{"id":30860,"date":"2021-02-16T09:09:29","date_gmt":"2021-02-16T15:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/cubteam-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-11-11T16:27:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T22:27:27","slug":"ourteam","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/ourteam\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Meet Our Team” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:34|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30894″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Annie Warnock<\/strong><\/a>, Consumer Rights Specialist-Bilingual<\/p>\n

Annie joined the CUB team in 2006 and started as the spokeswoman for Spanish-speaking media and as a specialist in consumer rights. In 2010, she was given the task to create and develop CUB\u2019s outreach program for Spanish-speakers. She was previously responsible for CUB\u2019s Spanish content, <\/span>www.CUBespanol.org<\/span><\/a>. She is currently focused on customer care in the Consumer Advocacy Department. <\/span>Through her different roles at CUB, she has had the opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds and finds it enriching. Annie loves classic jazz and ballet.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30875″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Bryan McDaniel<\/a><\/strong>, Director of Governmental\u00a0Affairs (he\/him\/his)<\/p>\n

Bryan started at CUB on the phones, taking consumer complaints and helping people save on their utility bills at events all over the state. Now he goes to Springfield for CUB where he works to protect Illinois consumers. Helping people save money is his favorite part of the job. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”37911″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Clara Summers<\/strong>,<\/a> Consumers for a Better Grid Campaign Manager (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Clara joined CUB in 2023. She spearheads the Consumers for a Better Grid campaign<\/strong><\/a>, which advocates for a cleaner, more affordable power grid for the 65 million people served by PJM, the nation\u2019s largest grid manager. Clara is based in the greater DC area. When not deep in the weeds of energy policy, she enjoys Irish dance, hammered dulcimer, and anything to do with koalas.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30895″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Cyrius Currie<\/strong><\/a>, Director of IT (he\/him\/his)<\/p>\n

Cyrius has been with CUB since fall 2001. Cyrius is part of the team responsible for administering and maintaining the technology that CUB uses, from the copiers to the website. Cyrius appreciates the work that his fellow colleagues do in addressing consumers\u2019 utility issues, and he supports their work by resolving his colleagues\u2019 technology-related issues. Outside of CUB, Cyrius loves being a father to his son and taking part in family events, art, listening to music and in normal times, going to festivals.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30890″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Danielle Holmes<\/strong><\/a>, Consumer Rights Specialist (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Danielle has been at the utility watchdog since September 2010. She responds to consumer complaints and inquiries that come over CUB\u2019s hotline. She assists consumers in exercising their rights as ratepayers and acts as a liaison between utility companies and their customers to resolve conflicts. <\/span>She loves being a part of an organization that not only helps consumers save money, but also educates them on utility issues.<\/span> In her free time, Danielle likes traveling<\/span>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”33537″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Elizabeth Brandon<\/strong><\/a>, Digital Communications Manager (she\/they)<\/p>\n

Elizabeth joined CUB\u2019s Communications Department in 2022 to help create multimedia content. Her favorite part about working for CUB is helping to make clean energy initiatives easily understandable and accessible for all. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science in 2019 and previously worked at a strategic communications firm. Outside of work, they enjoy making art, writing, and practicing yoga.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”36684″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Eric DeBellis<\/strong><\/a>, General Counsel (he\/him\/his)<\/p>\n

Eric came to CUB in 2020 as Regulatory Counsel, before rising to the position of General Counsel. (He had a prevision stint at CUB as an Attorney-Policy Analyst in 2017.) Eric represents utility ratepayers in lawsuits, primarily before the Illinois Commerce Commission. His favorite part of the job is breaking down complex legal and policy issues in plain language to convey why they matter to consumers. In his free time, Eric is a proud dad and volunteers with local parks and schools.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”40693″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Grace Concialdi<\/strong><\/a>, Solar Outreach Coordinator (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Grace joined CUB in June 2024 after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She has a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Human Dimensions. She is passionate about working with others towards positive environmental change. She is looking forward to advocating for Illinois consumers and working towards the transition into clean energy. She enjoys going for walks by the lake, spending time in nature, and reading.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30878″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Ivonne Rychwa<\/strong><\/a>, Outreach Director (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Ivonne joined the Citizens Utility Board in 2012. As Outreach Director, she leads the team that educates Illinois consumers on various utility issues, establishes relationships with community organizations and serves both English- and Spanish-speaking constituents. Her favorite part about working for CUB is being able to make a difference in the lives of consumers and helping them save money on their bills. During her free time, she likes spending time with her daughter, Ursula, and her husband, Mark. She enjoys watching movies, reading a good book and traveling<\/span>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30879″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Jantay Gray<\/strong><\/a>, Membership Coordinator (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Jantay Gray started at CUB in spring 2018. She performs membership tasks and also works as receptionist, connecting calls to staff and the consumer hotline. Jantay enjoys advocating for the best interests of consumers. \u201cIt feels good fighting the good fight and doing all I can to assist utility customers,\u201d she said. In her free time, Jantay enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and binge-watching old school TV shows.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30882″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Jim Chilsen<\/strong><\/a>, Communications Director (he\/him\/his)<\/p>\n

