Workforce Wednesday The Moment We’re In Demands More I recently returned from the National Home Performance Conference in Columbus, Ohio, with a renewed sense of urgency about the role workforce development has to play in this moment. The conference brought together leaders from across the country focused on home performance, energy efficiency, healthy homes, contracting, […]
Michigan skilled trades program trains workers to cut energy bills and fix drafty homes
Kendra Mitchell is Chief of Staff to the CEO at Walker-Miller Energy Services, where she serves as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the CEO and senior leadership team. In this role, she helps bring clarity to complex work, translate vision into action, and strengthen cross-functional alignment—designing the systems and leadership rhythms that support strong results for Walker-Miller’s clients and the communities it serves, while preserving the company’s culture and values.
Kendra brings more than 15 years of executive experience at the intersection of strategy, operations, people, and law. She has held senior leadership roles in both publicly traded companies and high-growth, mission-driven organizations across cybersecurity, open-source software, digital health, and venture-backed startups. She is known for her ability to create clarity in complexity, build new functions, and serve as a trusted advisor to CEOs navigating growth and change.
Prior to joining Walker-Miller, Kendra served as Vice President of People at Chainguard, a $3.5B open-source security company, where she helped scale the organization by more than 130 percent while strengthening performance, engagement, and operating discipline. She previously served as the first Chief People Officer at Chief, the private network for women executives named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies, where she built and led the People, Legal, Strategic Planning, Business Operations, DEI, and Social Impact functions. Prior to that, Kendra held multiple leadership roles at Duo Security and Cisco, including Chief of Staff to Duo’s founding CEO and Chief of Staff in Cisco’s Security Strategy Office, where she led post-acquisition integration following Cisco’s $2.35B acquisition of Duo and supported cross-functional initiatives across global teams.
A lawyer by training, Kendra began her career as a commercial litigator at Sidley Austin. She holds degrees from Harvard Law School and Hampton University and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
Tabice Ward serves as the Chief Information Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Services. In this role, she leads the Information Technology organization, guiding the company’s strategic technology direction, development, and future growth.
She has more than 35 years of extensive experience in technology and cybersecurity, specifically in the regulated electric and gas utility sector. Over her career, she advanced into senior leadership roles, directing technical teams responsible for implementation and maintenance of complex, large-scale IT systems, cybersecurity operations, security risk management, business continuity and regulatory compliance.
Prior to joining Walker-Miller, Tabice was Executive Technology Strategist at ChoiceTel, where she partnered with organizations to develop transformative technology strategies that drive business enablement, strengthen security, and reduce cyber risk. Tabice also served as Area Vice President, Enterprise Security at Xcel Energy, where she led the transformation of the security risk and advisory function. In addition, Tabice served as IT Director and Chief Information Security Officer at DTE Energy, leading major technology initiatives and guiding the strategic direction and transformation of the cybersecurity organization.
Tabice is committed to community engagement and serves on multiple nonprofit boards and as an Adjunct Professor dedicated to developing the next generation of technology and cybersecurity professionals.
Tabice earned a Master of Science in Information Assurance from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Wayne State University. She has obtained several professional certifications which include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Officer (C-ISSO), and Project Management Professional (PMP). She further advanced her education with a CISO Graduate Certificate from Carnegie Mellon Heinz College, an executive certificate in cybersecurity from MIT, and completion of the FBI CISO Academy.
Throughout her career, Tabice has been honored with numerous accolades including, Most Influential African American Woman – Detroit, Who’s Who in Black Detroit, RH Marshall Excellence in Cybersecurity, Women of Color in STEM Award, Most Influential Women in Cybersecurity, and Top 100 CISOs in Fortune 500.
Eric McDonald has over twenty-five years of experience in management of capital improvements and infrastructure development. McDonald has been involved in a diversity of projects including new commercial construction; complete mechanical and electrical upgrades to industrial and commercial buildings; industrial backup power generation; civil, commercial, and industrial construction; landfill inspection and planning; and environmental remediation. McDonald has designed programs and managed installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and distributed energy resources; networked lighting controls; and building management systems. He determined and implemented processes to install demonstration and pilot programs and execute measurement and verification of projects.
McDonald has an MS in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University and is a CEM and LEED AP.
