WILLIAM SAPON

William Sapon is a visionary leader with 13+ years of experience in energy and sustainability. As the Founder and President of minority-owned Tri-Sector Advisors LLC, he drives social and environmental change via cross-sector collaboration. His expertise spans public, private, and non-profit realms, aiding diverse clients like government agencies, corporations, and non-profits in achieving sustainability objectives. William's strength lies in developing strategies that enhance grid resiliency, cut carbon emissions, and foster innovation, showcasing his adept coalition building skills. Previously, William has worked for major energy providers, utilities and startups. William holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University, a Masters of Business Administration from the Katz Graduate School of Business and a Masters of Public Policy & Management from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Sapon serves on multiple non-profit boards, including the University of Pittsburgh’s Business Alumni Association (BAA) and is a vital figure with the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Sustainable Business (CSB).

CHRIS SANDVIG

Chris Sandvig works at the intersection of policy, planning, and implementation. He is a leading strategist with more than two decades of experience shaping regulation and legislation, advising public agencies, and building coalitions across Pennsylvania. He has led efforts to modernize Pittsburgh’s mobility governance, advance transit-oriented development initiatives, stabilize and grow public transportation funding, and support the region’s equitable transition to low‑ and zero‑emission vehicles. Chris draws on long‑standing partnerships with government, community organizations, and industry to accelerate practical, community‑focused decarbonization. He lives in Pittsburgh and was most recently the Executive Director of Mobilify Southwestern Pennsylvania, which he founded.

PATRICK LINDEN

Patrick Linden is PITT OHIO’s first full-time Sustainability Specialist, a cross-functional role supporting many areas of the business. Between fleet decarbonization and developing customer emission reduction strategies, Patrick approaches technical challenges and teaching opportunities with pragmaticism. For nearly a decade, Patrick has worked at the intersection of environmental science and business development, where he has demonstrated economic value can coexist with sustainable solutions. Patrick previously served as a Contractor to the US Department of Energy supporting the advancement of renewable energy technology. Patrick is proudly from Maryland and holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland in Environmental Science. Patrick now lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife; commuting on his electric bike through hilly terrains, enjoying the city’s vibrant sports culture and rich industrial history.

DONALD SCHONS

Donald Schons is a Propane AutoGas Specialist at ProGas, Inc. where he manages over 30 Propane AutoGas Fueling Facilities and educates others about propane gas as an alternative fuel. He started his training in the propane industry in the family’s business working during his summer breaks in high school. He learned the basics of the propane industry as a teenager and also watched his older sister help convert vehicles to propane gas in the late 70’s & early 80’s. In 1990, after years in the family propane business, Donald went to work for one of the largest retailers of propane in the USA, AmeriGas, where he started as a Service Technician, building and installing propane pump stations, then was promoted to Operations Manager. He then relocated to the retail welding supply store side of AmeriGas’ business as a Store Manager. He joined ProGas, Inc. in June of 2004 delivering propane gas, installing propane tanks and selling propane gas to new customers; in 2012, he became a design specialist for building propane AutoGas infrastructures.

CHUCK WICHROWSKI

Chuck Wichrowski is the owner of Baum Boulevard Automotive. His shop is an independent auto repair shop servicing and repairing all types of vehicles with additional emphasis on European, Asian, diesel and alternative fuel cars. His technicians have advanced training in CNG, biofuels, electric, and hybrid propulsion systems. His business has a continuing program of educating his customer base about sustainable practices and alternative energy through the company’s website, newsletters and Facebook page. His company has been involved with electric vehicles since 2012 and assisted CMU with their electric conversion program for Honda Civics.

EMILY PHAN-GRUBER

Emily Phan-Gruber is the Senior Strategist for Transportation Electrification with Duquesne Light Company. Since joining Duquesne Light in 2019, she has helped to develop and advance Duquesne Light's transportation electrification strategy, developed new products and services for EV customers, including its EV time-of-use rate, and helped to facilitate the installation of EV charging infrastructure in the Pittsburgh region. Prior to joining Duquesne Light, Emily worked for D+R International, an energy consulting firm in the Washington, DC area. At D+R, Emily consulted for a number of clients including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, and was instrumental in the formation of the DOE-funded Attachments Energy Rating Council, a national rating and certification organization. Emily earned a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University and an MPA and MAIR from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

MADELINE FITZGERALD

Madeline Fitzgerald is an energy and sustainability professional with more than a decade of experience across Western Pennsylvania's energy, business, and higher education sectors. She began her career in the energy industry with Chevron U.S.A., where she managed natural gas development projects in the Appalachian Basin. She later worked as a Senior Management Consultant, helping organizations develop market strategies for emerging products and technologies. In 2024, Madeline joined the University of Pittsburgh Center for Sustainable Business as a Program Manager, leading sustainability research initiatives focused on clean energy transition while also managing corporate partnerships for the Center. She currently serves as a Faculty Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Science in Energy Business and Finance from Penn State University and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business.

JONATHAN PEARSON

Jonathan has been involved with parking, transportation, and mobility for more than 20 years beginning as a valet in downtown Pittsburgh.  He managed parking and transportation across North America for corporate clients, municipalities, higher education, and special events including numerous PGA and LPGA tournaments, Formula 1, Moto Gran Prix, music festivals, and Presidential Inaugurations. In addition, he also supported FEMA evacuations during natural disasters including 2017 Hurricane Harvey.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) certification through the International Parking & Mobility Institute.

MASON SECRETI

Mason Secreti is a water resource specialist with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, where he supports regional environmental planning efforts focused on stormwater management, water quality, and flood resilience. He has an extensive background in environmental consulting, having conducted field sampling, inspections, and compliance oversight for a variety of industries. Mason holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Washington & Jefferson College and serves as President of the Cecil Township Historical Society and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

BRITTANY PRISCHAK

Brittany, as the first Director of the Department of Sustainability for Allegheny County, is leading integration of sustainable best practices throughout county operations including transitioning the county fleet to alternative fuels, implementing energy and water efficiency renovations, installation renewable energy on county facilities, increasing sustainable purchasing and the use of sustainable materials, and increasing waste diversion. As the county’s sustainability efforts shifted from internal facing to incorporating external community efforts in 2023, she is now leading the first ever Climate Action Plan development and looking forward to continued community partnership throughout implementation.