info@milepostconsulting.com
West Coast Office
Tel: 206.623.5832
1402 3rd Avenue, Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98101
East Coast Office
Tel: 917.385.6854
1501 12 Street NW, Suite B, Washington, DC 20005
Latin America Office
Tel: +(507) 6400-8029
Vía Porras Final, Entre Avenidas 4ta C Sur y 5ta Sur P.H. PLAZA MAR, Planta Baja, Local No. 3. Panama City, Panama
Milepost Consulting weaves together strategic business acumen, a field-tested toolkit and communication know-how to help your team:
- Define your game plan and establish your road markers
- Engage your stakeholders and build capacity
- Learn from and celebrate your accomplishments
“The Milepost team is always pushing the envelope to give us creative, fresh approaches that are on the leading edge of industry thinking - even break-through.”
-Tennessee Valley Authority
“Milepost has a unique ability to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, translating the challenges and opportunities for even the most novice of clientele.”
-Senior Partner, Global PR Agency
“Dr. Ives provides an insightful and energetic perspective to the climate change discussion. Up to date on the latest indicators of global warming, she presents the hard to face data in an engaging manner.”
-Founder, Natural Capitalism Solutions
“Their expertise in sustainability ensured that we provided our client with practical advice - their thoughtful insight throughout the consulting process helped us to deliver meaningful results.”
-President, Strategic Sustainability Consulting
“Deeply knowledgeable, solution focused, and energetic, Milepost was an ideal consulting partner. It’s an uncommon skill amongst consultants, but they also possess the ability to make almost any task seem like fun!”
-former Director, Microsoft Corporation
The foundation of the Milepost approach is: 1) plan well, 2) build capacity and 3) continuously improve. With these as the hallmarks of great consulting, every project, when properly managed, can achieve its stated outcomes and achieve unanticipated benefits.
Our philosophy on project management:
Every successful project begins and ends with strong, focused project management. For Milepost project management is more than simple budget allocation, work plan development and “milepost” management. It includes a focus on engaging the right stakeholders at the right time, effective meeting facilitation and planning for communication activities within and outside of the organization that yield positive benefits and lead to achievement of outcomes. We build on the strength of the organization and the individuals that make it strong and look for opportunities to continue to build from this position of strength.
Our philosophy on project management:
Every successful project begins and ends with strong, focused project management. For Milepost project management is more than simple budget allocation, work plan development and “milepost” management. It includes a focus on engaging the right stakeholders at the right time, effective meeting facilitation and planning for communication activities within and outside of the organization that yield positive benefits and lead to achievement of outcomes. We build on the strength of the organization and the individuals that make it strong and look for opportunities to continue to build from this position of strength.
Strategic planning with a sustainability focus is a key element in achieving short and long term business success. Today’s business leaders recognize the importance of thoughtful and proactive planning for risk avoidance related to issues such as climate change, human rights and market communications. Those who are most successful reach out to other leaders within and across industries to learn from each other and continue to expand their thinking about what is possible.
Milepost connects thought leaders to each other – reaching across geographies, across markets, across industries to bring the latest thinking about business strategy, sustainability, climate change, and other topics to inform our engagements. We identify best practices, pending legislation, key partners to consider working with and, with this foundation, our project sponsors are then guided to achieve the following:
Milepost connects thought leaders to each other – reaching across geographies, across markets, across industries to bring the latest thinking about business strategy, sustainability, climate change, and other topics to inform our engagements. We identify best practices, pending legislation, key partners to consider working with and, with this foundation, our project sponsors are then guided to achieve the following:
- Develop outcome-oriented strategies and tactics
- Engage critical internal and external stakeholders
- Establish current state baselines
- Identify and influence Value Chain leverage points
- Develop, implement and evaluate programs
- Achieve business process re-engineering
- Build internal capacity
Using a disciplined approach to change management, Milepost helps your organization understand the needs and capacities of important stakeholders, build alignment between internal and external constituents, and create an environment within which positive change can occur and will be supported. Starting from this place of organizational strength rather than deficiency gives your organization the foothold it needs to achieve its goals. It also enables your stakeholders to identify opportunities to improve their existing work flow resulting in decreased time on task, increased cross-organizational collaboration, and enhanced customer and stakeholder experiences.
Understanding the foundation upon which your business enterprise, community program, marketing campaign or other similar effort will be built is the key to long-term success. Through development of sensible and measureable outcomes and focus on business metrics that matter, Milepost enables its clients to build upon a foundation of reliable and meaningful data. We then work with clients to integrate measurement and evaluation processes into operations that will inform and enhance the results the organization is trying to achieve. We focus on data collection that is burden free and reporting that is integrated into existing business processes and systems. Ensuring you have the right reporting mechanisms in place will enable informed, timely and strategic decision-making.