Julie has nearly 20 years in the energy efficiency industry. Most recently, Julie held the position of Senior Manager, Residential Energy Efficiency Implementation with Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). For over seven years, Julie led the strategy, design, execution, and management of the residential and income eligible efficiency portfolio, including oversight of the portfolio budget (>$160M annual), achievement of complex legislative goals and stakeholder commitments, and leadership of the program management team and implementation contractors. The residential portfolio included a wide range of program offerings including assessments, energy saving kits, incentives on home products, appliances, HVAC equipment and new construction, whole home retrofits, electrification and behavior programs that provided incentives, tools and services for ComEd’s 3.4M residential customers to manage electric energy usage and adopt clean energy solutions. Additionally, Julie led the development and oversight of the Business Operations team (2018-2021) which included the department’s QAQC, supplier diversity, service provider network, department and contractor safety, contractor performance and process development.
Prior to this role, Julie held a variety of positions with ComEd where she led the development and administration of residential and business energy efficiency programs. Julie began her career with ComEd in 1995 in Tech Services supporting energy management for large C&I customers. After a 12-year hiatus from the workforce, Julie returned in 2010 to re-establish her career in energy efficiency at ComEd. Prior to her career at ComEd, Julie worked in energy efficiency consulting services supporting the US military. Julie graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.
On a personal note, Julie is a Midwest gal. She grew up in Ohio, met her husband while attending Purdue University and now lives in the Chicagoland area. She has two adult sons and two lovable Labrador retrievers
Shalaya Morissette is a trailblazer with over 13 years of expertise at the nexus of Business Administration, Energy, and Engineering. A dynamic leader, she excels in advancing federal diversity and economic opportunity programs, fostering partnerships with thousands of organizations across the energy sector. Her macro-level understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and underrepresented communities informs her strategic vision, enabling her to drive impactful change in clean energy through innovative policy, education, and community initiatives.
Shalaya’s diverse career journey has equipped her with a robust perspective on energy, education, and community engagement. Before joining Walker-Miller Energy, she served in pivotal roles at the Department of Energy, championing workforce development and minority business inclusion. Her earlier career includes impactful contributions to the utility sector, where she ensured compliance with regulatory safety standards, as well as leadership roles in higher education and global transportation as Director of Affiliate Relations. As an engineering instructor at Dearborn STEM Academy in Boston, Shalaya empowered high school students to pursue careers in clean technology, reinforcing her dedication to cultivating the next generation of energy leaders.
An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Shalaya has been instrumental in advancing equity in the energy industry. She has held prominent positions in nonprofit leadership, including President of the Greater Boston chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy and the first African American board member of New England Women in Energy and Environment. Her board service also extends to the Georgia Gwinnett College Alumni Association and committees for organizations such as Browning the Green Space, where she works to increase minority participation in the energy transition.
Shalaya holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Gwinnett College and a Master of Education from Cambridge College. She is on track to complete a second bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2025 at Excelsior University, further cementing her technical expertise. Her unwavering passion for clean energy and commitment to diversity position her as a visionary leader, collaborator, and change-maker in the clean technology space. As Vice President of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives at Walker-Miller Energy, Shalaya hopes to continue to inspire and lead transformative efforts that shape a more equitable and sustainable energy future for all.
IV Blackwell is the Chief Financial Officer for Walker-Miller Energy Services.
Brie Gutmann is the Director of Strategic Marketing for Walker-Miller Energy Services. She brings over 20 years of B2C and B2B marketing experience across consumer brands and in the energy efficiency space.
Before joining Walker-Miller, Brie acted as the Marketing Director at Resource Innovations overseeing business development for the Eastern region and strategic oversight of energy efficiency program marketing for clients such as ComEd, CenterPoint Energy, NYPA, Danville Utilities, and MidAmerican Energy. Brie also brings a wealth of knowledge building brands and managing digital and retail campaigns for Nestle Purina, Proctor & Gamble, ConAgra Foods, Kimberly-Clark and Sonova International. Her passion lies with building strong creative teams and delivering award-winning work for her clients.
Brie has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Columbia College in Chicago with a concentration in Business Management and Marketing.
She resides in the Chicagoland area with her daughter and two pups.
Komal Doshi has over a decade of experience working at the intersection of mobility, energy, and communities. She is currently the Vice President of Beneficial Electrification & Mobility at Walker-Miller Energy Services where she works to advance clean mobility through managing the deployment of beneficial electrification utility programs, managing installation & maintenance of EV chargers, and advancing research & community engagement in equitable clean mobility in this growing space. In her career, she has worked extensively on supporting the launch of new programs, building tools, providing strategic consulting, and advancing public-private partnerships to further deployment of mobility and energy solutions in the public realm.
