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.

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

John Manore

GIS Project Manager

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the GIS Project Manager, and a large part of my role is using GIS software and data to find land for new projects. I then pass on that information to the land and development teams so they can evaluate the land, begin landowner outreach, and decide if it would be a viable parcel to develop a project on. When searching for land, I look at many factors, including proximity and capacity of electrical infrastructure, and environmental factors such as the slope of the parcel, the presence of wetlands and other environmental conditions.

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

I think my most memorable moment would be the company BBQ that we had in September. Since I started working at GSI in July, I was still fairly new to the team at that point. The BBQ was a really nice event to meet so many people in person for the first time. It was great to have everyone come together, meet each other’s families, eat good food, and play a lot of games.

What led you to pursue a career in Geographical Information System (GIS) project management, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

I’ve always had an interest in geography and maps as well as a passion for the environment and sustainability. So, when I was deciding on university programs, Geography and Environmental Management seemed like a good program for me. I didn’t really know much about GIS until I took several GIS courses in university and realized it was something I had a passion for. I was in the co-op program at the University of Waterloo, and I chose to do all GIS-focused work terms since GIS also seemed to be a good marketable skill. My first job after graduating was with Ducks Unlimited Canada which allowed me to pursue both of my passions of environmental conservation and GIS. GIS seemed to be a good career to meld those two worlds of geography and sustainability.

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

I am a CASI certified snowboard instructor and have taught the fun and fundamentals of snowboarding to beginners of all ages. I grew up riding the icy slopes around Ottawa, and I always said to my students that if they could learn to ride well in sub-optimal conditions, they’d be set for life. I don’t teach much these days, but it was great to pass along my skills to the next generation of riders and earn some money to pay for university. I still try to get out on the slopes a few times a year when I can.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love to golf when the weather is nice – which is not often with Ontario winters. I try to go golfing once a week either on my own or with some friends. I went on a golfing trip in Ireland with a couple of friends in May 2022, where we lived out of a car and tents, and played one or two rounds a day for 10 days straight. I’m a big runner too; I’ve been training for the past five or six months for Around the Bay, which is a 34km race in Hamilton at the end of March. In the summer, I like to go backcountry camping with some hiking, canoeing, and swimming, which provides a nice opportunity to unplug.

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

I’d like to go camping in the southwestern United States. I’ve always wanted to go on a trip through Colorado, Utah, Monument Valley, that kind of thing. The Grand Canyon would probably be at the top of my list; I’ve heard such good things about it. The Grand Canyon is unique in that you’re starting at the top and hiking down into the Canyon as opposed to most hiking where you would be going upwards.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Casino Royale
• Book: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
• Musician: Zac Brown Band
• Restaurant: Rapscallion & Co. (Hamilton, ON)
• Food: Tacos
• Sports Team: Ottawa Senators
• City: Milos, Greece

Fiona Parnell

Business Development Administrator

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the Business Development Administrator, so the main part of my role is acting as a liaison between the business development team and other departments within GSI. I create and facilitate internal processes that help improve the functions of the team, creating a more cohesive workflow.  simplify workflows and ensure that there is collaboration and communication between departments. I administer RFP submissions, build the submission package, and manage the submission process. I also work closely with the land, marketing, and development teams, coordinating landowner outreach to maintain our meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

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

My most memorable moment was probably the team baseball game that we did a few years ago, after the COVID restrictions were lifted. After exclusively working from home for a couple years, it was a great opportunity for the everyone to reconnect, or meet for the first time, in person. It was even more special for me because, at the time, I was on maternity leave but the invitation to join was still extended to me, and my son. It really showcased the strong sense of being part of the GSI team to be able to participate in the event.

What led you to pursue a career in development administration, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

Throughout my work experience, I’ve had an aspect of my role that involves working with people and building relationships, either customer-facing or internal. I’ve always enjoyed jobs that are focused on communication and collaboration and what has drawn me to a role like mine is being able to work with a larger group of people and improve the company’s synergy. In terms of the renewable sector, when I was growing up, there was a significant shift in perspectives and information regarding global climate change and renewable energy being more prominent. Now that I have children of my own, it’s something that I think about even more. I like that my job is contributing to positive impacts on the planet, and it’s exciting to be part of environmental change.

