About

We work with innovators to accelerate smarter, cleaner, more accessible solutions for communities and cities.

It is estimated that by 2050, 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. If we do nothing, this increased density, combined with constrained resources, an aging infrastructure and a growing digital divide among citizens, will result in unsustainable cities.

To address these challenges, NextEnergy works with a variety of industry partners to transform innovative technologies into solutions that will create a better quality of life for all.

Based in the center of Detroit’s growing innovation district with access to a microgrid, smart home, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and an alternative fuels platform, we demonstrate and pilot technologies in real-world environments to gather data and diverse user-experiences. This process helps us to quickly scale and deploy solutions by accelerating commercialization in two key areas:

Smart Mobility

Connected, automated, shared and electrified (CASE) mobility solutions and how they interact with the surrounding infrastructure and systems.

Smart Grid

Smart, energy-efficient solutions for buildings and homes, and how they interact with the surrounding infrastructure and systems.

Experience, Knowledge and Relationships

Our depth of experience, technical knowledge and established network of partners allow us to develop effective programs and pilots and facilitate new relationships to help our clients achieve their commercialization goals. We do this through:

Connect with us to learn how you can start transforming your ideas and technology into smarter, cleaner more accessible solutions for communities and cities.

Our Experience

Meet Our Team

Interested in joining our team? Sign up to receive employment opportunities.

Kate Bell

Program Manager

Email: kateb@nextenergy.org
Phone: 313.833.0100

Kate Bell is a Program Manager at NextEnergy, where she works with communities, public agencies, and industry partners to execute programs designed to accelerate smart, clean, and accessible solutions for cities across Michigan. Bell’s experience mirrors her passion for leveraging the tools of individual communities to facilitate effective, long-lasting, and context-specific change. Prior to joining NextEnergy, she served as a Community Development Fellow with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan and conducted energy policy research as a graduate intern for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Bell holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Politics from Mount Holyoke College and earned her Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

Kate Bell

Program Manager

Email Kate Bell
313.833.0100 ext. 320

Latonya Binford

Accountant

Email: latonyab@nextenergy.org
Phone: 313.833.0100 ext. 320

Latonya Binford is the Senior Accountant at NextEnergy. Binford has years of experience in financial analysis. In the past, she served as a Budget Analyst at Wayne State University where she analyzed and created budgets for university-wide central revenue and expenditure sources. She also served as a Business Analyst at Compuware Corporation where she reported financial data used in European negotiations for a major automotive customer. Binford holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Central Michigan University and she is currently pursuing an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is also a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

Latonya Binford

Senior Accountant

Email Latonya Binford
313.833.0100 ext. 320

Jamie Leonard

Research and Program Analyst

Email: jamesl@nextenergy.org
Phone: 313-402-4698
Jamie Leonard is a Research and Program Analyst at NextEnergy. In this role, he supports the organization’s projects through research, data analysis, and results tracking. To accomplish this, he draws on his experience with the Michigan Clean Cities coalition, where he previously worked with fleet managers around the state of Michigan to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. Leonard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Michigan State University.

Jamie Leonard

Research and Program Analyst

Email Jamie Leonard
313-402-4698

Alisha Kiovanni

Administrative Assistant

Email: alishak@nextenergy.org
Phone: 313.833.0100 ext. 407

Alisha Kiovanni is the Executive assistant at NextEnergy. Kiovanni has years of experience as an administrative professional providing high level administrative support to managers and executives by determining their requirements along with executing tasks and projects within deadlines. Kiovanni also has vast experience in office management and project coordination while demonstrating proficient multitasking skills, exceptional communication and customer service acumen.

Kiovanni holds a certification in entrepreneurial business management, a culinary degree with a specialization in pastry arts, and was the proprietor of Alisha K’s Signature Cheesecake for over 10 years.

