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The U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBC-WM) Leadership Awards promote outstanding green building initiatives by recognizing projects, organizations, and people who have made extraordinary contributions to achieving healthy, energy-efficient green buildings in the state of Michigan. The Green School Champion Award recognizes exemplary projects and individuals that meet these qualifications and are advantageous to the development of their surrounding communities. The USGBC-WM was excited to announce Avril Wiers as the Green Schools Champion Award Winner for her environmental and sustainable studies work at Ottawa Area ISD.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hope College, Avril moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to pursue her Masters of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University. In 2019, after moving back to the West Michigan area Avril earned her certificate in Workforce Development and Training from Western Michigan University. Today, she works as the Environmental Field Studies CTE Instructor at Ottawa Area Careerline Tech. When asked where she found her passion for environmental education she said:

“I fell in love with environmental education while spending two summers at the University of Michigan Biological Station up north. Doing hands-on research with professors outdoors was an amazing experience, and it made me wonder why we don’t teach all of our science classes like that. I decided to attend Alaska Pacific University to earn my Master’s in Outdoor and Environmental Education so that I could get more students experiencing science outdoors.”

The following content is an interview with Avril Wiers in regards to the Green Schools Champion Award:

 

What are you most passionate about in environmental education?

I am most passionate about teaching students how they can be more sustainable in their daily lives. I love teaching simple swaps like starting a vermicomposting bin, mending clothing, and reducing the use of single-use plastics. I also love spending time outside with students-taking hikes and appreciating the nature we have, even in our own backyard. 

 

How do you engage your students in environmental education? What kind of projects do you see them get most involved/passionate about?

I engage students in environmental education using an interdisciplinary approach-we read articles, we collect and analyze data, and we keep nature journals. We get most excited about project-based learning modules. They allow us to connect with industry partners and solve real-world problems. It’s amazing to see students practice professional communication and be innovative. I can’t tell you how inspiring it is when an industry partner implements the students’ solutions! 

 

Have you seen students’ knowledge and passion for environmental justice and sustainability change over time?

The students who are interested in environmental topics are more knowledgeable-following the latest news and asking really great questions. But I’m also finding that there are more students who have no background in environmental issues, including the basics like how to recycle and energy conservation. I would love to see more science classes talk about human impacts on the environment and how we can make simple changes to our lives to be more sustainable. 

 

If your students could only take one lesson away from your class what would you like it to be?

I would like my students to leave my class empowered with the knowledge that they can change the world by engaging in grassroots organizing. I teach students that every seemingly small action adds up, that they vote every time they choose where to spend their money, and that working together achieves goals we never dreamed would be possible. 

 

Please describe one project, experience, or lesson that you believe is most notable or was most impactful to you and your students. *If the project/experience/lesson that stands out to you is different from the one you believe stood out/impacted your students the most then please explain both!

The Sustainable Cities Project was an opportunity for students to explore all sorts of human impacts on the environment by creating a community for the future. In the process of creating their city, students had to wrestle with issues of environmental justice and equity. They also got to research innovative solutions to environmental problems. They then came together to build a virtual model of their city to share with our industry partners. I look forward to expanding this project this year, and eventually hope to host a competition for high schoolers across Ottawa County to participate.

 

What are some of the challenges to environmental education and connecting with your students on sustainability? What are some of the rewards/outcomes you see?

The political divide is a real challenge when it comes to connecting with students on issues of sustainability. It helps to rely on the facts and figures-when we look at most sustainability policies, they make sense no matter what side of the aisle you fall on. It’s rewarding to see students thinking critically about these big issues: doing research, looking at both sides, and ultimately making their own decisions about where they stand. 

 

What does it mean to you to be awarded this year’s Green Schools Champion Award?

Being awarded this year’s Green Schools Champion is such an honor and I’m excited for the work that we do at Careerline Tech Center to be recognized. I’m so proud of the work that my students have done to increase awareness of environmental issues throughout Ottawa County. 

 

What plans do you have for sustainable projects and environmental education in the future? How would you like to see your program and courses grow?

I will continue seeking out problems for my students to solve problems for our community. Additionally, we’ll continue to shift our school buildings’ practices to be more eco-friendly every year. I would also love to connect with other youth working on environmental projects!

 

The USGBC-WM Leadership Awards promote outstanding green building initiatives by recognizing projects, organizations, and people who have made extraordinary contributions to achieving healthy, energy-efficient green buildings in the state of Michigan.

“Michigan is one of the top 5 states for clean energy commitments, number two in the country in drawing down federal funding for climate and clean energy, and number one in the Midwest for clean energy jobs, clean energy growing twice as fast as the overall economy,” said Cheri Holman, Executive Director of USGBC-WM. “These investments by the federal government, concrete action from the state, and the  collaboration inside our community has energized me like never before.”

