Our Team

David Steiner, President and CEO

Starting in the steel and bearing industry, David learned how high quality data can influence some of the most controversial and successful decisions in planning for the future. Later in the appliance industry, he applied many of the same thought processes to advocate for transformative changes in the areas of energy and water efficiency. Today, David leads D+R International as President and CEO looking to empower the team to transform tomorrow while opening eyes today. He envisions energy and data solutions that transcend the typical confines of business and ideology. He has managed parts of the ENERGY STAR program, served as vice president of government affairs for Maytag Corp, and progressed through many levels of business management at The Timken Company. David earned his BA from Ashland University and his MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He loves vacations with his wife and son, enjoys watching his son play basketball and guitar, and thrives when playing the piano, reading historical biographies and leading people in their faith journeys. And, Jim Gaffigan is still the funniest comedian alive.

Emily Phan-Gruber – Senior Director of Programs

As Senior Director of Programs, Emily is responsible for overseeing the D+R’s projects and programs, including directing and expanding project work, working with clients to understand their needs, ensuring delivery of high quality service, and managing staff resources. She also provides guidance, oversight, and support for the Attachments Energy Rating Council. She regularly presents at energy conferences and events to highlight the energy savings opportunities of window attachments. In her eight years at D+R, Emily has managed a variety of programs including support for EPA’s ENERGY STAR lighting programs, the DLC policy and specification development efforts, projects for Efficiency Vermont, SMUD, and NEEA, as well as windows and window attachment research and deployment efforts on behalf of DOE. Emily earned her BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and her MPA/MAIR from Syracuse University. In the morning, Emily enjoys going for a run with her dog, followed by a cup of coffee.

Dan Vida – Director of Data Intelligence

As Director of Data Intelligence, Dan translates new ideas into marketable solutions and ensures service offerings are fully developed before moving forward in the business development to programs project lifecycle. He also provides strategic oversight of D+R’s DRIVE framework and internal trainings on analytic methods. Dan brings over a decade of experience working with distributors, manufacturers, contractors, utilities, and associations furthering their market data and building science analysis programs. Dan also frequently presents at industry association conferences, providing valuable insights into current product trends for electrical, HVAC, and buildings related equipment. When Dan’s not in the office, you can find him hiking or otherwise enjoying the great outdoors, usually with camera in hand.

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.

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.

Toby Swope – Senior Director of Industry Groups

As Senior Director of Industry Groups, Toby leads the application of D+R’s DRIVE framework, focusing on helping industry sectors and associations solve for their most pressing problems. Toby brings over a decade of experience in developing and deploying strategic solutions to a variety of industries, with a specialization in market intelligence, data harmonization, and software application development. He believes that building deep relationships and applying end-to-end solutions best helps his clients succeed. 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 travelling, and spending time with his wife and kids.

Brian Booher – Manager of Sales and Marketing

Brian is responsible for planning and implementing sales, marketing, and product development efforts targeting new and existing markets. Brian’s expertise includes energy efficiency, data analysis, wholesale distribution, windows, water heating, and electric vehicles. Brian graduated from Dickinson College and has a Master’s of Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. In his free time, Brian loves to snowboard, eat good food, and play board games.

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.

Shannon Christie – Program Manager

As a Program Manager, Shannon oversees a portfolio of data-oriented projects for D+R and helps set the direction and management of the Program Team. She directly manages D+R’s support to the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (NEEA) Reduced Wattage Lamp Replacement (RWLR) and Seattle City Light initiatives aimed at transforming the commercial lighting market, as well as the National Electrical Distributors Association (NAED) Market Data program. As Program Manager, she works directly with clients to set the strategic direction of programs, directs the execution of programs in her portfolio, and oversees the day-to-day operations of project teams. Shannon also provides support to the EPA ENERGY STAR enforcement program, NEEA’s Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) initiative, and the Attachments Energy Rating Council. A Philadelphia native, Shannon is perpetually in search of the best cup of coffee and planning her next adventure

Meredith Donate, PHR – 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.

Sheila Flick – Senior Program Manager

As a Senior Program Manager at D+R, Sheila manages Software Development and is the lead for D+R’s support of the DesignLights Consortium® program. She manages the team of technical reviewers and project managers performing analysis of LED lighting products for promoting 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 (HP). 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 data events in the DC area.

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.

Peggy Rivera – Director of Contracts

For over 18 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.

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.

Jenna Winer – Program Manager

As a Program Manager, Jenna oversees a portfolio of market research and engagement projects for D+R and helps set direction and management of the Program Team. Jenna primarily supports the DesignLights Consortium® (DLC) program— overseeing the application review team and application review process, as well as supporting the DLC team in determining solutions that arise from technical and policy related issues associated with the application review process. Jenna also manages D+R’s work as the Independent Administrator and Data Aggregator for three Voluntary Agreements centered around the energy efficiency of set-top boxes and small network equipment: the Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Set-Top Boxes, the Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Small Network Equipment, and the Canadian Energy Efficiency Voluntary Agreement. In this role, she oversees the coordination with stakeholders on each program to collect yearly shipment data, report on the successes of the Agreement, conduct audits of service providers, and assess the results of verification testing. Jenna holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Geography from the George Washington University. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys skiing and searching for the best IPA.