Technology Integration Program Contacts

Mark Smith is the Technology Integration Program Manager within the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office. In this role, he oversees a broad technology portfolio, which is focused on accelerating the development and widespread use of advanced vehicle technologies to advance affordable, domestic transportation fuels, and other fuel-saving technologies and practices. The Technology Integration Program portfolio includes, Alternative Fuels, Fuel Economy, Electrification, Energy Efficient Mobility Systems, and the Alternative Fuels Regulatory Program.

Before joining DOE in 2010, Mark was an alternative fuel vehicle consultant to American Honda. In this position, he promoted the use of Honda's advanced technology vehicles to public and private fleet managers and implemented programs to increase adoption of these vehicles. Mark also understands that alternative fuel vehicle use hinges upon the development of refueling/re-charging infrastructure. From his previous positions with FuelMaker and Clean Energy, he has provided alternative refueling solutions ranging from home refueling of a single vehicle to some of the largest commercial, airport, and transit fueling stations in the United States.

Address

U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave, SW EE-3V
Washington, DC 20585

Mike Laughlin is a Technology Manager in the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). His role for the Technology Integration (TI) Program includes day-to-day management of several TI-funded activities, and he serves as an interface between TI and other VTO research programs, in particular the Energy Efficient Mobility Systems Program. He also serves as the Director for the 21st Century Truck Partnership, a government/industry research partnership for medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles

Before joining DOE in 2019, Mike served in program director and project manager roles for several VTO contractors. He has worked with Clean Cities coalitions since nearly the beginning. He developed early databases for tracking Clean Cities alternative fuel vehicle and fueling station statistics, created the initial Alternative Fuel Price Report, directly assisted local directors with coalition activities as associate coordinator, and provided analytical and technical input to case studies on a variety of medium- and heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles. He also served as technical and management support for the 21st Century Truck Partnership in developing key technical resources, including its blueprint, internal website, and roadmaps.

Laughlin has 25 years of experience in alternative fuels and advanced transportation and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron and an MBA from Walsh University (Ohio).

Address

U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave, SW EE-3V
Washington, DC 20585

Margaret Smith is a Technology Manager in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). In that role, she oversees a broad project portfolio, which is focused on enhancing the country’s economic vitality, energy security, and quality of life by advancing the deployment of affordable, efficient, and clean transportation fuels and technologies. Her project portfolio spans alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, transportation electrification, energy and environmental justice, community engagement, and the Justice40 Initiative. Margaret works with the Clean Cities Headquarters team, Clean Cities Regional Managers, DOE National Laboratory staff, and support contractors to create an ecosystem of engaging with and providing technical assistance to Clean Cities coalitions.

Before joining DOE in 2020, she provided programmatic and technical support to the VTO Technology Integration (TI) team as a contractor for over 10 years. Margaret supported various TI activities, such as organizing Clean Cities trainings and peer sharing discussions, developing resources for Clean Cities coalitions, and assisting with program management responsibilities. Additionally, Margaret worked with Clean Cities coalitions on developing and implementing projects addressing barriers to electric vehicle deployment.

Prior to working with VTO, Margaret worked for Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. In this role she supported biodiesel and ethanol projects that improve infrastructure, develop feedstocks, educate stakeholders, and promote the use of biodiesel. She has two years of experience with the design, manufacturing, and sales of underground stormwater treatment systems that remove pollution from stormwater runoff. After graduating from college, Margaret served in a year-long service program affiliated with AmeriCorps where she worked in low-income Buffalo communities and lived out the values of community, social justice, simplicity, and spirituality. Margaret holds a B.S. in computer engineering with a concentration in cognitive science from the University of Virginia.

Address

U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave, SW EE-3V
Washington, DC 20585

Alycia Gilde is the National Manager for ZEV Partnerships and Engagement for the Technology Integration Program under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). In this role, Ms. Gilde oversees initiatives to advance transportation decarbonization by fostering partnership development and engagement across all stakeholder groups including communities, tribes, industry, fleets, utilities, state and federal government, and non-governmental organizations to advance zero-emission vehicle deployment. Technology Integration activities include Clean Cities, EcoCAR, Clean Energy to Communities, and the Battery Workforce Development Initiative, as well as other efforts under VTO.

