Antoine Maurice Thompson is a native of Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Buffalo Public Schools #61, #60, and Bennett High School. A graduate of SUNY Brockport with a dual bachelors’ degree in History and African and Afro-American Studies, Thompson also studied at the University of Ghana in Ghana, West Africa. Antoine is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Medaille College. He is a graduate of the 2001 Class of Leadership Buffalo.

Antoine M. Thompson is a nationally recognized leader for environmental justice, green business, housing, diversity and urban policy.  Antoine is the Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC), a public-private partnership that promotes the use of clean, American transportation fuels for homeland security, improved air quality, environment justice, diversity and inclusion.

He is the former Executive Director of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) the oldest organization of African-American real estate professionals in the United States. Antoine led efforts to increase advocacy on Capitol Hill on closing the racial wealth gap through increasing the rate of Black homeownership.

He had a significant public service career in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. His positions have included election to Buffalo Common Council where he authored the Buffalo’s Fair Housing Law, the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Inclusion Law and secured over $75 million for community development projects. He was elected to the New York State Senate in 2006 and 2008 and served as the Senate Deputy Majority Whip and the first African-American to Chair the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation and Co-Chair of the Senate Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Task Force. He authored the NYS MWBE Mentor/Protégé Law. He was key architect of the Green Jobs/Green New York law.

Antoine is a partner in Creative PMO Solutions. He is also a licensed real estate agent in New York State. Antoine is married to Tracey Thompson, and the father of Deja L. Thompson and Joseph A. Thompson. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Antoine is a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, and a longtime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Kimberly Harden is the Managing Member of K. Harden & Associates, LLC a Maryland-based event planning and association  management company. Her company works with small businesses, non-profit organizations, corporations and trade associations. Ms. Harden is also the principal of Majestic Day Event Planners which is a social event planning company that provides event planning services and products to consumers. With nearly twenty-five years of experience in the event planning and association management industry, Ms. Harden has become noteworthy for her abilities, creativity, and keen attention to detail. She is well able to handle multiple tasks, refer her clients to reputable vendors, develop and comply within specified budgets, and provide money saving tips while maintaining a high level of professionalism.

Ms. Harden, a Business Administration major at Villa Julie College (now known as Stevenson University) and a graduate of Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore (WEB) has been afforded several business opportunities and resources. From these learning institutions, she has acquired a passion for learning. Education and her strong commitment to her clients have been invaluable to her company. Her most recent accomplishment includes completion of the Meeting Planning Management course at Goucher College in June 2000. Ms. Harden looks forward to the future as she plans to move into higher dimensions with her business. Her primary goal is to provide optimal customer service to every client and to continue to strive towards being noted as a cutting edge event planning and association management firm.

Dianne Little is a resolute, organized, and well-established professional with over 15 years of experience in executive assistance roles, having served as an executive assistant to an Executive Director, a Senior Vice President, and a Chief Nursing Officer within dynamic industries. Ms. Little is accustomed to the rigors of fast-paced, highly regulated environments requiring sharp attention to detail, consummate accuracy, and outstanding communication skills. She has proven success in performing administrative duties with utmost discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism. She has a reputable track record in managing multiple, complex calendars while meeting strict deadlines and adhering to company guidelines as well as a demonstrated strong ability to multitask and navigate various tasks by prioritizing workflows and effectively managing schedules for executives to safeguard smooth business operation. She is highly skilled in liaising with all levels and presenting/communicating complex information to team members and clients while maintaining professional business relationships.

Ms. Little is a native Washingtonian. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland University College, and, along with her two daughters, had a local modelling career with CK Fashions, Inc. Currently, she is co-owner and lead designer of Relegance Boutique, an on-line fashion and accessory line that creates unique, one-of-kind pieces of jewelry using upcycled goods that are created into “wearable pieces of art”.

Jill Harrison is a master-mind consultant who uses her proven skills in leadership, administration, and organization and infuses them with a mix of digital and traditional media, public relations and spot on marketing tactics, she is able to make her clients “look & feel like Rock Stars”!

Jill had a long and successful career in the non-profit, public and private sectors. She attributes her success to hard work, innovation, and creativity. In 2018, Jill launched Lloyd Rochelle Marketing & Consultants, a marketing , public relations, business consultative firm named after her grandfather, Lloyd Cunningham Sr & Rochelle Gonzales. In 2021, she started her own real estate investing company called Jill Estate!

Last November, Jill added another area of expertise to her long and illustrious professional career, politics. She qualified, ran her campaign winning the election for City Council in her city of Oglethorpe, Georgia. This was indeed a history making feat, as Councilwoman Harrison is the first African American female to serve in this capacity in the city’s 173 year history!

