Devin Petteplace

Senior Manager of Corporate Services

Give us a brief overview of your role.

My role is the lead of GSI’s Corporate Affairs department, which involves managing several areas related to the operation of the organization. The core functions of my role include providing management and oversight for GSI’s internal IT requirements, managing and providing leadership with respect to Corporate Communications and Marketing, including GSI’s social media presence, and managing internal administration, which includes office management and day-to-day and executive administrative operations.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment with GSI was attending the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City. Our parent company, Libra Group, organizes and hosts this conference annually, which brings together heads of state, government officials, and leaders from various key industries to find solutions that address the biggest challenges of our time. This was an amazing opportunity to meet with colleagues from within the Libra ecosystem as well as the chance to attend keynote addresses and seminars hosted by industry leaders from around the globe.

What led you to pursue a career in corporate services management, and more specifically in the renewable energy sector?

I started my career in Provincial government in Ontario, working in the office of a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). These roles require you to become a generalist, juggling a variety of responsibilities and tasks to ensure the member’s office is adequately represented. One of the focuses that I found appealing was communications work, which aligned well with my appreciation for creative writing. Later, when I joined this organization nearly seven years ago, I took on IT responsibilities as well, again learning on the job with the help of a great mentor from our external IT team.

As for what led me to renewable energy, my interest began during my government days when I worked on files related to the government’s ambitious renewable energy policy. That gave me an understanding of the dynamics within the sector and when the opportunity to join a renewables company came to me several years ago, it felt like a natural transition from the public sector to the private sector, allowing me to combine my experience with a field I’m passionate about.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I’ve watched a game at 20 Major League Baseball stadiums (and counting) including 3 that no longer exist. My goal is to watch a game in every team’s park at some point.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I like to stay active as much as possible, playing softball in the summer and lifting weights year-round. I’m also a big fan of entertainment, whether it be music, movies, or sporting events, both on TV and in person. I love watching Jays games in the summer and NFL football during the winter. I also do a lot of reading, both books and online.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

For years, I’ve had a goal of driving down the coast of California from San Francisco to San Diego and catching an MLB game at each Major League Baseball stadium in California while enjoying the views of the Pacific Ocean during the drive.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
• Book: Not Fade Away: A Short Life Well Lived by Laurence Shames and Peter Barton
• Musician: Stone Temple Pilots
• Restaurant (City): Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Rochester)
• Food: Burger
• Sports Team: New England Patriots and Toronto Blue Jays
• City: Chicago, IL

John Clark

Vice President of Finance

Give us a brief overview of your role.

My position is Vice President of Finance. I joined GSI over 5 years ago in 2019. I am responsible for reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and other accounting functions for the GSI accounting and finance team.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

The acquisition of Saturn Power in 2023 was a key initiative to propel GSI forward in the development, construction and operation of solar energy projects and I was excited to be a part of it and the continued growth and success of the company.

What led you to pursue a career in strategic finance, and more specifically in the renewable energy sector?

I pursued accounting and finance in college as it was a path to a focused career with opportunities to work in fast-paced, growth-oriented companies. I spent many years in leading companies in the technology industry and was excited to begin a career with GSI in the renewable energy sector which is growing rapidly and making a positive impact on our environment and planet.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I was a military brat who was born in the Greater London area of England and included living in the Panama Canal Zone which helped shape my curiosities.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I spend my time with my wife and three sons which includes going to their baseball, football and track events. We as a family also go to minor and major league baseball games locally and in different cities when traveling. We also spend as much time as possible at the beaches near us or on vacation.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I would like to visit Ireland with my wife and kids. I visited as a baby but that hardly counts.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark
• Book: Without Remorse by Tom Clancy
• Musician: Bob Marley
• Restaurant (City): Lombardi’s (New York City)
• Food: Pizza
• Sports Team: New York Yankees and New York Giants
• City: Rome, Italy

Tyson Zehr

Director of Project Finance

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I lead GSI’s strategic capital team, focusing on financial assessments of acquisition opportunities, developing complex models for bids and investments, and raising capital by securing equity and debt financing. I joined Saturn in 2017 as an intern while attending the Ivey School of Business and signed on full-time after graduation.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment was when we won the Iyuhána PPA. That moment was the culmination of years of hard work and relationship-building by the team, while also signaling great things to come as we moved forward together as one unified team under GSI following the Saturn acquisition. Being selected as the preferred proponent was a major achievement and a testament to our collective efforts both pre and post-acquisition.