The Milepost team is well versed in developing programs that recognize the capacity of the organization today, the goals and objectives it holds for tomorrow and the importance of creating an implementable path to bridge the divide from current state to future state. We integrate best practices and current research on program design and work with your team and stakeholders to ensure the program is reflective of their interests, needs and capabilities. Our program design and support expertise includes the following areas:
- Sustainability and climate change strategy in the built environment
- New and emerging technologies
- Curriculum design, implementation and evaluation
- Organizational development and alignment
- Supply chain strategy
A new era has dawned for energy efficiency and sustainability - two areas recognized as critical to making significant and critical resource consumption reduction gains possible today and well into the future.
Businesses recognize that to remain competitive in today's strained market place requires a focus on improving the bottom line through sound resource consumption reduction programs and engaging their clients, tenants, staff, decision-makers and local leaders. Utility companies also recognize that markets shift - sometimes faster than utility programs are capable of shifting. With that recognition comes a need to evaluate the extent to which their residential, commercial and industrial programs are aligned with their customer's needs.
Click on a project below to learn how the Milepost team provides guidance and support in the built environment to make significant and positive environmental impact...that lasts.
Businesses recognize that to remain competitive in today's strained market place requires a focus on improving the bottom line through sound resource consumption reduction programs and engaging their clients, tenants, staff, decision-makers and local leaders. Utility companies also recognize that markets shift - sometimes faster than utility programs are capable of shifting. With that recognition comes a need to evaluate the extent to which their residential, commercial and industrial programs are aligned with their customer's needs.
Click on a project below to learn how the Milepost team provides guidance and support in the built environment to make significant and positive environmental impact...that lasts.
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Milepost Consulting serves as the Commercial Office Real Estate Market Specialist supporting the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's BetterBricks program. Efforts include working with property and asset management firms to reduce energy costs and build energy efficiency into sustainability and green building strategies. Our approach seeks to more strongly connect utilities with their end customers, incorporate tenant and third party service provider needs and interests, and fostering productive organizational development to ensure lasting strategies to achieve sustainability and energy management goals and objectives. Current partners include Metzler North America, Wright Runstad & Company, Vulcan, Inc., Henbart, LLC, Unico, GVA Kidder Matthews, KG Investment Management, Goodale & Barbieri Company, Kiemle & Hagood Company, Oppenheimer and Thornton Oliver Keller.
Seattle City Light
We oversaw the planning and communication for the Seattle City Light Skagit Hydro Dam Facility Retrofit project, which included the residential homes, commercial buildings and Powerhouse facilities that support operations. This effort is projected to save upwards of 4,000,000 kWh annually and help support compliance with Washington State's I-937 renewable energy supply mandate. This is the approximate equivalent of powering 150 houses each year. This project was featured on King-5 Nightly News and in several regional publications.
Tennessee Valley Authority
Milepost is currently leading the feasibility study exploring the opportunities to develop and implement a Home Energy Performance Scorecard program that will provide MPG equivalent on home energy usage. The Scorecard will be a voluntary program targeted towards home buyers and home sellers to evaluate the energy performance of a home before and during the purchase/sales process. Five states are involved in the feasibility study which includes the integration of best practices in inspiring near-term and lasting behavior change among home owners.
Clifton Meridian LLC
Created a green building strategy for a land developer’s flagship property, and built an organizational, financial, and design roadmap to achieve LEED certification. Demonstrated no cost increase and significant operational savings on the design of a 254 unit residential tower, post-design phase.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Currently facilitating the creation of a Climate Action Plan to take the university to carbon neutrality in its operations. Working with the Executive and Steering Committees, in conjunction with a recently completed campus Master Plan, have designed and facilitated strategy workshops with each climate management sub-committee, composed of representatives from all stakeholder groups in the community. The CAP will establish a campus-wide action plan with defined goals, interim targets and indictors. When completed the CAP will satisfy UMES’ current requirement as a signatory of the ACUPCC.
Utility program design has entered a new frontier with such emphasis on renewable energy, the "next" CFL, and smart homes and businesses. Milepost provides program development, assessment and implementation support to ensure utilities are leveraging their staff and internal and external stakeholder networks to help guide and lead this important conversation.
Click on a project to learn more.
Click on a project to learn more.
Puget Sound Energy: Small Scale Renewable Energy Integration
Puget Sound Energy sought to ensure that small scale renewable energy development businesses had a streamlined and regulatory compliant process to integrate the power generated with PSE’s distribution system. Milepost helped clarify, document and communicate the internal process and documentation required to efficiently integrate small scale generation projects. A key aspect of this effort is compliance with Washington State regulations, minimizing impact to the generating customer and consistency across the twenty departments involved in interconnection projects.
Puget Sound Energy: Electric Vehicle Program
With the advent of the Nissan Leaf Pilot Program, Puget Sound Energy was in need of a consultant to clarify and develop the Electric Vehicle program. Program development included establishing internal roles and responsibilities, cross-department processes, data tracking and reporting mechanisms, and external customer and vendor communications.