Alisha Kiovanni

Executive Assistant

Email Alisha Kiovanni
313.833.0100 ext. 407

Lauren Mattar

Technical Program Manager

Email: laurenm@nextenergy.org
Phone: (313) 833-0100 ext. 120

Lauren Mattar is a Technical Program Manager focusing on Mobility at Next Energy. In this role, she combines her passion for sustainability and relationship building with her engineering background and project management skills to help accelerate private-public partnerships to advance clean, smart, and accessible solutions in the mobility space.
Prior to joining NextEnergy, Lauren worked as a project manager for several years in both the transportation and building product sectors.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Ohio State University, a Master of Engineering Management from Penn State University, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute.

Lauren Mattar

Technical Program Manager

Email Lauren Mattar
313-833-0100 ext. 120

Eric McDonald

Director, Facilities & Infrastructure Development

Email: ericm@nextenergy.org
Phone: 313.833.0100 ext. 118

Eric McDonald is Director, Facilities and Infrastructure Development at NextEnergy where he is responsible for upgrades to the infrastructure and ongoing operation of NextEnergy’s campus. McDonald has over twenty years experience in management of capital improvements and infrastructure development and redevelopment for major construction managers and property owners. He has been involved on a diversity of projects including complete mechanical and electrical upgrades to industrial and commercial buildings; industrial backup power generation; civil, commercial,and industrial construction; landfill inspection and planning; and environmental remediation. McDonald has a Bachelor of Arts in Design from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Eric McDonald

Director,
Testing & Infrastructure Development

Email Eric McDonald
313.833.0100 ext. 118

Jim Saber

President & CEO

Email: saberj@nextenergy.org
Phone: 313.833.0100 ext. 240

Jim Saber is President & CEO at NextEnergy. Saber previously lead the business and technology development and demonstration activities to support commercialization and business growth of NextEnergy’s advanced energy clients and stakeholders. Saber’s experience includes the development of over $150 million in technology development and demonstration programs within e-Mobility, Smart Grid, Buildings and Infrastructure, MicroGrids, Energy Storage, Renewable Energy, and Alternative Fuels. He has lead NextEnergy’s work in establishing new technology development and demonstration platforms within next generation energy efficiency and transportation applications. Prior to joining NextEnergy, Saber spent more than a decade in the energy-storage industry, where he held product- and business-development positions with Fortune 500 and start-up companies. Jim holds a B. S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University.

Jim Saber

President &
Chief Executive Officer

Email Jim Saber
313.833.0100 ext. 240

William Siddall

Chief Operating Officer

Email:williams@nextenergy.org
Phone: (313) 833-0100 ext. 122

William Siddall is Chief Operating Officer at NextEnergy. Siddall has over 27 years of business development, program management and engineering experience in the automotive and defense industries. Siddall has most recently led electric vehicle product strategy & planning management at Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS). He was also the director of business development and program management for Mahindra Automotive North America, where he led the company’s United States Postal Service Next Generation Delivery Vehicle effort. Siddall was a founding member and vice president of business development, program management and sales for TM3 Systems, a startup company developing microgrids for the U.S Department of Defense. Siddall is an alumni of NextEnergy as director of mobile power development programs. Siddall has experience with fuel cell technology as director, business development and sales for Adaptive Materials Inc. He also held various roles at Ford Motor Company in the areas of manufacturing, vehicle development, engineering and program management. William holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s in Business Administration both from the University of Michigan. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy.

William Siddall

Chief Operating Officer

Email William Siddall
313-833-0100 ext. 122

Maggie Striz Calnin

Director, Michigan Clean Cities coalition

Email: maggiesc@nextenergy.org
Phone: 313-241-6211

Maggie Striz Calnin serves as the Director for the Michigan Clean Cities coalition—an affiliate of NextEnergy—that drives market growth for clean transportation solutions, accelerates the transition to clean fuels and vehicles, and provides actionable information, funding, and connections to collaborators.

Striz Calnin’s career is focused on helping private-, public-, and third-sector (nonprofit) organizations to develop, fund, and manage projects and strategy. Her background includes work in politics and government, community organizing, and issue advocacy. She has developed and managed a variety of programs and projects funded by international, federal, and state agencies as well as multinational nongovernmental organizations.

