Your Energy Team

Tara Acton joined PowerOptions in 2025 as the Organizational Effectiveness Associate, supporting effective operations and strategic initiatives across the organization. She collaborates across teams to strengthen processes and champion continuous improvement, ensuring PowerOptions can deliver maximum value to its members.

She brings over 20 years of experience in program management, organizational strategy, and enterprise change. At Pathfinder International, she spent more than a decade supporting country programs across Africa, Asia and Latin America before transitioning into an enterprise organizational effectiveness role. There, she led ambitious transformation initiatives, including operationalizing decentralized operating model, aligning strategic priorities across 16 countries, and advancing enterprise-wide performance management.

Earlier in her career, Tara served as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, where she partnered with the local mayor’s office to increase citizen participation and strengthen trust and transparency in local government.

Tara also serves on the board of the Rwenzori Center for Research and Advocacy (RCRA) in Uganda, supporting community-driven development and advocacy. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Trinity College and a Bachelor’s degree from Assumption College.

Passionate about mission-driven work, Tara is energized by helping organizations operate more effectively so they can better serve their communities. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Tina is the Chief Executive Officer at PowerOptions. Her long-standing connection to PowerOptions and distinguished career in the energy sector uniquely positioned her to lead the organization into its next chapter. As President and CEO of CMC Energy Services, she led the growth strategy that transitioned the company from regional to national, and while president and COO of Conservation Services Group (acquired by CLEAResult), she oversaw a period of tremendous advancement, building their team’s capability to support innovation, growth, and improved service delivery. Tina’s collaborative leadership style and her ability to build strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders have been key to her success, and she has consistently championed initiatives that align with PowerOptions’ mission, ensuring affordability, resilience, and sustainability for a wide range of stakeholders.

Alanna is the Director of Commodity and Member Relations at PowerOptions, where she spearheads the strategic implementation and management of our electricity and gas commodity programs. She leads a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing member value and forging robust relationships with program suppliers.

Before joining PowerOptions, Alanna was at Enel North America, where she managed key commercial and industrial accounts with a focus on demand response and renewable energy initiatives. Her role involved strategic collaboration with executives and operational teams to achieve ambitious energy and revenue goals.

Alanna’s extensive career also encompasses two decades in non-profit management and fundraising. She has significantly contributed to organizations dedicated to advocacy, the arts, conservation, and education. Notable positions include leading fundraising and engagement efforts at Olin College of Engineering, serving as the Director of Community Relations at Shady Hill School, and acting as the Director of Development at Harvey Mudd College.

Alanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA from Simmons University. Originally from Massachusetts, she now resides in Portland, ME, with her wife and three children. In her free time, Alanna enjoys exploring local trails with her dog, indulging in the local food and beverage scene, and staying connected to the ocean.

Anna Brackenhofer is a dynamic professional with a passion for advancing sustainable energy solutions and creating a positive impact in the world. As an Energy Program Analyst at PowerOptions, she is instrumental in driving the implementation of state-funded grants and enabling the electrification of numerous nonprofit fleets. Anna’s expertise extends beyond fleet electrification as she conducts comprehensive fleet assessments, providing well-informed recommendations for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. Her analytical skills also serve in identifying and implementing cost-effective solutions for PowerOptions Members, leveraging her knowledge of energy, utility, fleet, and electrical infrastructure data.

Prior to her role at PowerOptions, Anna honed her skills in clean transportation and energy consulting as a Senior Associate Consultant at GNA (a TRC Company). There, she successfully secured grant funding for a leading truck manufacturer, showcasing her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and secure critical resources for clients. Her expertise in market research and policy analysis allowed her to develop high-quality reports on advanced clean truck regulations, offering actionable insights for her clients. Her ability to analyze market data and develop growth strategies also played an important role in restructuring vendor responsibilities, resulting in increased profitability during her internship at Amazon.

Anna’s academic background further strengthens her professional acumen. With a Master of Public Affairs from Brown University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Management from Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule, she combines a global perspective with a deep understanding of data science, statistics, and policy analysis. Beyond her professional achievements, Anna is a committed leader and advocate for positive change. During her time as a Graduate Student Council Representative at Brown University, she demonstrated her ability to collaborate and drive meaningful initiatives within the academic community. Additionally, she served as a refugee mentor, supporting individuals seeking new beginnings in their host countries. Anna’s multilingual abilities (English, German, French) enable her to bridge cultural gaps and connect with diverse stakeholders worldwide. Outside of her professional pursuits, Anna finds joy in exploring new cultures, languages, and music genres. Her love for exploration has taken her to over 30 countries, allowing her to appreciate the diversity of cultures and environments around the globe.