Seattle City Light: CFL Market Saturation Study
Through a partnership with Energy Market Innovations, Milepost developed and directed a CFL Market Saturation research effort on behalf of four utilities in the Puget Sound. The study found a higher than expected rate of CFL shelving behaviors versus installation in residences and a much lower than expected market saturation rate. Findings were used to readjust savings potential estimates for regional utilities and were presented at the 2007 ACEEE Summer Study in Asilomar, California.
As current and former educators, the Milepost team is well informed on appropriate curriculum design, implementation and evaluation to ensure learners are able to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve your learning objectives. We pay particular attention to incorporating multiple methods of instruction: kinetic, visual and verbal and provide for both in-classroom and in-field learning wherever possible. Have an idea for a new class or would like feedback on an existing curriculum? We'd be happy to help just as we've helped the following clients:
City of Seattle Office of Sustainability: COOLective
Developed and delivered a five session workshop and accompanying workbook to eight community organizations as part of the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment’s COOLective Action Studio. The Action Studio is focused on helping community organizations identify and then effectively promote specific actions to reduce climate impacts. The workshop series integrates the latest approaches to and theories of lasting behavior change and community engagement.
Presidio Graduate School: Climate Change Intensive
Dr. Ives is on faculty at Presidio Graduate School where she developed and taught the Climate Change Intensive a 10 week course focused on developing climate change business case and strategies – the first course of its kind in the United States. This course involves bringing together thought leaders and leading practitioners on a variety of climate-related issues including energy efficiency, carbon offsets and renewable energy credits, climate change policy development, business adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and change enablement.
City of Seattle Office of Sustainability: Tree Ambassador Program
Milepost developed an 8 week interactive curriculum for the City of Seattle’s Tree Ambassador Program. This program is designed to help the City achieve its 30% tree canopy goal by providing training and tools to Seattle neighborhood residents on tree care and maintenance, urban forestry resources, and community engagement and communication. Best practices from the International Society of Arborists and the Arbor Day Foundation were integrated into the curriculum that engage students both in the classroom and in the field engaging in audio, visual and kinetic learning styles.
'Strategic Planning for Sustainability' Workshops
Designed and facilitated workshops at social entrepreneurial incubators in Europe and Brazil. These interactive workshops introduced participants to a science based definition of sustainability and created the space for them to use this in conjunction with new strategic planning tools. Participants hail from private, public, and non-profit sectors.
The heart of what we do at Milepost is ensure alignment exists within your organization and between your internal and external stakeholders so that your efforts are well positioned to achieve your stated objectives. We work with you and your team to understand your current capacity, desired state and what you have available both internally and externally that will be supportive as well as potentially limiting. Our approach to organizational development is grounded in proven theory and our methodologies are field tested and have demonstrated results. We'll never write a report thats sits on your shelf and we'll never tell you what you want to hear. Instead, we'll enable you to write the story you want to tell about your organization, develop the path to help get you there and ensure your organization is well aligned and sufficient attention is paid to its development and nurturing.
Click on a project to learn more.
Click on a project to learn more.
Seattle City Light
Served as Project Manager for the current state assessment of the Seattle City Light Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Energy Conservation Department. The project included external review with customers and market actors, utility best practice assessment, organizational culture assessment and cross-department stakeholder team of Directors who guided the assessment. Findings were used to identify key elements of the department’s five-year strategic plan for program delivery. Results led to allocation of new positions, focus and monetary resources to support new training, education and marketing efforts.
The Climate Project
Conducted and managed an evaluation to determine the impacts the first 1,000 trained presenters have made and opportunities for The Climate Project, the organization started by former Vice-President Al Gore, to further support these presenters. The research study included two primary activities: 1) secondary data review and analysis, 2) primary data collection with presenters and presentation attendees. Results were presented at the 2008 ACEEE’s Behavior, Energy and Climate Change conference. Findings spurred development of the organization’s methodology to define an “active presenter” and to estimate numbers of presentations delivered and numbers of individuals reached, key metrics that define the success of this grassroots based organization. Further, The Climate Project reorganized staff and resources to more effectively serve presenters.
Avista Utilities & Puget Sound Energy: Utility Stakeholder Collaboration
Serve as facilitator for both Avista Utilities and Puget Sound Energy’s conservation and energy efficiency advisory groups (Triple E and CRAG, respectively). These groups are comprised of stakeholders from the WUTC, Public Counsel, Northwest Power and Conservation Council, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Northwest Environmental Coalition, Northwest Energy Efficiency Coalition, and industrial, commercial and low income advocacy groups.
Green Sports Alliance
The Green Sports Alliance was established in 2010 to support professional sports teams already engaged in sustainability activities and to encourage adoption of sustainability practices by additional teams and leagues. Milepost Consulting is a founding member of the Green Sports Alliance and presently serves as Strategic Advisor to the Board of Directors providing strategic planning and workshop planning and facilitation expertise.