What led you to pursue a career in strategic finance, and more specifically in the renewable energy sector?

In university, I had a professor who encouraged us to ‘find a wave and ride it,’ meaning we should identify an emerging industry and grow with it to become experts. Having previously worked in rooftop solar construction; I was already familiar with the solar industry. I realized that battery storage could be the key to solving the challenges of fluctuating solar energy production. So, when battery energy storage started to gain traction, it really caught my interest. At the time, Saturn was just starting to investigate batteries and their numerous use cases, and when the opportunity came to join the Energy Storage team, I jumped on it.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I spent a summer in Italy and Greece studying… English.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I spend most of my free time playing sports and travelling. I play fastpitch, hockey and volleyball. My goal is to travel to Europe once a year. My last trip was to Italy, and next on my list is Switzerland.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I would love to do a batting practice session in an MLB stadium.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Moneyball
• Musician: AC/DC
• Restaurant (City): Tonnarello (Rome)
• Food: Carbonara
• Sports Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
• City: Florence, Italy

Chad Cichosz

Plant Manager

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the Plant Manager at L’Anse Warden Electric Company (LWEC) under GSI. I joined LWEC in 2008 as an assistant operator and was promoted throughout the years, leading me into the role of Plant Manager. I oversee every aspect of daily operations, which means I interact with everyone at LWEC to ensure efficiency and productivity for the plant.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

One of the most memorable moments was right after I was promoted to Plant Manager, we had our 12-year turbine major which I was responsible for coordinating. It was one of the biggest maintenance projects that we’ve done at LWEC since 2008.

What led you to pursue a career in the energy industry, and what are some of the key things you have learned since working in the renewable energy sector?

Opportunity was the main factor that led me down this path. I was living in the small town of L’Anse and an old power plant was converted to a biomass plant and the opportunity arose for me to join in an entry level position and work my way up from there. I didn’t have an energy background, so everything was new to me, and I learned a lot about the industry over the years. The main thing I’ve realized is how much regulation and government influence there is in the energy sector.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I am a huge Celine Dion fan; I was fortunate to see her in concert twice! I love that she’s Canadian as well.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Since I live in a small town, I keep very busy, and I wear many hats. I coach varsity baseball, middle school basketball, and summer baseball. I also volunteer at the Fire Department, and I’m a county commissioner. I spend as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors here in the Upper Peninsula. I enjoy hunting, fishing, playing baseball and softball, skiing, both on snow and on water, and just about anything else a person can do outside.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I would love to travel all around Europe, but I especially want to attend the Wimbledon Championships in London.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: For Love of the Game
• Book: Any book by Vince Flynn
• Musician: Celine Dion
• Restaurant: Taco Bell
• Food: Steak
• Sports Team: Any Detroit teams (Lions, Tigers, Red Wings)
• City: Nashville, Tennessee

Construction facility and USDA-backed permanent financing facility will help finance construction and operation on 2 of GSI’s 46 community solar projects.

New York, NY – Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure LLC (GSI), one of the renewable energy subsidiaries of Libra Group, recently closed a $24 million construction and permanent financing facility with Live Oak Bank to finance two community solar projects in New York State totaling 10 MWac.  Located in Yates County, NY, the projects are part of a 222 MWac community solar portfolio with 46 projects across multiple markets and in various stages of development.

This significant financial partnership will support the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), as well as long term financing of these two community solar projects, which will generate over 20,000 MWh of clean, renewable energy each year. The closing of this facility supports New York State’s renewable energy target of achieving 70% renewably sourced electricity by 2030 and a zero-emission electric grid by 2040.

“GSI is committed to advancing access to renewable energy. We are excited to partner with Live Oak Bank to bring affordable clean energy solutions to new communities. With this announcement we are proud to have 13 active projects in New York, including 11 projects across the state totalling 50 MWac which are constructed and will soon be electrified,” said Mazen Turk, CEO of GSI. “Working with our partners, we look forward to continuing to invest in New York’s economy and sustainable future.”

