Our Team

David Steiner, President and CEO

Serving as D+R’s President and CEO, David leads the company’s efforts to grow business aligned with its strategic direction and vision. He learned the lessons and benefits of improving efficiency and reusing resources early in his career, and now seeks to spread the word that responsibility and sustainability are not just good for the environment, but also for businesses, organizations, families, and life in general. David envisions energy efficiency and data solutions that transcend the typical confines of business and ideology. Before becoming president of D+R, he served as program manager for the ENERGY STAR program, providing leadership for the team’s efforts to promote and qualify DOE’s list of products. Prior to joining D+R, David was vice president of government affairs for Maytag Corp., where he had primary responsibility for federal, state, and international government relations. He was a leading advocate for the company’s energy- and water-efficiency efforts. David earned his BA from Ashland University and his MBA at Case Western Reserve University. He thrives when playing the piano and believes Jim Gaffigan may be this generation’s Socrates.

Stephen Bickel – Executive Vice President of Innovation

As Executive Vice President, Innovation, Stephen is responsible for tracking national energy and energy efficiency market trends to identify and develop novel research and program opportunities with the potential to advance national energy efficiency and generate revenue. He helped originate and develop many of D+R’s groundbreaking programs, products, and strategies, including Market Lift® and Unitary HVAC Market Reports, as well as some for which the ground didn’t break. Stephen is a leading expert on the application of behavioral research to promoting energy efficiency, including in markets such as windows, window attachments, lighting, and advanced power strips for audiovisual systems. He holds a BA from Oberlin College and an MS from MIT, and teaches behavioral psychology and communication theory at Johns Hopkins University. Stephen thinks temperatures above 18° F make for good weather for biking to work.

John Morris – Vice President of Market Development

As Vice President of Market Development, John builds business development strategies for new and current clients, with a focus on expanding D+R’s presence in running programs across the country. He works with the business development, project, and operations teams to broaden and deepen D+R’s relationships and help our clients find more – and better – ways of opening markets for energy-efficient technologies. He is based in Portland, Oregon. Previously, John managed several projects in the Northwest related to ductless heat pumps and other technologies, and has been involved in policy and program initiatives related to indoor agriculture and electric vehicles. An avid surfer for more than two decades, John has had the opportunity to ride the waves as far south as Costa Rica and as far north as Yakutat, Alaska.

Emily Phan-Gruber – Senior Director of Programs

As Senior Director of Programs, Emily is responsible for directing and expanding project work, team building, and staff development. She also provides guidance, oversight, and support for the Attachments Energy Rating Council, EPA’s ENERGY STAR lighting programs, the DLC effort to develop a product category for horticultural lighting, and windows and window attachment research and deployment efforts on behalf of DOE. Emily recently coordinated a successful pilot project incentivizing the sale of Low-E storm windows for Efficiency Vermont. In the morning, Emily enjoys going running with her dog, then drinking coffee.

Toby Swope – Senior Director of Data and Information Systems

As the Senior Director of Data and Information Systems for D+R, Toby coordinates organizational data collection, storage, management and security, and develops and oversees all analytical and quality assurance/control support to internal and external clients. His team also manages market tracking and intelligence projects for clients including Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), as well as national retailers and manufacturers. Toby holds a BS in atmospheric science from the University of California, Los Angeles and an MA in Global Environmental Policy from the School of International Service at American University. Originally from San Francisco, Toby enjoys the spring and fall of Washington, DC. Outside of work, he enjoys bicycling, skating, and spending time with his wife and kids.

Nick Case – Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, Nick leads a team that provides project planning, IT, communications, contract, and client support services to all D+R teams and projects to ensure smooth and efficient delivery. Previously, he managed D+R’s support to the DesignLights Consortium (DLC), offering technical support and experience with lighting qualification programs to develop program initiatives. He also supported a team of Technical Analysts conducting product performance evaluations to determine if products may be eligible for rebates and incentives offered by DLC efficiency program members. If he could, Nick would hold all his conference calls in the winter from the ski slopes.

Beth Blanco, P.E., Quality Systems Manager

As Quality Systems Manager, Beth manages quality assurance and quality control for D+R, including D+R’s support of the DesignLights Consortium®. She oversees staff quality training and documents processes. Beth also maintains systems to track performance and review process results, identifies and eliminates bottlenecks, and implements systems of continuous improvement among D+R’s projects and teams.

Previously, Beth developed a new quality program to improve quality control and efficiencies at Procter & Gamble Iowa City Oral Care. She has also conducted academic research to assist lawmakers in modifying public policy and improving public safety. She holds BSE and MS degrees from The University of Iowa. In her free time, she serves on the national board of the Smocking Arts Guild of America and enjoys exploring all Washington, DC has to offer.

Brian Booher – Program Manager

Brian manages D+R’s support for the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Hot Water Solutions program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR Windows, Doors, and Skylights program. For NEEA’s Hot Water Solutions program, Brian manages wholesale supply channel development and cultivates relationships with market partners to increase sales of energy efficient heat pump water heaters. For the ENERGY STAR® Windows, Doors, and Skylights program, Brian supports the EPA with stakeholder engagement, specification revisions, and research and analysis. Brian graduated from Dickinson College and has a Master’s of Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Brian loves to explore new restaurants in Washington, D.C. and around the world.

Shelia Flick – Senior Program Manager

As Senior Program Manager for D+R’s support of the DesignLights Consortium® program, Sheila leads a team of technical reviewers and project managers performing analysis of LED lighting products for the identification and promotion of high-performing solid-state lighting products for commercial, industrial, and outdoor applications. Sheila started her career in engineering and expanded into lean process improvement, supply chain design, big data analytics and business intelligence work at Hewlett Packard. Sheila enjoys traveling with her family, playing with their dog, and, as an enthusiastic member of the DC tech community, attending tech meet-ups and hackathons in the DC area.

