Sean leads Urban Green’s Research team. He is responsible for identifying and executing studies that reveal industry trends and influence building design. He has worked in the energy and utility space for over 10 years and has specialized in building science and analysis. Sean has improved energy efficiency and asset maintenance programs at Pacific Gas & Electric and Sempra utilities in California. He has conducted research with the NRDC and USGBC, managed mechanical design projects with Integral Group and helped sustainability software startup Sefaira build its product and develop a portfolio of architectural and engineering clients. He has worked on hundreds of commercial, educational and specialty projects across North America to optimize envelope and HVAC design. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Stanford University.

Melissa supports Urban Green’s education programs and training courses. Her prior experience in the environmental field includes involvement with higher education sustainability at Second Nature and stormwater management work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Northeastern University, with a focus on urban issues and a minor in Sustainable Business Practices.​

Laurie Kerr leads Urban Green’s Policy team, which is advising New York City on how to achieve 80% carbon reductions and helping research and craft the specific strategies to achieve its sustainability goals. She also advises on Urban Green’s research, strategy, and public programs. A licensed architect with over 15 years experience, Laurie is a national leader in the development of green building and urban sustainability policy. As Deputy Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, she was responsible for developing the city’s signature green building policies, including the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, the NYC Green Codes Task Force, the Mayoral Challenges to Universities and Hospitals, and the Energy-Aligned Lease. Subsequently she was the Founding Director of the City Energy Project at the Natural Resources Defense Council, which is helping 10 major American cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, adopt policies similar to New York’s. Kerr was awarded the AIANY’s Public Architect Award in 2012 and was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in 2015. She serves on the board of the Global Cool Cities Alliance, the Cornell Alumni Advisory Board for Sustainability, and the Building Energy Exchange, and is the inaugural Director for Sustainability at AIANY. She holds a BA in Engineering and Applied Science from Yale, an MS in Applied Physics from Cornell, and an MArch. from Harvard.

Kaitlin is responsible for Urban Green Council’s public programs, as well as coordinating the Monthly Programs Committee. Kaitlin’s commitment to community engagement is reflected in her previous work with the Ithaca College Center for Civic Engagement and the LIN Center for Community Development in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Kaitlin attended Ithaca College, where she received her B.S. in Communication Management & Design, focusing on corporate social responsibility and crisis communication.

Sam supports administrative and operations processes at Urban Green. She is responsible for assisting with finance, human resources, and information technology business. She comes to Urban Green with experience in administrative roles, both in university and hospitality settings, and a background in biochemistry research. Sam holds a B.S. in biochemistry from Pace University.

Liz manages administrative and business processes at Urban Green, overseeing information technology, human resources, and office administration. She also manages the delivery of our workforce training courses, GPRO and Conquering the Energy Code, focusing on continual improvement of internal processes and customer satisfaction.  She has over ten years of non-profit experience and a passion for creating positive change in communities, having worked with organizations including Turnaround for Children, The Brooklyn Young Mothers’ Collective, and Free Arts NYC. Liz holds a B.A. from Hampshire College and a M.A. from New York University.

Bessie is responsible for account management and outreach for our Energy Code and GPRO training courses. Prior to Urban Green, Bessie worked at Long Island University as a Sustainability Coordinator to promote sustainability initiatives on campus. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and an M.S. in Environmental Sustainability from Long Island University.