Jim has worked at the watchdog since February 2000. He coordinates the consumer group\u2019s communications campaigns on utility issues. He loves CUB\u2019s nonpartisan, \u201cbig tent\u201d message about clean, affordable energy and consumer rights. When he\u2019s not working, Jim likes being with family, reading history and walking his dog Clarence.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”38475″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Karen Tolentino<\/a><\/strong>, Clean Energy Outreach and Communications Coordinator\u2013CUB Espa\u00f1ol (she\/her\/hers)<\/span><\/p>\n

Karen joined CUB in September 2023 after graduating from UIC with a degree in communication and a minor in sociology. She assists in managing CUB Espa\u00f1ol<\/span>, which includes creating social media and website content. She also works in CUB’s Outreach Department, attending events around the state and providing helpful information to the Spanish-speaking community. In her free time, she likes to try new restaurants around Chicago and enjoys cooking at home.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”36994″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Laura Loyd<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong>Regulatory Counsel (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

\n
Laura joined CUB in 2023 as Regulatory Counsel. She came with previous experience in the energy industry after college and a few years at legal aid after law school. Her dream was to help people while also getting to delve into energy and utility law, so representing utility ratepayers in lawsuits is a perfect fit for her. In her free time, Laura loves to go hiking with her dog, Odin, and spoil her niece and nephew.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30880″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Matt Harvey<\/strong><\/a>, Program Manager (he\/him\/his)<\/p>\n

Matt has been working with the organization since 2014. He helps coordinate and plan workshops for CUB\u2019s Outreach Department. He is also a driving force in building and maintaining CUB\u2019s first-ever volunteer team. His favorite part of the job is connecting with communities across the state through various outreach events. In his free time, you\u2019ll find him rock climbing, reading sci-fi and enjoying Chicago\u2019s live music scene.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30886″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Sandra Marcelin-Reme<\/strong><\/a>, Staff, Operations & Consumer Advocacy Director (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Sandra started at CUB in 1993. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as the consumer advocacy and operations departments. She also handles all of CUB\u2019s accounting and benefits matters. She has a bachelor\u2019s degree in applied sociology from University of Illinois at Chicago. (Go Flames!) Outside of her work at the utility watchdog, Sandra enjoys spending time with family, party planning, improving her Creole and expanding her knowledge of Haitian culture.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30885″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Sarah Moskowitz<\/strong><\/a>, Executive Director (she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Sarah started at CUB in the summer of 2000 and became Executive Director in the summer of 2023. She leads the organization’s efforts to identify equitable and consumer-friendly climate solutions while advocating for consumer protections and lower utility bills in Springfield, at the Illinois Commerce Commission and in the courts. Sarah has served in a variety of roles during her years at CUB, from counseling individual consumers with utility complaints to building CUB’s outreach program into a national leader that staffs hundreds of free events a year showing people how to reduce their costs. She was promoted to Deputy Director in 2019, before, in 2023, becoming CUB’s fourth executive director.\u00a0Sarah earned her bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees at the University of Chicago. When she’s not working as a consumer advocate, Sarah enjoys keeping tabs on the urban wildlife in her neighborhood, volunteer DJing at her local community radio station and reading history.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30892″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Scott Allen<\/strong><\/a>, Energy Policy Specialist (he\/him\/his)<\/p>\n