John R. Boladian is Chief Operating Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Services, leading strategies related to program operations, Engineering, Business Development, Facilities, Outreach, and Electrification. A senior operations leader with an extensive background in energy and utility management, process integration design and implementation, cross-functional project leadership, customer service and marketing, John plays a key role in steering the tremendous growth Walker-Miller is experiencing.
Prior to joining the Walker-Miller team, John served as Director of Energy Efficiency at DTE Energy in Detroit, Michigan. Some of his accomplishments include organizational transformation with proven results generating increased efficiencies, and high quality, significant bottom-line improvements. In this role he was responsible for overseeing the Energy Efficiency team which includes electric and gas programs that both educate and incentivize customers to purchase energy efficient technologies and services, as well as overseeing Demand Response for DTE.
John started with DTE Energy in the Marketing & Sales Organization in 1992 where he was acknowledged as one of their top performers. He had since held Supervisor and Manager positions within Customer Service and IT before accepting his role as Director in 2005. John has been awarded DTE’s most prestigious Alex Dow Award for Improved Operations, as well as being the recipient of DTE Energy’s ‘Leader of the Year for Outstanding Engagement’ award by the Gallup Organization in 2018.
Before joining DTE Energy, John held positions at various advertising and sales agencies, including Ross Roy Advertising and NBC/Mutual Broadcasting Company.
John earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a Major in Marketing in 1994 from Michigan State University. He is the past Chairman of the Consortium for Energy Efficiency Board of Directors and served on the Michigan Saves Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Brady Bedeker is the Vice President of Business Development for Walker-Miller Energy Services. With a diverse professional background comprised of over twelve years of experience ranging in finance, operations, strategy, and policy, Brady is passionate about finding new and innovative energy solutions. His primary area of expertise includes go-to-market strategic solutions to increase sales and revenue.
Prior to joining Walker-Miller, Brady served as the Customer Solutions Manager of Business Operations at ComEd. In that role, he led a cross functional team that was responsible for developing and implementing business processes, overseeing vendor safety and program performance metrics, QA/QC, and contract management across Energy Efficiency and Demand Response portfolios. Brady also developed and oversaw Energy Efficiency Workforce Development Programs and worked closely with various partners to define a strategy to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire portfolio.
Brady earned his Master of Business Administration with a concentration on Finance and Operations from Florida Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in both Accounting and Finance from St. Ambrose University.
He resides in Chicago, IL with his wife and son.
Dr. Brandy Brown is an experienced energy strategist with deep industry knowledge and demonstrated success in advancing decarbonization solutions from conception to implementation. Currently, she is Chief Innovation Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Services where she blends research and emerging technology to deliver innovative energy solutions to historically marginalized communities. Additionally, she serves on the faculty of the School for Sustainability and Environmental Studies at the University of Michigan.
Prior to joining Walker Miller, Dr. Brown served as Climate & Energy Advisor and led the Office of Climate and Energy which was created by Governor Whitmer in 2019 to coordinate the state’s climate action efforts. She was responsible for developing the policy and implementation strategy for state-wide decarbonization efforts, coordinating state departments on climate action, providing guidance to local governments, and advancing renewable energy throughout Michigan.
Dr. Brown holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Evaluation from Western Michigan University where she researched the methodological characteristics of energy evaluation and used meta-evaluation to assess quality and validity. Additionally, she earned a Master of Public Administration degree and a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government from American University in Washington, D.C.
Dan Ringo is the Senior VP of Market Development Initiatives for Walker-Miller Energy Services. He is a proud graduate of Henry Ford High School (Detroit Public Schools). Dan served honorably in the United States Air Force and upon his honorable discharge, completed a highly competitive apprenticeship with the Detroit Public Schools and International Union of Operating Engineers.
Dan went on to acquire several certifications in engineering and his Mechanical Contractor’s license. Ever pursuing higher heights, he utilized the remainder of his GI Bill to earn his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007 and Wayne State University Law School in 2012.
While in law school Dan temporarily left the skilled trades field for clerking opportunities with the State of Michigan, Federal Judiciary, AFL-CIO, and Nemeth Burwell PLLC. After those distinguished positions he was selected to work with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324 to merge and lead the Stationary Division as its first and only Executive Director. In this position, Dan and his team managed 225 Collective Bargaining Agreements and 6000 members.