Blake S. Showes, originally from Oakland, CA, is a communication professional with an interest in social media, project management, and community engagement, after earning a Bachelor of Science from Morgan State University’s Global School of Journalism and Communication. With experience developing and implementing social media strategies to promote public health initiatives, Blake has successfully increased community awareness and engagement. Their work in various roles has allowed them to collaborate with diverse groups and community members. Blake’s global perspective has been enhanced by immersive study abroad experiences in Spain and Africa, where they honed their skills in cross-cultural communication and adaptability. This unique background allows Blake to navigate complex professional landscapes with ease and creativity.
When they’re not busy crafting campaigns or engaging with communities, Blake enjoys traveling to new places and exploring different cultures. They cherish time spent with family and friends, often seeking new adventures and experiences together. With a blend of professional expertise and love for connection, Blake is excited about opportunities that intersect with politics and advocacy, aiming to create meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

Eleanor is the web developer for the GWRCCC. She is proud to guide the GWRCCC website in its goal to be both a resource for economic, environmental, and alternative energy fuel issues,  as well as a resource for environmental equity and justice.

Eleanor is still trying to figure out if she is an artistic person who does tech, or a techy person who is passionate about art. With a double major in Art History and Music from University of Arizona and an MA/MFA in Integrated Electronic Arts from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), she has a foot in both camps. Throughout her career of working with small businesses, she has used both her technical and artistic skills for video streaming and web content work, as well as being a facility security officer, hiring officer and technical web guru. Above all, she enjoys the challenge of constantly learning new technologies and putting them to use. In her spare time she likes to garden, hear live music, and go to museums.

KJ Reynolds is a consultant to fleet industry service providers, including: Independent Fleet Service Providers, Fleet Industry Associations , OEM Truck & Bus Dealers, Transportation Operations & Maintenance Contractors, Parts Distributors, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Truck & Bus Brokers.

KJ’s expertise is delivering business development solutions for municipal, local, state, federal, and private fleet users including: Sales, Business & Sales Plans,  RFP Management, Bid Structure Development, Fleet Audits, DOT Compliance, On-Site Mobile Plans, Disadvantage Business Enterprise Certification, Enterprise Asset Management Software, Fleet Business Sale, Acquisition Strategy & Planning, and Transit Software Evaluation.

Judy is a third-year student at the University of California, Berkeley, and a member of the Spring 2025 University of California Washington Program Cohort. She is pursuing a degree in Sustainable Environmental Design with double minors in Public Policy and City and Regional Planning. Driven by climate change and its disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations, her concentration lies in environmental justice and poverty alleviation. Judy is especially passionate about community development and bottom-up policy planning. Previously, she served as the Co-Chair of the San Leandro City Council Youth Advisory Commission, where she designed and facilitated events for youth engagement and philanthropy. Additionally, as a Mentor at the Center for Cities + Schools, she helped develop policy proposals for the Oakland City Council to advance Phase II of Oakland’s 2045 General Plan and a prospective California Homeless Youth Bill of Rights. Judy possesses a unique skill set as she blends her local government experience with about five years of consistent content creation. Through the San Leandro Academy for Multimedia and the Cinematic Arts and Production Studio at UC Berkeley, she has honed her skills in strategic public engagement that is accessible, engaging, and empowering for diverse audiences.

Ajay is pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University, where he concentrates in Science, Technology, and International Affairs with Honors in International Business Diplomacy. As the 2025 Donald F. McHenry Fellow for Global Public Service, he is attending on a full merit scholarship. He is originally from the South of India, but grew up in Qatar. He also holds a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with a minor in International Relations, graduating as the Valedictorian.

Ajay brings experience in project management across both public and private sectors. He also founded a student-led think tank focused on analyzing global affairs from a subnational lens. Through this “decentralized” approach, Ajay hopes to harness technology to bridge the global-local divide, tackle international challenges, and ensure that innovation leads to equitable outcomes worldwide. Outside of work, you’ll find him hiking DC’s many trails, cooking, or enjoying time with friends.

Jill Hamilton is Founder and President of Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. (SESI). She has more than 25 years of consulting experience in the alternative transportation fuels industry. Over the past 20 years, Jill and her team have raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the biofuels industry. She also is a trusted advisor to the National Clean Cities Program. She is Chair of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalitions.

For the past 20 years, she has provided ethanol market development for the Mid-Atlantic region on behalf of the Maryland Grain Producers. She is also a key consultant to the National Biodiesel Board and its Foundation. In addition to her biofuels background, she brings a deep familiarity of government grant writing, project management and project fundraising. Prior to starting SESI, she co-managed Information Resources, Inc. Alternative Fuels Division and ran the National Alternative Fuels Hotline for the Department of Energy.

