Past Keynote Speakers

Journalist and Author

Lily Raff McCaulou is a journalist based in Bend, Oregon whose writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times and The Atlantic. Her memoir, Call of the Mild: Learning to Hunt My Own Dinner, was named one of the best books of 2012 by The San Francisco Chronicle. Learn more

Investigative Journalist, Author, and Co-Founder of The Intercept

Jeremy Scahill confronts America’s War on Terror—a campaign of assassinations, drone strikes, surveillance, and covert ops—with rare insight. In talks, he draws from his nearly two decades of investigative reporting to illuminate the biased media coverage and hidden agendas of US foreign policy. In so doing, he offers an ethical appeal for greater transparency and accountability in both election coverage and international journalism. Learn more

Author, Humorist, Singer/Songwriter, Intermittent Pig Farmer

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist, playwright, and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin. Perry’s bestselling memoirs include Population 485, Truck: A Love Story, Coop, Visiting Tom, and his latest, Montaigne in Barn Boots: An Amateur Ambles Through Philosophy. Learn more

Documentary Screening

“Solar Roots – The Pioneers of PV” is the true story of how a small group of backwoods engineers and business hippies brought solar photovoltaic technology down from space into homes around the world delivering “solar power to the people”.  Learn more

Sustainability, Research & Grant Manager, Organic Valley

Jonathan has worked in sustainable agriculture and food systems for eight years—currently for Organic Valley: America’s largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation’s leading organic brands. His work is focused at the nexus of energy, water, and food systems. He leads Organic Valley’s efforts in natural resource conservation, renewable energy production, environmental research, and employee engagement. Learn more

CEO and Co-Founder, Grid Alternatives

Erica Mackie, P.E., co-founded GRID Alternatives in 2001 and as CEO has helped develop it into a major national nonprofit that makes solar technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. Learn more

Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer of Tesla

At Tesla, JB manages the technical direction and engineering design of the Tesla products including battery technology, power electronics, motors, software, firmware and controls. JB also manages important initiatives including: the Tesla Energy business providing grid storage; the worldwide Tesla Supercharger network; and the Tesla Gigafactory. Learn more

Journalist and Professor

Kari Lydersen is a Chicago-based staff writer for Midwest Energy News, journalism professor in the Medill school of journalism graduate program at Northwestern University, and co-director of the Social Justice News Nexus at Medill, focusing on energy and environmental justice. Learn more

Owner-Operator at Nami Moon Farm

Chris and his partner Maria Davis own and operate Nami Moon Farms in Custer, WI. Their 41-acre diversified livestock farm focuses on pasture-raised poultry and hogs and perennial and annual fruits and vegetables. Chris currently serves on the state board for Wisconsin Farmers Union. Learn more

Director, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance

Jason Edens is the founder and Director of the Renewable Energy Alliance, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting energy poverty with solar power and ensuring that solar energy is accessible to all. Learn more

Co-Director, Between Earth and Sky

Jonathan Seaborn is a two time Emmy winning nonfiction filmmaker and Co-Director of ‘Between Earth and Sky.’ Jonathan will introduce the documentary ‘Between Earth and Sky,’ and facilitate a Q&A following the showing. Learn more

Policy Director, Fresh Energy

J. Drake Hamilton is a renowned expert in science-based climate policy at the state and national levels, leading on implementation of carbon reduction policies at the scale of the global warming problem. Learn more

Author and Political-Financial Expert

Prins is widely sought-after for her unique perspective on politics, finance, and the economy. She is author of the recent All the Presidents’ Bankers, about the relationships between presidents and key bankers. Learn more

Engineer and CEO of SMIN Power Group

Sandrine is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SMIN Power Group which specializes in providing affordable electricity to communities using renewable energies. Learn more

Organic Farmer, Stoney Acre Farms

Tony Schultz is an organic farmer and owner of Stoney Acres Farm in Athens, WI, as well as a passionate advocate for the family farm. Learn more

Director, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

John Farrell is widely known as the guru of distributed energy, best known for his vivid illustrations of the economic and environmental benefits of decentralized renewable energy. Learn more

Professor, Kankakee Community College

Tim Wilhelm is Professor and Program Coordinator in the Electrical Technology, Business and Technology Division at Kankakee Community College. Learn more

Farmer and Wisconsin Farmers Union Representative

Sarah is a dairy farmer and organizer, working off-farm with the Wisconsin Farmers Union, Midwest CSA Conference, and the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative. Learn more

Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Eric Callisto is a partner in the Madison office of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, where his practice focuses on energy, utility, and environmental matters. Learn more