Meet Our R3 2026 Speakers
Speakers represent several facets of the energy services industry, bringing a wide range of expertise, experience, and perspectives. We are privileged to bring this distinguished group together to share their insights.
More speakers will be announced soon!
Scott Brownholtz
President, Brownholtz & AssociatesThursday, November 19 - Session 3B: How Recruiting Strategies can help the ESCO Market
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Scott is the President of Brownholtz & Associates, where he manages the firm’s competitive energy and Private Equity practice. Since 1997, he has taken a disciplined approach to providing recruiting solutions and advisory services to clients in both the demand-side infrastructure markets and supply-side commodity markets.
Scott is the most trusted voice in our space, actively addressing recruiting, labor and compensation topics at conferences and forums throughout North America. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, DNV/KEMA, Retail Energy Foresight and other industry media outlets.
Scott earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and holds an MS degree in Career Counseling from Sacramento State University. He is a former Board member of Power Association of Northern California and is an active member of the NAESCO, Energy Services Coalition, Association of Energy Engineers, and the American Water Works Association.
Rachel Hartley
M&V Account Executive, Power TakeOffWednesday, November 18 - Session 1B: M&V: Assuring the ESCO Project Works as IntendedRead Bio
Rachel Hartley is an M&V Account Executive at Power TakeOff, where she partners directly with ESCOs, EAAS firms and utilities to simplify, automate, and modernize Measurement & Verification workflows. A certified PMVA and CMVP, Rachel specializes in delivering SaaS-based M&V software and professional services that turn complex data into transparent, defensible savings.
Serving as a trusted advisor on IPMVP and ASHRAE Guideline 14 best practices, she bridges the gap between technical econometric modeling and executive decision-making—helping ESCO partners de-risk projects, streamline performance evaluations, and maximize project value.
Josh Howes
CEO, Walker Blue, LLCWednesday, November 18 - Session 1C: Where does the ESCO industry go after Open Back Better Act
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Josh Howes is the CEO of Walker Blue, LLC, a national leader in energy tax incentives and energy engineering. He is a Professional Engineer licensed in all 50 states and has worked in the energy tax code since 2011, first providing energy modeling services and Section 179D certifications and later founding the firm in 2013 around building energy tax incentives.
Walker's Blue's largest practice today is the Investment Tax Credit, supported by work in domestic content, prevailing wage and apprenticeship compliance, and Section 179D certifications. Beyond setting firm direction, Josh continues to provide oversight and subject matter expertise on ITC and Section 179D studies and stays directly involved with clients.
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James Patrides
Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist, Heat & Frost Insulators Labor Management Cooperative TrustTuesday, November 17 - Pre-Session B: Less Common ESCO Energy Conservation Measures: How to Prioritize Their Inclusion in ProjectsRead Bio
Jim Petrides has over 30 years of experience working with clients in Healthcare, Energy Management, Government, and Nuclear, in both public and private markets throughout North America.
Jim’s extensive education includes a BA in Safety & Environmental Health & Education with multiple certifications & licenses across the US, including those in Construction & Energy Management. His certifications include CEM, CEA, CTII, and CIEA.
During his career, he has performed thousands of energy audits, including Mechanical Insulation Systems and Building Envelope Audits, while serving as President of multiple Mechanical Insulation Companies.
Currently, Jim Petrides serves as a Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist for the Heat & Frost Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust.
Natasha Shah
Senior Vice President of Government Strategy, NAESCOThursday, November 19 - Session 2C: Important Industry News from Capitol Hill
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Natasha Shah is the Senior Vice President of Government Strategy, responsible for implementation and strategy working with the ESCO industry on advocacy, legislation, and industry-related matters at the National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO).
Natasha has over 27 years of experience working in development and execution of energy efficiency and performance contracting, most recently serving as the Senior Vice President and General Manager at NORESCO. In addition, she served as chair of NAESCO’s board of directors from 2015-2018.
Natasha holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University.
Steve Smith
Vice President, Federal Business Unit, Energy Systems Group (ESG)Wednesday, November 19 - Session 3D: Is there opportunity for ESCOs in the Energy as a Service Market?
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Steve has over 20 years of experience in the energy performance contracting industry and has background expertise in industrial building science, energy management, and project financing. As a Vice President for ESG’s Federal Business Unit (FBU), Steve oversees all business activity for the Federal Business.
Steve administers over a team of business development professionals, engineering professionals, construction management professionals, administrative staff, and other personnel. He is also responsible for all of ESG’s enduring service projects. He and his team of managers supervise the development of energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) and utility energy service contracts (UESCs) in support of the federal government’s energy conservation, electrification, carbon reduction and infrastructure modernization needs.
Steve received his MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
River Walk Sponsorships
Awards Luncheon Sponsor
Conference Lanyards
Golf Outing
The Pearl District Sponsorships
Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall - Wednesday
Wi-Fi Sponsor
Mission Trail Sponsorships
Wednesday PM Break
Thursday AM Break
