Speakers

Dr. Tarek Masaud (Senior Member, IEEE) is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and Director of the Energy Conversion and Power Lab (ECPL). He holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, CO, USA, and has a broad research focus on integrating renewable energy systems and storage solutions within microgrids and distribution networks. His work addresses both the technical and economic challenges of energy transition. Dr. Masaud also serves as an Associate Editor for the IET Journal of Engineering and is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions through education and research.

Deanna Weber, LEED AP BD+C, Envision SP and Principal, AECOM

brings 30 years of sustainability, resilience, and high-performance community consulting excellence. She is a Vice President with AECOM and leads Denver’s Sustainable Planning Team. Deanna was the Principal in Charge of the University of Colorado Boulder Energy Master Plan, the University of Colorado Anschutz Master Plan, Breckenridge, and Silverthorn sustainability plans, and is leading the US Air Force Academy master planning contract for AECOM. Deanna is the Senior Advisor of AECOM’s High-Performance Building and Community team, focusing on delivering sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient solutions for communities and agencies.

Travas Deal is the Chief Executive Officer of Colorado Springs Utilities. He joined the organization in 2017 as Field Services Manager and has since progressed through various leadership roles, including Chief Operations Officer and acting CEO. Prior to his tenure at Colorado Springs Utilities, Travas served in the U.S. Marine Corps and gained extensive experience in transportation and energy sectors, including his work at Duke Energy’s Gibson Generating Station, the largest coal-fired plant in the U.S. His expertise encompasses operations, process improvements, and maintenance. Travas holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Oakland City University.

Pamela Shockley-Zalabak, Ph.D. is President of CommuniCon, Inc., an organizational and leadership development corporation. She is Chancellor and Professor Emerita of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the author of 9 books and over 100 other publications and productions. She is the founding member of the UCCS Communication Department and continued to teach and conduct research throughout her tenure as Chancellor. As Chancellor, Dr. Shockley-Zalabak was responsible for guiding a 75% increase in students to over 12,500, was responsible for supporting new academic programs, and was part of an over $500,000,000 expansion in campus facilities. Dr. Shockley-Zalabak, as part of her consulting responsibilities, has served as Acting CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum and Hall of Fame and works with other non-profits in Colorado and other states. She holds two degrees from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder. Pam has served as chair of the Board of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and was a Boettcher Foundation Trustee.