Striz Calnin’s international experience includes supporting projects through the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (a program of the U.K. Department for International Development) and the Office of the Chief Economic Advisor to the president of Nigeria. Additionally, she has completed work with a boutique guest house in Xizhou, China to develop a sustainability plan for the hotel, which is located in an ecologically significant lake basin.

Striz Calnin holds a Master of Natural Resources degree from Virginia Tech as a member of the inaugural cohort of the Executive Master of Natural Resources Leadership for Sustainability program. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science-Prelaw from Michigan State University (MSU). Her professional development activities include completing the Sustainable Communities Certificate Program at MSU and The Grantsmanship Center’s Project Planning and Proposal Development certification program.

Maggie Striz Calnin

Director,
Michigan Clean Cities coalition

Email Maggie Striz Calnin
313-241-6211

Meet Our Board

Lizabeth Ardisana

Board Chair

Lizabeth (Beth) Ardisana is the co-founder, principal owner and chief executive officer of ASG Renaissance, a global technical and communication services firm. As the CEO, Ardisana is responsible for the Company’s overall strategic direction and financial management while also taking an active role working directly with clients on various projects. In addition to managing ASG, Ardisana is an active business and civic leader in the Michigan and Hispanic Communities. She serves on numerous corporate and educational boards, and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the community. Prior to starting ASG Renaissance, Ardisana worked at Ford Motor Company as an engineer. During her 14 years with Ford, she quickly advanced up the ranks holding various management positions in vehicle development, product planning and marketing. Ardisana holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Texas.

Lizabeth Ardisana

Marco Bruzzano

Board member

Marco Bruzzano is the Vice President of Distribution Operations for DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE), a Detroit- based diversified energy company. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. In his role, Bruzzano is focused on the company's multi-year effort to improve electric system reliability while also reducing costs to keep energy affordable. Bruzzano is directly responsible for overseeing the company’s engineering, technology and planning functions. Prior to this role, he was Vice President of Corporate Strategy supporting a broad range of efforts of strategic and operations improvement efforts. Bruzzano also led DTE’s cost and operational benchmarking programs. Prior to joining DTE in 2008, Bruzzano worked broadly across the energy industry for nearly 20 years, including extensive periods as a management consultant with McKinsey and Booz Allen Hamilton. During this time, he advised global energy companies, electric utilities and power producers on strategy, operations and organizational effectiveness. Bruzzano earned an MBA with distinction from Duke University. He also earned a bachelor of science degree, with honors, and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. Bruzzano serves on the boards of NextEnergy and Endeavor Detroit.

Marco Bruzzano

John Hale III

Board member

John Hale III is the President and Founder of The Cornerstone Group, LLC a project finance and business consultancy which serves as a financial intermediary to facilitate debt, equity and grant funding for project developers and sponsors as well as innovative and mid-tier companies. As President, Mr. Hale is a collaborative leader who designs funding strategies in the commercial real estate, renewable energy, and other sectors. In addition, John is an experienced director serving on the boards of significant non-profit organizations and a civic leader advocating for equity of opportunity on behalf of African American businesses.

Prior to launching The Cornerstone Group, LLC, Mr. Hale served by Presidential appointment in leadership roles at two federal cabinet level agencies. He first served as the Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of Capital Access at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Thereafter, he served as the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), at the U.S. Department of Energy. Mr. Hale’s distinguished service in this role was recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Energy who awarded him the Secretary's Meritorious Service Award.

Mr. Hale earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University.

John Hale III

Steve Hilfinger

Board member

Steve Hilfinger is a partner and business lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. His experience includes corporate and finance work with companies in the energy industry, and more recently he held two senior positions with the State of Michigan where his responsibilities included regulatory and economic development activities directly impacting companies in the energy industry. In his most recent role, Mr. Hilfinger was the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the economic development arm of the State of Michigan. His oversight responsibilities at the MEDC included the Michigan Energy Office, which is a key partner with the federal Department of Energy in implementing loan and energy efficiency programs in the State of Michigan. The Michigan Energy Office also partnered with the Governor’s Office and the Public Service Commission on the development of energy policy, including in the areas of reliability, efficiency, affordability and portfolio diversification.

