CEC Summit

When: December 12th, 2025, from 9:00 am to 2:00pm

Where: IBEW Local 68, 5660 Logan St, Denver, CO 80216

8:30 am - Doors open & registration begins

Coffee and pastries provided

9:00 am - Welcome

Zack Esquibel, Business Manager, IBEW Local 68
Ray Rivera, Coalition Director, Colorado Energy Crossroads

9:10 am - Charting Colorado’s Path: Why Energy Crossroads, Why Now

Moderated by: Meghan Dollar, Senior VP of Governmental Affairs, Colorado Chamber of Commerce

Panelists:

Gary Arnold, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters
Loren Furman, President & CEO, Colorado Chamber of Commerce
Hollie Velasquez Horvath, Regional Vice President, Xcel Energy

9:45 am - Poll Briefing: What Coloradans Think About Energy Access, Reliability and Affordability

Presented by:

Lauren Spangler, CEO, Searchlight Research
Jeff Liszt, Partner, Impact Research

10:30 - Meeting the Moment: How Rising Demand Is Reshaping Colorado’s Energy Future

Moderator: Sandra Solin, Founder, Capitol Solutions/DataGrid Consortium

Panelists:

Chris Hildred, Power Supply Director, CORE Electric Cooperative
Erin Hackett, Contract Lobbyist, Manufacturing Alliance of Colorado (MAC)
Jack Ihle, VP Data Centers and Large Loads, Xcel Energy
Kaitlin Monaghan, Senior Director, Vantage Data Centers

11:15 - Building a Resilient Grid: Infrastructure, Reliability & the Road Ahead

Moderator: Dave Davia, President & CEO, Colorado Concern

Panelists:

Jan Kulmann, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, United Power and Mayor of Thornton
Austin Maier, Business Manager and Utility Line Worker, IBEW Local 111
Alice Yake, Vice President, Breakthrough Energy

12:00 pm - Colorado’s Energy Workforce: Creating and Sustaining High-Quality Jobs for the Future

Moderator: Dennis Dougherty, Executive Director, Colorado AFL-CIO

Panelists:

Dan Hendricks, Apprenticeship Training Director, Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee
Sara Espinoza Blackhurst, President & CEO, ActionCO
Vicki Wren, President, St. Andrews Electric
Melissa Shetler, Assistant Director of Labor Outreach and Workforce Equity, Climate Jobs

12:45 pm - Energy Affordability in an Increasingly Expensive Energy Transition

Moderator: Jennifer Gremmert, CEO, Colorado Energy Outreach

Panelists:

Kelly Caufield, Executive Director, Common Sense Institute Colorado
Maria Garduna, Sustainability and Climate Senior Manager, Black Hills Energy
Lisa Tiffin, Senior Vice President, Energy Management, Tri State Generation

1:30 pm - Closing Reflections & Next Steps

Ray Rivera, Coalition Director, Colorado Energy Crossroads

Panelists

Gary Arnold

Gary Arnold, currently Business Manager for UA Local 58, will assume the role of Director of the United Association’s Energy & Infrastructure Department on January 1, 2026. Since 2017, Gary has led recruitment, training, and retention efforts, founded Women in the Trades and the Apprenticeship Student Council, and overseen curriculum and continuing education programs. With 14+ years as an industrial/commercial pipefitter and prior roles as JATC Instructor and Head Training Director, he brings deep technical and leadership expertise. Gary chairs the Colorado State Apprenticeship Council and serves on multiple state boards, shaping workforce development and energy policy.

Kelly Caufield

Kelly Caufield is Executive Director of the Common Sense Institute (CSI), where she leads strategy, programming, and operations for the organization. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in policy, research, and advocacy. Before joining CSI, Kelly served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Colorado Succeeds, building statewide coalitions to advance education policy. She previously worked as a federal lobbyist for the Society for Human Resource Management and spent eight years on Capitol Hill, including roles with the U.S. Senate HELP Committee. Kelly holds degrees from William & Mary and George Washington University and lives in Denver with her family.

Dave Davia

Dave Davia is President and CEO of Colorado Concern, an alliance of top business leaders dedicated to strengthening Colorado’s business climate. A seasoned executive, Dave brings expertise in strategic partnerships, government relations, and public policy. Formerly CEO of the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, he founded the Western States College of Construction to address workforce gaps. His background spans banking operations, IT, and public service as a Westminster City Councilor. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Dave is deeply committed to community, serving on nonprofit boards and advocating for families. He is recognized as a thought leader and influential coalition builder.

Dennis Dougherty

Dennis Dougherty is Executive Director of the Colorado AFL-CIO, representing 165 unions and over 130,000 workers. He advocates for better wages, benefits, and working conditions while ensuring labor voices are heard in public and political arenas. Previously, Dennis served over a decade as a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, mediating labor disputes across sectors. A Harvard Kennedy School graduate with a Master in Public Policy, Dennis is a proud member of IBEW Local 68 and serves on boards including Just Transition Advisory from Coal and ProgressNow Colorado.