Ocean Bryggeriet
Developed a corporate vision and organizational strategy for a craft brewery based in Goteborg, Sweden. Leveraging the client’s success in customer service, enhanced their corporate mandate to become the focal point of the regional craft brewing industry. Created a 10 year strategy and action plan for desired growth and sustainable development. Client gained access to new regional markets in the tightly controlled Swedish alcohol sales system.
Your supply chain can be a force for positive change in the world while improving your bottom line. But brands are increasingly being caught unawares by socio-ecological issues upstream in their supply chain, and dealing with these issues on an ad-hoc basis can be overwhelming. The transactional nature of most supply chain initiatives, even those with the best of intentions, often fall far short of their intended goals, as the the challenges suppliers may face as a result are never acknowledged.
Milepost will help you take an honest look at your impacts, both upstream in your supply chain, and downstream with consumers, to develop a comprehensive strategy for engaging your supply chain, managing risk from labor issues and resource depletion. Milepost will also help you avoid the most common shortcoming of supply chain strategies - failing to acknowledge, and plan for, the challenges suppliers may face as a result of your initiatives.
Milepost will help you take an honest look at your impacts, both upstream in your supply chain, and downstream with consumers, to develop a comprehensive strategy for engaging your supply chain, managing risk from labor issues and resource depletion. Milepost will also help you avoid the most common shortcoming of supply chain strategies - failing to acknowledge, and plan for, the challenges suppliers may face as a result of your initiatives.
UK Multinational Retailer
Developed an integrated organizational supply chain sustainable development strategy for a fast-fashion retailer with over $571M in annual turnover, in response to intensified media scrutiny over their labor practices. Created an overview of ‘hotspots’ to address first, followed by strategic guidelines to allow the client to plan away future sustainability related risk, rather that continuing to address risk on an ad-hoc basis. Identified key opportunities for collaboration with suppliers on product design and environmental improvements.
Hop Lun Ltd. & Yokview Ltd.
Facilitated organizational visioning and strategic plan development with two manufacturers in southeast China. Workshops bridged cultural differences to engage factory employees in a ‘bottom-up’ approach to developing organizational strategy, and expanded employee education around sustainability. Management at Hop Lun Ltd. has since developed an ‘Employee Environment Protection Competition,’ seeking floor workers innovative ideas to reduce the factory’s environmental footprint.
We get asked all the time - why are you called Milepost Consulting? Well, simply put, it's our founder's fault. You see, Dune was raised in Fairbanks, Alaska (where the Alaska Canadian (aka Alcan) Highway unofficially ends) and has traveled the Alcan Highway a number of times. There's a handy book available called the Milepost Guidebook that documents every little "significant" event that happened along the 1523 mile road since 1949.
Dune thought how great it would be to focus on telling her client's stories, providing "maps" for where they want to go, and giving "directions" when needed to find a good rest spot with a great vantage point. Maybe you have to be an Alaskan to truly appreciate the name Milepost Consulting but we think she's on to something.
Team Milepost
Dune thought how great it would be to focus on telling her client's stories, providing "maps" for where they want to go, and giving "directions" when needed to find a good rest spot with a great vantage point. Maybe you have to be an Alaskan to truly appreciate the name Milepost Consulting but we think she's on to something.
Team Milepost
Milepost Consulting continuously strives to develop and apply practical, well-tailored and sustainable solutions for our clients. With offices in Seattle, Washington DC, Nashville and Panama, we work to impact change within the following arenas:
- Gas and Electric Utilities
- Production Agriculture
- Communities
- Corporate Clients
- Built Environment
- Sports and Entertainment
We're a small but mighty team made up of a Political Economist from Philadelphia, a former Peace Corp volunteer fluent in four languages, a Psychologist from Alaska, a sustainability guru, and the best CFO any company could hope for. While our work and client testimonials tell you about our professionalism and what we offer, we thought we'd share a little bit more about who we are and what matters to us.
Dune Ives, Ph.D.
Dune Ives is the founder of Milepost and holds her Ph.D. in Psychology - Research and Evaluation Methodology. Her childhood in Alaska taught her that all things are possible and everyday is a good day, even if the sun only shines for 10 minutes, a perspective she brings into every client engagement. Dune's primary focus with clients is to build upon existing capacity and bright spots, ensuring lastingness of their efforts and keeping in mind that marathons are only part way over at mile 20. Read Resume Erik Froyd, MBA
The Milepost CFO is Erik Froyd, who has his MBA in
Sustainable Business Management from Presidio Graduate School and is a former organic farmer and marathon runner. Erik's focus with clients is on ensuring the metrics for which data are gathered and reports are generated are specific, meaningful and integrated into the company's strategic decision making process. In his spare time he is a partner with two really cool guys in the sustainable agriculture consulting company, Common Fields. Read Resume
Michael S. Roy, Ph.D.
Michael is Milepost's Principal Environmental Scientist.