Shannon Christie – Program Manager

Shannon manages D+R’s support to the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (NEEA) Reduced Wattage Lamp Replacement (RWLR) program, an incentive program for commercial lighting distributors aimed at transforming the commercial lighting market. As Program Manager, she works directly with NEEA to set the strategic direction of the program, oversees the day-to-day operations of the RWLR program and project team, and manages the collection, processing, and analysis of distributor sales data. Shannon also provides support to the EPA ENERGY STAR enforcement program and the Attachment Energy Rating Council. A Philadelphia native, Shannon is perpetually in search of the best cup of coffee and planning her next adventure.

Brandon Gilbertson, Technology Resources Manager

As Manager of Technology Resources, Brandon serves as lead web developer and is responsible for the oversight and planning of developer resources for D+R’s software and web development projects. He and his team develop and manage sophisticated, data-driven web applications in for internal and external projects. He also oversees the design and management of SQL databases that support these applications. In addition to his capabilities as a full-stack developer, Brandon provides expertise in web graphic and interface design with a focus on enhanced user experience. When he’s not hammering away at his keyboard, you’ll likely find Brandon engrossed in the numerous musical instruments he’s collected over the years or having some quality time with his wife and their charming daughter.

Jordan Kelso – Senior Technical Manager

As D+R’s Senior Technical Manager, Jordan leads D+R’s building science and data teams. He and his team support DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program by reviewing energy audit procedures and installation practices and recommending whole-house energy conservation and efficiency measures for low-income householders. He has provided utilities with technical and managerial metrics for running residential efficiency program and assisted DOE in developing ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters, room air conditioners, packaged terminal air conditioners, and windows, doors, and skylights. On behalf of DOE, for many years he developed and maintained the Buildings Energy Data Book, a reference for residential and commercial building energy data. Jordan holds a BS in engineering from the University of Maryland – Baltimore County and an ME in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland and is a registered Professional Engineer. When he’s not crunching numbers, you will likely find Jordan spending time with his family or running.

Dave Ryan – Senior Technical Manager

Dave is technical lead for the team that provides guidance and support to clients for promoting energy-efficient lighting. His primary responsibilities include supporting the DesignLights Consortium’s (DLC) Qualified Product List (QPL) for the identification and promotion of high-performing solid-state lighting products intended for commercial, industrial, and outdoor applications. He and his team provide clients with technical and market analysis of lighting technologies, serve as liaisons with manufacturer partners, and analyze the performance of products under consideration for the QPL. Dave leads all technical analysis and outreach efforts, serves as account manager to major partners, and provides support and day-to-day direction for the growing team. He is a Lighting Certified professional and a member of the Illuminating Engineering Societies Testing Procedures Committee.

Marci Sanders – Senior Program Manager

Marci is the Senior Program Manager, responsible for leading D+R’s administration of the LED Lighting Facts program, which she previously managed on behalf of the Department of Energy. Based in Portland, Oregon, Marci draws on her well-established relationships in the energy efficiency community to foster key partnerships across industry and government. She has more than 20 years of experience in market development and program management in the energy efficiency industry. Marci is a graduate of Willamette University, and her deepest passion in life is her animals.

Dan Vida – Technical Manager

Dan leads a team to provide market data and building science analysis to a variety of projects. He is a key technical support specialist for DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, was a subject matter expert for DOE’s National Standard Work Specifications for multifamily buildings, and is a member of the DOE Multifamily Working Group. Dan is also the principal analyst for the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) Unitary Market Report, a unique initiative to report on the efficiency of HVAC products sold at the distributor level. He has performed numerous benchmarking and evaluation activities for utilities and regional efficiency organizations, including the Bonneville Power Administration, the Idaho Power Company, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships. When Dan’s not in the office, you can find him hiking or otherwise enjoying the great outdoors, usually with camera in hand.

Jenna Winer – Program Manager

Jenna is a Program Manager primarily supporting the DesignLights Consortium® program. She oversees the application review team and application review process, including documenting changes to the review process and answering questions related to the application process. Previously, she helped support policy development activities, including overseeing, guiding, and coordinating support to DLC in the development and communication of new policies. Jenna also manages D+R’s work as the Independent Administrator of the Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Set-Top Boxes and the Independent Administrator of the Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Small Network Equipment, coordinating with stakeholders on each program to collect yearly shipment data, report on the results of the voluntary agreement, conduct audits of service providers, and assess the results of field verification testing. Jenna holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Geography from the George Washington University. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys running and finding the best IPA.

Delores Butler – Accountant

As D+R’s Accountant, Delores prepares financial statements and supporting schedules, facilitates and completes monthly close procedures, prepares monthly account reconciliations, and assists with financial and tax audits. She also handles all aspects of payroll and accounts payable, and assists with preparing tax returns and other required corporate reporting. A lifelong resident of Washington, DC, Delores enjoys spending time with family, traveling, going to concerts, and reading.

Meredith Donate – Human Resources Manager

As Manager of Human Resources at D+R, Meredith is responsible for talent acquisition, employee lifecycle processing, performance management, professional development, employee relations, policies and compliance, and benefits. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Delaware and an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Meredith was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Silver Spring in 2010. She is also a certified yoga instructor. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.

Peggy Rivera – Director of Contracts

For the past 15 years, Peggy has overseen all contracts and subcontracts for the government, the private sector, and individual subcontractors. She ensures compliance with contract requirements, develops and maintains financial management control systems, and works with D+R’s project managers to create and manage budgets. Peggy also maintains the company’s Sam.gov and federal and state GSA listings and oversees reporting on the company’s status and contracting activities. A native of New Mexico, Peggy thinks Santa Fe is pretty close to heaven.