Energy/Economic Development Panel

With rising costs and the increased risk of brown-outs, coupled with the need to invest in renewables, energy policy is having an ever-growing impact on business in Rockville and across Maryland. Whether you’re a large pharmaceutical company that requires reliable, uninterrupted power, or a small retailer who’s seen their electric bill skyrocket, or anywhere in between, energy policy is tied directly to economic development and business opportunity. Join us for a conversation that looks at all angles of the growing energy crisis through the lens of doing business in Rockville, from Montgomery County Green Bank and its essential work accelerating energy efficiency and renewables, to PSEG, a transmission and utility company working to bring more power into the state, to PEPCO, the utility provider for the area, to CQI Associates. This local consultancy helps businesses optimize energy consumption. This vital conversation will help inform business leaders about what’s at stake and how to ensure their businesses are prepared and their voices are heard.

Moderator:  Brian Barkley

Stephen Morel, CEO,  Montgomery County Green Bank - Stephen Morel serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB), where he previously held the role of Chief Investment Officer. With a strong background in corporate and project finance, Stephen is passionate about leveraging both public and private capital to close market gaps and drive investment in high-impact sectors.

He brings extensive experience in financial management and investment strategy to MCGB, helping advance the Bank’s mission to accelerate clean energy adoption and improve energy efficiency across Montgomery County.

Before joining MCGB, Stephen led a financial consulting firm that connected infrastructure developers with debt and equity financing sources. His earlier career includes nearly a decade as an Investment Officer and Project Finance Specialist with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, following positions in investment banking at Taylor-DeJongh and Friedman, Billings, Ramsey.

Keora Bernard, MD Energy Advisors - Keora Bernard, with MD Energy Advisors, partners with small businesses in Montgomery County to help them access energy-saving incentives through a specialized Pepco program. This initiative connects eligible businesses with trusted local contractors who deliver efficient, modern solutions—such as Bluetooth-enabled LED lighting or advanced refrigeration systems for restaurants—that lower energy use and strengthen profitability.

Keora provides personalized guidance to help business owners navigate the process and take full advantage of available incentives.

Stacy Jordan, Program Manager, PEPCO - Stacy has been an integral part of the company since 2014. Throughout her tenure, she has taken on diverse roles within the organization. Stacy's main responsibility lies in overseeing and executing energy efficiency programs in Pepco Holdings' Maryland territory. Her efforts not only assist customers in conserving energy and reducing costs but also contribute to the company's regulatory objectives. With a specific focus on Small Business and other commercial customer programs, Stacy has dedicated her expertise to addressing the unique challenges faced by these groups when implementing energy-efficient enhancements.

James Gilroy, Director of State Government Affairs, PSEG - James (Jim) Gilroy is the Director of State Government Affairs at Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. (PSEG), where he oversees state and local government relations across the company. Prior to joining PSEG, Jim spent eight years in New Jersey State Government, managing operations for the Christie Administration at the Statehouse.

At PSEG, Jim has led major energy initiatives, including combined-cycle generation projects and the company’s offshore wind development efforts. He has supported infrastructure advancement across Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with a focus on PSEG Nuclear and clean energy expansion.

Jim is a graduate of the University of Dayton and resides with his family in Somerset County, New Jersey.

Dave Lowe, MD Energy Advisors - Dave Lowe works with MD Energy Advisors, supporting medium and large businesses in Montgomery County in accessing Pepco’s state-backed incentives for energy efficiency upgrades and workforce training. His expertise helps organizations reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and plan for long-term sustainability.

Whether you’re planning facility improvements, applying for rebates, or exploring development opportunities for your operations team, Dave provides guidance through every step of the process.

Richard Anderson, COO and Founder, CQI Associates - Mr. Anderson founded the company in 1995 with a mission to empower clients to maximize energy efficiency while promoting sustainable practices.

He believes that organizations can improve the quality of service they provide while optimizing the use of existing resources. Richard has worked in the facility management, energy management and environmental management fields for over 50 years and brings a wealth of practical experience to meet each client’s unique needs.

Breakfast menu:

• Fresh Fruit Cocktail with Vanilla Yogurt

• Menemen Scrambled Eggs

• Smoked Bacon

• Breakfast Potatoes

• Simit Bagels & Cream Cheese

• Orange & Pomegranate juice

• Coffee & Tea