He is an avid ultimate frisbee and, being British, football player. Michael obtained his PhD in the biological sciences from the University of London and pursued a successful academic career in conservation biology. Michael is a co-founder of Common Fields, the sustainable agriculture practice of Milepost and has a special fondness for collecting and analyzing data that can be used to guide a company’s strategy towards operational efficiency and sustainability. Read Resume
Kenton Harmer, MBA
Long pieces of repurposed wood have helped shape the unique perspective
and experience that Kenton brings to Milepost. As a hockey-playing Canadian, Kenton knows that an assist is as good as a goal. And from playing didgeridoo in a rock band in Taiwan, he has learned that it takes a good ear to make people dance. Kenton’s experience coordinating emergency medical projects in conflict zones makes him particularly adept at helping client’s implement their strategies in trying conditions and on impossible deadlines. Kenton has an MBA in Sustainable Management and is a co-founder of Common Fields, the agricultural practice of Milepost. He strongly believes that a well-tuned tractor and a spreadsheet can solve the most urgent of problems. Read Resume
Richard Hazzard, M. ED.
Rich Hazzard has 10+ years experience in the Energy Efficiency industry
as a consultant and a Sr. Analyst with a major utility. He has experience in program design, evaluation, strategic planning, program optimization and organizational development. Recent assignments include EE portfolio planning coordination, Demand Response strategic planning, and Evaluation, Measurement & Verification planning. Previous careers have included alternative education program design, media education, filmmaking and, wait for it... aviation insurance. He has a Master degree in Education from Antioch University and a BA in English and American History from Connecticut College. Rich thinks he has an exceptional sense of humor. Read Resume
Julie Hayes
As a project manager for Milepost Consulting, Julie works directly with company
stakeholders to help them identify goals, measure current conditions, recognize best practices and create a path towards lasting change. Before joining the team, she co-authored a sustainability guide for kids called Green My Parents, produced World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour for the City of Los Angeles and was a 5 year team member for Opportunity Green, California’s largest B2B sustainability conference. Other talents include professional level equestrian skills and mad karaoke domination. Read Resume
John Silkey, M.Sc., LEED AP
John Silkey has a passion for helping businesses and college campuses
alike lead us towards an abundant and thriving future. He is a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest from the East Coast who likes to say that he's solar powered, and we're doing all we can to convince him it doesn't rain everyday in Seattle. John has taken his strategic planning skills to the high school lacrosse field, where he has coached for over seven years and still enjoys seeing a good game plan come together. He holds his M. Sc. in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability and is a master at getting diverse groups to talk and collaborate with each other. Read Resume
Matt Klosinski
Matt Klosinski hails from Philadelphia and is the resident Political
Economist at Milepost. His experience with smart grid affords a practical look at the potential and challenges of new and emerging technology. When he's not pursing innovation in energy efficiency he is continuing his quest to find the perfect dog or car, or whichever comes first. Read Resume
Meg Golden
After a decade in Utah pursuing a religious devotion to powder skiing,
Meg Golden finally found a reason worthy of relocation – Milepost Consulting. With an MBA from Bainbridge Graduate Institute and a degree in architecture, Meg’s background falls in energy efficiency and renewable energy, green building, and energy-specific academic technology transfer. Meg’s real passion is in bringing groups together to solve unlikely questions and in gleaning new knowledge and perspective from those around her. Read Resume
Zach Anderson, MBA
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Zach has been contributing
to the intersection of business and sustainability for 8 years. His journey has taken him from C suites and board rooms to garment factories in China and rural villages in Guatemala. Zach is on a continual quest for practical outcomes to vexing problems, and welcomes projects that apply systems thinking to creative solutions. He is LEED AP, and has an MBA from Portland State University as well as an M. Sc. in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability. After a solid day of running numbers and facilitating teams, Zach likes to get outside to climb rocks or run like a madman on the Ultimate Frisbee field. Read Resume
Tode Rubenstein, MBA
Tode Rubenstein comes to Milepost Consulting with a passion
for helping businesses effectively integrate environmental sensitivity and social awareness with profitable bottom line solutions. Even with a funny name like “Tode” (pronounced Toad), Tode has been successful at applying his business development and consulting skills to help analyze situations and apply solutions to help meet the goals of an organization. In his spare time, Tode is an avid cyclist and Indie Film junkie. Tode is a LEED AP O&M and holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio Graduate School. Read Resume
Rebecca Nelson
Rebecca joins the Milepost Consulting team with over 12 years of graphic design and
information architecture experience. Whether working internally, or directly with our clients, Rebecca's role is to understand the project objectives and create collateral materials that deliver maximum impact. Combining her internal design role with teaching the Milepost team yoga, Rebecca vows to keep everything (and everyone) connected with Milepost Consulting looking great. Read Resume
Kendall Starkman
Recently escaping to Seattle after having lived through one too many
Los Angeles traffic jams, Kendall joins Milepost as Administrative and Project Coordinator. She brings some serious chops for staying organized in dynamic, fast-paced environments, emerging from the ranks of Opportunity Green, Los Angeles’ largest green business conference and California Senator, Dianne Feinstein’s office. Kendall specializes in keeping our busy team synchronized and equipped with what they need to serve our wide range of clients and projects. She loves exploring the local outdoors, embracing the chaos of trying new recipes, and discovering hidden treasures in thrift stores and antique shops. Read Resume
Madeline Froyd
Madeline Froyd, although born and raised in Washington State, she has
never been shy to traveling and meeting new people. Between family vacations all around the US, being a foreign exchange student in Italy, and spending a year in Eugene attending the University of Oregon, Maddie has learned how to adapt to all kinds of people and situations. While working at Milepost Maddie hopes to learn every aspect of how a green company works, from finance to reducing our carbon footprint, as well as making sure each project she is given turns out just as successful as the next.
