Ashley graduated with her MS in Environmental Studies from CSUF in 2018. She began her career in the public sector working on water efficiency programs, including turf rebate and conservation programs. Then Ashley transitioned to the nonprofit sector where she worked with cities and counties to upgrade existing infrastructure to more energy efficient systems. Over the last 3 years Ashley worked to develop energy, water, and waste programs at Aspire Bakeries. Aspire Bakeries’ vision is to be viewed internally and externally as a socially responsible organization, and to leverage their global resources to improve ethical, environmental, and economic outcomes.

Mohammed M. Elahi | Deputy Director

Mohammed M. Elahi is currently the Deputy Director in charge of economic development at Cook County Bureau of Economic Development serving 135 towns and villages to coordinate their economic development needs.

Previously, Mr. Elahi served as a Senior Managing Director at Recursion Ventures. Mr. Elahi was the founding Chairman & CEO of Andes Capital Group LLC (“Andes”), a full-service broker dealer and underwriter for municipal and corporate clients. Prior to Andes, Mr. Elahi was the Senior Vice President of Loop Capital Markets (“Loop”), an investment banking firm. Prior to joining Loop, he was the Deputy Commissioner with the Department of Planning and Development of the City of Chicago.

Mr. Elahi has a B.S. degree from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri and graduated with MBA in Finance at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois.

John Azara | Director of Client Engagement, IMEC

With over 25 years of manufacturing experience working in a variety of roles on both the production floor and in the front office as a director of operations,  John brings a broad perspective to any situation in order to gain the best results. . As a team member of IMEC,  he is able to continue to pursue his passion by assisting Illinois companies to retain jobs, and create new jobs and opportunities for the manufacturing workforce.

Richard Magallon | Associate Program, C&I 

Ricardo Magallon serves as the Manager of Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability’s Air Inspection Division. Prior to his role with Cook County, Ricardo worked on San Francisco International Airport’s Environmental Operations team where he worked to increase Airport zero waste practices/programs and developed the SFO Green Business Program. Ricardo earned a spot on the GreenBiz Group’s 30 Under 30 Honoree list for his sustainability work at SF International Airport and was a 2022 UChicago Civic Leadership Alum. Ricardo is also currently developing and overseeing the County’s Pollution Prevention Unit which serves as the home of the County’s Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) Program. Ricardo holds dual B.S. degrees in Biology and Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago, an M.S. in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco, and is a certified LEED Green Associate.

Scott Benner | Facilities Manager, Toyal America, Inc. 

Scott has over 30 years experience in organic chemistry and aluminum powders/paste manufacturing spent upgrading and optimizing energy controls and distribution.  He serves as the industry advisory board president for Joliet Junior College’s Process Control and Instrumentation Technology program. Scott, along with an engaged and committed workforce at Toyal America Inc (TAI), has embarked on an exciting journey of applying energy efficiency methods and industry best practices to reduce carbon footprint.  TAI is closely aligned with Toyo Aluminum Japan in the mission to give back to society through their business operations as they work with an eye to forging a bright new sustainable future.

Daiva Gylys | Associate Program Manager

Daiva Gylys serves as an Associate Program Manager for Resource Innovations. In this role she supports the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program’s Outreach Service Providers, who perform outreach to customers and support their participation in eligible Public and Private sector Commercial and Industrial programs in ComEd’s service territory. Her previous work history involves roles in sustainability consulting, outdoor education, workforce development, and over ten years of previous program management for conservation based non-profit organizations.

She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Environmental Science, BA in Socio-Cultural Anthropology and a minor in Peace and Social Justice.

PRESENTATION SUPPORT

Dave Charles | Outreach Service Provider 

Dave Charles is an Outreach Service Provider for ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program. He has over 30 years experience in multiple HVAC industry roles, including contracting, distribution, and manufacturing. He is a full member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and attended Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI.