. 

“What I like best about my job is that every day I learn something new and solve a new challenge.” 

Kim believes that providing useful information to customers is key. She not only provides technical assistance and energy efficiency recommendations, but also helps customers navigate the application process, identify incentives, and overcome barriers to energy efficiency. She enjoys working with the SEDAC team to provide a quality customer experience. 

Kim previously worked at an architectural firm in Champaign, IL where she assisted with commercial and residential projects from beginning to end: pre-design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration. Kim has a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Kim appreciates good wines. She recently passed the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust exam, and she runs wine tastings at local restaurants. 

Senior Energy Engineer

Ryan Siegel

Ryan Siegel is a Senior Energy Engineer for SEDAC, consulting with public entities in Illinois to identify ways to improve the efficiency of their facilities. Ryan has also become the lead trainer and energy code expert for SEDAC’s Energy Code Training Program. 

“What I find most satisfying about my job is learning new things and passing along what I’ve learned to others.” 

Ryan became interested in energy efficiency because it reflected the values he was raised with: frugality, investing in the future, and good stewardship of resources. 

Prior to joining SEDAC, Ryan was the Campus Energy & Sustainability Coordinator at Eastern Illinois University since 2002. During this time, he oversaw energy efficiency improvements to the tune of $80 million along with nearly $1 million in energy efficiency rebates. He also oversaw the campus recycling program as well as energy conservation and Utility Auxiliary Enterprise in connection with the Renewable Energy Center. 

Ryan received a B.S. in Business in 2006 and an MBA in 2018, both from Eastern Illinois University. He became a Certified Energy Manager in April 2012 and a Licensed Electrician in January 2017. 

Ryan enjoys carpentry, building repair, maintenance, finance, theater, and music. He’s the treasurer of three different organizations: an arts council, a progressives group, and a social fraternity. 

Senior Energy Engineer

Shawn Maurer

Shawn Maurer is a Certified Energy Manager and Engineer in Training. He received his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville in May 2011, and has worked in energy efficiency ever since. 

Shawn spent 2 years as a Building Performance Institute/Residential Energy Services Network Certified Home Energy Rater, offering existing home assessments and performing field verification of new construction homes for various programs, including ENERGY STAR certification. 

In August 2013, Shawn joined SEDAC as a Building Energy Specialist, working for 3 years until taking a job with Cenergistic, Inc. as the Champaign Public Schools Energy Specialist, performing energy assessments, utility data monitoring, and helping to instill a culture of energy conservation. Shawn then transitioned to the University of Kentucky, working as the on-site engineering and technical expert with a team of 7 other energy specialists. 

Shawn rejoined SEDAC in April 2019 as a Senior Energy Engineer, bringing 8 years of on-site experience in energy conservation and building assessments. 

Publications Coordinator

Linda Larsen

As the Publications Coordinator for SEDAC, Linda Larsen believes that sustainable ideas need to be communicated clearly and persuasively so that people are empowered to make positive changes.

“Writing about things that matter is deeply satisfying. I love immersing myself in a challenging writing task and watching it come to life.”  

Prior to her work at SEDAC, Linda taught writing classes in the English Department at the University of Illinois. One semester, she decided to teach a sustainability-themed writing class and enjoyed it so much that she quit her teaching job to focus on her new passion: writing to build a greener future. 

In addition to her work at SEDAC, Linda collaborates with professors in environmental design fields at the University of Illinois and elsewhere. She helps them sharpen their messages, secure funding, and tell their stories to a wider audience.

Linda is also the co-director of the Education Justice Project’s Reentry Guide Initiative, where she supervises the production and distribution of tens of thousands of reentry guides, providing people leaving prison with tools for self-empowerment. Linda ran an after school program at Urbana Middle School on building sustainable cities for four years.

At home, she enjoys making music (she plays piano, violin, and sings), reading, and spending time in nature.  