Prior to joining DOE, Ms. Gilde was CALSTART's vice president of clean fuels and electric vehicle infrastructure and oversaw the initiative's wide portfolio of activities that included spearheading the United States' largest initiatives to deploy alternative fuel corridors; first of its kind incentive programs for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure; and innovative public-private partnerships to advance zero-emission vehicles and equipment. Ms. Gilde has extensive experience managing the nation's largest freight and clean port truck programs, corridor coalitions, and marketing and outreach initiatives to build capacity and impact for clean transportation.

Before starting her career in sustainable transportation, Ms. Gilde served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa, as an environment volunteer and the national gender and youth development director.

Grace McGinnis is a Technology Manager in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), supporting VTO's community-facing work. She manages several VTO-funded EV Community Partner projects, supports the Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice Initiative (CCEEJI), and leads the development of tools and resources to educate the public about EVs and other clean fuels.

Grace comes to VTO from DOE's State and Community Energy Programs Office (SCEP), where she developed technical assistance around electric school buses and supported clean vehicle technical assistance for the Better Buildings Challenge. Prior to DOE, she supported a variety of public sector clean energy and decarbonization initiatives, including for the New York City Department of Education and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office, and spent several years in the solar industry, where she learned how to understand and deploy new energy technologies. In a previous role, she led a biofuels education program with a Clean Cities coalition. Grace holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and environmental science from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Science in sustainable systems and environmental policy and planning from the University of Michigan.

Sam Spofforth joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in January 2022 as a Clean Cities Project Leader. He’s also detailed to support the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office Transportation Integration team. Sam works with Clean Cities coalition directors and staff, fleet, industry, government, and community stakeholders, as well as DOE and national lab staff, leading and providing insight on several interconnected projects to help Clean Cities deliver maximum impact on its mission of equitable, clean transportation for all.

Previously, Sam founded and served as executive director of Clean Fuels Ohio (CFO), a DOE-designated Clean Cities coalition. As a statewide nonprofit, CFO grew to become the largest, most successful of 75 coalitions in the network. He was named the Midwest Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year in 2004, national Coordinator of the Year in 2007, and was an original inductee to the Clean Cities Hall of Fame in 2011. His Clean Cities peers voted him the Benjamin Watson Leadership Award winner in 2015. In 2023, Transportation Energy Partners recognized him as a Clean Transportation Hero.

Address

U.S. Department of Energy
901 D St SW #930
Washington, DC 20024

Ellen Bourbon provides programmatic support for Technology Integration as an employee of Lindahl Reed. She assists U.S. Department of Energy headquarters and the regional managers with coalition designations and re-designations and works with Clean Cities coalitions across the country as they develop and revise their coalition strategies. She also oversees preparation of the quarterly Alternative Fuel Price Report. As AST's team lead for Technology Integration, Ellen serves as project coordinator and reviews and edits papers and reports for Technology Integration.

Previously, Ellen worked for the New Jersey Office of Clean Energy for 14 years as the alternative fuels project manager. During that time, she also served as New Jersey's Clean Cities director, establishing the coalition and growing it to be statewide. She worked extensively on projects involving natural gas, propane, biodiesel, and hybrid electric vehicles. She also developed a range of incentive programs to encourage state and local governments to use alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. Prior to that, she worked for five years for the New Jersey Office of Recycling. After leaving the Office of Clean Energy in 2007, Ellen worked for several years in the nonprofit sector, doing fundraising for an inner-city Philadelphia Catholic elementary school. In August 2010, she relocated to the Washington, D.C., area to accept her current position.

Ellen has a bachelor's in mathematics from Providence College, a master's in energy management and policy, and a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Address

1000 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20585

Walt Zalis provides programmatic support to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office Technology Integration Program as an employee of Energetics. He facilitates regular discussions between Clean Cities coalition directors, reviews and updates program materials, and provides strategic planning support to improve program functions.