Live Oak Bank is known for its strong commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives across the country. As a leading financial institution, Live Oak has been instrumental in backing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) REAP projects, which play a key role in helping rural communities adopt sustainable energy solutions and benefit from federal incentives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering economic growth.

“We’re proud to support Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure in their mission to bring clean, renewable energy to communities across New York,” said Taylor King, vice president of renewable energy at Live Oak. “Our partnership demonstrates our commitment to investing in sustainable energy solutions while contributing to the economic growth of the region.”

The projects will generate electricity through the New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) Community Distributed Generation program, which allows a renewable energy project to provide community members, via subscription, a discount on their monthly electricity bill. Permitting and approval work for these projects, which are located just outside of Penn Yan, NY, began in 2022 and concluded in the summer of 2024, paving the way for construction to begin. Interconnection payments for these projects were made possible through GSI’s $10 million interconnection financing facility agreement with NY Green Bank, which was closed in February 2024.

With this significant financing milestone achieved, GSI’s team, in collaboration with GSI’s selected EPC contractor, EnSite, will officially begin construction of the Martin and Horning projects. Work will continue over the coming months as GSI aims for commercial operation in 2025.

About Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is one of the clean energy subsidiaries of Libra Group. GSI is a renewable energy company focused on the development, construction, and operation of distributed generation and utility-scale solar energy and battery storage projects in North America. As of September 2024, the company developed approximately 388 MW DC across 71 renewable energy projects, many of which are still owned or operated by GSI and have an additional project pipeline of 2.3 GW. GSI’s seasoned team has a proven track record of investing in power assets and partnering with multiple top-tiered investors.

About Live Oak Bank

Live Oak Bank, a subsidiary of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB), is a digitally focused, FDIC-insured bank serving customers across the country. Live Oak brings efficiency and excellence to the banking process, without branches, by using a focused approach to technology and innovation. To learn more, visit www.liveoakbank.com.

Tim Banic

Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Give us a brief overview of your role.

As the Environmental Health and Safety Manager at GSI, I ensure the safety of our team members, whether working in the office, at home, or on a job site. I also ensure that the company meets the requirements of federal, provincial and state safety regulations and work with the Joint Health and Safety Committee to ensure safety.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

Visiting the LWEC site in Michigan for the first time was very memorable. Meeting the people there and seeing the site itself was an amazing experience overall, and I am looking forward to going back.

What led you to pursue a career in Health and Safety, and what are some of the key things you have learned since working in the renewable energy sector?

I got involved in Health and Safety over 20 years ago. My experience started when there was a problem at a company I was working at, and they needed somebody to fix some health & safety problems.  I was experienced in implementing quality procedures and there was a good connection between the jobs, so I was in!  Since then, I have gained a lot of experience in different industries, including construction and manufacturing.  I have learned in the renewable energy industry is that although there is a lot of work with electricity, there is also construction standards that need to be met and manufacturing on the O&M side of GSI.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

Some of my colleagues already know, but I make leather goods out of old baseball gloves. I repurpose them into wallets in efforts to keep them from going to waste and out of landfills.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy going golfing and a good dad joke!

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

Two bucket list items of mine would be to travel to the east coast of Canada and travel to have a clear view of the Northern Lights.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Toy Story, Cars, High School Musical
• Book: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
• Musician: Billy Joel and Queen (*The list is too long so these are honorable mentions*)
• Restaurant (City): Le Cellier Steakhouse (EPCOT in Disney World – Orlando)
• Food: Steak
• Sports Team: Montreal Canadiens
• City: The next one I visit!

Raquel Reyes

Project Developer

Give us a brief overview of your role.

As a Project Developer at GSI, my role essentially revolves around project execution. This includes everything from working with GIS and land acquisition for project origination, to working with environmental consultants, engineers, and real-estate consultants in order to reach project NTP (notice to proceed). The final stage involves handing it over to the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor which would then turn to obtaining building permits.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

I’ve always enjoyed the annual Christmas dinners with GSI. Since everyone works remote and we’re located in different locations, it’s nice to come together and see everybody face to face at these events. It is also a great opportunity to interact with other individuals in different departments of the organization that you don’t interact with all the time.

