Our Consultants
Our well-rounded team of independent consultants brings deep experience in energy efficiency, utility program delivery, market engagement, project processing, stakeholder coordination, technical field services, and organizational development. The team is structured to support clients across the full program lifecycle, from planning and mobilization through implementation, quality assurance, reporting, and continuous improvement .
Nicole Hillis, CEM, LEED AP
Founder/ Principal ConsultantA seasoned program leader with 20+ years driving energy efficiency programs, Nicole founded Hillis Consulting to deliver operational excellence and strategic clarity — ensuring every contract stays on budget, on target, and built to last.
Dave Backen
Principal ConsultantWith 40 years spanning utility operations and consulting, Dave brings unmatched depth in trade ally engagement and program delivery — connecting the right people to the right opportunities across Oregon's commercial and industrial markets.
Sonia Arellano
Senior Account ManagerSonia brings a rare blend of construction project management, energy efficiency program experience, and community engagement skills — making her a natural connector between developers, contractors, and utility programs.
Laureen Bennett
Senior Project CoordinatorA meticulous project coordinator with a background managing multimillion-dollar commercial lighting projects, Laureen brings the organizational depth and systems expertise to keep complex program operations running smoothly.
George DeOca
Senior Account ManagerA licensed Journeyman Electrician and electrical contractor certified in both Oregon and Washington, George brings hands-on field expertise in commercial lighting and electrical systems that makes him an invaluable asset for project verifications and customer engagement.
John Dougherty
Senior Account Manager & Energy SpecialistRooted in 40 years of electrical distribution and energy solutions experience, John is the go-to resource for trade allies and customers across coastal Oregon and the Willamette Valley — equal parts technical expert and trusted partner.
Matthew Gaye
Senior Account Manager & Energy SpecialistFrom investment-grade lighting audits to large-scale energy performance proposals, Matthew brings sharp technical skills and field experience to trade allies and customers across central and eastern Oregon.
Brent Guthrie
Senior Account Manager & Energy SpecialistWith 23 years on the Energy Trust Business Lighting program, Brent brings institutional knowledge and technical precision to every project review, making him one of the most experienced lighting specialists in the Pacific Northwest.
Lisa Hull
Senior Project CoordinatorOrganized, dependable, and focused on the details that matter, Lisa keeps program files, tracking, and coordination on point — ensuring nothing falls through the cracks from intake to closeout.
Gwen Lusk
Project CoordinatorThe operational glue that keeps day-to-day program delivery humming, Gwen provides responsive administrative and program support that lets the whole Hillis Consulting team stay focused and effective.
Brian Morrison, LC
Senior Account Manager & Energy SpecialistA Lighting Certified specialist with 26 years in the field, Brian turns technical knowledge into real results — delivering millions in incentives and measurable energy savings through trusted relationships with customers and trade allies alike.
Angeline Sanford
Senior Account Manager & Energy SpecialistDetail-driven and deeply familiar with utility program workflows, Angeline keeps projects moving accurately from first contact through final verification — a reliable partner for trade allies and program administrators alike.
Michael Sanford, LC
Senior Account Manager & Energy SpecialistMichael brings a rare combination of deep lighting expertise and consultative sales mastery, built over 25 years working with distributors, specifiers, and contractors across the western U.S. to drive LED adoption and program participation.
Ben Reher
Senior Account Manager & Energy SpecialistBen's background as an aviation electrician, energy analyst, and program specialist gives him the technical range to support trade allies, conduct project verifications, and deliver results for customers across southern Oregon.