Thurston Energy embodies the combination of expertise and experience in business and sustainability.

As a program of the Thurston Economic Development Council, our mission is to help our community save energy, help create and retain good jobs, invest in their homes and businesses, and protect our environment all at the same time. We provide a one-stop trusted resource of information, project planning and scheduling.  We measure the results of energy efficiency implementations in terms of jobs created, energy saved, dollars saved and reduction of carbon footprint.

Started in January of 2010, Thurston Energy began as one of eight Community Efficiency Pilot programs in Washington State with ARRA grant funding from the Washington Department of Commerce. Technical support is provided by Washington State University Energy Extension Program.

 

Thurston Energy program staff

Ramsey Zimmerman

Program Director (ramsey@thurstonenergy.org) – As Thurston Energy program director, Ramsey which works with residents and businesses to save energy and save money. He directs the program design, service model, marketing, finance and operations. Ramsey also directs the Pacific Five-county Energy Efficiency (Pac 5 Energy) Program, which is applying Thurston Energy’s “Pathway to Savings” model to the communities of Mason, Lewis, Pacific, and Grays Harbor Counties.

Ramsey joined the EDC Team in December of 2009. Ramsey has invested his career in advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building and recycling practices as a means to make businesses more successful. He has a MBA from the University of Michigan and a BA in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia.

 

Annette Roth

Marketing Manager (aroth@thurstonedc.com) – Annette works closely with the executive staff, directors and managers as the primary marketing liaison for each of the programs of the EDC. She oversees strategic marketing planning, brand management and development, program awareness, strategic communications, management of print and digital media, and design and execution of marketing campaigns.  She originally joined the EDC as the Marketing and Outreach Manager of the Thurston Energy program in September 2010.

Annette was born and raised near Detroit, MI. She studied English at Wayne State University, and Interactive Media at the Art Institute of Seattle. She has spent her entire career in marketing and advertising, in both corporate and small business environments. Before joining the EDC, she was the co-owner of a boutique marketing firm in Tacoma, WA. Annette is a member of Soroptimist International of Olympia, and is a member of the Leadership Thurston County class of 2013.

 

Mark Rentfrow

 Energy Services Manager (mark@thurstonenergy.org) – Mark provides primary support to the EDC’s Thurston Energy program. He is the group’s residential Energy Services Manager and works with homeowners and property managers from Thurston County to make existing home stock more energy efficient through a variety of building science and efficiency upgrades.

Mark joined the EDC in 2011. He earned an MBA from Pacific Lutheran University with a focus on emerging and closely held businesses. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration from PLU as well. Mark also serves on the City of Olympia’s Heritage Commission.

 

Justin Rogers

Energy Services Specialist ( justin@thurstonenergy.org) – Justin works with homeowners, business owners and local contractors to drive energy improvements.  Justin advises customers on energy efficiency improvement services, efficiency technology information and contractor communications.  Justin also helps to coordinate the Thurston Energy Vendor Network of local contractors and energy efficiency service providers.  Justin joined the EDC Thurston Energy team in October of 2012.

Justin was born and raised near Chapel Hill, NC and moved to Olympia WA in 2007. He was a former building contractor and business owner for over ten years, in both NC and WA, specializing in residential green retrofits. Justin has invested his academic and professional career in advancing green building, energy efficiency and sustainability practices as a means to develop vibrant communities.  He has a BA and a Master of Environmental Studies degree from The Evergreen State College.