THE 1ST ANNUAL
MUNICIPAL-ACADEMIA COOPERATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION
AND THE 5TH ANNUAL
MASON ENERGY FORUM
Thank you to all who joined us for the 2023 MACCA-MEF Conference!
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY SCHAR SCHOOL OF POLICY AND GOVERNMENT
About
The first annual Municipal-Academia Cooperation for Climate Action (MACCA) and the fifth annual Mason Energy Forum (MEF) seeks to empower ideas that advance local climate innovations and collaboration through a learning community of engaged municipalities, universities, and partners. This free conference brings together academics, industry professionals, and local leaders to develop effective pathways for collaboration on energy and climate action. Whether through engaging panel discussions, multiple networking sessions, or conversations with students about their research posters, the 2023 MACCA-MEF Conference is a place to connect and empower ideas for the future.
Welcome
Dr. Mark Ginsberg, Provost and Executive Vice President, George Mason University
Dr. Richard Alley, Evan Pugh University Professor of Geoscience, Penn State University
Presentation
Keynote Address
The Honorable Richard “Rip” Sullivan, Jr., Commonwealth of Virginia House of Delegates
State/Federal Agencies working with Universities to Engage with Local Communities for Successful Climate Action Planning
Andrea Denny, Local Energy and Environment Program Lead, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Presentation
Thomas Ballou, Air Data and Program Manager, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Presentation
Christopher Nafe, Energy Program Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Presentation
Moderated by Brandi Robinson, PSU
Developing the Right Toolbox for University-Community Engagement
Dr. Franklin Egan, Chief Climate Strategist, Clear Climate Strategies
Craig Beavers, Assistant City Planner and Sustainability Coordinator, City of Scranton
Bill Eger, Climate Policy Officer, Arlington County
Pam Adams, Sustainability Planner, Centre Regional Planning Agency
Moderated by Peter Buck, PSU
Engaging Communities for Climate Resilience
Dr. Jessica Whitehead, Executive Director, Old Dominion University Institute for Coastal Adaptation & Resilience
Presentation
Lara Fowler, Chief Sustainability Officer, Penn State University
Presentation
Demetra McBride, Bureau Chief, Arlington County Office of Sustainability
Presentation
Moderated by Dr. Jim Kinter, GMU
Building Institutional Capacity – Educating Students to Work in the Municipal Climate and Energy Space
Olivia McMahon, Undergraduate Student, Penn State University
Presentation
Victoria Glasgow, Graduate Student, George Mason University
Jonathan Smith, Graduate Student, Penn State University
Presentation
Elliot Meyer, Graduate Student, George Mason University
Presentation
Moderated by Paul Bubbosh, GMU
Download the Conference Agenda
Cohosts
