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COMING

June 16 – 18, 2026

Wenatchee, WA

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Tuesday,  June 16

RHA Member Meeting

Hydrogen Facility Tour at Douglas County Public Utility District

Welcome Reception

Wednesday,  June 17

Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Conference

Thursday,  June 18

Policy Workshop

SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Chris Green

President

Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association

Chris Green

Chris, formerly the director of the Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness for the Washington Department of Commerce, where since 2015 he led international trade, business recruitment/retention and rural economic development units. Prior to Commerce, Chris served for seven years as vice president for
business retention and expansion at the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-PierceCounty. Before that, he worked in government relations for several elected officials, including former U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, former Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer.

Chris earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Pacific Lutheran University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington.
Chris enjoys volunteering and coaching local youth sport programs, and spending time with his wife, three children and family in Tacoma.

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Janine Benner

Director

Oregon Department of Energy

Janine Benner

Janine Benner serves as the Director of the Oregon Department of Energy. Janine joined ODOE in 2017 as Assistant Director for Planning and Innovation and was confirmed by the Oregon Senate as ODOE’s director in February 2018. Janine came to ODOE from the U.S. Department of Energy, where she served as Associate Assistant Secretary in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Janine also spent 12 years working for Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), as Energy and Environmental Policy Advisor, Legislative Director, and Deputy Chief of Staff. She grew up in Portland, OR and has a degree in history from Princeton University.

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Sue Rieke Smith

Oregon State Representative

House District 26

Sue Rieke Smith

Representative Sue Rieke Smith is a Democratic member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing House District 26, which includes Wilsonville, Sherwood,

King City, parts of Tigard, and Charbonneau. A third-generation Oregonian, she was appointed to the House in 2025 to fill the vacancy of former state Representative Courtney Neron Misslin, who was appointed to the Oregon Senate after the passing of state Senator Aaron Woods (D-Wilsonville). 

Rep. Rieke Smith’s legislative priorities include strengthening public education, supporting

affordable housing, advancing clean energy and environmental stewardship, safeguarding reproductive rights, and ensuring safe, thriving neighborhoods. She is committed to pragmatic, respectful policymaking and seeks bipartisan collaboration to address Oregon’s

most pressing challenges. Rep. Rieke Smith’s career began in trauma and public health nursing, where she worked in intensive care and public health settings, often serving communities most affected by poverty and inequity. Her belief that early opportunities shape lifelong outcomes inspired her transition into education. Before joining the Legislature, Rep. Rieke Smith dedicated more than 25 years to public education, serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in Springfield and Tigard-Tualatin schools.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University and her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Oregon. She lives in King City with her husband Jeff and enjoys spending time with their three daughters and grandchildren. Outside of her legislative work, she volunteers in humanitarian efforts and donates handmade knitted and quilted items for refugee health kits worldwide.

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Virgle Osborne

Oregon State Representative

House District 2

Virgle Osborne

Virgle and his wife call beautiful Douglas County home, cherishing the bounty of hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures the region has to offer. 

Now serving his second term as State Representative for Oregon House District 2, which includes towns like Roseburg, Sutherlin and Yoncalla, as well as the breathtaking Umpqua National Forest, Virgle works tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents and ensure rural communities continue to thrive. 

With deep roots in Douglas County, Oregon, Virgle Osborne has dedicated his life to fostering and uplifting the vibrant communities of southern Oregon. Growing up in a close-knit town with fewer than 4,000 residents, Virgle developed a profound appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural areas - a passion that has become the cornerstone of his mission. 

Virgle's commitment to public service is evident through his extensive involvement. As a team leader for the Douglas County Search and Rescue Team, he has played an instrumental role in ensuring the safety of his community, including specialized participation in 4x4 and Snowcat operations. His leadership extended to commissions such as the Winston Planning Commission and the Douglas County Planning Commission, where he served as chairman, shaping policies to support local growth. Presently, he chairs the Oregon Parks and Recreation OHV Oversight Committee and the Sub-Committee, further demonstrating his dedication to preserving and promoting outdoor recreation in Oregon. 