The Milepost CFO is Erik Froyd, who has his MBA in
Sustainable Business Management from Presidio Graduate School and is a former organic farmer and marathon runner. Erik's focus with clients is on ensuring the metrics for which data are gathered and reports are generated are specific, meaningful and integrated into the company's strategic decision making process. In his spare time he is a partner with two really cool guys in the sustainable agriculture consulting company, Common Fields. Read ResumeMichael S. Roy, Ph.D.
Michael is Milepost's Principal Environmental Scientist.
He is an avid ultimate frisbee and, being British, football player. Michael obtained his PhD in the biological sciences from the University of London and pursued a successful academic career in conservation biology. Michael is a co-founder of Common Fields, the sustainable agriculture practice of Milepost and has a special fondness for collecting and analyzing data that can be used to guide a company’s strategy towards operational efficiency and sustainability. Read ResumeKenton Harmer, MBA
Long pieces of repurposed wood have helped shape the unique perspective
and experience that Kenton brings to Milepost. As a hockey-playing Canadian, Kenton knows that an assist is as good as a goal. And from playing didgeridoo in a rock band in Taiwan, he has learned that it takes a good ear to make people dance. Kenton’s experience coordinating emergency medical projects in conflict zones makes him particularly adept at helping client’s implement their strategies in trying conditions and on impossible deadlines. Kenton has an MBA in Sustainable Management and is a co-founder of Common Fields, the agricultural practice of Milepost. He strongly believes that a well-tuned tractor and a spreadsheet can solve the most urgent of problems. Read ResumeRichard Hazzard, M. ED.
Rich Hazzard has 10+ years experience in the Energy Efficiency industry
as a consultant and a Sr. Analyst with a major utility. He has experience in program design, evaluation, strategic planning, program optimization and organizational development. Recent assignments include EE portfolio planning coordination, Demand Response strategic planning, and Evaluation, Measurement & Verification planning. Previous careers have included alternative education program design, media education, filmmaking and, wait for it... aviation insurance. He has a Master degree in Education from Antioch University and a BA in English and American History from Connecticut College. Rich thinks he has an exceptional sense of humor. Read ResumeJulie Hayes
As a project manager for Milepost Consulting, Julie works directly with company
stakeholders to help them identify goals, measure current conditions, recognize best practices and create a path towards lasting change. Before joining the team, she co-authored a sustainability guide for kids called Green My Parents, produced World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour for the City of Los Angeles and was a 5 year team member for Opportunity Green, California’s largest B2B sustainability conference. Other talents include professional level equestrian skills and mad karaoke domination. Read ResumeJohn Silkey, M.Sc., LEED AP
John Silkey has a passion for helping businesses and college campuses
alike lead us towards an abundant and thriving future. He is a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest from the East Coast who likes to say that he's solar powered, and we're doing all we can to convince him it doesn't rain everyday in Seattle. John has taken his strategic planning skills to the high school lacrosse field, where he has coached for over seven years and still enjoys seeing a good game plan come together. He holds his M. Sc. in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability and is a master at getting diverse groups to talk and collaborate with each other. Read ResumeMatt Klosinski
Matt Klosinski hails from Philadelphia and is the resident Political
Economist at Milepost. His experience with smart grid affords a practical look at the potential and challenges of new and emerging technology. When he's not pursing innovation in energy efficiency he is continuing his quest to find the perfect dog or car, or whichever comes first. Read ResumeMeg Golden
After a decade in Utah pursuing a religious devotion to powder skiing,
Meg Golden finally found a reason worthy of relocation – Milepost Consulting. With an MBA from Bainbridge Graduate Institute and a degree in architecture, Meg’s background falls in energy efficiency and renewable energy, green building, and energy-specific academic technology transfer. Meg’s real passion is in bringing groups together to solve unlikely questions and in gleaning new knowledge and perspective from those around her. Read ResumeZach Anderson, MBA
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Zach has been contributing
to the intersection of business and sustainability for 8 years. His journey has taken him from C suites and board rooms to garment factories in China and rural villages in Guatemala. Zach is on a continual quest for practical outcomes to vexing problems, and welcomes projects that apply systems thinking to creative solutions. He is LEED AP, and has an MBA from Portland State University as well as an M. Sc. in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability. After a solid day of running numbers and facilitating teams, Zach likes to get outside to climb rocks or run like a madman on the Ultimate Frisbee field. Read ResumeTode Rubenstein, MBA
Tode Rubenstein comes to Milepost Consulting with a passion
