Staff

As NCSEA’s Executive Director, Matt Abele helps to drive the internal and external strategies necessary to implement successful policy solutions designed to transform North Carolina’s energy market. In his role, Matt works with members, partners, and staff to align priorities and build collective momentum around pathways designed to decarbonize the electricity, transportation, and building sectors. In addition, Matt serves as the host and producer of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast – a production that has driven brand recognition and attention to the organization from across the country. 

Prior to joining NCSEA, Matt worked with numerous national and regional clean energy non-profit organizations, helping to implement communications, marketing, and policy strategies. Matt holds a Master’s degree in Communication from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Technology from Appalachian State University. Additionally, Matt holds a Certificate in Renewable Energy Management along with a NABCEP Entry Level PV Installer Certification. 

As Regulatory & Legal Counsel, Ethan works to advance clean energy policies at the NC Utilities Commission and other policy-making venues— providing NCSEA with legal analysis of clean energy policy and supporting clean energy’s advancement in the state’s regulatory landscape, while also ensuring organizational legal protection and compliance.

Ethan previously represented four environmental justice and indigenous rights organizations before the NC Utility Commission during the development of North Carolina’s inaugural Carbon Plan. Ethan also co-founded and ran Good Solar, a 501(c)(3) that created renewable energy solutions for nonprofit organizations and low- and moderate-income communities. Born and raised in Charlotte and the North Carolina mountains, Ethan graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Environmental Studies, and an Economics minor. He graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law with Honors before working as a fellow at the Center for Climate, Energy, Environment, and Economics (CE3) at UNC Law.

As Chief of Policy Strategy and Innovation, Josh works across NCSEA’s programmatic areas to ensure efforts are designed to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives of decarbonizing North Carolina’s energy-intensive sectors and delivering the associated economic opportunities to the state. In support of this goal, Josh collaborates with NCSEA’s coalition of partners, members, and funders to articulate and drive proactive policies.

Josh has held numerous consulting, power developer, and utility roles throughout his career. Most notably, Josh previously served as chief of staff to Amory Lovins, founder, and former Chief Scientist of RMI, a world-leading energy and economy think tank. There, Josh focused on integrative design across the energy-intensive sectors as well as utility business model innovation and energy regulatory reform. Prior to his work with NCSEA, Josh worked with utility system developer WayBright to deploy innovative technologies for municipal systems across the U.S.

Today, along with his work with NCSEA, Josh serves as an advisor to multiple nonprofits and climate tech startups. 

As NCSEA’s Policy Analyst, Hannah carries out research, analysis, and writing to expand and deepen NCSEA’s regulatory, legislative, and overall public policy efforts. On a daily basis, Hannah assists the Policy Team with monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, developing NCSEA’s policy positions and priorities, and communicating policy developments and trends internally and externally

Hannah received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Political Science with a minor in Spanish for the Legal Professions from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

NCSEA’s Market Intelligence Specialist, Jeremiah Carey is responsible for developing, updating and maintaining NCSEA market intelligence assets. In this role, Jeremiah manages and develops Excel and Access databases, as well as geographic information systems (GIS), to collect, organize and warehouse clean energy data. This data is then translated into highly valuable, current snapshots of clean energy activity in our state. 

Jerry holds a degree in Geospatial Technology from Central Piedmont Community College. 

With over two decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Karen Gardner specializes in building the organizational foundations that allow mission-driven teams to thrive. As NCSEA’s HR and Operations Consultant, Karen’s work focuses on the intersection of human resources and business operations. She manages a variety of projects that help to ensure internal systems and processes are efficient and strategically aligned with NCSEA’s organizational goals.

Prior to her consulting role, Karen held leadership positions at NCSEA, Advanced Energy Corporation, and Novozymes North America. She also served as an Advisor with the Executive Service Corps of the Triangle. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and a Leader in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion certificate from the University of Utah. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and kayaking, and is an avid Carolina Hurricane’s fan.

As NCSEA’s Associate Regulatory Counsel, Nick utilizes legal knowledge and skills to support and advance NCSEA’s policy positions at the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC) and in other legal venues. Through research, drafting, advocacy, and analysis, Nick promotes clean energy solutions to help improve North Carolina’s energy future. 

Nick previously clerked for the trial court system in North Carolina as a judicial fellow. Before that, he interned with Duke Energy and NCUC. From High Point, NC, Nick graduated from the UNC Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications. After working for a few years as a paralegal, he graduated from Campbell University School of Law.

