Staff Bios

Paul G. Pinsky, Director

Paul Pinsky was appointed by Governor Moore to be the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration and he took office on January 18, 2023. Prior to his appointment as director, he was elected to the Maryland state senate seven times. As a senator, he chaired the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. He has also served on the Maryland Commision on Climate Change since its inception. Pinsky has been a long-time champion in the fight to address climate change and clean up the Chesapeake Bay. He is the principal author of dozens of environmental laws that have helped shape most major state environmental policies in Maryland over the last two decades. Find out more about Director Pinsky on the Director's Page.

Eric R. Coffman, Director of Energy Programs

Eric leads the Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) portfolio of energy programs, a broad portfolio of efforts funded by the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF). This dynamic portfolio spans more than $40 million annually backed by a team of fifteen subject matter experts in the fields of resiliency, solar, wind energy, energy efficiency, energy finance, transportation electrification, infrastructure investment programs, biomass and other relevant topics.. His work includes grid modernization, clean energy deployment, energy efficiency, resiliency, smart cities technologies and more. Prior to joining MEA, Eric led the Office of Energy and Sustainability (OES) within Montgomery County’s Department of General Services (DGS). In his time with OES, he was responsible for the sustainability and energy performance of County operations as well as efforts before the Maryland Public Service Commision. In this capacity, Eric oversaw the procurement, financing, construction and commissioning of the County Government’s first microgrids. Before joining OES, Eric led the County’s climate and energy programs for the Department of Environmental Protection. Eric is a Certified Public Manager, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Energy Procurement Professional among other qualifications. Connect with him on LinkedIn or email.

Ryan Opsal, PhD., Director of Energy Policy

Dr. Ryan Opsal is the Director of Energy Policy at the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). Dr. Opsal previously served as an Energy Policy Manager at MEA. Prior to working at MEA, Ryan was an Adjunct Professor in the Politics and International Relations Department at Florida International University, where he recently completed his doctorate in International Relations. He taught and conducted research in many areas including energy and international political economy. Connect with him on LinkedIn or email.

Landon Fahrig, Assistant Division Director for Energy Policy

Landon Fahrig is the Assistant Division Director fof Energy Policy at the Maryland Energy Administration, concentrating in legislative affairs. Landon works with industry professionals, individuals, and interested stakeholders to promote affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy for the benefit of all Marylanders. Prior to working at MEA, Landon was Research Director for a United States Senate campaign and a Policy Analyst at the General Assembly of Maryland. Landon received his B.A. in Political Science from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Connect with him on LinkedIn or email.

Jenn Gallicchio, Assistant Director of Energy Programs

Jenn Gallicchio is the Assistant Director of Energy Programs at the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). Prior to her current role, Jenn was an MEA energy efficiency program manager, primarily working with local governments and non-profit organizations. Jenn is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) with an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and a master's degree in Environmental Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time, Jenn enjoys reading and exploring outdoor spaces throughout Maryland. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email.

David Comis, Senior Energy Program Manager

David Comis serves as a Senior Energy Program Manager at the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). Following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, David served on surface ships, submarines and aircraft carriers, with assignments in the areas of operations, and engineering. Following command of a nuclear submarine, he was assigned to the Office of Naval Research where he served as the Deputy and then (Acting) Head of the Engineering, Materials and Physicals Sciences S&T Department. He ended his 30-year naval career as a Captain, and the Commanding Officer of the Office of Naval Research – Global. David then served as a consultant, supporting work of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program and MEA. David joined MEA in 2016, focusing on solar, nuclear and grid reliability issues. A Fellow of the American Solar Energy Society, and a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Photovoltaic Associate, David has earned a M.S. in Management from National-Louis University, and a M.S. in Energy Policy and Climate from The Johns Hopkins University. Connect with him on email.