Steve Hilfinger

Eric Shreffler

Board member

Eric Shreffler is the Managing Director for the Automotive Office at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In this role he works directly with automotive industry stakeholders to establish economic development opportunities for the State. His team collaborates with federal agencies to identify partnership and funding opportunities to drive innovation, commercialization, and growth. Shreffler led a cross-functional team focused on advanced energy storage that led to $6B in direct investment in the State, including $1.3B in federal investment, as well as secured state funds to support the establishment of the ALMMII/LIFT and IACMI lightweight materials manufacturing innovation centers in downtown Detroit leveraging US Department of Defense and Department of Energy grants. Prior to joining the MEDC in 2006, Shreffler was the Global Thermal Product Manager for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. He holds a BS in Applied Engineering from Michigan State University and an Executive MBA from Northwood University.

Eric Shreffler

Rick Spina

Board member

Rick Spina, an auto industry veteran for more than 35 years, was appointed Vice President, Electric Vehicle (EV) Commercialization and Industrialization in June 2019. In this role, he is responsible for developing the partnerships, incentives, and investments needed to create the necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure that will enable acceptance of electrification.

Prior to this role, Rick had been vice president of General Motors Global Portfolio Planning. For 5 years prior, Rick was GM’s Executive Chief Engineer of Crossover Sport Utility Vehicles leading product development, profitability and quality initiatives for all new and existing product entries.

Rick began his General Motors career in 1983 as a Design Release/Test Engineering for Body Systems. He then moved to Linden, New Jersey and held Production Superintendent and Material Director positions at the Mid-Sized Truck assembly plant. Since then, Rick has held various leadership positions in the company including Executive Director-Global Product Programs, Vice President-GMNA Quality and Vehicle Line Executive-Full Size Trucks.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University and an MBA in General Management with Highest Honors from Harvard University. He and his wife, Barbara, have two daughters aged 24 and 27.

Rick Spina

Ned Staebler

Board member

As Wayne State University’s Vice President, Economic Development, Ned is part of the university’s cabinet with responsibility for leading economic development activities that leverage university assets across the university and the local community. His activities are designed to function as a catalyst for growth in Midtown Detroit and include interactions with TechTown, Wayne State’s Office of Technology Commercialization, and Midtown Detroit, Inc. Ned, who has private sector experience with both early stage technology ventures and Fortune 150 companies, served previously in a variety of senior roles with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where he was most recently Vice President for Entrepreneurial and Capital Services.

Ned Staebler

Rob Stevens

Board Member

As ROUSH Products Group vice president of engineering, Rob Stevens spearheads future products and customer strategy. He brings expertise in engineering, product and business development, alternative fuel vehicles, and fleet operations to ROUSH. His background as a race car driver for 13 years adds to his ability to help with the Performance Products Group.

Previously, Stevens spent nearly four decades with Ford Motor Company. As Ford’s Chief Program Engineer, he directed strategic planning and product development for Ford commercial vehicles, including the Transit Connect, E-Series vans, Super-Duty trucks, and commercial stripped chassis. He also was responsible for the new Medium-duty, launch in 2016.

Rob Stevens

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About

We work with innovators to accelerate smarter, cleaner, more accessible solutions for communities and cities.

Smart Mobility

Smart Grid

Experience, Knowledge and Relationships

Our Experience

Meet Our Team

Kate Bell

Kate Bell

Latonya Binford

Latonya Binford

Jamie Leonard

Jamie Leonard

Alisha Kiovanni

Alisha Kiovanni

Lauren Mattar

Lauren Mattar

Eric McDonald

Eric McDonald

Jim Saber

Jim Saber

William Siddall

William Siddall

Maggie Striz Calnin

Maggie Striz Calnin

Meet Our Board

Lizabeth Ardisana

Lizabeth Ardisana

Marco Bruzzano

Marco Bruzzano

John Hale III

John Hale III

Steve Hilfinger

Steve Hilfinger

Eric Shreffler

Eric Shreffler

Rick Spina

Rick Spina

Ned Staebler

Ned Staebler

Rob Stevens

Rob Stevens

Contact Us

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