As NCSEA’s Marketing and Events Specialist, Destiny works cross-departmentally to create newsletters, develop email campaigns, and maintain websites. She also plans and executes events to increase awareness of NCSEA’s missions and goals.

Destiny is a Colorado transplant and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University. In her spare time, she enjoys scouting out all the hidden gems in the Raleigh area – from restaurants to greenways.

As Government Affairs Manager for NCSEA and NCSEA’s Leadership Fund, Rhett Johnson works closely with lawmakers at the NC General Assembly to drive effective, consumer-centric policy solutions across North Carolina’s energy landscape. In his role, Rhett engages with NCSEA members, coalition partners, and internal staff to identify legislative priorities and educate members of the NC House and Senate on ways to decarbonize the electricity, transportation, and building sectors.

Prior to joining NCSEA, Rhett spent seven years in Washington, D.C., as a lobbyist for the National Propane Gas Association and as Government Affairs Manager for the law firm Jones Walker LLP. Rhett holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in history, from UNC Charlotte. 

As NCSEA’s Director of Engagement, Daniel manages the Engagement Team’s efforts in building key partnerships, facilitating stakeholder initiatives and generating data-driven insights that inform the organization’s policy campaigns. Daniel also works with utilities and advocates to develop customer programs that unlock clean energy for nontraditional markets such as low-to-moderate income residents.  

Daniel worked previously for the UNC Wilmington Sustainability Office and for the then-named NC Cooperative Extension, where he helped manage a residential energy efficiency grant program. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Journalism and Mass Communication and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Daniel lives in Durham and in his spare time, he enjoys reading, running, taking pictures of wildlife and trying his hand at ice hockey. 

As NCSEA’s Senior Regulatory Counsel, Justin manages and coordinates NCSEA’s regulatory advocacy and policy research and analysis to promote clean energy policies at the NC Utilities Commission and other policy-making venues. Providing NCSEA with advanced legal analysis of existing and emerging regulations, Justin supports NCSEA’s policy goals, positions, and desired outcomes — including the deployment of clean energy solutions throughout the state’s regulatory landscape.

Prior to joining NCSEA, Justin worked for a national environmental non-profit and private law firms advocating for the equitable implementation of clean energy solutions, before numerous public utilities commissions, that center community voices and serve the interests of public health, the environment, and all electric energy stakeholders. Justin graduated from Vermont Law & Graduate School with both his Juris Doctor and a Master’s degree in Energy Regulation & Law. Additionally, Justin earned his Bachelor’s degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

As NCSEA’s Accounting Specialist, Kristin Stewart supports the organization’s financial operations by managing day-to-day accounting activities, tracking budgets, and ensuring clear and accurate reporting across the team. She works closely with colleagues and leadership to streamline financial processes, strengthen internal controls, and provide insight that helps to support NCSEA’s program and policy work.

Kristin brings more than a decade of experience in accounting, finance, and operational management across nonprofit and corporate environments. She also has deep experience supporting complex projects and enhancing workflows to improve organizational performance. Kristin holds a B.S. from Virginia Tech, an MBA from Meredith College, and maintains SPHR and PMP certifications.

As NCSEA’s Senior Communications and Events Manager, Taylor Wanbaugh is chief storyteller, crafting news stories, communicating with members, and building advocacy support amongst state and national decisionmakers and stakeholders. She develops content for various communications outreach including newsletters, press releases, marketing materials, social media, and the NCSEA website. She also conceptualizes and leads events to engage with members and the public to help drive NCSEA’s mission.

Prior to joining NCSEA, Taylor worked in the communications world in higher education, journalistic and nonprofit settings. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in Sociology from the University of Missouri. As a North Carolina native, Taylor enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

As NCSEA’s Director of Business Operations, Melissa Wilbur leads the organization’s core business functions—including operations, human resources, information technology, and finance—which serve as the foundational support for NCSEA’s strategic work across North Carolina. In this role, she oversees all aspects of HR operations, financial management, IT systems, administrative services, and vendor and partner contracts. She serves as a strategic thought partner, building trusted relationships both within and outside the organization. In collaboration with the leadership team, she ensures effective stewardship of funding and resources to advance NCSEA’s mission and strategic goals. She is passionate about fostering a strong and supportive internal culture that enables NCSEA staff to thrive in their roles and deliver impact.

Melissa is a Virginia transplant and a devoted Disney superfan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Christopher Newport University and has spent the majority of her career in strategic human resources. Known for her enthusiasm for in-person collaboration, Melissa thrives on connecting with others and building meaningful relationships. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and their pup, volunteering with her church, and, of course, visiting the most magical place on earth.