Program Manager

Patrick Sullivan

Dr. Patrick Sullivan has been working as a Program Manager at SEDAC since June of 2017. He has a PhD in Human and Community Development and has extensive experience in project management and evaluation, database development and management, and reporting to diverse groups of stakeholders. During his time at SEDAC he has coordinated efforts among SEDAC, utility companies, their partners and clients. 

Energy Engineer

Hannah Ahn

Hannah Ahn is an Energy Engineer at SEDAC. She has been at SEDAC since January 2017. She conducts energy assessments for public sector clients. Hannah assists clients with realizing the energy saving potential of their facilities through the analysis of energy cost reduction measures. She works closely with clients to implement recommended energy saving measures and to adopt sustainable practices. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has been recognized as an Energy Manager in Training™ by the Association of Energy Engineers since 2018.

Business Development Specialist

Anthony Santarelli

Anthony Santarelli is SEDAC’s Business Development Specialist. He engages in marketing and outreach, developing relationships with clients, partners, and communities. He travels throughout the state, networking with other environmental leaders to identify opportunities for new programs and strategic partnerships.

“I enjoy getting to meet and work with people who are doing impactful work in sustainability and making the world a better place.” 

Anthony’s interest in sustainability dates back to his childhood, when he watched a Sesame Street cartoon on water conservation where a fish almost ran out of water because a boy had left the water on while brushing his teeth. 

“Oddly enough, that gave me an unusual amount of anxiety regarding resource scarcity, and I’ve sought to find sustainable solutions to these issues ever since.” 

Anthony is a graduate of the University of Illinois Environmental Economics and Policy program, and he has been working in the business sustainability field since 2009, focusing on green business engagement and managing commercial energy efficiency rebate implementation programs.

In addition to his work at SEDAC, Anthony works as the Director of the Illinois Green Business Association to help businesses in Illinois become more sustainable. He enjoys traveling to new countries (his goal is to visit a new country each year) and pretending to play bass guitar. In a past life, he was a wild dog living on a beach

Engagement & Program Specialist

Devin Day

Devin Day, SEDAC’s Engagement and Program Specialist, is motivated by a desire to create a more equitable energy landscape, particularly for people in economically or environmentally distressed communities. 

“I became interested in energy efficiency because it has the potential to help people who are most impacted by pollution, climate change, and wasteful or inadequate public spending.” 

By engaging with customers and providing technical assistance, Devin connects economically distressed communities and public sector facilities to low- and no-cost energy efficiency measures that bring energy cost savings, as well as other health and safety benefits. Devin also researches innovative ways to bring energy efficiency and workforce training programming to underserved communities throughout Illinois.

Devin has a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Illinois (his focus: community and economic development and transnational planning) and a BA in international relations from Knox College (he studied abroad in Yemen). Before joining SEDAC, he worked with the Building Research Council, where he engaged Illinois Public Housing Authority management to facilitate the use of smart energy efficiency technologies.

Devin volunteers with the nonprofit Books2Prisoners and the University YMCA’s New American Welcome Center. He plays the cello (though not so much these days), and can be found walking the neighborhood with his wife and their beagle, Fred.

Energy Engineer

Jane McClintock

Jane McClintock is an Energy Engineer at SEDAC. She assists Project Managers in developing proposals and carrying out energy efficiency projects for public sector, commercial, industrial, institutional, and not-for-profit facilities. Jane holds an M.A. in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. 

Prior to joining the SEDAC team, Jane worked as a designer and builder completing scores of residential and light commercial renovation projects in the Champaign-Urbana area. She is passionate about leveraging her experience in the trades and with architectural design to support SEDAC’s mission of reducing the energy footprint of the State of Illinois. 

Outside of work, Jane is Facilities Chair on the board of an arts and media center in downtown Urbana and still enjoys renovating and repairing old houses. When she isn’t busy taking care of buildings, Jane looks forward to spending time outdoors gardening, hiking and boating.

Energy Engineer

Kamau Haymon

Kamau Haymon is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. At SEDAC, he conducts energy assessments and assists building owners and operators with making their facilities more efficient. 

Bo Pang