Walt has worked at Energetics since 2006, where he is currently the Director of the Climate and Resilience group. He has worked on a variety of projects focusing on strategic planning, facilitation and roadmapping, stakeholder engagement, and market transformation and analysis support, typically for alternative fuel and energy efficient programs and technologies. He works regularly with DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, and the Building Technologies Office. Walt also works with the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Fire Protection Association, and other associations on projects related to community and climate resilience, as well as program planning. He has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from McDaniel College and a Master of Arts in public communications from American University.

Address

1000 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20585

Wendy Dafoe is a project leader in the Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences (CIMS) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Wendy works closely with the NREL team and the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office program staff to identify information needs and execute projects that advance the Technology Integration mission. In 2009, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award for 15 years of outstanding service to Clean Cities.

Address

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
15013 Denver West Parkway, MS 1610
Golden, CO 80401

Stacy Davis is a technical senior staff member of the Transportation Analytics & Decision Sciences Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) National Transportation Research Center, where she also manages the Fuel Economy Information (FEI) project. The FEI project supports the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by preparing and distributing the annual Fuel Economy Guide, as well as maintaining and continuously updating the website fueleconomy.gov.

Stacy has worked with transportation energy data at ORNL for 36 years and has been the lead author of the Transportation Energy Data Book since 1988. She has written and prepared the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office Transportation Fact of the Week since 2001. In addition, Stacy led data-related research for the Department of Transportation in policy and safety. She is active in the Transportation Research Board's Committee on Transportation Energy and the Committee on Alternative Transportation Fuels and Technologies. She holds a Bachelor of Science in transportation and logistics from the University of Tennessee.

Address

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
230 Cherahala Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37932

John Gonzales is a senior engineer in the Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences (CIMS) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). He works with the Natural Gas Vehicle Technology Forum and is researching gaseous fuel storage equipment. He also leads and manages the Tiger Teams Technical Assistance program, which helps Clean Cities coalition staff, stakeholders, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and fuel providers overcome obstacles to deploying alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.

Before joining NREL, John worked for the Natural Fuels Corporation promoting natural gas as an alternative fuel for automobiles, trucks, and buses. As the fleet manager for Adams 12 Five Star School District in suburban Denver, he was responsible for 140 school buses and 120 support vehicles along with the maintenance and custodial equipment for the school district of 42,000 students. His hands-on experience has helped John relate to the concerns of fleet managers who are adopting and using a variety of alternative fuels and technologies.

John graduated from the University of Southern Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in automotive parts and service management. He has served as a board member for the American Lung Association of Colorado, as chairman of the Denver Metro Clean Cities, and as chairman for the Colorado Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association.

Address

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
15013 Denver West Parkway, MS 1610
Golden, CO 80401

Janet Hopson is a Research Associate Professor in the Center for Transportation Research at the University of Tennessee. Since 1999, she has worked with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Fuel Economy Information Program. This program, funded by Technology Integration, develops and maintains the joint DOE/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fueleconomy.gov website, publishes the annual DOE/EPA Fuel Economy Guide, and conducts research on fuel economy and related topics. In addition to her work on fueleconomy.gov, Janet also teaches environmental science at the University of Tennessee.

Prior to joining the University of Tennessee, Janet worked as a post-graduate research associate for the Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education and was an instructor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She has a Master of Science in geology from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Tennessee.

Address

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
P.O. Box 2008
Oak Ridge, TN 37831

Sandra Loi is a project manager in the Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences (CIMS) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Sandra focuses on Technology Integration coordination, education, training, and outreach activities, including supporting coalitions, preparing new program initiatives, and organizing webinars and trainings for coalition staff and stakeholders. Sandra supports the network of more than 75 local Clean Cities coalitions throughout the United States as the main NREL point of contact. Sandra develops and strengthens partnerships with community organizations, industry partners, media, and other stakeholders. Sandra leads and manages the Technical Response Service (TRS) a resource available to both coalitions and external stakeholders to help answer transportation-related questions. She also manages the Peer 2 Peer program, which pairs coordinators to tackle a specific idea, project, or challenge. In 2020, Sandra received the DOE Vehicle Technologies Office Distinguished Achievement award for outstanding service to DOE and Technology Integration partners.