In 2019, Virgle founded Champagne Creek Ranch, a nonprofit organization that serves as a haven for first responders, children, and adults with physical limitations. Additionally, the ranch has become a hub for local kids' ATV training, mountain biking, hiking and other outdoor recreation. 

Beyond public service, Virgle is a successful entrepreneur owning Twin Peaks Offroad since 2014. His first hands-on experiences as a small business owner offers him firsthand insight into challenges faced by local business. He also served as a Senior Account Manager at FCC Commercial Furniture, bridging business expertise with community-oriented services. 

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Bill Iyall

Chairman

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Bill Iyall

Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman, William (Bill) Iyall, P.E., first served as Cowlitz Chairman in 2008, and was subsequently re-elected for four consecutive terms, until his initial retirement in 2020. Under Chairman Iyall’s leadership, the Tribe established their reservation in Ridgefield, WA in 2015, and eventually opened their Casino Resort, ilani, in 2017. In 2024, Chairman Iyall was re-elected for his second stint as Cowlitz Chairman, and he looks forward to leading the Tribe again on a course toward deepened prosperity, economic opportunity, and self-determination. Chairman Iyall received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from St. Martin’s University and was named Saint Martin’s University Distinguished Alumni for Professional Achievement in 2022. He is also a United States Army Veteran and worked as a licensed Professional Engineer for the city of Tacoma’s Public Works and Public Utility Departments for 35 years. In his spare time, you can find
him enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through fishing, biking, and hiking.

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April Sims

President

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

April Sims

April Sims (she/her) was elected President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO by its affiliated unions in October 2022 and was sworn in to begin her four-year term in January 2023. She is the first woman to be elected WSLC president. As President, Sims is the chief executive officer of the council supervising all of its activities and staff, promoting affiliation with the WSLC, representing the council at the national AFL-CIO, and performing any other duties as assigned by the WSLC Executive Board.

Sims previously served from 2019 to 2022 as WSLC Secretary Treasurer, the chief financial officer of the council. Prior to her election to that position, Sims was the WSLC’s Political and Strategic Campaign Director since November 2017, working to develop shared agendas with labor and community partners, to advance strategic organizing campaigns, and to recruit, train and elect political champions for working people. She first joined the WSLC in September 2015 as Field Mobilization Director, working with WSLC-affiliated unions and community partners to support and encourage the participation of individual members with many different political, legislative and community programs.

Sims joined the WSLC staff, after serving as the Legislative and Political Action Field Coordinator for the Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE), where she was responsible for member education, communication, and mobilization around legislative issues and political campaigns. She was a WFSE member, shop steward, elected union officer, and union staffer from 2002-15.

Sims firmly believes in the power of working people organizing together, and has dedicated her working life to affirming that power. For her, the importance of union membership is personal; it was her mother’s union position as a psychiatric security attendant at Western State Hospital that allowed her family to move off welfare and build a sense of financial security. A life-long resident of Tacoma, April lives with her family and 110-pound chocolate lab in the gritty city she’s proud to call home.

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Shiloh Burgess

Government Affairs Manager

Douglas County Public Utility District

Shiloh Burgess

Shiloh Burgess is the Government Affairs Manager for Douglas County PUD where she is responsible for helping guide the PUD’s strategic policy and regulatory direction.  Prior to joining the PUD, Shiloh led the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce for nearly nine years. According to Rufus Woods, Wenatchee World Publisher Emeritus, the Chamber was “built into a powerful local asset” during her tenure as Executive Director. Before joining the Chamber, Shiloh had the privilege of working 10 years for the Washington State Senate. 

Shiloh’s passion for people and advocacy can be seen through her leadership on several local, state, and regional boards. She was recently re-appointed as a citizen member of the Washington State Recreation Conservation Funding Board and is  the current Board President of the Alatheia Riding Center, Vice Chair for the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance and she sits on the Our Valley Our Future board. Shiloh is a past executive board member of the State of Washington Tourism (2016-2021) and the Association of Washington Business (2016-2018).

