Who we are

Gregg Mast

“The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Gregg serves as the Executive Director for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota. Gregg has nearly 20 years of professional experience in project development, resource analysis, feasibility and financial analysis, and fuel risk management in the clean energy sector. He possesses deep expertise in the economic, marketing, financial, environmental, and policy aspects of clean energy. Gregg has served as Vice President of The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota where he was responsible for developing a long‐term strategic direction for Minnesota in the areas of renewable energy and renewable materials. Early on in his career, Gregg worked in a variety of corporate finance and management capacities, including at Allianz Life, a wholly‐owned subsidiary of Allianz SE and Target Corporation. Gregg received a B.A. from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, and a M.B.A. in Finance from the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas

Gregg resides in South Minneapolis with his wife, daughter, and Mini Goldendoodle. Someday he will run his 10th marathon and is an avid supporter of Golden Gophers football.

E: gmast@cleanenergyeconomymn.org
P: 612.743.9157

Amelia Cerling Hennes

“We all do better, when we all do better.” — Senator Paul Wellstone

Amelia serves as Clean Energy Economy MN’s (CEEM) Managing Director. In this role, Amelia serves as a trusted liaison between staff and the Executive Director. She also serves as a key contact and spokesperson both internally and externally while providing strategic guidance and direction for the entire organization. Amelia is a storyteller at heart and has embedded the use of stories to help connect the dots between Minnesota lawmakers at all levels of government – and the economic benefits created by clean energy across the state.

Amelia holds degrees in broadcast journalism and Middle Eastern studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and serves on the Minnesota Solar Industry Energy Association’s (MnSEIA) board of directors. Amelia has nearly 15 years of experience in her field, and her career is rooted in her broadcast television background where she served as a TV anchor, and her time at the Minnesota Senate.

When she’s not sharing stories about clean energy, you can probably find her at her local bakery. Amelia is a big fan of exploring new foods and restaurants across the Twin Cities, yoga, and traveling to new places near and far with her friends and family. As a lifelong Minnesotan she is also a strong advocate of winter and is using her creative juices to figure out how to make the most out of the season with two little kids!

E: ahennes@cleanenergyeconomymn.org
P: 507.251.5140

Virginia Mooty Rutter

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

As Director of Engagement & Strategic Initiatives, Virginia leads our reports and programs. This includes working with CEEM’s member businesses, partners, policymakers, and community leaders to advance innovative clean energy policies and solutions. Virginia brings with her nearly 15 years of industry experience. Most recently she served as the Director of Market Development at Twin Cities-based Nokomis Energy, where she conducted market analysis on utility-scale solar. Prior to that, Virginia was the Program Director at Solar United Neighbors of Minnesota, where she launched the program and developed deep relationships across the state. She received her Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and her B.A. in Public Policy Analysis & Biology from Pomona College. She is the founder and leader of the Feminist Fight Club – Minnesota Women in Energy.

In her off hours, Virginia enjoys running on local trails, yoga, and knitting. She and her family also love exploring Minnesota’s beautiful outdoors, whether hunting for tree frogs & toads in the backyard or spending time with family at the cabin.

E: vrutter@cleanenergyeconomymn.org
P: 952.237.3843

George Damian

“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda

George graduated from William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law) with his J.D. after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. After graduating, he worked on various statewide, congressional, and local political campaigns before spending the past five years serving in the communications department in the Minnesota House.

George lives in the South Metro with his wife and two daughters. When not working, from April to October you are equally likely to see him at Target Field, hacking his way around a golf course, taking his daughters to Valleyfair, or picking up sticks in his yard.

E: gdamian@cleanenergyeconomymn.org
P: 612.472.1233

Tiffanie Connelly

“We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.” – Leslie Knope

Tiffanie graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Marketing and a B.A. in Communication Studies. She started her career in nonprofit marketing and has experience working on small teams with big missions. She has also worked with the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters and most recently with a digital marketing agency. She enjoys using her skills in marketing and storytelling to work for an important mission and has greatly enjoyed learning about the clean energy space.

When she isn’t working, you can find Tiffanie with her husband, Tom and 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, Bruce. Tiffanie is a hobby cook, baker, crafter and runner. She is most proud of her very mature sourdough starter, Jane Dough.

E: tconnelly@cleanenergyeconomymn.org
P: 320.260.8370

Chandra Her

“I am never out of options, there is always another move.” – Olivia Pope

Chandra graduated from the University of Minnesota. She has a M.S in Science Technology, and Environmental Policy (’22) from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs and a B.S. in Sustainable Systems Management (’20) from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences.

Chandra has worked with 3M as a high school student intern testing acrylate-based polymers and as an undergraduate Technical Aide on the Command product line. She has interned with the Green Neighbor Challenge, a non-profit and online resource to empower residents to opt into green energy. During graduate school, she researched with Dr. Gabe Chan as a Research Assistant in the Chan Labs on Minnesota Energy Assistance Programs in collaboration with MN Community Action Partnership and the MN Department of Commerce. She also completed a Graduate Fellowship with Hennepin County’s Environment and Energy Department in the Waste Reduction and Recycling Unit. Chandra has also managed a local campaign for Ramsey County.

When she isn’t working, she is focused on prioritizing Self-Care Sundays, binging and analyzing TV Series, making time for family and friends, and decompressing through retail therapy.