Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) is an energy services consulting firm that designs and implements energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental justice programs.  Since 2011, EIP has served as a nationally diverse-owned firm delivering impactful energy transition projects in a growing clean energy economy among public sector entities and utilities alike.  With extensive expertise in the energy industry, EIP proudly partners with Griffin & Strong to offer policy and advisory consultation and subject matter expertise in data analytics and anecdotal evidence evaluation in the determination of racial disparity in procurement practices on behalf of the Illinois Power Agency.

Representing EIP are Matthew (Matt) Kok, Vice President of Operations and Valencia Roner, General Manager

Matt Kok – Vice President of Operations

Matt Kok has 25 years of experience designing and managing the implementation of residential, commercial, and industrial energy efficiency programs for more than 40 utility and government clients throughout the United States. He advises clients on strategic resource efficiency program design and implementation strategies that optimize customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness through streamlined operations and niche marketing strategies.

Prior to joining EIP, Matt served as a Vice President at Resource Innovations, LLC, Vice President, Midwest Operations, for CLEAResult Consulting, and Program Director for Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp.

Valencia Roner – General Manager

Valencia Roner is a General Manager who develops and implements energy efficiency programs with an emphasis on creating and maintaining client relations for optimal satisfaction through consistent quality project delivery. Valencia has more than 20 years of experience working in the sectors of business, community, government, and energy.  Over the past 15 years, Valencia has managed the execution of key energy efficiency government programs at the local and federal level, including in coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy, and a decade managing large C&I and residential energy efficiency programs at Duke Energy. Valencia earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina and a BBA from the University of Michigan

Todd Banks – Experiences Electric Utility Leader and Consultant and Policy Advisor

Todd Banks is the founder and principal consultant of Genesis Consulting LLC. Our consultancy specializes in process improvement, project management, workforce development, and helping clients address the challenges and opportunities encompassed in the field of clean energy and new business development. Our clients have included utilities, municipalities, community-based organizations and private firms. As a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, our expertise in process improvement methodology has enabled us to design and implement targeted solutions for clients that reduce waste, improve quality, and accelerate project timelines.

Prior to founding Genesis Consulting LLC, Todd spent over 25 years in progressive leadership roles with ComEd, the largest electric utility in the Midwest, with a customer base of over 4 million customers. In his most recent role as Leader of the New Business Department, he led an organization of 300 employees, managed a $200 million annual budget, and spearheaded multiple large-scale initiatives that expanded ComEd’s economic development footprint and improved its external customer satisfaction rating.

Todd oversight of New Business also included ComEd’s Interconnection Department, which facilitated the process by which customers with eligible renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels or utility scale windfarms, apply to connect their systems to the ComEd electric grid to receive net metering credits.

Additional leadership roles Todd held at ComEd included Regional Director of External Affairs and Large Customer Accounts, External Affairs Manager and Human Resources Manager. Each leadership role Todd assumed encompassed strategic planning, new business and customer relationship development, operational efficiency, external and internal stakeholder engagement and the mentoring of future leaders.

Throughout his career, Todd has cultivated extensive expertise in the electric utility sector, guiding high-performing teams and projects through periods of significant transformation and growth. This experience has positioned him as a trusted advisor and change agent for clients seeking to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

PACO Collective is an independent marketing communications agency specializing in inclusive marketing. Established in 2006, PACO began by serving the U.S. Hispanic market and has since evolved alongside the shifting consumer landscape to focus on multicultural audiences at large.

Since 2011, PACO has partnered with utilities across the Midwest, building deep expertise in regulated industries and compliance-driven communications. The agency leverages both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to uncover consumer insights that drive authentic engagement and increase participation in client programs.

Utilities Experience Highlights

• ComEd – Marketing partner (2011–2024)
• NIPSCO – Energy efficiency marketing partner (2019–present)
• Peoples Gas & North Shore Gas – Budget Billing and Payment Arrangements campaigns (2022)
• BGE – Hispanic Heritage Month marketing partner (2016–2020)

PACO is certified as a BEP (Business Enterprise Program) vendor by the State of Illinois.

The Gemini Group is a Chicago-based integrated marketing, public relations, and crisis management firm with more than 25 years of experience in segmented marketing, media relations, community/public affairs, and event planning. Certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) firm, TGG specializes in developing strategic, data-driven campaigns that connect with diverse communities and advance equitable outcomes.

TGG has successfully partnered with government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits on projects that require stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns, and strategic communications. We pride ourselves on developing multi-level campaign-style approaches to help our clients achieve their goals. Notable work includes public education for the Illinois Power Agency’s Community Solar program, targeted outreach, strategic communications and community engagement for high-profile organizations such as the President Barack Obama’s Illinois State and United States Senate Campaigns, Obama Presidential Center, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Urban League, City of Chicago, City of Harvey, The Cochran Firm Chicago, Henderson Parks law firm, Illinois Power Agency, McDonald’s, METRA, The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Village of Northfield, Walmart and Wendy’s International, to name a few.

The Gemini Group is a Chicago-based integrated marketing, public relations, and crisis management firm with more than 25 years of experience in segmented marketing, media relations, community/public affairs, and event planning. Certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) firm, TGG specializes in developing strategic, data-driven campaigns that connect with diverse communities and advance equitable outcomes.

Glennese Ray – Executive Vice President

Glennese Ray, Executive Vice President of The Gemini Group, will lead this project. With nearly 20 years of experience in communications, education reform, leadership, and community affairs, Glennese is recognized for her expertise in advising institutions on recruitment, organizational leadership, board development, and strategic planning. She has been honored with The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Award and the Black Women’s Expo Phenomenal Woman Award.