What led you to pursue a career in Project Development in the renewable energy sector?

I began in 2019 as a Cooperative Education student for Saturn Power. I applied to 35 jobs, and only had one interview – so I kept saying “one interview, one job” and that ended up being this job! At the time, I wanted to be a conservationist or an environmental consultant, so I thought a job in the renewables would be a great opportunity to get started and for networking. I began in project coordination and ended up enjoying problem solving for project development. As a consultant, you only see one piece of the project, but as a project manager or a project developer, I get to see the whole picture.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

During my entire time at university, I was a member of the Cuban salsa club. I was actually a salsa instructor for level one and level two students, and I was the President at one point. I made choreographies and even had the opportunity to choreograph a cultural caravan performance at the University of Waterloo. I still really enjoy dancing to this day!

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I like to spend time with my 3-year-old son, Isaac. He is my everything. Outside of parenting, I like to read, paint, sketch, draw, and touch up on my art skills. I also still enjoy dancing at home whenever I can.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I would love to go whale watching in British Columbia in the immediate future. In the long term, I would love to do something significant in Nicaragua, where I am from, and help the environment while employing the local citizens of Nicaragua. One day I will mustard up the courage and become my own boss.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Prince of Egypt or Shrek 1 (in Spanish)
• Book: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Musician: Esteman or Kali Uchis
• Restaurant (City): The Guanaquita Restaurant (Kitchener)
• Food: Carne Asada (traditional Nicaraguan meal)
• Sports Team: Real Madrid
• City: Cancun, Mexico

Jan LaFave

Senior Accountant and Human Resources

Give us a brief overview of your role.

As Senior Accountant and Human Resources for L’Anse Warden Electric Company (LWEC) under GSI, I am responsible for the day-to-day accounting tasks. I also assist with the month end, and annual audits for GSI. Lastly, I work with anything HR related for LWEC, including payroll, benefits, and onboarding.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

Every year, LWEC gives out a scholarship to a local high school student who will be attending college in an engineering-related field or attending a trade school. It is always something that has been memorable for me. It is really gratifying when the student receives their scholarship, and you see them excited about their future and you feel like you are helping them to achieve their goals.

What led you to pursue a career in Accounting and Human Resources, and more specifically in the energy sector?

After college, I took some accounting courses on the side and then I did some accounting work as a civilian for the United States Air Force. After that, I moved away from where I was living, and this job opened up at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had enjoyed working in accounting and the classes I took so this gave me the opportunity to get back into it. LWEC is located in a very rural area, so jobs of this caliber aren’t exactly something you find every day. I just took the chance and went for it and that it was in the energy sector has been a bonus.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

Prior to working here, I taught middle school and high school math, and I was also a middle school basketball coach. I actually got to teach and coach three of my own children as part of that experience!

How do you spend your time outside of work?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. We have five kids which are all involved, so we’re attending sporting events both for our kids and others. We enjoy time at the lake and boating in the summer and we like to go snow shoeing in the winter. I also really enjoy reading when I can.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

One thing I’d like to cross off my bucket list is to tour Italy. I would like to spend a month or so there and tour the different parts of the country. My heritage is Italian, and one set of my grandparents came from Northern Italy and one set came from Sicily, so I’d love to spend some time in those two regions.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Pretty Woman
• Musician: Garth Brooks
• Restaurant (City): Bowdie’s Chophouse or Rose’s (East Grand Rapids)
• Food: Any Italian Food – especially homemade Ravioli
• Sports Team: Michigan Tech Hockey
• City: Grand Rapids

Waqas Ali

Assistant Manager of Operations and Maintenance

Give us a brief overview of your role.

As Assistant Manager of Operations and Maintenance (O&M), I oversee the continuous monitoring of our solar plant performance. My responsibilities extend to analyzing performance data for trends and inefficiencies, implementing preventive maintenance schedules, and managing repairs for equipment failures. I diagnose technical problems, collaborate with O&M contractor technicians and engineers for timely resolutions, and implement strategies to enhance plant efficiency. Additionally, I meticulously monitor the O&M budget, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining optimal performance levels.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had working at GSI was when I received a delightful fruit basket to celebrate my Canadian citizenship. It was a heartwarming gesture that truly showcased GSI’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating significant milestones in their employees’ lives. Such thoughtful gestures not only highlight GSI’s appreciation for their staff but also foster a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie within the workplace.