for helping businesses effectively integrate environmental sensitivity and social awareness with profitable bottom line solutions. Even with a funny name like “Tode” (pronounced Toad), Tode has been successful at applying his business development and consulting skills to help analyze situations and apply solutions to help meet the goals of an organization. In his spare time, Tode is an avid cyclist and Indie Film junkie. Tode is a LEED AP O&M and holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio Graduate School. Read ResumeRebecca Nelson
Rebecca joins the Milepost Consulting team with over 12 years of graphic design and
information architecture experience. Whether working internally, or directly with our clients, Rebecca's role is to understand the project objectives and create collateral materials that deliver maximum impact. Combining her internal design role with teaching the Milepost team yoga, Rebecca vows to keep everything (and everyone) connected with Milepost Consulting looking great. Read ResumeKendall Starkman
Recently escaping to Seattle after having lived through one too many
Los Angeles traffic jams, Kendall joins Milepost as Administrative and Project Coordinator. She brings some serious chops for staying organized in dynamic, fast-paced environments, emerging from the ranks of Opportunity Green, Los Angeles’ largest green business conference and California Senator, Dianne Feinstein’s office. Kendall specializes in keeping our busy team synchronized and equipped with what they need to serve our wide range of clients and projects. She loves exploring the local outdoors, embracing the chaos of trying new recipes, and discovering hidden treasures in thrift stores and antique shops. Read ResumeMadeline Froyd
Madeline Froyd, although born and raised in Washington State, she has
never been shy to traveling and meeting new people. Between family vacations all around the US, being a foreign exchange student in Italy, and spending a year in Eugene attending the University of Oregon, Maddie has learned how to adapt to all kinds of people and situations. While working at Milepost Maddie hopes to learn every aspect of how a green company works, from finance to reducing our carbon footprint, as well as making sure each project she is given turns out just as successful as the next.
The Milepost team is always pushing the envelope to give us creative, fresh approaches
that are on the leading edge of industry thinking - even break-through.
Frank Rapley
Tennessee Valley Authority
that are on the leading edge of industry thinking - even break-through.
Frank Rapley
Tennessee Valley Authority
I look to Milepost when I need buy-in on a project or concept from a diverse group with divergent
views. Milepost is great at engaging people in a friendly way and getting people to agree on a
common set of values that lets a project move forward. This is extremely valuable at the initial
stages of a project.
Chris Thompson
Puget Sound Energy
views. Milepost is great at engaging people in a friendly way and getting people to agree on a
common set of values that lets a project move forward. This is extremely valuable at the initial
stages of a project.
Chris Thompson
Puget Sound Energy
Milepost is delightful to work with, they listen and produce results. They took the information
given to them and used their background and knowledge of the issue and the industry and
wove together a project plan that not only met the need of the agency, but also created
a real plan that employees could embrace and take ownership of and make it work. The
metrics created to measure the success are real and achievable and provide a clear view
to management of what is being accomplished each step of the way.
Judy Chipman
Bonneville Power Administration
given to them and used their background and knowledge of the issue and the industry and
wove together a project plan that not only met the need of the agency, but also created
a real plan that employees could embrace and take ownership of and make it work. The
metrics created to measure the success are real and achievable and provide a clear view
to management of what is being accomplished each step of the way.
Judy Chipman
Bonneville Power Administration
The beauty of Milepost is easy and quick service.
Jennifer Tada
Puget Sound Energy
Jennifer Tada
Puget Sound Energy
Milepost is easy to work with, committed to client satisfaction and flexible when client changes things.
Sara Wysocki
Office of Sustainability
Sara Wysocki
Office of Sustainability
Milepost is holistic, sustainably minded, timely, and organized.
Suzy Oversee
Snohomish County PUD
Suzy Oversee
Snohomish County PUD
Mileposts' expertise and knowledge of issues and opportunities within the agriculture sector provided the Carbon Disclosure Project with valued assistance and specialist insight when working together on a CDP agriculture supply chain pilot project. "Unearthed: Agriculture Emissions in the Corporate Supply Chain" is a well-written piece of analysis that provides an engaging assessment of the capacity of the agricultural supply chain to report greenhouse gas information.
Betty Cremmins
Carbon Disclosure Project
Betty Cremmins
Carbon Disclosure Project
Milepost help us see things through a different set of lenses and we are better off for their insight. They are thorough about their approach, genuine of their commitment and flexible in their design of solutions.
William Watson
National Mango Board
Executive Director
William Watson
National Mango Board
Executive Director
Milepost has a unique ability to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, translating the challenges and opportunities for even the most novice of clientele. They are a champion of the industry with an analytical style that is thoughtful and sound. They are also simply a joy to work with.
