Betsy L. Ames - Executive Director
Betsy L. Ames is a graduate of Oberlin College, with a B.A. in Sociology and Women’s Studies. Her professional background includes fundraising and database management for a variety of non-profits, as well as, over 15 years as a physician recruitment consultant. She holds a Permaculture Design Certification (PDC), Group Peer Support (GPS) certification, and is a trained social justice facilitator. Betsy's interests lie at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental justice, with a focus on creating opportunities for regenerative practices to transform both internal and external landscapes, including the built environment. She currently resides in Northampton, MA. In her spare time she enjoys playing piano and has been known to carve a fancy pumpkin, or two!
Timothy Poole - Technical Director
Tim has been a HERS rater for seven years, with extensive experience that includes all field work and testing. As a proud graduate of the Northeast HERS Alliance’s HERS Rater Training Program in 2017, he was hired as a HERS Rater for Home Energy Technologies in CT focusing on Utility Program Requirements and moving into Energy Star, Indoor airPLUS, ZERH and PHIUS verifications. In 2020 Tim joined MaGrann Associates where he moved into a senior role as Lead Rater, mentoring new field inspectors and tackling more demanding projects. And in 2023 Tim joined Innova Building Advisors as a Senior Energy Consultant, taking responsibility for energy program compliance review and multi-platform energy modeling for the full spectrum of projects in Innova’s extensive mid-Atlantic portfolio.
Tim’s professional background includes over thirty years of experience as a home improvement contractor and carpenter, an executive at a reconstruction firm and a middle school teacher. And his educational studies took him across the globe, including studying History at University of Connecticut, French at the University of Rouen in Normandy, France, and receiving his Teaching Certificate in Education from St. Joseph’s College.
While he hung up his hammer and pouch professionally, Tim still enjoys carpentry and has comfortably moved into the DIY role at home. Tim's other interests include landscaping and constantly repairing his classic cars. Tim holds certifications in Energy Star Certified Homes and Multifamily New Construction, EPA Indoor AirPLUS, DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes and is a PHIUS+ Verifier.
Regina Dillard - Project Manager and Executive Assistant
Regina Dillard is a seasoned senior executive assistant with 30 years of experience in the private equity, food service franchising, and pharmaceuticals industries. She has supported global chief executive officers, presidents, and senior executives throughout her career. Based in Chicago, Regina’s professional journey has also taken her abroad, including a role in Wedel, Germany, where she worked with Medac Pharma, a global pharmaceutical organization.
She holds degrees from Robert Morris University in Chicago and the University of Phoenix. Additionally, Regina earned a culinary degree from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, where she applies her training to educate others on the benefits of plant-based cooking and healthy living. She has also authored two cookbooks, "Feed: Living Food Recipes to be Made and Eaten with Love", and "Nourish: Juices & Smoothies to reBoot Your Health".
At NEHERS, Regina will serve as an executive assistant supporting the senior staff and as a process implementation project manager. She plays a key role in assisting students enrolled in the RFI, Modeler, and HERS Raider training programs.
Serene Aldahan - Success Coach
Serene Aldahan received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Mental Health Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently a Master of Social Work candidate at Simmons University. She has served as a case manager for individuals with substance use disorders, individuals experiencing houselessness, justice-involved individuals, prenatal populations, and those who have disabilities. Serene has experience with data collection and ensuring the success of grant-funded programs. She is passionate about empowering individuals to succeed through mentorship. Serene enjoys bringing a multicultural lens to her work, as she has experience learning and working internationally.
Abdulrahman Gabriel - Success Coach
Abdulrahman Gabriel is a 2022 Georgetown University graduate with a B.A. in Government, along with African Studies and Arab Studies certifications from the Georgetown School of Foreign Services. Since graduation, Abdulrahman has worked in a variety of industries gaining experience in sustainable finance, a global non-profit, and supporting the growth of a family business.
At Terra Alpha Investments, a sustainable asset manager, Abdulrahman worked as a business development analyst supporting the firm to find mission-aligned investors by producing messaging highlighting the firm’s rigorous research process aiming to capture the most ESG-focused and environmentally sustainable companies. At the African Diaspora Network, a non-profit with the goal of finding a higher purpose in remittances sent to Africa, Abdulrahman was responsible for growing the community that supported the organization’s mission. At ADN, he produced research material and planned events such as the one he hosted on the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Abdulrahman decided to take his talents to support Bestlink Consult LLC, a family business that aimed to consult developers, builders, and homeowners on increasing their energy efficiency. At Bestlink, Abdulrahman learned the inner workings of HERS and energy efficiency from a business perspective, helping Bestlink get to a successful first operational year. At NEHERS, Abdulrahman will be supporting our programs through the success coaching of students that are aiming to earn their RFI, Modeler, and HERS certifications. Abdulrahman will serve as a resource hub for students and to support the Directors’ work at putting together successful programming to increase the development of the energy workforce in MA.