What led you to pursue a career in project Operations and Maintenance, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

My interest in O&M in the renewables sector began with a strong passion for environmental sustainability. While studying Industrial Engineering & Management in Pakistan, I became fascinated by the potential of renewable energy technologies to combat climate change and offer sustainable power solutions. My first role in Canada was at Grasshopper Energy, working as a field service specialist, specializing in solar fields. The practical experience I gained in troubleshooting and maintaining solar installations was extremely fulfilling, confirming my passion for this field. Joining GSI and working in O&M enables me to merge my technical skills with a desire to effect positive change and create a lasting impact in the world.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

One interesting fact about myself that my colleagues might not know is that I’m a self-taught mechanic. From changing the oil and swapping out filters to diagnosing and fixing small issues, I find real joy in keeping my vehicle running smoothly. Not only does this approach save me money, but it also helps me learn new skills and gain a deeper understanding of how cars work.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Balancing life with my 1-and-a-half-year-old daughter keeps me occupied, so my current hobby revolves around spending time outdoors with her, hiking and biking. It is precious time spent bonding and making memories. Gardening has also become a passion of mine; there’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own plants and vegetables. I also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, whether we’re having a barbecue in the backyard or exploring new places.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

Visiting the pyramids in Egypt, particularly the Pyramids of Giza, is a bucket-list experience with their historical, cultural, and architectural significance. The precision and scale of the pyramids’ construction are astounding to me, given the tools and technology available at the time.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Divergent
• Musician: Atif Aslam
• Restaurant (City): Royal Ice & Spice (Karachi)
• Food: Biryani
• Sports Team: Pakistan Cricket Team
• City: Makkah (Saudia)

Chrysanthi Vervenioti Kritikou

Asset Management Associate

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I first joined GSI through the renowned Libra Internship Program last June with the Asset Management team, and now I’m an Asset Management Associate. I manage our P3 and P4 portfolios of existing operating assets, preparing their monthly reports, monthly and quarterly budgets and tracking their daily operation and maintenance. Additionally, when needed, I support the Finance team with ad hoc tasks.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had with GSI was my first week as an intern in June 2023. During that time, I had the fortune to meet Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York and discuss the solar industry, attend the New York Battery and Storage conference, and visit our Interlake site in upstate New York. During the site visit, I had the opportunity to meet with the landowner of our Martin Solar Project, which is currently under construction. From my first week, I knew GSI would offer me a lifetime of unforgettable experiences and lessons, based on the insights I received on the multiple dimensions of our industry.

As a recent graduate of Columbia’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management, how do you feel that your education guided you to your current role?

Before my graduate studies in Sustainability Management, I pursued my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. During my studies I worked for a construction company dealing with project management, which helped me decide that I needed to gain more knowledge in the management and finance side of engineering. This led me to complete my Master in Sustainability Management. I was always interested in sustainability, so I wanted to combine my engineering background with an environmental cause, which is how I got into renewable energy. My current role is the best way for me to combine my passion for the environment with the knowledge I gained in my undergrad, my past experiences, and my master’s program.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

One interesting fact about myself that my colleagues might not know is that I have an artistic side. I’ve played classical piano for over 15 years, and I am very passionate about photography. Everywhere I go, I always take pictures of nature, architecture, and people – it’s a way of expressing myself, and I feel like NYC is a great canvas to live in.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

My friends are like a second family to me, so I try spending most of my free time with them. We plan dinners, visit museums, attend music events, and schedule weekend getaways. I also enjoy wandering by the Hudson River, going for a run, cycling around the city, or hiking upstate.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

One of the things that is on top of my bucket list is visiting Iceland. It offers such a unique and multidimensional scenery that no other country can provide. Being able to watch the aurora borealis with a naked eye would be a dream come true!

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Scarface
• Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Eric Barker
• Musician: Elton John
• Restaurant (City): Le Crocodile (Brooklyn)
• Food: Pizza
• Sports Team: Panathinaikos
• City: New York, New York