Our Team

As one of the alternative fuel industry’s most knowledgeable, engaged, and trusted professionals, Erik has been at the forefront of some of the nation’s largest alternative fuel vehicle projects–working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and public sector representatives. He has led the development of several of the nation’s most successful planned clean fuel corridors and is actively engaged with leading manufacturers and end-use commercial fleet operators in the transition to zero and near-zero emission technology in both the on-road and off-road sectors. He is the visionary who has launched some of the nation’s leading alternative fuel conferences, including the nation’s leading event for advanced clean transportation technologies and low carbon fuels, ACT Expo.

Sean oversees GNA’s technical team, manages a number of GNA’s day-to-day operations, and personally works directly on a host of engineering and advanced technology projects. He provides senior technical oversight to GNA’s clients on alternative fuel initiatives, air quality improvement, fleet planning, and vehicular technology. For more than 30 years, Sean has worked in international engineering consulting and government affairs on automotive emissions, alternative fuels, and air-quality issues.

Since founding GNA in 1993, Cliff has been instrumental in the development of environmental programs and policies that have improved air quality, increased the use of clean fuels and advanced technologies in transportation, and spurred the creation of innovative public-private partnerships in a variety of sectors. It is for these reasons that he has become one of the most sought after leaders within the environmental and energy communities—he offers unparalleled experience, insight, and perspective on critical issues at the very heart of our transportation and energy systems.

Karen has led GNA’s grant writing effort for 22 years and heads the Programs and Policies department. Her team aggressively pursues incentives that accelerate the market for low-emission technologies. Her work focuses on implementing cost-effective and technically viable projects that reduce environmental impacts. Karen’s responsibilities include analyzing the feasibility of low-emission technologies based on current operations, tracking regulations and funding opportunities, market studies, leading research for and writing of grant applications, and facilitating successful implementation of low-emission strategies.

Sarah Gallagher has nearly 20 years of experience developing communications strategies for both small businesses and globally recognized brands spanning the transportation, energy, and financial sectors. She led the launch of GNA’s creative division — a full-service in-house agency that supports clean transportation and energy stakeholders in developing marketing strategies, building brand awareness, influencing key decisionmakers, and developing outreach campaigns that result in tangible change. Her team also created Advanced Clean Tech News, an online media publication spotlighting the trends driving the future of commercial transportation. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Capital University and a master’s degree in communications management from the University of Southern California. She is a member of the Coalition for Clean Air, Women in Clean Tech & Energy, Heal the Bay, and Women of Renewable Industries & Sustainable Energy.

Patrick both leads and collaborates on a wide range of projects and market development initiatives for GNA’s clients and brings extensive experience in the research, development, and demonstration of a broad range of advanced mobile and stationary power technologies to the firm. With over 18 years of experience in the clean energy space, Patrick’s work includes a mix of technical, business, and policy expertise from leading fleets through the evaluation of alternative fuel technologies to assisting policy makers with the development of practical and successful strategies for clean transportation. Patrick holds a B.S. and M.S in Mechanical Engineering from University of California, Irvine.

Joe has aggregated over 15 years of industry experience across multiple sectors. He oversees a diverse team of program management, policy, and incentive specialists who drive innovative projects forward across the clean transportation industry. This includes GNA’s Funding 360 Program, which offers a comprehensive suite of grant tracking, writing, and management services to our clients. Building on his experience in the Gulf of Mexico’s oil and gas industry, Joe’s former leadership experience at the US Environmental Protection Agency supports clients seeking public affairs and policy guidance in the environmental arena.

JoAnne brings over 10 years of experience in strategy development, policy analysis and advocacy, and clean transportation, specializing in electrification. As a trained policy and strategic initiatives expert, JoAnne pursues innovation-based solutions that will achieve client success with a focus on results and cost-effective solutions. She manages the agenda development for ACT Expo, oversees large and multi-faceted client projects, and leads a team of strategy, policy, and clean technology specialists. JoAnne has led large-scale funding efforts to accelerate transportation electrification, bringing her clients over $200 million in funding.

Tony has 25+ years’ experience organizing, trade shows and leading sponsorship & exhibitor sales programs for national and international trade shows and conferences spanning the transportation, energy, technology, first responder, aviation, recreational sports, professional beauty, aviation, mixed-use development, online and publishing industries. Tony launched the annual Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT Expo), North America’s largest Advanced Transportation Technology and Clean Fleet Event.

Jon Leonard has 30+ years of experience with government-industry collaborations to assess, demonstrate, commercialize and deploy advanced low-/zero-emission vehicle technologies. He authored countless major studies involving low-/zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles using low-carbon transportation fuels. At GNA, Jon authored major studies on HDVs (on- and off-road) using renewable natural gas and renewable diesel. He also authored a study about sustainable aviation fuel as an emerging strategy to decarbonize commercial aviation.  Prior to joining GNA in 2013, Jon spent 15 years at TIAX, 10 years at the South Coast AQMD, and 10 years conducing hands-on emissions motor vehicle testing programs at two different laboratories.

Kimberly Klonoski oversees the management and execution of client-hosted workshops and ribbon-cuttings, as well as GNA’s conference series. She has more than 10 years of experience in the event and hospitality industries including contract negotiation, and the management of venue, hotel, audio/visual, and catering contracts. She is a professional with extensive logistics experience impacting the visibility, reputation and profitability of events through strategic planning and tactical details. Kimberly has a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University. She is a member of the Coalition for Clean Air and Young Professionals in Energy.

With nearly 10 years of experience leading the Events & Marketing Department at GNA, Anne Irvani has refined proficiency in the management of impactful events and client outreach projects. In a new role, Anne now focuses on cultivation of the ACT Expo brand and the development of teams responsible for the production of multiple event series, all designed to heighten the education and awareness of advancements in clean transportation. Anne holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Nate has nearly 20 years of experience in transportation and sustainability. He leads GNA’s sustainability and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) practice to advise companies on setting goals, building strategies, and communicating results. Nate launched and runs the ACT Fleet Forum of top fleets who share best practice on clean tech and the State of Sustainable Fleets, the first neutral resource for fleet owners on leading sustainable fuel and vehicle technologies. Previously he managed more than 50 corporate sustainability projects with Fortune 500 companies and led global initiatives on clean vehicles and shipping. Nate is fluent in Spanish and holds an MBA with High Distinction and an MS in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan.

Brianna Lawrence manages GNA’s Funding 360 Program, which delivers intelligence for more than 500 active incentive programs that support the development and deployment of advanced transportation technologies in the United States and Canada. With a background in private and corporate philanthropy, Brianna has nearly 10 years of experience in developing complex projects, preparing and reviewing applications, and managing project implementation. Brianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from UCLA and a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from UNLV.