After two successful years, Dan left the Union and began working for a local Detroit facilities management firm. During this time Dan found the time to serve as the President of the Board of Directors for Edmonson Academy, White Academy and Aisha Shule Charter Schools. He also served on the committee of Metropolitan Affairs Coalition/Detroit Regional Chamber for Improving on Michigan’s Narrative and the Detroit Public Schools $500m Bond Oversight Committee, and Mayor Dave Bing’s Detroit Advisory Task Force.
It was these achievements that earned Dan a selection in the inaugural class of Michigan Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 in 2013, Who’s Who in Black Detroit. Currently Dan serves on the boards and executive committees for Hope For America (www.hope4america.org) and the Cara Program (www.carachicago.org).
From 2012-2015 Dan worked for Sodexo/SodexoMAGIC where he became Vice President within two years and was honored with three North American awards for excellence. Afterwards Dan returned to the Detroit area after being recruited to become the Chief Operating Officer of a REDICO (www.redico.com) affiliate company called Continuum Services. During this time Dan’s role was expanded to not only include COO of Continuum but also Senior Vice President of one of its sister company, American House Senior Living Communities (www.americanhouse.com).
In 2019 Dan served as the Director of Public Works for the City of Pontiac under Mayor Deirdre Waterman. Under his leadership, the team implemented various strategies which improved the delivery of city services to the 60,000 residents of Pontiac. Most recently Dan worked in Madison, Wisconsin with the Madison Metropolitan School District with the Facilities Team in managing the district’s $317 million dollar Construction Project for its five high schools.
Dan has authored and published several articles and books on facilities management along with a self-help memoir detailing how his military experience has shaped his personal and professional achievements. His books is currently listed #17 on the Best CEO books of all-time. (100 Best CEO Books of All Time – BookAuthority). (Airman to CEO: From the Boiler Room to the Boardroom: Ringo, Dan: 9781094881775: Amazon.com: Books)
Born in Cleveland, Ohio and a native Detroiter since 1985, Dan is the youngest of four boys. He is married to Dr. Wendy C. Ringo and has four children, two grandsons and one granddaughter. He enjoys chess, cooking/baking and the sport of boxing. Below are some of Dan’s occupational and professional achievements spanning the last 25 years.
High Pressure Boiler Operator (1996)
3rd Class Refrigeration Operator (1996)
Associate of Applied Science (1996)S
Honorable Discharge (1997)
3rd Class Stationary Engineer (1998)
2nd Class Stationary Engineer (1998)
1st Class Stationary Engineer (2000)
1st Class Refrigeration Operator (2002)
Unlimited Refrigeration Journeyman (2002)
Unlimited Mechanical Contractor (2002)
Chief Powerhouse Engineer (2002)
Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude (2007)
Board of Directors President Edmonton (2011)
Commissioner Historic District (2011)
Juris Doctor (2012)
Who’s Who in Detroit (2013)
40 Under 40 (2013)
Spirit of Detroit 2018
Michigan Top 50 Company to Watch (2018)
Published Author (2019)
Michael Kiewski was born in Detroit and grew up in the surrounding area. After serving 24 years in the United States Air Force (Retired), Michael attended Crown College in Saint Bonifacius Minnesota and received a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Since graduating, Michael has been engaged at the executive level leading policy development and operational process within the Crisis Management, Oil and Gas, and Technology fields with Fortune 500 companies. As a servant and transformation leader, from a people leader perspective, Michael is passionate about building diverse, highly effective and collaborative cross functional teams. Michael elevates team members to meet their full potential, so they grow as a person and in role. His goal in this aspect is to show the significance of a task and the higher good involved in performing to the best of their ability. Sometimes an ability they didn’t know they possessed. Michael is a diversity, equity, inclusion champion, developing high performing teams; thus, creating a culture that values productivity, individual growth and technical innovation in the clean energy sector.
Prior to joining Walker-Miller he served as COO/Business Consultant for Providence Consulting, an IT and Cybersecurity company based in Lansing, MI; as well as serving for a variety of corporations in a multitude of roles, including: Vice President of Operations & Business Administration; Regional Director / General Manager; Managing Director & Chief Administrative Officer; and, Director of Crisis Management.