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

I own and can play a harp. I took lessons throughout elementary and high school and have played at school events, religious services, and weddings. I haven’t played for several years due to a crack in my harp, but I recently got it repaired and am excited to start playing again.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I spend most of my time with my family. I have a large extended family, as well as two boys who are 5 and 2 years old. My boys are my whole world, as anyone who talks to me quickly learns. We build forts, play a lot of games, dance and sing and find something new to explore every day. I also really love to bake, making cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and all kinds of other events. My kids like to help me with the some of baking too, either as my kitchen helpers or providing feedback on my decorating skills!

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

I’ve always wanted to go to Pompeii. My husband and I love learning about ancient civilizations and Roman history. In high school, I took Latin, where we primarily studied Pompeii and its residents. I’ve always been fascinated by how much of the city is so well preserved from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, allowing you to take a step back in time.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy
• Book: Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
• Musician: Muse and Taylor Swift
• Food: Pasta
• Sports Team: Team Canada
• City: London, England

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is excited to announce that we have closed on a $10 million revolving credit facility with NY Green Bank (NYGB) to continue funding our development efforts on our portfolio of solar and storage projects throughout New York State.

This flexible financing solution allows GSI to reallocate invested capital from interconnection expenses into new development efforts across New York, leading to further growth of our solar and storage portfolios along with an increased clean energy footprint in the state.

Currently, GSI has a combined portfolio of 52 Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) projects under development and operations in New York, which is the equivalent to 350 MWdc in generation.

NY Green Bank is a New York State-sponsored investment fund dedicated to filling financing gaps in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure markets.

Building on our proven track record in New York, with several projects slated for construction in 2024, our collaboration with NY Green Bank signals the continued upward trajectory of GSI within the renewables industry in New York.

“Securing this revolving credit facility with NY Green Bank is integral to GSI’s ongoing efforts to expand our renewable energy footprint in New York, while also demonstrating confidence in our approach to navigating its nation-leading clean energy landscape.” said Joseph Sacks, CFO, Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure. “The continued development and construction of these projects will have a significant and immediate positive economic impact in upstate New York while providing direct economic and environmental benefits to residents of the state for decades to come.”

GSI is proud to partner with NY Green Bank on this groundbreaking deal and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue our vision of creating a sustainable environment for future generations, by advancing the use of clean energy.

Noa Weingarten

Legal Counsel

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am an in-house legal counsel for GSI. I draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts related to options and leases, project development, procurement and financing transactions while working closely with different departments. Additionally, I advise and provide support on corporate governance related issues to ensure compliance with various regulatory bodies.

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

My most memorable moment was my first interview for GSI as well as my recent visit to the headquarters in New York City. I was looking to transition in-house and the renewables industry began soaring with tax incentives fueled by increasing social support for green energy and environmental preservation. Recognizing the industry’s burgeoning potential and its alignment with my values, I decided to apply for roles in the renewable sector. My first interview of 1 hour was with David Brattan – David talked for the vast majority of the interview and at the end said to me “I hope that all my talking did not scare you away”. The following week I accepted the offer. Also, earlier this month, I had the privilege of visiting the office in NYC, meeting all of the executive team, and forming meaningful relationships with colleagues I have only interacted with so far via Teams. I will definitely be back!

What led you to pursuing a career as a lawyer, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

While my initial career plans did not include becoming a lawyer, life steered me in that direction. Academic performance and success on the LSAT opened the doors to law school, leading me to pursue a legal career which I find very fulfilling. Along the way, the media’s increasing focus on the renewable energy industry caught my attention, inspiring me to explore opportunities in that evolving field.

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

I got into scuba diving around 2018 during a trip to the Galapagos, and I totally fell for the underwater scene. Being down there with a tank, checking out all the marine life – that’s my kind of therapy!

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I rock climb a couple of times a week and watch reality shows and documentaries. I like to spend time with my partner, friends, family and my dog – Chica.

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

Visit and scuba dive in the islands of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. I would also love to do a 20-day cruise to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands and explore the unique beauty of these remote and captivating destinations.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Harry Potter
• Musician: Coldplay
• Restaurant: Amal (Toronto)
• Food: Schnitzel
• Sports Team: The Raptors
• City: Mexico City or Rio De Janeiro