Michigan Geothermal Energy Association (MGEA)

Nicole Forward

Nicole Forward serves as Vice President of Membership & Events for Michigan EIBC and the Institute for Energy Innovation. Nicole’s work focuses on growing Michigan EIBC’s business membership and managing events, conferences, and regional networking meetings.

Nicole has more than fifteen years of experience working in non-profit development. Nicole’s previous position was Membership & Annual Fund Manager at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the oldest and second largest museum in the state of Michigan.

Nicole graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration.

Laura Sherman

Dr. Laura Sherman is the President of Michigan EIBC and IEI. She most recently served as the organization’s Vice President for Policy Development and as a Senior Consultant at 5 Lakes Energy. In that capacity, she supported Michigan EIBC’s policy platform, including ongoing regulatory engagement at the Michigan Public Service Commission, policy initiatives, and legislative efforts.

Before joining Michigan EIBC, Laura served as the policy advisor to Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) on energy, agriculture, and environment issues. In that capacity, she led a team in Washington, D.C. and Colorado to develop legislation, analyze policy issues, and negotiate bipartisan solutions. Laura was involved in crafting the 2015 extensions of the renewable tax credits, advancing federal initiatives on building energy efficiency, and supporting land conservation efforts.

Laura received a B.S. in Geological and Environmental Science from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Michigan. Her graduate and postdoctoral research utilized novel techniques to trace mercury pollution from sources like coal-fired power plants into rainfall and aquatic ecosystems across the Great Lakes Region.

Cory Connolly

Cory serves as the Vice President of Policy for the Institute for Energy Innovation and Michigan EIBC. He is also the creator and Director of the Michigan Clean Energy Leaders Project and was a 1 Hotels Fellow through Environmental Entrepreneurs and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Previously, Cory was Chief Operating Officer at Levin Energy Partners where he helped develop and deploy the company’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) finance marketplace, called Lean & Green Michigan. Before joining Levin Energy Partners, Cory was a Senior Research Associate at the Environmental Law Institute in Washington, DC, working on clean energy policy in the US and abroad. He has also held positions with 5 Lakes Energy, the Green Economy Leadership Training (GELT) program in Detroit, the U.S. Department of State, and Fundacion Biosfera (Argentina).

Cory has been a fellow with the Roosevelt Institute, Automation Alley, & New Leaders Council. In 2012 Cory was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 for Law and Policy, in 2016 he was named a Clean Power Player by Environmental Entrepreneurs, and in 2018 he was named one of 40 Under 40 by Midwest Energy News. His writing has been featured by the Environmental Law Forum, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Roosevelt Institute. He is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University where he majored in International Relations and specialized in Environmental Economics & Policy.

Liesl Eichler Clark

Liesl Eichler Clark is President of Michigan EIBC and the Institute for Energy Innovation. Under her leadership, Michigan EIBC has become the premier organization dedicated to advanced energy business interests in Michigan. Michigan EIBC serves the objectives of member companies by strengthening the Michigan network of advanced energy businesses, engaging the public and policymakers around policy and regulatory initiatives, creating partnerships to expand business opportunities, and advancing energy innovation.

In 2010, Liesl co-founded 5 Lakes Energy, a nationally recognized policy consulting firm offering services to the public and private sectors in clean energy policy development, research and analysis, and sustainability practices. Under Liesl’s leadership, 5 Lakes has provided client services in 16 states. The firm’s capabilities and vision have made it a trusted source for businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking to advance the transition to a clean energy economy.

Throughout her career, Liesl has built a reputation in collaborative policy development. She has been instrumental in building relationships between the clean energy business community and state and federal policymakers, while engaging lawmakers and regulators in the process. Prior to co-founding 5 Lakes Energy, Liesl held several positions in Michigan state government including: Deputy Director for Energy Systems at the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth; Policy Adviser to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on energy, agriculture, environment and natural resources issues including the 2008 Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act; and Policy Adviser for renewable fuels and legislative liaison in the Michigan Department of Agriculture. She was also a Consultant for Accenture.

Liesl earned her a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Michigan State University (MSU) while working full-time, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Economy from MSU’s James Madison College. She has also completed the Great Lakes Leadership Academy and serves on local community boards.

Kaitlyn Beyer

Kaitlyn Beyer serves as the Programs Associate for Michigan EIBC and the Institute for Energy Innovation. Kaitlyn’s work focuses on communications, research and writing, and assisting with events.

Kaitlyn brings past experience in community organization and communications. In her previous position, Kaitlyn managed a State House campaign in northern Michigan.

Kaitlyn graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Social Relations and Policy, a second major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. While at MSU, she held internships at a communications firm, a gubernatorial campaign, and a legislative office, as well as working for the university’s Department of Student Life.

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