Scott joined CUB in February 2014 as the first downstate staff member, working first out of Hillsboro, then from Springfield, and now, Urbana. He focuses on outreach to Ameren customers and building relationships with downstate agencies and organizations. Scott also represents CUB at the downstate caucus of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition and works on a range of energy and consumer-related legislative initiatives. His favorite aspect of working at CUB is not having to worry about whether or not his efforts have a negative impact on society.\u00a0 In his time off, Scott enjoys napping, exercising and eating.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”43598″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Sofia Erlin<\/a><\/strong>, Outreach Coordinator\u00a0(she\/her\/hers)<\/p>\n

Sofia joined CUB in September 2025 after graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in History and Environment, Geography, and Urbanization. She serves as CUB\u2019s Outreach Coordinator, helping to organize educational events for consumers and build partnerships across the state. Her favorite part about working at CUB is helping to connect Illinois consumers with helpful resources and support access to affordable and renewable energy. Outside of work, Sofia enjoys spending time in nature, reading and going to concerts.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”40694″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Zoe Huspen<\/strong><\/a>, Carbon Free Buildings Coordinator (she\/her)<\/p>\n

Zoe joined CUB in June 2024 after graduating from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a degree in Environmental Sustainability. She is eager to advocate for a sustainable energy future focusing on building decarbonization and engaging with community members. In her free time she enjoys making iced coffees and spending time in nature.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Meet Our Team” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:34|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30894″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Annie Warnock, Consumer Rights Specialist-Bilingual Annie joined the CUB team in 2006 and started as the spokeswoman for Spanish-speaking media and as a specialist in consumer rights. In 2010, she was given the task to create and develop CUB\u2019s outreach program for Spanish-speakers. She was previously responsible for CUB\u2019s Spanish content, www.CUBespanol.org. She is currently focused on customer care in the Consumer Advocacy Department. Through her different roles at CUB, she has had the opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds and finds it enriching. Annie loves classic jazz and ballet.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30875″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Bryan McDaniel, Director of Governmental\u00a0Affairs (he\/him\/his) Bryan started at CUB on the phones, taking consumer complaints and helping people save on their utility bills at events all over the state. Now he goes to Springfield for CUB where he works to protect Illinois consumers. Helping people save money is his favorite part of the job. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”37911″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Clara Summers, Consumers for a Better Grid Campaign Manager (she\/her\/hers) Clara joined CUB in 2023. She spearheads the Consumers for a Better Grid campaign, which advocates for a cleaner, more affordable power grid for the 65 million people served by PJM, the nation\u2019s largest grid manager. Clara is based in the greater DC area. When not deep in the weeds of energy policy, she enjoys Irish dance, hammered dulcimer, and anything to do with koalas.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30895″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Cyrius Currie, Director of IT (he\/him\/his) Cyrius has been with CUB since fall 2001. Cyrius is part of the team responsible for administering and maintaining the technology that CUB uses, from the copiers to the website. Cyrius appreciates the work that his fellow colleagues do in addressing consumers\u2019 utility issues, and he supports their work by resolving his colleagues\u2019 technology-related issues. Outside of CUB, Cyrius loves being a father to his son and taking part in family events, art, listening to music and in normal times, going to festivals.\u00a0[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”30890″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Danielle Holmes, Consumer Rights Specialist (she\/her\/hers) Danielle has been at the utility watchdog since September 2010. She responds to consumer complaints and inquiries that come over CUB\u2019s hotline. She assists consumers in exercising their rights as ratepayers and acts as a liaison between utility companies and their customers to resolve conflicts. She loves being a part of an organization that not only helps consumers save money, but also educates them on utility issues. In her free time, Danielle likes traveling.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”33537″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Elizabeth Brandon, Digital Communications Manager (she\/they) Elizabeth joined CUB\u2019s Communications Department in 2022 to help create multimedia content. Her favorite part about working for CUB is helping to make clean energy initiatives easily understandable and accessible for all. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science in 2019 and previously worked at a strategic communications firm. Outside of work, they enjoy making art, writing, and practicing yoga.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”36684″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Eric DeBellis, General Counsel (he\/him\/his) Eric came to CUB in 2020 as Regulatory Counsel, before rising to the position of General Counsel. (He had a prevision stint at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-30860","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30860","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30860"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30860\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44044,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30860\/revisions\/44044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}