Iowa state partner and advisory committee
University of Northern Iowa
Who We Are:
The Center for Energy & Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa is dedicated to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration. Our mission is to empower Iowans with the knowledge, experiences, tools, and inspiration needed to create a sustainable future for Iowa communities.
Our Team:
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Kamyar Enshayan, Executive DirectorKamyar provides guidance and oversight for the Iowa program and tracks and reports on the program's progress. |
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Jeff Beneke, Program DirectorJeff promotes solar training opportunities in the state and works to develop a network of people within the solar industry. He will assist the MREA in identifying training needs and opportunities for Iowa participants. Jeff assists instructors to identify resources and opportunities to enhance their training programs. He connects instructors to resources, funding, and other opportunities. |
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Carole Yates, Communication and Grants CoordinatorCarole promotes solar training opportunities in the state and works to develop a network of people within the solar industry. She will assist the MREA in identifying training needs and opportunities for Iowa participants. Carole assists instructors to identify resources and opportunities to enhance their training programs. She connects instructors to resources, funding, and other opportunities. |
Our Goal for Iowa:
Iowa is working to expand solar training opportunities, the number of solar installers and the solar industry in the state. Our goal is to provide solar professionals with customized resources to support high quality, home-grown training opportunities in the state. We believe that by working together, Iowa's solar training organizations can create a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the needs of an emerging green economy.
Our Advisory Group:
Joe Bolkcom - Iowa Senate District #39
Debbie Dowell - Iowa Workforce Development – Burlington
Bill Haman - Iowa Energy Center
Kim King - Alliant Energy Interstate Power & Light
Bill McAnally - Public Citizen
Todd McGee - Iowa Workforce Development
Warren McKenna - Farmers Electric Cooperative
Helen Miller - Iowa House District #49
Pete Olson - Cedar Falls Utilities
Greg Watkins - Iowa Office of Energy Independence
Participating Instructors and Institutions:
Mike Brueschke of Iowa Central Community College – Fort Dodge
Randall Lowe of Hawkeye Community College – Waterloo
Dennis Pottratz of Iowa Renewable Energy Association – Iowa City
Jeff Benz of Iowa Renewable Energy Association – Iowa City
Chad Plante of Western Iowa Tech Community College – Sioux City
Rick Chambers of Kirkwood Community College – Cedar Rapids


