Description

New Orleans Regional Meeting

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Location: New Orleans Marriott 

555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Introduction: 

This meeting is to strategize an approach for each state being considered. It is recognized that some states have more/less activity than others. The people/companies listed below are not expected to be presenters, but discussion leaders. 

This meeting is for full and affiliate member company employees only*, except where NAESCO has specifically invited a key ally for our industry. Space is limited to 80 people and 2 representatives per company.

*To participate in a members-only meeting, the participating individual needs to have an email address with the member company domain.

Regional Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, February 10

Pre-Meeting Happy Hour - Sponsorships Available!

Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Location: 55 Fahrenheit, New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Come join NAESCO staff and the NAESCO Engagement Subcommittee to grab a drink prior to your dinner plans! It’s a great way to network with other members attending prior to the full meeting on Wednesday. 

Wednesday, February 11

Affiliate Breakfast Meet-up (Organized by NAESCO Affiliate Value Proposition Subcommittee)  

Time: 9:00 am to 10:30 AM

Location: 5Fifty5 Restaurant, New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

The NAESCO Affiliate Value Proposition Subcommittee is excited to announce an informal networking meet-up! This gathering will be a great opportunity for affiliates and members to connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on future projects, exchange insights about the industry, or simply enjoy good conversation over coffee, this is the perfect chance to strengthen our professional community. Please note this is not a sponsored event therefore each attendee should expect to pay for their own F&B.

Meeting Agenda 

11:00 AM - Discussion with Joe Hagerman, Director of Energy and Natural Resources at the Mississippi Development Authority, and Edward O’Brien, Senior Economist at the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, Office of Energy. They will give brief talks on current developments and share updates. Bring your questions, as this will be an informal opportunity to speak with them.

Joseph Hagerman, Director of Energy and Natural Resources at the Mississippi Development Authority

Joseph Hagerman, known as Joe, received his Bachelor of Architecture from Mississippi State University (MSU). From 2009 to 2017, Joe served as a senior technical advisor at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). At EERE, he focused on building energy efficiency and new building technology development. He led all of DOE’s initiatives in smart buildings, transactive energy and controls, and building-to-grid research. Joe received the 2016 DOE Secretary Honor Award and the 2010 and 2014 DOE Distinguished Service Awards.

In 2019, Joe joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) after serving as the Deputy Chief Scientist at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). At NRECA, he managed the federal research program (with funding from the Department of Defense and DOE) and the research staff who developed new research offerings for NRECA members, primarily at the utility distribution level, including cybersecurity, modeling, distributed controls, and the application of transactive energy concepts. While at ORNL, Joe served as the Section Head for all Building Technologies Research, overseeing 80+ research staff. He also managed one of DOE’s User Facilities, ORNL’s Building Technologies Research & Integration Center (BTRIC), the premier U.S. research facility devoted to the development of technologies to improve the energy efficiency and environmental compatibility of buildings. BTRIC identifies and develops energy-efficient building system technologies by forming partnerships between DOE and private industry. Concurrently, Joe held a joint appointment at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) as the director of the Energy Policy and Innovation Center (EPICenter) under GT’s Strategic Energy Institute (SEI).At the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), Joe serves as the Director of the Energy and Natural Resources Division and the designated State Energy Officer, established under The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-163).

Edward O’Brien, III, Senior Economist at the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, Office of Energy

Edward O’Brien is a distinguished Senior Economist at the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources in Baton Rouge, LA. With a career spanning over three decades, Edward has been instrumental in shaping regional energy economic priorities for the State of Louisiana since 2013.

Edward has overseen the strategic direction and execution of energy-related state development projects. Notably, Edward had significant success by positioning Louisiana as the top recipient of the first round of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. This achievement underscores his adeptness in securing funding towards grid resilience, power infrastructure, and clean energy projects.

In addition to his strategic acumen, Edward has been a driving force behind clean energy stakeholder outreach initiatives, ensuring that Louisiana capitalizes on market opportunities that have a profound impact on the region. His collaborative efforts extend beyond state boundaries, as he coordinates with U.S. Department of Energy Laboratories and State Energy Offices on breakthrough technologies, contributing to the advancement of the energy sector on a national scale.

Throughout his career, Edward has been recognized for his forward-thinking approach to policy development. He has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and guidelines aimed at removing market barriers and stimulating economic development, thereby fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation within the energy sector between the public and private sectors.

Edward holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Strategy from Louisiana State University, a Master of Economics with a focus on Financial Economics from Trinity College, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics from the University of Richmond.

Driven by a passion for advancing energy economics and fostering sustainable growth, Edward continues to be a guiding force in shaping the future of the energy landscape, both regionally and nationally.

12:00 PM Lunch All - Sponsored by ESPEN Technology!

1:00-4:30 PM State Discussions 

New Mexico - Tara Trafton, Energy Systems Group (ESG)

Texas - Matt Lombardo, Schneider Electric

Oklahoma - Ted Melnik, Willdan Energy Solutions

Kansas - Michael Iseman, Entegrity

Missouri - Ryan Terry, Navitas

Arkansas - Nathan Botwright, ABM

Louisiana - Rusty Mclellan, SitelogIQ

Mississippi - Alisa Harris, Schneider Electric

Alabama - Ray Hinson, Johnson Controls Inc

Georgia - Stephen Koontz, Johnson Controls Inc

South Carolina - Steven Zip, Johnson Controls Inc

Florida - Alfred Guerrero, Energy Systems Group (ESG)

4:30 PM Wrap Up All 

5:00 - 6:30 PM Networking Social Event in Old Absinthe House, The Prohibition Room on the Third Level at 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 - Sponsored by Walker Blue, LLC! 

Sponsorship Contact:

Please email Michelle Yoon at michelle.yoon@naesco.org for sponsorship information.

Hotel Information:

The hotel is offering a special room rate of $209 for our event. This rate includes access to the hotel’s heated outdoor rooftop pool, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurants and our 24-hour front desk / guest services. To reserve your room, visit our event attendee website or call the hotel’s reservation department at (504) 581-1000. Please make your reservation by Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, and identify yourself as part of the NAESCO New Orleans Regional Meeting.