Flanigan moved from Vermont to California in 2005 to join EcoMotion’s team. In the world of energy efficiency, on-the-ground implementation is key to the success of a program. For The Energy Coalition, in addition to managing over 3,600 residential and business retrofits in 2005, Flanigan effectively brought together and coordinated the activities of fifteen San Bernardino community agencies to carry out a hugely successful “efficiency makeover” demonstration project. He then repeated that success, five months later, with just as many community participants and introducing even more innovative technologies, in Palm Desert.

The makeover demonstrations introduced a number of specialized elements into Flanigan’s construction skill-set, including:

• Field verification and diagnostic testing
• Home performance contracting programs
• Coordination with contractor and homeowner to apply to the utility for installation of meters and connection to grid
• Coordination of utility and other incentives
• DEER database and regulatory requirements

Since 2006, Flanigan has focused on developing expertise in green building as well as solar systems.

As Project Manager for the Solar Santa Monica program, Russ was responsible for residential outreach and assessments for a unique municipal solar program with a $500,000 budget. His responsibilities included…

• Drafting technical portions of the proposal that won the contract
• Identifying and selecting preferred vendors/contractors for the program, and maintaining ongoing relations with them.
• Sole responsibility for the scheduling and assessment of 150 homes complete with full solar and energy efficiency reports.

As Project Manager for EcoMotion’s work for marketing firm EcoMedia, Russ managed on the ground efforts for two dramatic demonstration projects. He…

• Worked with City and Airport officials to assess a Southern California airport site for its feasibility as a demonstration project site
• Oversaw bidding process for installation of solar trackers (first such installation in Southern California)
• Assisted in demonstration project on-site management (which included a workforce of 40 – city and airport staff plus solar installers -- with a six-week turnaround!)
• Oversaw bidding process for lighting retrofit of City Hall in Florida, plus a ground-mounted solar demonstration to celebrate Miami’s new, green initiative.

Earlier in his career, Russell became knowledgeable in energy efficiency options, coordinated crews and subcontractors, was responsible for permits, and dealt effectively with tenants in the severe northeastern climate.

He also worked as a high-end renovation contractor for Perkins Smith, Inc., specializing in custom cabinetry. He became known not only for the quality of his workmanship, but for his ability to follow-though with the customers and other sub-contractors to complete the project to a high level of quality and customer satisfaction.