Dan Lesser leads the SolarShare Program at PowerOptions, a community solar initiative that lowers Member energy costs while expanding access to clean energy for local residents. He brings ten years of experience developing new business models in renewables and distributed energy, including roles in strategy, partnerships, and commercial operations at Enel X, Voltus, and ADL Ventures. At Voltus, he supported the launch of PJM’s first bring-your-own-thermostat program and built partnerships that enabled EV charging, storage, and demand response to participate in wholesale electricity markets. 

Dan was a 2022 Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) Fellow, graduated from Bowdoin College, and is completing an MPA in Sustainability at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, focusing on energy justice and community-centered solutions. 

He lives in Cambridge, MA, with his wife, and enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, and rock climbing, as well as growing sunflowers and seeking out the best dark chocolate. 

Erin Camp, PhD, is the Energy Sustainability and Analytics Program Manager at PowerOptions. She is leading the design and execution of PowerOptions’ new program that provides sustainability advisory and data analytics services to our members.

Erin has a decade of professional experience as an energy consultant, researcher, and analyst working in the sustainable energy transition space. Her areas of expertise include electrification of buildings and transportation, renewable energy and energy storage technologies, emissions inventories, and energy economics and policy. Prior to joining PowerOptions, she worked as a senior consultant at Synapse Energy Economics, where she served as a project manager and energy analyst for non-profit and government clients. Before Synapse, Erin worked at the Cadmus Group for public-sector clients on strategic electrification and energy policies and programs.

Erin earned a PhD in Geological Sciences from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Amherst College in Massachusetts.

In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, doing yoga, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

As a recent graduate from Boston University, I am passionate about working towards a sustainable future for everyone. As a previous PowerOptions intern, now a Junior Energy Data Analyst, I will continue to contribute to the Energy Sustainability and Analytics team to deliver Building Decarbonization Roadmaps as well as report on energy usage for building benchmarking and performance standards. I am excited to be working with a passionate and mission-driven team, look forward to making a positive impact on our Members.

Michelle Gardner works with PowerOptions’ Energy Advisory Team as an Energy Data Analyst, where she aids in providing members with sustainable energy solutions through data analytic services.

Michelle has a diverse background ranging from microbiological research and design to local energy tracking and reporting. During her professional career, she has worked as an infectious disease researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, while simultaneously completing a Master’s degree at Harvard in Sustainability and Environmental Management. She has also worked as an Energy Analyst for the City of Cambridge, MA, where she supported the City’s Net Zero Action Plan through detailed energy reporting, tracking, and analysis.

Michelle has also been an active member in her community, working with local non-profit organizations such as Seaside Sustainability in Gloucester, MA, and Operation P.E.A.C.E. and Friendship Works both in Boston, MA. She is grateful to continue to serve her community by assisting the members of PowerOptions’.

Outside of working and volunteering, Michelle enjoys spending her free time embracing all of what New England has to offer. She can be found running on the Charles River after work, hiking/climbing in the White Mountains, biking on Cape Cod, surfing on the NH seacoast, or skiing in the Green Mountains with family and friends on weekends!

Fehr Gillett is a Junior Alternative Fuels Analyst, where she supports the Solar and Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Programs.

Fehr graduated from Bucknell University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Public Policy. During her time on campus, Fehr was one of the first student ambassadors to the Bucknell Center for Sustainability and the Environment. She played a critical role in bringing awareness to the campus body about sustainability initiatives and how to lower the campus carbon footprint.

Fehr started with PowerOptions as an intern in the Energy, Sustainability, and Analytics program and continued her internship part time throughout her senior year. During her internship, she provided support on Building Decarbonization Roadmaps, Fleet Electrification Roadmaps, and more ESA projects. She is excited to continue to contribute to the PowerOptions mission on the Alternative Fuels team.

In her free time, Fehr Enjoys spending time with family and friends, and getting outdoors whenever she can.

Sophia Gosselin-Smoske joined the PowerOptions team in June of 2024. As the Regulatory and Policy Analyst, she is responsible for keeping PowerOptions and its members informed on the latest local, state, and federal policies, regulations, and funding opportunities in the energy sector.