Shiloh enjoys exploring the outdoors with her partner Steve, and her goldendoodle, Dottie.

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Brandon Rakes

Airport Director

Chehalis-Centralia Airport

Brandon Rakes

Brandon Rakes, a native of Lewis County, Washington, has dedicated much of his career to advancing aviation and infrastructure development in his home region. Growing up in Lewis County, he developed a deep appreciation for aviation and transportation, setting the stage for his future leadership in the field.

Brandon began his higher education at Lower Columbia College, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree before transferring to Central Washington University. At CWU, he pursued his passion for public service and policy, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice. His educational background provided him with a strong foundation and reinforced his ability to learn and adapt—critical skills for his work in airport management.

As the Airport Director of the Chehalis-Centralia Airport, Brandon has played a pivotal role in transforming the airport into a hub for innovation and economic development. Under his leadership, the airport secured an Innovative Finance Asset Concession Grant (IFACG) of nearly $1 million, supporting the integration of hydrogen and electrification infrastructure. Additionally, he led efforts to obtain a $350,000 Industrial Site Readiness Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, successfully completing environmental and engineering studies to pave the way for future development.

Beyond securing funding, Brandon has fostered partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and research institutions, ensuring that the Chehalis-Centralia Airport remains at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and sustainable aviation. His work has extended beyond the airport as well—he served as Vice President of the Washington Airport Management Association (WAMA) for two years before taking on the role of President in 2023, earning WAMA’s 2024 President’s Award for his dedication, mentorship, and leadership.

Brandon also earned his Certified Member (C.M.) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), demonstrating his expertise in airport management, operations, and industry best practices. This certification reflects his commitment to professional development and excellence in aviation administration.

A private pilot, Brandon brings a unique perspective to his role as an Airport Director. His firsthand experience in aviation allows him to make informed decisions that balance operational efficiency, safety, and the needs of pilots and stakeholders. His deep understanding of both the regulatory and practical aspects of airport operations makes him a forward-thinking leader, ensuring that the Chehalis-Centralia Airport continues to thrive as a vital asset for the region.

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Melissa McKinnon

Director of Liquefaction Assets

HTEC

Melissa McKinnon

Melissa McKinnon is a business leader with over 20 years of experience in alternative energy in both the public and private sectors. She is the Program Manager for HTEC’s hydrogen liquefaction projects in North Vancouver and across North America, with responsibility for budget, schedule, design and overall project delivery. 

Prior to joining HTEC, Melissa led the development of cryogenic fuel storage and delivery cars (LNG Tenders), targeting the emerging opportunity for natural gas in the Class 1 railroad market segment at Westport Fuel Systems. Melissa holds several patents related to her work with LNG Tenders. At Hydrogenics, Melissa oversaw the planning, business development and marketing of fuel cell products for mobile applications and managed Canada’s first deployment of fuel cell forklifts at GM and FedEx, including the installation of an associated hydrogen generation station.

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Christopher Efird

CEO & Chairperson of the Board

NXTClean Fuels

Christopher Efird

Christopher Efird combines thirty years of entrepreneurship with extensive energy, financial, and US public market experience across a variety of types and sizes of companies. He co-founded NEXT Renewable Fuels in 2016 and currently serves as the company’s Chairperson and Chief Executive where he oversees all the company’s business and development activities.

Chris has led or co-led investment into twenty-nine growth stage businesses in the US and internationally. Of these, eighteen become public in the United States including two each on the New York Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange, and seven on the NASDAQ. Previously, Chris co-founded and managed two related private equity funds that invested in companies operating across a wide variety of industries, including energy, technology, and manufacturing.

