NCSEA Staff
Ivan Urlaub, MEM, MPP, Executive Director
Ivan Urlaub brings twelve years of state, U.S. and international experience in resolving policy, finance and economics challenges to the sustainable provision and use of energy and water. Considered to be one of the Southeast's top experts on turning our energy challenges into opportunities through public policy, Urlaub has been at the forefront of creating state policy and market drivers that are enabling the Southeast region's transition to a more sustainable energy economy. He serves on the NC Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change, the Charlotte USA New Energy Capital Industry Committee, and as an advisor to numerous governmental and economic development working groups. Urlaub is also the founding president of the Triangle Chapter of the Society for International Development. Urlaub is an alumnus of Leadership North Carolina and holds a B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Studies from the George Washington University and a Master of Environmental Management and Master of Public Policy from Duke University.
Paul Quinlan, MEM, MPP, Deputy Director and Strategic Projects
Paul Quinlan brings several years experience to the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. As NCSEA's Deputy Director and Strategic Projects, Quinlan leads several of NCSEA's policy, market development, and fundraising initiatives. Examples of Quinlan's leadership include his role in the NC Wind Working Group and leading NCSEA's new workforce development program. Quinlan's economics research into the problem of energy poverty in North Carolina has increased awareness of the need for greater weatherization and energy efficiency assistance for over 150,000 low-income households across our State. Quinlan has been with NCSEA since 2006. Quinlan holds both a Master of Public Policy and Master of Environmental Management from Duke University.
Julie Robinson, Marketing and Communications Director
Julie Robinson has more than 13 years of communications, marketing, legislative and public policy experience in Raleigh and Washington, DC. Before joining NCSEA, Robinson worked in the Speaker's office at the NC General Assembly and for U.S. House Minority Leaders Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Dick Gephardt (D-MO), U.S. Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA) and U.S. Rep. Jim Turner (D-TX).
At NCSEA, Robinson oversees all marketing and communications efforts to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development. She coordinates many of NCSEA's events, including educational forums and trainings, networking receptions and fundraisers, the annual membership meeting, and Green Building & Solar Tours across NC each October. She also oversees NCSEA's membership and donor development programs and assists with legislative activities. Robinson majored in Journalism (Public Relations) and Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Cristina Starr, Education & Outreach Manager
Cristina Starr leads NCSEA's outreach and education efforts and executes events across NC for all of the organization's events, conferences, webinars and training sessions. Cristina brings over ten years experience in event planning, graphic design, and sales. Before coming to NCSEA, Cristina lived and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area and was exposed first-hand to many elements of sustainable energy efforts. Cristina has degrees in business management from the University of Phoenix and in graphic design from The Art Institute of Dallas.
Kurt J. Olson, JD, Staff Counsel
Kurt Olson is a North Carolina licensed attorney with 26 years experience in environmental law, administrative law and various related practices. He began his career in Washington D.C. working for several prominent law firms but moved to North Carolina in 1995 to be with family joining the area's oldest and most recognized firm, Maupin Taylor, P.A. He has participated in numerous major rulemakings, including U.S. EPA's lead phase down program, and has litigated cases involving multi-million dollar issues in federal courts. He now routinely appears at all levels of the state courts in North Carolina. Kurt is a graduate of the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University in Washington D.C., graduating with the highest grade point average in his class.
Kurt is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court Of Appeals for the 4th Circuit (among others) and all federal and state courts in North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia. He has been selected by his peers to be listed in the Best Lawyers in America and North Carolina's Legal Elite. Kurt is extremely pleased to be with NCSEA and looks forward to working on the very important and timely issues pursued by the organization.
Rich Crowley, MEM, CD, Manager of Market Research
Rich Crowley joined NCSEA full time after graduating from Duke University in spring of 2010. Crowley heads up the annual Industry Census and works on supply-chain analysis and biomass policy initiatives. Crowley has significant experience utilizing Geographic Information Systems in analyzing energy project dynamics including biomass fuel logistics for combined heat and power applications, and wind energy potential at off-shore energy extraction sites. Crowley also has experience in statistical analysis and energy modeling. Crowley received his B.A. in Environmental Policy from Colby College in 2005, and holds a Masters of Environmental Management, as well as a Certificate Degree in Geospatial Analysis, from Duke University.
Nichole Campbell, Office Manager
Nichole Campbell brings over 40 years of office experience to NCSEA. Campbell provides internal administrative support, records management, manages accounting functions, and attends to the association's day-to-day office needs. Prior to joining in NCSEA in the fall of 2007, Campbell worked as a bookkeeper at various offices and as a junior accountant for American Electric Power. She also has 14 years experience as a claim analyst for re-insurance companies. In addition to her extensive office experience, Campbell spent 3 years as a Microsoft Office Instructor.
Campbell holds an Associate in Business from the College of Staten Island. She also has studied further in accounting and economics. Campbell is also certified in the following areas: Microsoft Office, Master Gardening, and she completed the Microsoft Certified Engineer Training (MSCE). In her free time Campbell loves to take care of her dog, garden, dance, and spend time with friends and family.
Patsy Paliotta, Administrative & Member Services Assistant
Patsy Paliotta has 10 years of Administrative Assistant experience in the environmental field. Before coming to NCSEA, Patsy worked with the Green Building Alliance, Clear Corps, Reedy Creek Nature Park, Habitat Assessment Restoration Program and the Mecklenburg County Recycling Department. His major involvement was with the recycling department where he produced recycling outreach programs, helped further business recycling, implemented school recycling programs in Charlotte, and supported county litter programs. Patsy is Mecklenburg County Master Composter Certified, Carolina Recycling Association Recycling Coordinator Certified, American Community Gardner Certified and is also a fan of the Rocky Mountain Institute. He also does Personal Training part-time.