Sophia, a recent 2024 graduate of Endicott College, holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Political Science. Her campus involvement was extensive, highlighted by her work for Endicott’s Office of Sustainability. Starting as an intern, Sophia researched carbon offsets and conducted the college’s 2021 greenhouse gas inventory. Her dedication led to a permanent position as the Research and DEIB Student Fellow, where she completed projects such as educational initiatives on sustainability, a subsequent greenhouse gas inventory, and founded Endicott’s first environmental justice working group. Beyond Endicott, Sophia gained valuable experience during her internship at the Reading Municipal Light Department, where she worked on emissions reporting, case study development, and presentations on energy equity and offshore wind. She was asked to extend her internship to assist with preparing a federal grant application through the DOE.

In her free time, Sophia can be found enjoying the company of her friends and family, being outside and active in any way she can, or traveling when possible.

Walter Gray is a Program Director at PowerOptions and assists Members with all stages of their solar and electric vehicle charging (“EVC”) projects. Walter also works with the program suppliers on program design and implementation to continually adapt the programs to changes in the market – ensuring that projects for PowerOptions Members maximize the available incentives, and fit each Member’s unique circumstances.

In addition to his work with the Solar and EVC Programs, Walter also has a role in the Electricity and Natural Gas programs where he helps inform and educate Members on the markets, and helps them make purchasing decisions about supply contracts.

Walter graduated from Skidmore College with a major in economics, a minor in business, and focus on mathematics. Walter lives in Salem, MA with his wife, dog, and two kids – when he’s not busy with the kids, he’s usually at his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, watching the Celtics, or working on projects around the house.

Zach is PowerOptions’ Senior Energy Markets Analyst and leads PowerOptions’ Commodity program. In his role, Zach helps PowerOptions members properly navigate the complexities of the New England electricity and natural gas markets. He helps members and staff stay up to date with current trends in these markets and helps members create successful energy purchasing strategies to best meet their goals. He also ensures that members are well informed about new energy policies and market changes and how to best address them.

Zach has more than half a decade of energy markets and sustainability experience across the US. He has helped manage relationships and energy and sustainability purchasing strategies and budgeting for numerous hospital systems, real estate trusts, cities and towns, and large industrial customers. He has also helped customers maneuver energy market rules and program changes across ISO-NE, NYISO, PJM, ERCOT, and CAISO. Prior to joining PowerOptions, Zach worked as a Senior Energy Markets and Sustainability Analyst at Veolia North America where he managed a number of large and diverse clients. Before Veolia, Zach worked at Enel Green Power as an Energy Trading Analyst trading energy from wind assets and at Competitive Energy Services as an Energy Analyst assisting customers analyze their energy data and procurement strategies.

Zach holds a Master of Science in Energy Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he did extensive research on flow batteries and their economic viability. In his free time, he writes for the Android Police tech blog and enjoys spending time outside, cardio kickboxing, and playing board games with friends and family.

Claire Kokoska is the Project Manager for PowerOptions Energy Sustainability and Analytics (ESA) team. She manages and administers initiatives and assists members with consulting and other ESA program services.

Claire specializes in developing and implementing sustainability programs for public entities, including school districts and municipalities, in collaboration with community-based organizations. Before joining PowerOptions, she developed energy efficiency projects and advised on financing and incentive options and strategic climate planning with municipal and nonprofit clients at RISE Group, Inc. Prior to that, Claire spent five years working with Sustainable Westchester, a nonprofit consortium of 45 Westchester County municipalities, providing sustainability programing and clean energy solutions to the region and prioritizing EJ and disadvantaged communities. As Solar Programs Manager, she implemented community solar and solar procurement programs via coordinated municipal campaigns.

Claire earned her Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Union College. A recent Bostonion by way of Rhode Island, Claire can be found on the tennis courts, at the athenaeum, or volunteering with a nonprofit that supports girls’ STEM education in Rwanda.

Jahnavi Mahindra is an Alternative Fuel Analyst at PowerOptions, where she supports the Solar and Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Programs. She assists in project planning, financing, and implementation. Additionally, she monitors new technologies, incentives, and federal and state-level policy developments, to aid Members in determining the best solution for their needs. Jahnavi graduated from Columbia University with a Master’s Degree in Applied Analytics; while at Northeastern University as an undergraduate, she majored in Supply Chain Management with a minor in business analytics. She is passionate about leveraging data and analytics to accelerate the energy transition. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the bike paths of Boston and is most likely planning her next skiing or diving adventure.

A proud 2019 Arizona State University graduate from the East Coast, Lemar stays close to his roots by following his favorite sports teams. He comes to us with strong experience in business communications and working on cross-functional teams, which will come in handy as he joins the Member Manager team at PowerOptions to support member outreach and contracting. His role will help us all to better serve our Members.

As Senior Account Manager, Rita Moran supports PowerOptions members in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Central and Western Massachusetts.

