Greetings BOC Stakeholder,
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) is pleased to announce we have recently hired two new staff persons to assist us with the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program.
Melissa Sokolowsky was named Senior Project Manager at NEEC and BOC Training Manager earlier in 2019. Melissa is passionate about innovative solutions for a clean energy economy. In her role as Training Manager for the BOC program, Melissa performs curriculum development/updates and instructor approval/development. At NEEC’s Smart Buildings Center, she also manages the Tool Lending Library, develops educational events and resources, and provides technical consulting for the region’s commercial and institutional buildings industry.
She has logged many years in various trades, such as construction, renovation, and equipment installation/repair and has over a decade of experience in commercial facility operation and management. Her previous role as Facilities Manager of the LEED Platinum 21 Acres Center, a non-profit sustainability education campus and organic farm in Woodinville, WA, went beyond operations and maintenance of the innovative facilities. She also focused on making energy data meaningful and educating the public about sustainability in the built environment. She fostered community-based learning partnerships focused on sustainable technology with higher education institutions and served on the University of Washington Community Engagement Council. She holds degrees in Sustainable Building Science Technology, Energy Management, and Graphic Design. She has completed the BOC training and holds a LEED Green Associate certification, as well as certificates in Residential Auditing, Commercial Lighting, Project Management, and Electronics Troubleshooting.
Jessica Cherry is now acting as the Events Coordinator at the Smart Buildings Center and as an associate to the BOC program, handling a variety of tasks. Jessica has always had a passion for humanitarian efforts with the most focus currently on energy efficiency. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. During her time in college, she enjoyed volunteering with her Rotaract Club to support the local community. Additionally, she was a member of the Sparrow Singers Chorus which hosted benefits for local children who were living with life-threatening illnesses. She is currently a member of the Seattle Peace Chorus, who use music to bring peace and awareness to social justice issues. Since graduating, Jessica has worked for a wellness clinic and for a few years in the insurance industry. The change in career path has been extremely fulfilling and her new dedication to the betterment of the Earth has given her new purpose.
NEEC and the BOC program are proud to welcome Melissa and Jessica to the team!