A native of Houston, TX, Chris grew up in the traditional energy industry. He previously served as the Chairperson of a pipeline construction company and has funded the turn-around / restart of a biodiesel production facility as well as the feasibility and initial site design and development of a world-scale LPG export terminal. He has long-term relationships across the energy economy and value chain which he is now actively leveraging to position NXTClean as a leader in the provision of drop-in replacement clean fuels.

Chris is a graduate of the Advanced Management and Leadership program at Oxford University’s SaÏd School of Business. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Science.

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Michael Jung

Government Affairs & Public Policy

Modern Hydrogen

Michel Jung

Michael leads government affairs and public policy at Modern Hydrogen, a cleantech startup company that delivers distributed, decarbonized, dependable energy. He previously served as the founding Executive Director of the ICF Climate Center and as an expert committee member of the COP28 Energy Transition Changemakers initiative. 

Michael’s career in energy has reached across both investor-owned and consumer-owned utilities. He has served as a policy advisor to governors, and he has been an early team member at several successful clean technology startups, including Utilidata, Varentec (acquired by Sentient Energy), and Silver Spring Networks(acquired by Itron). Michael has served as Vice President for Government Affairs at the Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative. He chaired an energy task forcefor Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber and crafted landmark electricity legislation as a policy advisor to the campaign and administration of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. Michael began his career managing environmental and climate change policy at American Electric Power.

Michael is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow, Tae Kwon Do black belt, former competitive ballroom dancer, professional ski instructor, ping pong entrepreneur, active tennis player, avid backpacker, and Eagle Scout. He is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Yale College, and the Harvard Kennedy School. Michael speaks English natively and has studied Mandarin, Korean, Russian, and German. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his accomplished wife, three delightful children, and an adorable labradoodle

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Nicolas Pocard

Vice President Marketing & Strategic Partnerships

Ballard

Nicolas Pocard

Nicolas Pocard leads Ballard’s global marketing, collaboration and strategic partnerships activities with the goal of delivering customer-centric fuel cell solutions. He is also oversees corporate market strategy and government relations.

An active advocate of the fuel cell industry since 2004, Nicolas joined Ballard in 2012 after holding various leadership positions in sales, business development and marketing in high-tech companies in Europe and Asia.

Nicolas is a member of the Boards of the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA), Hydrogen BC and of the California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC). He is also Ballard's representative on the Board of Directors of Forsee Power.

He is a graduate engineer from Ecole de Chimie Organique et Minerale in Paris, and holds a Master of Science Degree in chemistry from the Ohio State University. 



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Nikki Meler

Project Management Office Manager

C-TRAN

Nikki Meler

Currently serving in a leadership role at C-TRAN since 2018, Nikki has held positions successfully overseeing multiple concurrent projects in a structured and efficient manner. Her ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors alike has been key to her success in eliminating roadblocks and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Nikki excels in stakeholder communication, detailed project reporting, and motivating teams to meet or exceed performance expectations. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and team-oriented approach make her a trusted leader in project management.

Nikki Meler is a results-driven Project Manager with over 17 years of experience leading and delivering diverse projects, ranging from $20,000 software implementations to large-scale $45 million construction initiatives. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality. Nikki is known for her strategic use of cost-saving measures, continuous process improvement through Lean and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methodologies, and her skillful coordination of cross-functional teams. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), she brings strong analytical, decision-making, and organizational capabilities to every initiative she leads.

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Young Park

ZEB Program

TriMet

Young Park

Young Park is dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation and protecting the environment through public transit. At TriMet, he leads the agency’s transition to a zero-
emission bus fleet, guiding investments in clean technology, infrastructure, and mobility solutions. A strong advocate and practitioner of emerging transportation innovations, he
is committed to building a more sustainable future for the Portland region.

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Penny Machinski

Manager, Environmental Compliance & Licensing

Portland General Electric

Penny Machinski

Penny is with Portland General Electric’s Environmental Services team, where she manages a group of environmental specialists dedicated to helping PGE’s facilities remain in compliance with environmental laws and regulations as the utility leads the way towards delivering safe, reliable and innovative power to its customers.