Senior Partner, Global PR Agency
Senior Partner, Global PR Agency
Milepost excels at making complicated processes uncomplicated. We were faced with a Federally mandated process that required a seven-page flowchart. they collapsed the process to a single page and our customers can now understand it.
George Marshall
Puget Sound Energy
Director, Transmission
George Marshall
Puget Sound Energy
Director, Transmission
Milepost brings a systemic perspective to business challenges. They have a remarkable ability to fully understand the key issues and problems an organization struggles with in creating effective, practical strategies to overcome barriers to important business goals and objectives. They are collaborative and facilitative in their approach, easy to work with, and have a unique ability to build the kind of internal and external coalitions that are absolutely necessary for real success in the business world.
Steve Lush
Strategic Planning Client
Steve Lush
Strategic Planning Client
Our work with Milepost Consulting has been a remarkable experience. Their expertise in sustainability ensured that we provided our client with practical advice, and their thoughtful insight throughout the consulting process helped us to deliver meaningful results—even when we started from a place of confusion and ambiguity. We will definitely work with Milepost Consulting again.
Jennifer K. Woofter
Strategic Sustainability Consulting
President
Jennifer K. Woofter
Strategic Sustainability Consulting
President
As a guest lecturer in my Sustainability courses, Dr. Ives provides an insightful and energetic perspective to the climate change discussion. Up to date on the latest indicators of global warming, she presents the hard to face data in an engaging manner that challenges our MBA students to consider their role as business leaders and stewards of the environment.
Hunter Lovins
Natural Capitalism Solutions
Founder
Hunter Lovins
Natural Capitalism Solutions
Founder
The Climate Project was started by Nobel Peace Laurent Al Gore in June 2006 and is a unique international grassroots organization of trained climate advocates. Our mission is to increase public awareness and promote positive action concerning the climate change challenge. We have grown fast but needed to determine what our impact has been and how to maximize our efficiency going forward as we try to tackle this crisis.
Milepost Consulting designed a comprehensive study to determine what we have achieved and how we can improve opportunities presented to us to do more and continue to support our vast network of presenters. They are a pleasure to work with and their insight and recommendations have been invaluable in assessing our progress, sharpening our focus and refining our efforts.
Jenny Clad
The Climate Project
Director
Milepost Consulting designed a comprehensive study to determine what we have achieved and how we can improve opportunities presented to us to do more and continue to support our vast network of presenters. They are a pleasure to work with and their insight and recommendations have been invaluable in assessing our progress, sharpening our focus and refining our efforts.
Jenny Clad
The Climate Project
Director
Dune played a critical role in conceptualizing, planning and delivering the first Presidio Climate Change Series for the Executive Program in Sustainable Management. The Climate Change Series covered core issues relevant to business professionals in an innovative and accessible format using a combination of podcast and webinar technology. Beyond her capacity to bring together some of the world's leading thinkers and professionals in the field, Dune's content knowledge and creativity were keys to the success of the initiative. Dune is incredibly resourceful, competent, highly professional and always upbeat - even when working on one of the world’s most complex and pressing issues!
Nicola Acutt
Presidio School of Management
Associate Dean
Nicola Acutt
Presidio School of Management
Associate Dean
Milepost’s professionalism and affable demeanor eased many difficult situations with detractors and naysayers, and I was always impressed with their skill in navigating our organization. Deeply knowledgeable, solution focused, and energetic, Milepost was an ideal consulting partner. It’s an uncommon skill amongst consultants, but they also possess the ability to make almost any task seem like fun!
Dawn Loeliger
Microsoft Corporation
Former Director
Dawn Loeliger
Microsoft Corporation
Former Director
Milepost consulting brought structure and direction to an ambitious and critical information gathering step in our strategic planning process. As consummate professionals, they are responsive to our needs while providing thoughtful and systematic guidance throughout the process. Their high level of organization and personal attention kept the project and our people on track and focused on tasks, in spite of heavy workloads.
The information we received from this process has provided a much more sophisticated understanding of the relationship between Methow Arts and our constituency. The results were utilized immediately for strategic planning, deepening our ability to grow fully in the context of the people we serve.
Kate Jones
Methow Arts
Director
The information we received from this process has provided a much more sophisticated understanding of the relationship between Methow Arts and our constituency. The results were utilized immediately for strategic planning, deepening our ability to grow fully in the context of the people we serve.
Kate Jones
Methow Arts
Director
I admire Milepost’s positive demeanor, incredible ability to organize, quick and insightful writing ability and perceptive insights. They reduce enormously complicated data—both oral and documented—into easily understandable and meaningful explanations. Dr. Ives is simply an incredible presenter and enlightened facilitator with a charming easy laugh and magnetic personality.
Dr. Lou Gates
Superintendent
Dr. Lou Gates
Superintendent
Milepost Consulting weaves together strategic business acumen, a field-tested toolkit and communication know-how to help your team:
- Define your game plan and establish your road markers
- Engage your stakeholders and build capacity
- Learn from and celebrate your accomplishments
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