Meghan Dollar

Meghan Dollar joined the Colorado Chamber of Commerce as its new Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Political Operations on November 1, 2022.

Before joining the Chamber, Meghan worked for over a decade at the Colorado Municipal League, where she has served as lead lobbyist beginning in 2020. Meghan has extensive experience at the statehouse advocating for housing providers, local governments, and now businesses.

Maria Garduna

Maria Garduna is Senior Manager of Climate and Sustainability at Black Hills Energy, leading ESG reporting, climate policy, and sustainability strategy. Since joining in 2017, she has supported electric utility projects, permitting, endangered species protection, air testing, and emissions reporting. Previously, Maria worked as an environmental engineer in Denver and managed multimillion-dollar construction projects in Rapid City. A registered Professional Engineer, she holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in engineering from South Dakota Mines. Maria serves on industry groups including EEI, ONE Future, and AGA, and has presented on sustainability to regulators and national organizations.

Jennifer Gremmert

Jennifer Gremmert is CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring energy security for vulnerable families. Under her leadership, EOC advances regulatory and programmatic solutions to provide affordable, reliable home energy. Jennifer has served on the boards of the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition and chaired both the Governor’s Commission on Low-Income Energy Assistance and the Colorado Utility Consumer Board. Twice named one of the Denver Business Journal’s “Top Women in Energy,” she holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of Arizona.

Dan Hendricks

Dan Hendricks is the Training Director for the Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Western Colorado Electrical Joint Apprenticeship programs. A Master Electrician in Colorado and Master Trainer, he is a graduate of DJEATC and a U.S. Navy veteran. Dan serves on the Denver Workforce Development Board and is a passionate advocate for construction trades training through the Registered Apprenticeship model. With decades of experience in the electrical industry, he is dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled workers and strengthening workforce development across Colorado.

Chris Hildred

Chris Hildred is Power Supply Director at CORE Electric Cooperative, where he oversees power procurement, resource planning, and energy market strategies to ensure reliable, cost-effective service for members. He brings extensive experience in utility operations and energy management, having previously served as Power Supply & Special Projects Supervisor at Holy Cross Energy (HCE). In that role, Chris managed power supply contracts, renewable integration, and special initiatives to advance sustainability and grid reliability. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to balancing affordability, innovation, and environmental responsibility in Colorado’s evolving energy landscape.

Jan Kulmann

Jan Kulmann is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at United Power, overseeing operations, maintenance, and safety for the electric cooperative. A licensed professional engineer with 25+ years in energy, she has led initiatives in emissions reduction, power transitions, automation, and infrastructure safety, with experience spanning utilities and oil and gas. Jan previously managed drilling and production facilities, engineering standards, and regulatory compliance for national and international projects. Elected Mayor of Thornton in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, she also serves on regional boards and committees. Jan holds an Electrical Engineering degree from LSU and an MBA from CSU.

Jeff Liszt

Jeffrey Liszt is a partner at Impact Research, specializing in survey research across 100+ countries. He conducted quantitative and qualitative research for the Obama (2008, 2012) and Clinton (2016) presidential campaigns and works with major political organizations including the DSCC, DCCC, and DGA. His issue advocacy spans healthcare, climate, immigration, and education for clients like the Ford and Gates Foundations, ADL, and UNICEF. Corporate clients include Alphabet, Volkswagen, and Silverstein Properties. A two-time Ironman triathlete, Jeff lives in Boston with his wife and two children.

Austin Maier

Austin A. Maier is Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 111, representing thousands of electrical workers across Colorado and Wyoming. A former journeyman lineman with extensive transmission and distribution experience, Austin brings a hands-on understanding of the trade to union leadership. He is committed to strengthening apprenticeship programs, improving working conditions, and ensuring safe, reliable utility service. Austin leads Local 111’s efforts to expand training, protect union energy jobs, and guide the workforce through Colorado’s evolving energy landscape. His field experience and expertise in negotiations and policy allow him to bridge the gap between the field and the boardroom.

Kaitlin Monahan

Kaitlin Monaghan is Senior Director of Public Policy for North America at Vantage Data Centers, where she leads government affairs, community engagement, and economic development strategies to support growth across key markets. She works cross-functionally on site selection, sustainability, energy, and construction while advancing Vantage’s policy priorities. Previously, Kaitlin held public policy roles at Rivian Automotive and the American Clean Power Association, managing legislative and regulatory initiatives nationwide. She holds a J.D. in Energy and Environmental Law from Florida State University and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Florida.

Ray Rivera

Ray Rivera is a social entrepreneur and strategist with 25+ years in campaigns, advocacy, and mission-driven leadership. He led Obama’s first Colorado campaign and later served in the Obama Administration and Transition Team. Known for building organizations and mentoring diverse leaders, Ray has driven major civic engagement efforts, advised companies on policy and impact, and served on equity-focused nonprofit boards. He holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School and splits his time between advising causes and raising his two sons.