Known as a visionary in operations leadership, Michael embodies the true meaning of servant leadership. In addition to a proven record in achieving bottom-line goals, Michael’s strengths lay in his ability to connect with people; inspiring, motivating, and directing teams with Vision, Mission, and Purpose.
With demonstrated success establishing relationships at all levels, motivating teams to produce outstanding results in a series of leadership positions in multiple industries, Michael is heralded for his superb communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, presentation skills and the proven ability to motivate, mentor, coach, and influence others internally and externally.
Michael brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to Walker-Miller, including organizational change management, crisis management, strategic organizational turnaround, implementation process management, integrations process management, and merger and acquisition process management. He has held executive level offices within national and global companies across various industries and has a demonstrated track record in organizational development and revenue growth.
A decorated United States Air Force veteran, throughout the span of his military career Michael oversaw security forces, leading defense, anti-terrorism, tactical drilling, battle procedure, convoys, and military operations overseas; provided protection for 14,000 coalition force members by supervising over 40 professionals engaged in air base ground defense and offense duties; and, served on a dedicated security detail for the President of the United States and Air Force One. Upon retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he would go on to provide key support to the Commander of Navy Region Midwest by serving as a co-leader of the Regional Operation Center while overseeing the Regional Crisis Management Program, contributing to the coordination of operations for six Navy Recruiting Districts and other Navy facilities in 16 states.
Michael earned a Master of Arts degree in Business Organizational Leadership and holds a Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Certification.
An avid percussionist, Michael has been playing since age 10 and enjoys hand drumming best. An amateur chef, he loves to cook and delights in people’s reactions to his culinary creations. Other personal interests include spending time with his family, working with communities of people who are currently experiencing homelessness, traveling to new locations, and experiencing new cultures and food. His hobbies include fishing, glamping, and curing and smoking BBQ.
Michael’s favorite quotes are:
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely
“Never let a good crisis go to waste.” – Winston Churchill
Evelyn Knabusch is the Senior Director of Information Technology.
Prior to her current position, she served as the Chief Information Officer (ACE) for the Eleventh Circuit US Court of Appeals, and the Director of Information Technology for the Eastern District of Michigan US Court. Evelyn worked as an IT consultant, Business Manager and Project Management Officer for Automotive companies, Tier one suppliers, Michigan Heart Institute, DTE Energy and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals along with other consultant activities.
Evelyn has over 35 years in information management systems, computer networks, data telecommunication systems, Internet and intranet systems, and information systems support. She also specializes in project and contract management, systems integration and design and implementation of new information systems. She has over 42 certifications in several disciplines of IT and Business including a Certified Six Sigma Masters Black Belt.
Ms. Knabusch holds a Juris Doctor from Georgia Tech, a BS Degree in History and English and an AS Degree in Computer Science. Ms. Knabusch is an Army Veteran and is affiliated with the Council of Women in Technology, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans.
Evelyn will be residing in Carleton, Michigan. She has three children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Camille Bryant is Chief People & Culture Officer | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Walker-Miller Energy Services. In this role, Camille is responsible for developing and leading strategy around operational initiatives from an equitable lens.
While creating strategies to ensure diverse hiring and promotion at the organization and leading diversity training programs for staff, Camille’s responsibilities also include analyzing data driven research of DEI initiatives to measure progress and suggest improvements; staying well-versed of trends, laws, regulations, and other factors influencing DEI programs; advising team members on DEI matters; and representing the organization at industry events and meetings.
An ambassador for positive culture change initiatives, Camille leads with passion, agility, and a strong focus on inclusion and continuous learning. She ignites and champions employee ownership and innovation and cultivates a psychologically safe environment that allows for creative ideas, collaboration, and solutions to flow fluently. She has a track record of devising win-win solutions enabling success across business units and implementing sustainable practices that shape culture and drive operational excellence.
Camille joined Walker-Miller Energy Services in September 2019 as Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to Walker-Miller Energy Services Camille served in a number of roles for General Electric, including Senior Human Resources Manager and Executive Human Resources Business Partner for GE Digital’s Global Digital Hub Transformation where she was responsible for culture, collaboration, learning and development, and facilitating the restructuring and the creation of horizontal organizations across four technology centers and 5,000 employees globally.
