Our mission is to help individuals and businesses to make smart energy decisions and insure qualified professionals are available to support their needs.
SELA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides unbiased information, tools and resources to help consumers make intelligent, responsible energy decisions. Informed energy users will live more efficiently, reducing their energy use and their utility bills while they enjoy increased comfort and resale value.
SELA is devoted to educating consumers, students and small business professionals about energy efficiency and renewable energy.
SELA helps utilities in their efforts to implement energy efficiency, and we help companies build their energy-efficiency and renewable-energy businesses with training and promotion.
SELA is a cooperative effort of businesses, utilities, energy users and other partners committed to transforming the energy marketplace.
As we work together to transform the energy marketplace, there will be more educated energy users and more companies selling energy-efficiency products and services. Energy efficiency will be an easier choice. Increased energy efficiency and renewable energy will create economic and environmental benefits for everyone.
APPROACH
America is the most energy intensive economy in history - and demand continues to grow. More than half of the nation's oil is imported, much of it from the Mideast. Fossil fuel combustion has increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to levels unprecedented in human history. Energy efficiency and renewable energy can reduce dependence on imported oil, reduce energy bills, stretch our fossil fuel reserves and benefit the environment. Many investments in clean energy technology yield very positive returns but remain unrealized. Education is the critical tool to increase investments in clean energy. Consumers control the efficiency of energy use. Well-educated consumers will create a cleaner and more efficient energy future.
STAFF
Ms. Theresa M. Donahue, Executive Director Ms. Donahue has over 25 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, public official and consultant. She served as a Cabinet officer, leading the Denver Department of Environmental Health, and as the mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing the city’s environmental and energy policies.
During her tenure as a city official, Ms. Donahue was the mayor’s liaison with the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board, served on the Governor’s Renewal Energy Task Force and the White House Partnership for Accelerating Technologies in Housing, led Denver’s designation as a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Clean City, facilitated the DOE Climate Change Action Plan Regional Roundtable, represented Denver at the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives’ Saitama Summit, and testified before Congress regarding alternative transportation fuels. She recently served as Executive Director of the Metro Denver Health and Wellness Commission.
Ms. Donahue holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental policy from Duke University and a Master of Regional Planning degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Matt Thornberry, Deputy Director
Matt Thornberry has been utilizing his business and environmental background managing the E-Star Colorado Program since 2001. Matt facilitates codes and standards grants, manages the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Home Energy Rating System programs, and oversees educational seminars and special events. Matt is also a certified Building Analyst.
Rhonda Magee, Director of Finance and Administration
Rhonda has more than 20 years experience in accounting, finance and business management. She has worked in a variety of industries including property management, architecture, publishing and beverage manufacturing. Most recently Rhonda worked as Business Services Manger for Bede Scientific, the U.S. sales and service organization for the global group of Bede Metrology, a technology industry capital equipment company. Rhonda has 5 years of experience in Nonprofit accounting management, many years experience in volunteer board leadership and is currently enrolled in the Regis University Masters in Nonprofit Management program
PROGRAMS AND DIVISIONS
Smart Energy Solutions (SOS)
Smart Energy Solutions brings together the information, resources and tools to help you understand how to reduce your energy use and save money. We publish a quarterly magazine, e-newsletter, offer workshops, provide online information, and links to contractors.
Smart Energy Learning (SEL)
Smart Energy Learning is a K12 program that reaches up to 10,000 students each year with a variety of programs, including the Energy Hog Traveling Road Show, Solar Schools, and Home Energy Investigation Contest.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Marsha Barber, Science Education
Consultant
Father David Clarke, Chancellor, Regis University Chair Emeritus
Ms. Bonnie Page Downing, BPD Consulting LLC
Mr. Robert J. Hix,
Former Chair, Colorado
PUC Vice Chair
Ms. Lisa Hogan, Partner, Brownstein, Farber and Schreck
Ms. Carolyn L. McIntosh, Partner, Patton Boggs LLP
Mr. Robert Noun, Executive Director, Communications and External
Affairs, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Secretary
Russell Schmuhl, Customer Service and Management Consultant
Mr. Douglas Smith,
President/CEO, Rocky Mountain Communities Treasurer
Ms. Susan M. Thornton,
Susan Thornton Associates Chair
Mr. Gary Wink,
President Golden Chamber of Commerce
TRUSTEES EMERITUS
Mr. William (Peter) Grant, Chair Emeritus, Colorado National
Bank
Mr. H. Dana Moran,
Formerly of National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Mr. Ralph Peterson,
Former President/CEO of CH2M HILL (deceased)
Mr. James L. Spigarelli,
Chair of Board, Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