Avril Wiers was awarded at our 2023 Annual Party & Leadership Awards Ceremony on December 5, 2023. Hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan, the evening event was held in the Ballroom at the LEED-certified CityFlatsHotel located in downtown Grand Rapids. The program included a keynote address by Dr. Brandy Brown, Chief Innovation Officer of Walker-Miller Energy Services, an Awards Ceremony, and the celebration of this year’s achievements. 

To learn more about the event and to read our 2023 Annual Report visit our Annual Party & Leadership Awards Ceremony page.

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Viraj Parmar

Data Management and Research Intern

Viraj is passionate about transforming energy data into actionable insights. At MiGBC, he focuses on Automated Benchmarking Services (ABS), helping businesses track, analyze, and optimize their energy usage effortlessly. With a background in data analytics, automation, and research, he works on streamlining energy reporting, integrating utility data, and enhancing benchmarking efficiency.

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology & Management, Viraj enjoys simplifying complex datasets and making energy data more accessible and impactful for businesses and communities. His goal is to leverage automation and data-driven strategies to drive sustainability and help organizations make smarter, more efficient energy decisions.

Tamika Young Banks

Board of Directors 

Principal Supervisor – Energy Partnerships, DTE Energy

Tamika works as a Principal Supervisor for the Energy Waste Reduction team at DTE Energy. She oversees a team of energy managers that work with commercial and industrial building owners and customers in the DTE Energy service area to achieve their energy efficiency goals. Tamika holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Engineering Management from Eastern Michigan University. Tamika is also a Certified Energy Manager.

Andrew Longcore

Board of Directors

Attorney, The Business Law Group

Andrew earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Michigan State University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Andrew is an attorney with an extensive background in civil litigation, business matters, franchise law, sports and entertainment law, and landlord-tenant matters. He has helped dozens of businesses and individuals with a variety of issues from starting up a new business venture to collecting debts to contract drafting and negotiations to general counsel to drafting and reviewing franchise agreements to evictions.

Jeff Groth

Board of Directors

Area General Manager, West Michigan Trane

Jeff joined Trane in 2007 in Madison as operations leader for a territory covering the state of Wisconsin and the western half of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Over the next ten years, he went through a progression of roles and expanding leadership responsibilities culminating as head of construction for a territory covering the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of 5 other states. In 2017, he relocated to West Michigan and started leading the customer facing efforts in supporting the needs of communities with their indoor environmental needs from supporting sustainable designs to maintaining performance of the buildings.

Devon Miller, BCXP, LEED AP

Board of Directors

Building Commissioning Specialist, Western Michigan University

DeVon Miller is the Building Commissioning Specialist at Western Michigan University. DeVon has over 8 years of experience in Facilities Management, over 15 years of experience in project management including energy conservation, building automation systems, building commissioning, and is a Building Commissioning Professional and LEED Accredited Professional with ASHRAE and Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) respectively. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

David Rinard

Board of Directors

Retired, Steelcase

An accomplished speaker on sustainability, operations environmental performance, and environmental strategies David educates and inspires community, customers, and business influencers through numerous board and community activities, national conferences, and educational events. David has a Bachelor’s in Microbiology and Public Health from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Management from Aquinas College. David participated as a member of the foundation committee that formed the West Michigan Chapter.

Ana Jose, MBA

Board of Directors

Director of Business Development, Michigan Women Forward

Armed with a heart dedicated to service and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Cornerstone University, Ana Jose strives to be an advocate for those without a voice. Born and raised in a small Dominican province called Ingenio Consuelo, Ana’s roots are reflected through her work with the community. During her four years with Bethany Christian Services, she developed programs to secure housing for youth from overseas, specifically those from Central America. Ana’s ability to create and implement effective programming has allowed her to seamlessly step into the role of Program Manager at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The initiative that Ana will continue to grow and improve is called Transformando West Michigan, which focuses on Hispanic business owners that have the desire to gain knowledge and experience in differing fields, such as financial education or food safety certification. Her personal goal for the program is to facilitate opportunities for growth within Hispanic businesses. As a business owner herself, Ana operated West Michigan Mortgage and Financial Services (2004), in which she found great success helping people to understand the value of homeownership, which allowed her to become instrumental in helping families secure FHA loans. She has also created programs to help families improve their credit and secure properties in the city of Grand Rapids. Ana graduated from the Latino Talent Program at Ferris State University in 2015 and finds inspiration from the local community, her family, and Hispanic culture. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children and strives to be a good mom, daughter, and friend.

Lisa Biering

Board of Directors – Secretary

Manager of Product Innovation, Consumer’s Energy

As Manager of Product Innovation for Consumers Energy, Lisa leads a portfolio of pilots and research projects to explore and test potential new products for the utility’s business customers. This work looks at emerging technology, civic partnerships, and programs that offer customers solutions in energy efficiency, energy demand-side management, electrification, and renewables, while working to support the company’s Clean Energy Plan. Prior to Consumers, Lisa was Director of Marketing and Communication at the Capital Region Community Foundation and held a variety of customer experience roles at MSU Federal Credit Union. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Alma College and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Michigan State University.