Melissa Shetler

Melissa Shetler is Assistant Director of Labor Outreach and Workforce Equity at Cornell University’s Climate Jobs Institute, where she leads efforts to ensure equitable workforce development in the transition to a clean energy economy. She brings extensive experience in labor organizing and training, having served as Director of Organizing and Political Director for Ironworkers Local 46 and as Executive Director of Pathways to Apprenticeship, a program connecting public housing residents and justice-involved individuals to union careers. Melissa holds an M.A. in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from SUNY Empire State College.

Sandra Solin

Sandra Hagen Solis is founder and CEO of Capitol Solutions, a leading government affairs firm representing Colorado’s top businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and trade associations. Since 1992, she has built a bipartisan practice with an 85% success rate, specializing in business, energy, technology, infrastructure, and economic development. Sandra is recognized as one of Colorado’s top legislative strategists and pioneered integrating values-based communications into lobbying. She also works with Colorado’s DataGrid Consortium, advancing technology and innovation policy. Her career includes advising statewide and congressional campaigns and shaping public policy across local, state, and federal levels.

Lauren Spangler

Lauren Spangler is CEO of Searchlight Research and has over two decades of experience in polling and political research. She has worked on thousands of campaigns, from local races to presidential elections, and conducted research for labor unions, corporations, and nonprofits on issues ranging from recycling to gaming. Lauren is a leading expert in Latino voter attitudes, emphasizing Spanish-dominant research. A proud Western Pennsylvania native, she earned a B.A. in Political Science and a Business Certificate from Duquesne University. A PTA mom, she lives on Capitol Hill with her husband and young son.

Lisa Tiffin

Lisa Tiffin is Chief Commercial Officer for Tri-State Generation and Transmission, a cooperative serving 43 members across four states. With over 30 years in the energy industry, including 18 at Tri-State, she oversees resource planning, acquisitions, and marketing and trading operations. Lisa led Tri-State’s first regulated resource planning process and developed innovative measures to maintain system reliability during grid transitions. Active in greenhouse gas initiatives for organized markets, she works to improve emissions tracking and reporting in the West. A 2023 RMEL Industry Leadership Award recipient, Lisa is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and responsible power.

Hollie Velasquez-Horvath

Hollie Velasquez-Horvath is Director of Community Affairs at Xcel Energy, where she leads city political engagement, economic development initiatives, and corporate social investments across Colorado. Since joining Xcel in 2011, Hollie has advanced through leadership roles in political and civic engagement, managing external relations and the company’s political giving. She created Xcel’s Positive Effect brand to strengthen community partnerships and employee engagement. A former political fundraiser and campaign strategist, Hollie brings deep experience in public affairs and nonprofit advocacy. She also serves on multiple boards, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Blue School Partners.

Vicki Wren

Vicki Wren is President and Owner of St. Andrews Construction, where she also serves as project manager. With over 25 years in the industry, she has managed more than $55 million in projects and built strong relationships with government entities, contractors, and unions. Vicki emphasizes transparent communication and collaboration to deliver quality-driven results. She serves as Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of NECA and represents the chapter for Electri International, providing input on legislative policy, labor relations, and industry outreach. Vicki also contributes to the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado Legislative Committee, supporting small and minority businesses.

Alice Yake (Jackson)

Alice Yake (Jackson) is Vice President of GRIDS at Breakthrough Energy, leading development of open-source tools to deliver reliable, low-emission electricity worldwide. Her team focuses on common datasets, system physics, and repeatable processes to simplify grid modernization. With over 20 years in energy, Alice began at Enron, advanced through software and energy management at Oxy, and spent 14 years at Xcel Energy, where she served as Colorado President and Chief Planning Officer, designing zero-carbon pathways. A mother of six, Alice is driven to unite people and create solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Zack Esquibel

Zack Esquibel is the Business Manager of IBEW Local 68 and a 28-year member of the union. He began his apprenticeship in 1999 and became a Journeyman Wireman in 2003. Over the years, Zack has served in numerous roles within the Local and on behalf of contributing employers, gaining extensive experience in representing and advocating for members. Committed to upholding union values, he works tirelessly to support the membership and strengthen the electrical trade. Zack is honored to lead Local 68 and ensure its continued success.

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Erin Hackett

Erin Hackett is an Account Executive at the Kenney Group with over 15 years of experience in communications, government relations, and advocacy. She specializes in statewide legislative services, coalition management, and energy, manufacturing, and healthcare policy. Erin has represented major businesses at the Colorado Capitol and worked on state and local ballot initiatives. Previously, she served as Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, leading legislative efforts across three states. Erin holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Denver and is an Impact Denver alum. She has received multiple awards for excellence in advocacy.