Babatunde Idrisu, Energy Policy Manager

Dr. Babatunde "Tunde" Idrisu is an Energy Policy Manager at Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). Before working at MEA, Tunde worked as a consultant at the World Bank Group. In 2017, Tunde was an Environmental Defence Fund (EDF) fellow and supported solar PVs installations at the New York City Department of Education's buildings. He has multidisciplinary experiences in energy policy research and teaching, financial consulting, engineering, and project management. Tunde recently completed his doctorate in energy and environmental policy at the University of Delaware. He also possesses a master's degree in energy management and policy from Penn State and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Christopher Russell, Energy Program Manager

Christopher Russell is the Energy Program Manager, State Buildings, Building Codes at the Maryland Energy Administration. Christopher is the author of "Managing Energy from the Top Down" and "North American Energy Audit Program Best Practices." He holds an M.B.A. and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a B.A. from McGill University. He is recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers as a Certified Energy Manager. He is an Advisory Board member for the Texas A&M Industrial Energy Technology Conference and for Brotman Financial Services. Connect with him on LinkedIn or email.

Emma Stoney, Energy Program Manager

Emma Stoney serves as a Wind and Water Program Manager with the Maryland Energy Administration. Emma received her M.S. in Sustainability Management from American University in Washington, DC. During this time, she worked with the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) where she focused on engaging corporations in renewable energy investments and increasing the share of affordable and accessible renewable energy for low and middle-income residents in the District. Emma is a Returned Peace Corps Zambia Volunteer and while with the Peace Corps, she worked with community leaders to create sustainable community development projects that focused on climate resiliency. Emma received her B.S. in Human Development with a concentration in Psychology from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, reading, and listening to good music. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email.

Caitlin Bergeron, Rebate Administrator

Caitlin Bergeron is a Rebate Administrator with the Maryland Energy Administration. Before working with MEA, Caitlin worked with organizations in the Merrimack and Caroll counties of New Hampshire to introduce permaculture and food resilience. Caitlin also worked closely with the Messer Pond Protective Association to conduct a full watershed assessment and conservation plan. Caitlin graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Studio Art from Colby-Sawyer College. Her free time is spent hiking, camping, painting, up-cycling, and crafting.

Heather Enos-Graves, Special Programs Manager

Heather Enos-Graves serves as Special Programs Manager for the Maryland Energy Administration, working to identify and pursue federal grant opportunities as well as contributing to the ongoing efforts to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits of MEA programs and policies. Prior to working at MEA, she worked for a small energy procurement and sustainability consulting company. Heather is a LEED AP in Operations and Maintenance with an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida and a graduate degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her free time consists of reading, cooking, running, and yoga.

Angel Saules, Program Manager, Energy Equity Programs

Angel Saules is a Program Manager at the Maryland Energy Administration for the Energy Efficiency Equity Program. Prior to MEA, Angel worked at one of the top energy efficiency and weatherization contracting companies in Maryland, coordinating their contracting program; specifically the (low income energy efficiency program) LIEEP program. Volunteerism is of the utmost importance to Angel and so she serves on the Resident Advisory Group for the Prince George's County Climate Action Plan, a community service committee, a housing opportunities Committee for Maryland, and a legislative committee for the state and the county. Angel holds a degree in Environmental Management from University of Maryland University College and earned 2 Building Performance Institute certificates. Connect with her by email.

Jose Matos, Program Manager, Energy Efficiency Programs

Jose Matos is a member of the Energy Efficiency team at Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). His role involves collaborating with local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to optimize funding for various projects. He achieves this by utilizing MEA's grants, the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program, the Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Program Office, and the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC). He holds a M.B.A from University of Maryland University College. In his free time, he loves spending time outside with his dog, listening to music, and seeking thrilling adventures such as skydiving, tree climbing, and ziplining.

Larissa Pasco, Energy Specialist

Larissa Pasco is an Energy Specialist at the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) with the Commercial Buildings Team and assists with program development, application review and community outreach initiatives for the Energy Efficiency Equity program and Maryland Smart Energy Communities program. Larissa serves as the agency’s representative for Maryland’s Outdoor Learning Partnership. Larissa received her degree in Sustainability Studies and a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Muhlenberg College. In her free time, she can be found gardening, hiking or figure skating. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Gus Norrbom, Energy Specialist

Gus Norrbom is an Energy Specialist at the Maryland Energy Administration with the Energy Efficiency and Building Decarbonization Team. He focuses on program development, application assessments, and stakeholder outreach for the Commercial, Industrial, & Agricultural Grant Program, the Maryland Smart Energy Communities programs, and the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program. Prior to MEA, Gus worked on environmental issues for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. He holds a B.A. in Government from the College of William & Mary and an M.S. in Environmental Policy from Northeastern University.