Who We Are
Company Staff
Marc Esser, President & Owner, MS (Computer Science), CEM, CEPE, LEED GA
Marc was born in Germany, absorbing good engineering practice by osmosis. Thanks to a healthy green movement in Europe, sustainability has always been second nature to him. Marc holds a M.Sc. in Computer Science with a minor in Renewable Energy Physics, is accredited as a LEED GA, is certified as a CEM (Certified Energy Manager), and is a Certified Energy Plan Examiner (CEPE). Marc is proud to have turned his passion into a successful and striving business. When not thinking about how to do more with less, Marc enjoys the arts, the outdoors, and being kept on his toes by his 4-year old son Kai.
Bo White, Project Engineer, PE (Mechanical Engineering), LEED AP
Bo has lived in San Diego the past six years and California most of his life. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UCSD. Before joining the NegaWatt team, he worked for five years at a mechanical consulting firm designing HVAC systems and performing energy analysis.
Chris Roman, Project Engineer, CEM, BS (Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics)
Chris is originally from Akron, Ohio where he attened The University of Akron. He moved to San Diego in 2005 after graduation. Chris has spent the last five years working in the energy industry where he has focused on the mechanical applications of energy efficiency as well as its economical aspects. He is married to his beautiful wife Chelle and has two young boys. When Chris isn't saving energy or playing the role of a proud Papa you can find him getting a good workout on the basketball courts!
Dominic Shiosaki, Project Engineer, MS (Mechanical Engineering)
Dominic recently moved back to San Diego to join the NegaWatt team. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCSD and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University. He has incredible attention to detail, always seems ahead of the curve, and is excited to work with us on our emerging technology evaluation projects. Outside of NegaWatt, Dominic enjoys staying active and doing triathlons!
Kim Perszyk, Operations Manager, BA (Global Studies, Political Sciences and Social Economics)
Kim was born in San Diego and returned after completing her BA at UC Santa Barbara. She began her career in corporate recruiting and quickly progressed into operational management. Prior to joining the Negawatt team, Kim was the Director of Operations at Vaillant Solar Systems Inc., where she oversaw finance, human resources and operations. In her spare time Kim enjoys traveling, yoga, being outside, artistic endeavors and sharpening her culinary skills.
Subcontractors
Bill McKnight - Divoy Systems, Senior Project Engineer & Business Partner.
Bill is an expert for IP-enabled control systems for energy management, communication, and entertainment. He has an MBA from Berkeley, a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon, and C-7 license. In earlier positions, Bill worked as a general manager and director for various corporate employers. At present, Bill owns and runs Divoy Systems. We partner with him on several projects, where we appreciate his tremendous business acumen, and his ability to never stop until he has all the answers. In his free time, Bill enjoys the company of his family.
Jim Backman - Adroit Energy & Design, Solar & Geothermal Energy Consultant
Jim is the owner of Adroit Energy & Design. He has a strong background in renewable energy system design and construction. His expertise includes Radiant Floor Heating Systems, Solar Thermal Systems, Photovoltaic Systems, Ground Source Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems, Residential and Commercial Boilers, Integrated Control Systems and Net Zero Energy Design. Jim is our go-to person for the contractor's perspective.
Katy Hamilton - Adroit Energy & Design, Architectural Consultant, Project Manager
Katy has a tremendous background in modern architecture, after a BA from Wellesley College and an MA from University of Texas. She spent over 10 years at Rob Quigley, FAIA, where she was responsible for landmark sustainable projects such as the new San Diego Children's Museum. Katy helps us speak the language of our clients. Thanks to her partnership with Adroit Energy & Design, she is also our go-to person for the contractor's perspective.
Jeanne Fricot - Energy & Green Consulting, Energy Consultant, CEA, CEPE, Solar & HERS rater.
Jeanne has been in the energy field for more than 20 years, and we are proud to have her contribute to our projects. From energy compliance to plan checking submittals and from LEED energy modeling to hands-on energy audits, it seems she has done it all. Jeanne also has great interest in public programs: she was a member of the EECGB committee, and is on the San Diego Mayor's Sustainable Energy Advisory Board. When taking a break from energy, Jeanne enjoys playing soccer and recharging her batteries over a good cup of java at her local coffee shop.
Nanette Newbry - Studio 2055, Content Development, Presentation, Technical Writing
Since graduating magna cum laude from the University of California, San Diego in 1990, Nanette has pioneered new ways of creating nexus marketing strategies for a growing family of local and national clients. Since founding Studio 2055 24 years ago, Nanette’s vision of integrating both vertical and horizontal media and communications strategies — whether for small companies or large — has earned her both professional respect and personal satisfaction.
