Institute of Energy Professionals’ Highly Respected Instructors
The Institute of Energy Professionals has a wonderful team of Energy Professionals that we trust will provide you with the most beneficial support with your energy efficiency endeavors.
Walter Bright, PE, PEM
President, IEP
Walter “Wally” Bright is President of the Institute of Energy Professionals (IEP), where his goal is to provide practical and impactful energy management training backed by expertise in energy efficiency. Walter Bright is the lead instructor for all IEP training, instructing topics such as HVAC and Building Automation Systems (BAS), as well as other building-system and energy-related subjects. Click here for more information on Walter.
Robert "Rob" Kirts
Global Director of Energy & Utilities
Robert “Rob” Kirts is Global Director of Energy and Utilities for Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
Rob has over 25 years of leadership experience in energy conservation starting in the automotive manufacturing industry before joining Stanley Black & Decker in 2015. Over the years, Rob has installed several onsite solar projects, waste heat recovery systems and has directed the replacement of nearly 10,000 lighting fixtures to LED, additionally there have been several compressed air system upgrades as well as chiller and pumping improvements. Click here for more information on Robert.
John Rees
Energy Engineer
John Rees is an Energy Engineer who performs energy assessments in facilities from churches to large industry. He focuses on energy saving measures in HVAC, lighting, and building envelope systems. Where appropriate, he evaluates solar energy opportunities. Click here for more information on John.
Reid Conway
Senior Energy Manager
Reid Conway is the Senior Energy Manager for Western Carolina University. Reid manages energy management, the campus Building Automation System and staff. He works closely with all facility management shops to keep WCU at the front of the UNC System in BTU/sqft reductions. Prior to joining WCU, Reid worked 15 years for the North Carolina Energy Office. During this time, Reid directed the state’s Guaranteed Energy Saving Performance Contracting Program and the state’s Utility Saving Initiative Program. Click here for more information on Reid.
Kaitlin Rider
Lighting Designer
Kaitlin Rider holds a BFA in Theatrical Design and Production from UNC Greensboro. With over a decade of dedicated experience, she currently serves as a Lighting Controls Specialist for SESCO Lighting, INC. Her commitment to excellence is underscored by her CLCP (Certified Lighting Controls Professional) and PMP (Project Management Professional) certifications. As a dynamic speaker, Kaitlin illuminates the intersections of creativity and proficiency in the ever-evolving landscape of lighting design. Click here for more information on Kaitlin.
Jack Connell, CEM, LEED, AP
Bio Energy Committee
Now retired, Jack Connell has nearly four decades of experience in the commercial energy conservation field. Starting with Honeywell in 1978, he mostly worked in the commercial building controls area with much of his Honeywell career focused on Energy Savings Performance Contracting, in which the contractor develops and installs comprehensive projects to save energy and operating expense. Click here for more information on Jack.