In  his current role as Eaton’s Federal Government Marketing Director, Jim Dankowski oversees the strategic planning, value proposition development and customer engagement for the government segment.  With 39 years of experience in the electrical power distribution and control industry, his knowledge has delivered unique and creative solutions that support Eaton’s clients with their energy initiatives and facility/systems optimization efforts.

Anne has over 20 years of experience in fostering relationships, framing policy and delivering results for companies in the energy, transportation and agriculture sectors.   She has successfully led and motivated geographically distributed teams of people with diverse responsibilities in public policy, government affairs, finance and budgeting, fundraising, constituent relations, public relations and legal.

Carla Longshore is the Associate Director of Transit Delivery at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). She has worked in the transportation industry in Washington, DC for more than 30 years.
Carla began her career in transportation at Landmark Services Tourmobile, Inc., a former locally owned and operated sightseeing company; she started as a revenue cashier and progressed to become president of the organization. During her tenure with Tourmobile, she served in many capacities within the operation to include dispatch, marketing, and maintenance oversight. Having to close the business after the passing of the owner, she managed per capita tours and commuter routes for a local division of a motor coach company. In 2015, she accepted the position of Associate Administrator for Fleet Operations at the DC Department of Public Works.
Her experience and passion for bus operations led her to DDOT, where she continues to advocate for transportation. She leads a team providing guidance and oversight for the DC Circulator, DC Streetcar, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Coordination programs. Carla focuses on operations, budget, and contract management improvement. Born and raised in Washington, DC, she has a strong connection to transit operations in the region, which gives her great pride in managing transit operation programs and two administrative transit programs: School Transit Subsidy and coordination with WMATA to improve transit operations. She actively supports the District’s priority to increase transit ridership, reduce single occupancy vehicles, and improve safety for all transportation modes in the city.
Carla is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration. She previously attended Howard University and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University. She is also an alumna of the ENO Transit Senior Executive Program.

Luis D. MacDonald is President of AutoFlex Fleet, Inc. a GSA Schedule Federal Fleet contract holder for 25+ years. AutoFlex Fleet was incorporated in 1987, and is a Maryland DOT certified Minority and service-disabled Veteran owned small business. Mr.MacDonald is a charter member of the Federal Clean Cities Program and a charter member of the GWRCCC Board of Directors. Mr. MacDonald served as Chair of D.C. NAFA’s first fleet-industry seminars on implementing Alternative Fueled Vehicle Legislation during early 1990’s. Mr. MacDonald served as a Military Policeman at the end of the Vietnam-era and studied football and business administration at Colorado State University under the G.I. Bill.

Genevieve Cullen joined EDTA in 2005 and serves as President of the cross-industry trade association promoting the electrification of transportation by leading EDTA’s policy and advocacy efforts for tax, research and development, infrastructure, and deployment of electric drive vehicles. Prior to joining EDTA, Genevieve provided energy policy counsel in the Executive and Legislative Branches, including serving as Energy Counsel to Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) where she worked on diverse energy and industry issues, including climate change, air quality, transportation and federal energy efficiency policies, and utility regulation. She also previously worked at the Alliance to Save Energy, as a consultant to the Department of Energy, and in the office of then-Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE). A graduate of Washington College of Law and Bucknell University, Genevieve is a member of the District of Columbia bar.

R. Denise Everson directs human capital programs at ThinkBox, where she leads the Sustainable Communities Project as the Leader of Making and Keeping Friends. Denise uplifts under-resourced communities to further entrepreneurship, amplify STEAM education, create realistic jobs, and promote wellness.

Denise has worked in community redevelopment at the DC Housing Authority; consulted for Connecticut Green Bank and Institute of Market Transformation; and taught workforce development at the University of the District Columbia.

Denise was a Presidential Scholar and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Architecture from Hampton University, She earned a Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, now the McCourt School, with a focus on housing and education policy. Denise is a recipient of the National Architects Foundation Pettigrew Memorial Scholarship and an American Institute of Architect’s Associates Award, She is an inductee to Hampton University’s inaugural Forty Under 40 Society and Next City Forty Under 40 Vanguard. She severed the AIA nationally as a member of the Government Advocacy Committee and the Design and Health Leadership Group. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the National AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community.

In addition to professional volunteerism, R. Denise donates time and talent to her local community and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Continental Societies, and the Junior League of Washington. She is founding boards secretary of the Minerva Vision Group and past board president of the historic Hillcrest Children & Family Center. A native of Decatur, Georgia. Denise lived in Washington , D.C for 15 years and currently resides in Maryland

Ezra Finkin serves as the senior manager for corporate affairs and development for Chevron/Renewable Energy Group where he works with a number of federal agencies. Prior to his time at REG, Ezra served as the policy director for the Diesel Technology Forum, representing diesel engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers.