Peter Skornia, LEED AP

Board of Directors – Treasurer

President, Cella Building Company

Peter is president of Cella Building Company, specializing in sustainable new construction and redevelopment of under-utilized properties. Peter has experience in all phases of the development process from site selection through operations. By focusing on the impact on people, planet, and profit; Peter and the Cella Building Company team look to incorporate the principles of the triple bottom line to all projects in which they are involved.

Jon Rumohr, PE, HBDP, LEED AP BD+C

Board of Directors – Vice Chair

Principal / Mechanical Engineer, Ignyte Design

Jon is a Principal at IGNYTE Design and a registered Professional Engineer, licensed in multiple states. He provides expertise in sustainable design and carbon reduction for healthcare, higher education, government, and large commercial clients across the country. He has extensive experience working with facilities management teams to assess existing systems, plan for future capital projects, reduce their carbon footprint, and maximize their return on investment. When Jon isn’t helping clients, he’s spending time outside with his wife Kelly and daughters Adelyn and Amelia. He’s passionate about gardening, woodworking, and classic cars.

Ryan Musch, PE, MBA, LEED AP, SITES AP

Board of Directors – Chair

PE / Associate / Senior Civil Engineer, Fishbeck

Ryan Musch is a Senior Civil Engineer and leads the Site Development Group at Fishbeck. Ryan has over 15 years of experience in Site and Civil Engineering and has focused much of his efforts on Sustainable Design within his Site Development and Civil projects. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Calvin College, a Masters of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University, and is a LEED Accredited Professional and Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional.

Audrey Whaling

Program Manager, Lansing 2030 District

Audrey (she/her), a lifelong environmentalist, has joined the MiGBC to champion the Emerging Lansing 2030 District. With over 15 years of experience in complex project and program management, Audrey brings a combination of technical expertise and enthusiasm for sustainable solutions.

As a dedicated climate activist, Audrey is committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges through community engagement and informed action. Audrey is a Michigan native with a Masters of Science in Packaging from Michigan State University and enjoys spending time outdoors, participating in endurance sports, and caring for animals.

Ally Beshouri

Communications Manager

Ally (she/her) is our Communications Manager. She is in charge of working on our weekly newsletter, social media presence, website updating, blog, and more! Directly prior to this role she spent five months with us as our Website and Usability Intern. She is a graduate of Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and her Bachelor’s Degree in Comparative Cultures and Politics. She is passionate about combining her skills and love of design with environmental advocacy, as well as learning new ways to better the environment in her daily life.

In her free time she is an avid gardener, bike packer, and Great Lakes visitor. Though on a regular day she can be found spending most of her time with her two cats or taking care of her many houseplants.

Kayla Snyder, LFA, EMIT

Program Manager

Kayla (she/her) is the lead for our programs where she focuses on data management, educational events, and assisting local organizations with energy efficiency initiatives. Before joining MiGBC, Kayla performed energy audits, led internal educational sessions to bridge MEP design with energy efficiency, and collaborated with design engineers on reducing energy loads. She also has 4 years of experience in the brewing industry where she created her own sustainability internship tracking KPIs and implementing waste reduction strategies.

Kayla completed her associate degree at GRCC before transferring to the University of Michigan and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about equitable, energy efficient, and ecologically conscious buildings. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, spending time with family, and working on creative projects.

Wendy Berg, LEED Green Associate

Event & Membership Manager

Wendy (she/her) coordinates our event planning, membership management, tracking & planning program impact and community engagement, as well as sharing in the development of all programs. Wendy is most passionate about mitigating climate change, reducing energy consumption, and environmental conservation.

Wendy comes to MiGBC with fifteen years of account management, event planning, volunteer training, and administrative experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors with a focus on the education environment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resource Management and Environmental Studies.

Wendy spent her childhood days on the shores of Lake Superior and is a Yooper at heart. In here spare time she likes to keep active. She has been a long distance runner since middle school, is a certified advanced NAUII scuba diver, practices hot yoga, and loves to spend time exploring nature and traveling.

Cheri Holman, LEED AP

Executive Director

Cheri (she/her) is a LEED Accredited Professional with extensive experience and a genuine passion for energy & water conservation. Other areas of interest include indoor environmental quality, clean/renewable energy, access to healthy food and all things related to educating and promoting a healthy built environment. Prior to her work in non-profit Cheri spent most of her career consulting & partnering with private sector corporations to reduce resource consumption within their facilities through the implementation of energy conservation technologies and improved operational practices.

Mrs. Holman is a Past Chair of our Board of Directors after serving as Treasurer for 2 years. In early 2008 Cheri founded the LEED for Existing Building Advocacy Group. She served as a subject matter expert for the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) LEED for EB Operations and Maintenance test development in 2008 and the Commercial Reviewer exam test development in 2009. In 2010 & 2011 Cheri served as a Greenbuild conference session reviewer.