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Adam Merah

Director of Business Development

Nel

Adam Merah

Adam is the Director of Business Development at Nel, with more than 14 years of technical and business development experience in the field of industrial equipment and service solutions. In this role, he manages all business development efforts with PEM and Alkaline technologies for large-scale hydrogen projects in North America for Nel’s Electrolyser Division. His previous experience includes management roles in the centrifugal pump industry at ITT where he focused on market development in the USA and Internationally for O&G, Chemical and Power applications.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Heinrich Heine Universität, Düsseldorf.

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Catherine Dunwoody

Hydrogen Program Advisor

California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

Catherine Dunwoody

Catherine serves as Hydrogen Program Advisor for the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. She has worked to advance hydrogen and fuel cells over much of her 40-year career. Catherine was instrumental in establishing the California Fuel Cell Partnership in 1999 and served as executive director for 15 years. She has held executive roles at the California Air Resources Board including leading CARB’s hydrogen and fuel cell programs. Catherine enjoys being semi-retired but remains committed to advancing hydrogen for all the environmental and economic benefits it brings to the world.

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Katrina Fritz

Preside/CEO

California Hydrogen Business Council

Katrina Fritz

Katrina Fritz is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Hydrogen Business Council, the largest and longest established hydrogen trade association in the U.S. Katrina leads the organization as chief advocate and champion for advancement of hydrogen and renewable fuels sectors to achieve air quality and climate objectives.  Katrina is a member of the Executive Committee of the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Hydrogen Technology Alignment Cooperative, the California Energy Commission’s Advisory Committee for the Clean Transportation Investment Plan, and the Angeles Link Project Advisory Group. Over the past 20 years, Katrina has advised global Fortune 500 companies and government leaders on business development and energy and environmental policy and been a champion of air quality, decarbonization, and economic growth through distributed generation and hydrogen technologies.  Katrina has worked as an executive at UTC Power and Plug Power in business development and government relations and as an Independent Director on the Board of Advent Technologies and has held leadership positions in numerous clean energy trade associations and advisory boards.

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Erin Childs

Executive Director

Renewable Hydrogen Alliance

Erin Childs

Erin Childs serves as the Executive Director for RHA, bringing a background in energy planning and policy, technology acceleration, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to RHA, Erin worked at a clean energy consultancy, where she supported clients in navigating the energy transition and advancing clean energy technologies. Before moving to the Northwest, Erin worked at Southern California Edison on policy, strategy, and planning for the implementation of California’s energy and environmental goals. Erin joined RHA in 2024. 

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Rebecca Smith

Senior Director of Policy and Education

Renewable Hydrogen Alliance

Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith is the Senior Director of Policy and Education at RHA. Rebecca brings nearly two decades of experience in clean energy policy, strategy, and implementation, and most recently spent seven years with the Oregon Department of Energy, where she led the state’s work on hydrogen, and also worked on renewable fuels, clean transportation, and renewable electricity markets.

In her role with RHA, Rebecca leads RHA’s policy program, including regulatory and legislative coordination and technical policy analysis. Rebecca has previously worked with RHA through her consultancy, Transformist.

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Refund Policy

Registration refund requests must be submitted to operations@renewableh2.org. If your cancellation request is received by August 1, 2025, you will receive a refund, less a $75 processing fee. If approved, please allow up to four weeks for refund processing. After August 1, 2025, refunds will not be processed, however, substitutions are permitted.

You will not be eligible for a refund if you are a “no-show.”

Refund Policy

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ACCOMMODATIONS

The conference venue (The Avenue, 631 NE Grand Ave, Portland OR 97232) is conveniently located one block from the Oregon Convention Center and has several hotels within walking distance. 

Hyatt Regency

375 NE Holladay St, Portland, OR 97232
7 minute walk to conference venue

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Hotel Eastlund

1021 NE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97232
5 minute walk to conference venue

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