Staff

Jennifer Binkley-Power, Executive Director

As Executive Director of the organization, Jennifer Binkley-Power oversees the development and implementation of energy education and services for the communities served by Michigan Energy Options (formerly Urban Options & Northern Options). She envisions the organization filling the statewide need for energy efficient solutions and providing comprehensive research for effective energy legislation, programming and public policy.

Ms. Binkley-Power began her career with Michigan Energy Options in 2005 as the Program Manager at the Marquette office. In addition to community programs, the organization administers statewide energy efficiency programs and services to further the market transformation of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies. For two years she administered and implemented the organization's low income Heating System replacement program throughout the state of Michigan. She has also been responsible for the implementation of the Change-A-Light, Change Michigan CFL campaign for the last three years. She is a trained energy specialist and presents seminars on the topics of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Jennifer Binkley-Power has spent her academic and professional life in the field of energy and the environment. She received a M.S. from Michigan Technological University in Environmental Policy with a focus on energy policy. As a graduate student she worked as a grant writer and Project Manager for the Isle Royale Institute, a partnership between the University of Minnesota, Isle Royale National Park and MTU. Her thesis work involved creating a detailed energy management plan that included renewable energy sources for Isle Royale National park.

Ms. Binkley Power serves as the Vice-Chair of the City of Marquette Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Chair of the City of Marquette Sustainable Communities Ad Hoc Committee, Board Member of Earth Share and is a member of the statewide Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm.

Joel Wiese, Director of Marketing & Development

Joel Wiese serves as the Director of Marketing & Development and drives organizational growth through the development of new and innovative business strategies.  Wiese also manages all external communication and marketing initiatives for organizational grant programs which include print, web, social media content and marketing materials.  Prior to joining the staff, Wiese served on the Board of Directors from 2004 through 2009, which included two terms as Board President.

A pioneer in the field of energy-efficiency financing, Joel Wiese closed the first conventional Energy Efficient Mortgage in the State of Michigan and had originated the some of the highest numbers of renovation loans across the country.

His expertise in the specialty mortgage, along with his passion for helping homeowners finance energy improvements and  marketing prowess has gained Wiese national exposure in numerous conferences, seminars and publications, including the New York Times, Newsweek, and the Wall Street Journal.

Joel Wiese graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunication with an emphasis on Media Arts and International Studies.  Wiese participated in the International Baccalaureate program at Osaka International School in Japan and has formal training in Fundraising and Sales.

Becky Jo Farrington, Environmental Education Manager

Becky Jo Farrington joined the Michigan Energy Options staff in December of 2008 and has settled right in. She runs educational programs relating to energy and environmental sustainability, leads tours of the Michigan Energy Options demonstration house, and manages our educational displays and garden.

Ms. Farrington received a BS degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University in 2002. She has worked for the past 7 years as a community organizer, field director, and program coordinator focused on environmental issues. During this time, she has organized and educated thousands of citizens around campaigns to protect our water, air and other natural resources.   Ms. Farrington also enjoys writing, and has been published in the Environmental Journalism magazine at Michigan State University.  She is a Lansing resident and is actively involved in making her community a more sustainable place to live.

Bruce Wheaton, Residential & Commercial Programs Manager

Bruce Wheaton has 25 years experience in residential and commercial architectural design and building construction, that includes eight years of specializing in educational facilities design. He has been a LEED Accredited Professional since 2001 through the US Green Building Council (USGBC), and will be working to align Michigan Energy Option’s facility operations with the integrated principals of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.

Prior to joining Michigan Energy Options in June of 2009, Mr. Wheaton gained training and experience in sustainable design through attendance at regional workshops and national conferences.  He has participated in the Central Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and the USGBC Education sub-committee, and served as adjunct faculty in the Architectural Studies Program at Lansing Community College.  He contributed to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother House Renovation Project's sustainable design charrette.

Mr. Wheaton will be overseeing the commercial and residential energy programs at our organization. He will be collaborating with local and regional organizations to bring new programming development and resources to the region.

TJ Brown, Northern Options Programs Coordinator

TJ Brown is a licensed builder, is the Programs Coordinator out of our Marquette office. Mr. Brown received a B.S. degree in Environmental Science which led him to the 2006 Biofuels Community Education Project. Joining the Michigan Energy Options team, Mr. Brown has added 15 years of building experience to the residential and commercial energy audit programs. As a HERS certified rater, he conducts energy audits and assessments to promote Energy Star home construction and finance opportunities. Mr. Brown presents energy efficiency and renewable energy workshops in classrooms, public events and trade shows. Utilizing his experience as an alpine ski coach for over 14 years, he aspires to help teachers bring applied learning to public education.

Sin Christian, Energy Specialist

Sin Christian has been with Michigan Energy Options since 1988. She has performed thousands of energy audits for the organization, the Education Action Center, Detroit Edison, Volt Energy Systems, and Consumers Power Company. She has also been a member of the Lansing Energy Action Network steering committee. Ms. Christian has formal training as a residential energy auditor and eight years of construction experience.

Henry Love, Finance & Administrative Manager

Henry Love manages the financial and administrative functions of Michigan Energy Options.  Mr. Love is responsible for budgeting, bookkeeping, fiscal planning and reporting, funding development, and human resource administration.  he contributes to grant planning, writing and reporting as well.

Mr. Love is a 2007 graduate of Central Michigan University, with a BA in entrepreneurial business and finance and a 2010 MBA graduate of the University of Phoenix.  Henry has worked as a non-profit financial manager since 2007 and joined Michigan Energy Options in 2009.  Henry believes in fiscal transparency in the non-profit sector and is dedicated to maintaining the ethical standards that make social enterprise a rewarding career.

Never unwilling to give back to the community, Henry is an avid volunteer with the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) of Lansing, Michigan.  He serves on the OTCA's economic restructuring committee and volunteers his time and resources to small businesses and non-profits in the area.  He is also a member of the festival planning committee and aids in the financial management of the organization's events.

Matt Anderson, Office Assistant

Matt Anderson has a BA in English from Hope College. He manages Michigan Energy Options' library, databases and acts as our recycling coordinator. Mr. Anderson's also serves as a library assistant at the East Lansing Public Library. He has volunteered for The Recyclers of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties and earned Recycler of the Year Award in 1993.

Jim Meyerle, Special Events Coordinator

Jim Meyerle has worked for Michigan Energy Options for over 2 decades and has developed outstanding educational programming for the organization. Otherwise known as the "The Worm Man" Mr. Meyerle brought vermicomposting education to the Lansing community with his passion for sustainability and the environment. His knowledge and kind nature have affected the many thousands of people who at one point or another participated in the programs that he has developed. Since his retirement in 2009, he continues to be a resource for the organization and is involved in special projects for the organization.

Mr. Meyerle received a degree from Michigan State University in Elementary Education with a minor in Instructional Media. He has an MA in Curriculum Development and a BS in Science Education. He also serves as Co-Director of Project Lakewell, Inc.