Prior to joining PowerOptions, Rita worked for National Grid for more than 30 years in various customer-centric roles. Her background includes leading commercial and industrial customer management, municipal storm and outage communications, RI and MA PUC/DPU consumer division issues, electric and gas construction facilitation, energy efficiency, and smart grid/grid modernization, including establishing the Worcester Sustainability Hub and supporting development of the Rhode Island Energy Innovation Hub. During her time at National Grid, Rita worked extensively to support the energy service and efficiency needs of customers.

Rita is active in the business community and previously held leadership positions with multiple groups, including the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce as Treasurer, Better Business Bureau of Central New England as Board Chair, and the Regional Research Bureau as Vice Chair.

Rita is a proud parent of a Providence College Friar and an avid marathoner, with 10 marathons under her belt, including 5 Boston and 1 New York City, and she looks forward to participating in the Narragansett ½ marathon.

Rita received her BA at Wellesley College in Economics and French, and earned her MBA at Clark University.

Sharon Palermo joins PowerOptions with a decade of experience building effective, scalable marketing strategies that connect organizations with the resources they need. She has a proven track record of transforming complex ideas into clear, accessible communications and programs that deliver measurable value. At PowerOptions, Sharon will use her expertise to strengthen how we engage with members, ensuring they can easily access the full range of energy solutions, education, and support we provide to help them meet their goals.

Outside of her professional life, Sharon is a force for good. As a CrossFit and powerlifting coach, she is dedicated to giving back, volunteering to coach NH Special Olympics athletes and helping them build confidence, strength, and a healthy mindset. When she’s not at the gym or in the office, you can find her hiking the NH White Mountains, exploring trails in the Southwest, or enjoying gravel rides. Sharon holds an MBA from Rivier University.

Swarnav Pujari has accumulated nearly a decade of experience in the climate technology and energy industry as a researcher, engineer, and founder. Currently, as the Director of New Program Development at PowerOptions, he leverages his expertise to develop and launch new programs and solutions that address the most pressing needs and challenges of the organization’s Members.

Swarnav possesses a strong track record of building and launching various products across climate sectors. Prior to joining PowerOptions, he founded a climate media company that conducted due diligence and screened early-stage climate companies for investors and corporations.

Swarnav finds joy in building, exploring, and experiencing new things. He enjoys going down rabbit holes to learn about the frontiers of technology and traveling to new places to experience different cultures.

Tricia Rush joined the PowerOptions team in October 2007. In her role as Senior Account Manager, Tricia advises existing and prospective customers on the electricity and natural gas programs offered by PowerOptions. With her finger on the pulse of the ever fluctuating energy markets, Tricia provides up to the minute electricity and natural gas quotes, assisting customers in devising their energy purchasing strategies. She is the front line interface of the organization with customers, handling all their inquiries and explaining the advantages and benefits of PowerOptions.

Prior to joining Power Options, Tricia gained valuable finance, sales and customer service experience with both State Street Bank and the Aramark Corporation. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts where she studied Business, with a concentration in Finance.

In her spare time, Tricia enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, reading, and exercising.

Jonathan Stout joined PowerOptions in 2024 as the Director of Market Development, entrusted with spearheading innovative market strategies to further support Member organizations’ efforts to achieve a more affordable, resilient, and sustainable energy future.

His professional journey began in project management, specializing in the intricacies of healthcare and higher education construction projects. Jonathan’s early career emphasis on engineering quality control and project coordination laid a solid foundation. As the small firm grew, his responsibilities evolved to encompass developing company standards, energy analysis, and utility incentive coordination for intricate energy efficiency efforts within healthcare settings.

Upon joining Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in 2021 as the Sustainability & Energy Engineer, Jonathan orchestrated energy efficiency endeavors, revamped the Institute’s Strategic Energy Master Plan, and presided over the Institute’s Sustainability Committee. Beyond DFCI’s confines, he actively engaged in various municipal and state coalitions, advocating for clean energy policies tailored to the unique needs of healthcare facilities.

Recognized for his expertise, Jonathan was appointed to the Massachusetts Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) in June 2023, serving as a representative for large commercial and industrial end-use customers. The GMAC’s mandate includes evaluating and offering recommendations on the electric-sector modernization plans (ESMPs) proposed by Massachusetts’ investor-owned electric distribution companies (EDCs).

Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Northeastern University. Outside of work, he channels his energy into coaching Ultimate Frisbee for Brown University, New England Scoop, and Boston Glory. An avid plant-based runner, Jonathan can often be found training throughout the South Shore where he resides with his fiancé and their two beloved cattle dogs.