Throughout her career, Camille has also contributed to numerous small business success stories for start-ups during both the launch and strategic growth phases, including her family business, The Alden Group, a consumer products company producing specialty cooking oils. As Director of Business Development for Catalyst Community Partners Camille led revitalization efforts in neglected urban markets by recruiting neighborhood entrepreneurs to open and sustain brick and mortar businesses.
Passionate about supporting workforce development for historically marginalized individuals Camille currently serves as the executive champion for the Green Jobs training program through Walker-Miller Energy Services. She is also a board member for Workforce Opportunity Solutions, a non-profit organization that recruits, trains and places underserved and veteran talent in jobs with major corporations.
A native of Flint, Michigan, Camille attended Michigan State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy and a master’s degree in Labor Relations and Human Resources. She enjoys spending time with her children (Kennedi, Isaiah & Payton), family and friends, life coaching, hiking, reading, and traveling to mountainous and oceanic regions.
Kimika Garrett is the Chief People and Culture Officer for Walker-Miller Energy Services, one of the largest Black and woman owned energy efficiency firms in the United States. Garrett’s expertise includes human resources management, process and performance improvement, organization development and effectiveness, training and learning development, strategic planning, and talent management, change management/organizational development, and performance management.
A Michigan native, Garrett is a versatile, energetic, forward-thinking organizational improvement champion with HR transformation experience in the technology, pharmaceutical, retail, automotive, non-profit/government and chemical/R&D industries. She is passionate about helping organizations achieve operational excellence through strategic planning, process improvement and human capital management.
Prior to joining Walker-Miller Energy Services, Garrett served as an HR leader for a number of high performing organizations, including HR Transformation Manager for Accenture, Regional HR Manager for Visteon, and Director of Human Resources for Alternatives for Girls.
Due to her extensive organizational management knowledge and expertise, Garrett is in high demand as a public speaker. With her energetic, creative and R.E.A.L. (relevant, engaging, actionable, leading-edge) style, she can often be found facilitating workshops, retreats, and participating in panel discussions of 50+ participants.
A dynamic speaker and leader, Garrett is committed to uplifting and helping to grow talent from the next generation of Michigan’s business leaders. She serves as a board member for a number of professional associations and non-profit organizations, including Lourdes Senior Community; Society of Human Resource Management (Ann Arbor and Detroit); National Association of African Americans in Human Resource (NAAAHR –National and Michigan Chapter Member); International Society of Performance Improvement (ISPI National and Michigan Chapter Member); and the Association of Talent Development (National, Ann Arbor, and Detroit).
Garrett earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Siena Heights University, a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development (MSHROD) from Eastern Michigan University, is a certified Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, and a SHRM HR Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
Avec O’Brien is the Chief Financial Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Services. Previously, Avec was the US & Mexico Controller for Mastronardi Produce. Before that, she was the Chief Financial Officer of the Detroit Science Center. Avec also worked as audit manager at Deloitte & Touche, LLP., as office manager at Heidrick & Struggles, and as senior accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mexico City. Simultaneously, Avec was an associate professor at the MBA program of the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. Avec serves as a board member and as a volunteer of several Detroit-area nonprofits.
Avec earned her MBA with distinction from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Public Accounting, from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. Avec is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Avec currently serves as board member in the National Board of Financial Executives International (FEI) and is the Immediate Past President of the FEI Detroit chapter. She serves on the Ascension Michigan Ministry Market board and on its Finance Committee. She also serves on the Southwest Solutions board. She is a Council Member at the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services. She is the founding president of the Michigan chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). She is a graduate of Leadership Detroit (LD XXXIII).
Avec lives in Novi, Michigan, with her husband and two sons.
As the Walker-Miller Energy Services customer base continued to expand rapidly, we turned to Greg Walker, a 30-year Leadership expert to ensure that Walker-Miller would not only have the ability to scale our operational offerings, but would be able to maintain our unique culture, credibility and value proposition that have driven our success in the marketplace. Greg’s reputation for his ability to develop and motivate teams that achieve business objectives in a variety of environments proved beneficial for large organizations such as Home Depot, Sears, Wal-Mart and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. We’re equally excited by Greg’s ability to merge corporate cultures, values, and best practices with strong cohesive teams committed to achieving mutually beneficial goals, objectives and performance targets for our customer partners.
Greg is focused on improving all aspects within our organization as well as national customer and employee growth and retention for Walker-Miller. He is also charged with developing and implementing our overall growth strategy. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from Gonzaga University. He also served our country as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force.