Before joining NREL, Sandra worked for the Propane Education & Research Council in Washington, D.C. as a project manager, focusing on product commercialization and marketing for on- and off-road vehicles, forklifts, and agricultural engines. Sandra also conducted education and outreach for propane technology.

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in international business and marketing from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a Master of Science in management and organizations with a specialization in global management from the University of Colorado.

Address

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
15013 Denver West Parkway, MS 1610
Golden, CO 80401

Marcy Rood worked for Clean Cities at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office in Washington, D.C., from 1995 to 2008. She currently manages a team of experts at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) supporting Technology Integration in a number of areas, such as the Energy and Environmental Justice Initiative; training and analysis of the electric-drive markets; Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program ; and management of the development of tools and information on idle reduction technologies, telematics, plug-in electric vehicles, emissions reductions, and total cost of ownership of alternative fuels. She also is the deputy director of operations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Net Zero World Initiative, working with multiple national laboratories to help partner countries accelerate transitions to net zero, resilient, and inclusive energy systems.

During her time at DOE, she served as the Deputy Director of Clean Cities and the Director of Clean Cities coalitions, directing the efforts of both headquarters and regional DOE staff; overseeing the activities of the network of coalitions; and collaborating with national and international stakeholders, fuel trade associations, infrastructure developers, and federal agencies. She provided direction for grant programs, training initiatives, the Alternative Fuels Data Center, and assisted in the planning of national Clean Cities conferences. She is a native Ohioan and has a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University.

Address

Argonne National Laboratory
9700 S Cass Avenue
Building 362
Lemont, IL 60439

Mike Scarpino works at the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Volpe National Transportation Systems Center and provides technical and programmatic support for Technology Integration through various special projects and interagency collaborations. Mike's current responsibilities involve providing support for DOT and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for various alternative fuel initiatives and activities, such as Federal Highway Administration's Alternative Fuel Corridor Designation Initiative and DOE's Clean Cities Coalition Network, as well as supporting the newly formed Joint Office of Energy and Transportation with the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's charging and fueling infrastructure programs.

Mike has been involved with Clean Cities/Technology Integration since May 1997, previously working as the Northeast Clean Cities regional manager for DOE's Northeast Regional Office in Boston, Massachusetts, until June 2006, and at DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory from June 2006 to September 2013. Mike is considered one of the "program old-timers" and in 2009 received a Lifetime Achievement Award for "leadership, creative thinking, and devotion" to Clean Cities. Mike also received a 2015 DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Vehicle Technologies Office Distinguished Achievement Award for contributions to Clean Cities and strengthening DOE and DOT collaboration.

Mike worked for two years as a nuclear engineer at the DOE's Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina (1995–1997) and for 10 years as a nuclear engineer for the Department of the Navy at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (1985–1995). Mike has a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Maine.

Address

U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
55 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02142

On assignment from Idaho National Laboratory (INL), John Smart is the acting program manager for the guidance, standards, and requirements team in the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. He has given over 20 invited presentations at conferences and workshops and served as a technical adviser to the White House, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, and several private companies.

Prior to joining the Joint Office, John led INL's Mobility Systems & Analytics Group. During his 15-year tenure at INL, he has led cross-functional teams of experts in electric transportation, energy storage, power systems, cybersecurity, and data science. John has fostered successful partnerships with numerous private companies, universities, Clean Cities coalitions, and government agencies to conduct electric vehicle and charging infrastructure R&D, demonstration, and deployment projects across the country. Before joining INL, John spent six years at Ford Motor Company, leading powertrain product development and manufacturing teams from multiple automakers and suppliers. He earned a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration from Boise State University.

Address

Idaho National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1625
Idaho Falls, ID 83415