Dan Gage is President of NGVAmerica, a national organization of roughly 200 members dedicated to the development of a growing, profitable, and sustainable marketplace for on- and off-road fleets powered by clean natural gas and zero carbon biomethane and for promoting the transition to flexible low carbon vehicle technology solutions.

A proud Central New York native now based in Washington, DC, Dan holds almost thirty years of political, government, corporate, and trade association issue advocacy, communications and government relations experience.

Jeff King oversees a variety of initiatives to help COG members address climate change at the regional level, such as climate mitigation, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction. He also supports committees focused on air quality and climate and energy planning. Jeff has been with COG since 2004.

Stephen R. Laurine is the Director of Facilities, Transportation and Real Estate with Washington Gas, a Subsidiary of AltaGas. Since starting with the company in 2001 Mr. Laurine oversees management of the Company’s 21 facilities and other real estate in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, the company 1,200 plus vehicles, trailers and excavators, of which 30% are natural gas vehicles. Laurine holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland. In his off time, he enjoys spending time boating or working on classic cars.

Korey Neal is the proud owner of K. Neal Truck and Bus Center (knealtbc.com), a full-service commercial dealership servicing the greater Washington, DC Metropolitan area in four locations. K. Neal Truck and Bus Center is ranked #35 in the top 100 largest minority-owned businesses in the nation by Black Enterprise (2019) and continues to support the trucks, buses and people who move the world. Korey Neal is a 2020 Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40, Eastern Michigan and American University graduate, active board member for educational, philanthropic, and financial organizations, community builder and visionary Millennial business leader in the transportation industry.

As president of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association, John O’Donnell is the chief executive officer of the organization that represents 275 members of franchised new car dealers in the greater Washington, D.C., area.  In a related capacity, Mr. O’Donnell is also producer of The Washington DC Auto Show.

O’Donnell directs all of WANADA’s functions including promoting the automobile business in the Washington area; representing dealers in the public policy process; representing the dealer group in the media; and leading all other activities of the organization, including various services provided to members.  The Washington Auto Show is one of the foremost international events and is regarded as the “Public Policy Show.”  The Washington Auto Show is certified by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) and was host to President Obama who toured the show in 2012, followed by Vice President Biden in 2013.

In career education, O’Donnell and WANADA have long been engaged in establishing and promoting motor vehicle technician training, Under the auspices of the Automobile Dealer Education Institute (ADEI), which was founded to oversee all WANADA’s career programming, ADEI technician training has become ASE Accredited by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence in recognition of its success in recruiting young adults into the field through dealership service departments.

John P. O’Donnell joined WANADA in 2001 as Vice President of employee benefits operations.   After successfully reorganizing WANADA’s Group Insurance programming, he was promoted to executive vice president in 2006.  O’Donnell was responsible for managing all aspects of the association’s insurance brokerage, managing the Washington Auto Show, overseeing the association’s staff on a day to day basis and engaging in lobbying at the state and local government level.

Tucker Perkins is the president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), a Washington D.C.-based non-profit which invests in the research and development of propane-powered innovation, and promotes the safe, efficient use of propane through safety training and education programs.

Perkins joined PERC in 2015 as Chief Business Development Officer and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer before the Council named him President and CEO in 2018.

A Virginia Tech graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Perkins earned his MBA from the University of Richmond. He is active with many industry organizations including the National Propane Gas Association, the Industrial Truck Association, the Outdoor Power institute, and the World LP Gas Association.

Perkins is a dynamic and relatable leader who has amplified propane’s voice in the national energy conversation as a frequent keynote speaker on energy-related topics.

Tucker is also host of the podcast, Path to Zero, in which he engages energy thought leaders in provocative discussions regarding energy and the environment and the path to zero carbon emissions.

” Your Electric Vehicle Adoption Expert” has extensive project management, negotiations and transactional experience in various industries including corporate banking, manufacturing and commercial real estate. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management , and is also certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Sheryl launched DaiTechCorp inspired by her personal desire to own an EV and working through her experience to overcome Range Anxiety. Stymied by the physical limitations to energize her vehicle at home and at work, she sensed that there are many individuals like her, living in urban markets, who require more accessibility to EVCE’s – in place where they live, work and play. Concluding there were no friction-less market solutions available, Sheryl began creating her own and courageously catapulted into the new era of electrified transportation.

Sheryl a native Washingtonian is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Shes is also a former leadership New York City Fellow and has received numerous recognition’s for contributions towards economic development in Brooklyn, NY. During her tenure with the District of Columbia Government , she gained in=depth knowledge about public-owned fleets. In  her role as a portfolio manager , Sheryl helmed real estate acquisitions for OSSE’s school bus fleet expansion and DDOR’s Circulator Bus electrified assets. Sheryl was also honored by CREW, AAREP and the former Districit of Columbia Mayor Gray for her innovations in public space usage and tenant improvements