Welcome to Arena Renewables
About Us
Arena Renewables is a community and distributed solar and storage developer. We deliver lower power bills and clean energy to customers and communities across the United States. Our agile, policy-led approach to developing valuable projects draws on the leadership team’s nearly three decades of experience in renewables, utilities, and real estate. We are excited to partner with communities in building a zero-carbon future.
Our Team
Matt Kozey - CEO
Geoff Johnson - President and CDO
Geoff Johnson - President and CDO
A proud energy nerd, Matt has spent his career working to advance the clean energy transition from multiple angles. An attorney by training, Matt has been a policy analyst and project manager at a non-profit research organization, managed regulatory affairs at a Fortune 100 utility, and most recently led successful community-scale market
A proud energy nerd, Matt has spent his career working to advance the clean energy transition from multiple angles. An attorney by training, Matt has been a policy analyst and project manager at a non-profit research organization, managed regulatory affairs at a Fortune 100 utility, and most recently led successful community-scale market development and policy efforts for Cypress Creek Renewables.
Matt understands that community and distributed scale solar and storage markets are shaped by policy and regulatory environments, and it is this critical perspective that will unlock value and drive growth for Arena Renewables in an increasingly saturated market.
Matt is a proud Tar Heel, having received a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He lives with his wife and daughter in Arlington, VA where he continues to hone his leadership skills by coaching his daughter’s soccer team (go Tornadoes!).
Geoff Johnson - President and CDO
Geoff Johnson - President and CDO
Geoff Johnson - President and CDO
Geoff has led development and commercial strategies for 2 GW of distributed solar and storage projects across the country. From go-to market strategies through portfolio energization, he has managed teams to greenfield and develop assets with velocity.
Prior to joining Arena Renewables, he was Head of Distributed Generation at Cypress Cr
Geoff has led development and commercial strategies for 2 GW of distributed solar and storage projects across the country. From go-to market strategies through portfolio energization, he has managed teams to greenfield and develop assets with velocity.
Prior to joining Arena Renewables, he was Head of Distributed Generation at Cypress Creek Renewables, a leading solar and storage developer. Previously he advanced clean energy projects and initiatives at OneEnergy Renewables and the U.S. Department of State.
Geoff received a B.A. in Foreign Affairs and Spanish from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from Cornell University. Geoff lives in Los Angeles, CA with his wife Brette where they enjoy exploring the nearby mountains.
Patrick Grumley - COO
Geoff Johnson - President and CDO
Patrick Grumley - COO
Patrick is a start-up veteran holding senior positions at multiple high-growth companies. Throughout his career he led teams including revenue, sales, operations, product, finance, customer care, investor relations, IT, HR, and legal.
Before joining Arena Renewables, Patrick was Chief Operating Officer at Mint House – a high growth VC-ba
Patrick is a start-up veteran holding senior positions at multiple high-growth companies. Throughout his career he led teams including revenue, sales, operations, product, finance, customer care, investor relations, IT, HR, and legal.
Before joining Arena Renewables, Patrick was Chief Operating Officer at Mint House – a high growth VC-backed operator of real estate assets which grew over 5x during his tenure. Prior to Mint House, Patrick was SVP of Strategy and Operations at Bridgeton Holdings, an owner and operator of real estate assets focused on hotels and creative office space across the country. Prior to Bridgeton, Patrick worked as a Consultant at Bain & Company where he was affiliated with the Private Equity and Strategy practice areas. During his time at Bain, he directly advised over half of the world’s 10 largest private equity firms along with Fortune 500 c-suite executives and Boards of Directors. Patrick started his career serving as a Strike Officer in the United States Navy.
Patrick received a B.S. in Economics and B.A. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and an M.B.A. from Cornell University. Patrick lives in the Hudson Valley with his wife Angie and three dogs (Norbert, Dobby, and Stella).
Dmitri Moundous - Head of Storage
Engilla Draper - Head of Procurement
Engilla Draper - Head of Procurement
Dmitri is a seasoned leader in the renewable energy sector, specializing in energy storage and strategic development. He has directed investment and revenue strategy for more than 5GW pipeline across regulated and wholesale markets in the US, while simultaneously driving energy storage market creation via regulatory engagement and interco
Dmitri is a seasoned leader in the renewable energy sector, specializing in energy storage and strategic development. He has directed investment and revenue strategy for more than 5GW pipeline across regulated and wholesale markets in the US, while simultaneously driving energy storage market creation via regulatory engagement and interconnection reform. His experience of over 15 years spans many facets of the power industry including nuclear operations engineering, EPC, and grid interconnection.
Dmitri holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and M.S. in Material Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University. He resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife and three daughters, where they enjoy spending time in nearby Blue Ridge mountains and on the coast. Dmitri's passion for the outdoors and family fuels his commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Engilla Draper - Head of Procurement
Engilla Draper - Head of Procurement
Engilla Draper - Head of Procurement
Engilla Draper has spearheaded procurement and supply chain strategies for multi-billion-dollar Oil & Gas and renewable energy projects, including utility-scale PV and BESS EPC initiatives for over 10 GW of PV and 5 GW of BESS projects. From supplier and contractor vetting and master agreement negotiations to risk mitigation and working c
Engilla Draper has spearheaded procurement and supply chain strategies for multi-billion-dollar Oil & Gas and renewable energy projects, including utility-scale PV and BESS EPC initiatives for over 10 GW of PV and 5 GW of BESS projects. From supplier and contractor vetting and master agreement negotiations to risk mitigation and working capital optimization—delivering 20%+ improvements—Engilla has led teams to build resilient global networks that accelerate the energy transition.
Engilla's experience includes serving as Head of Supply Chain Management at Clean Energy Associates and, before that, leading the Procurement Department as Director of Procurement at Copia Power, a Carlyle-backed developer of 15+ GW in U.S. solar and storage. She has established and led procurement departments for top-tier renewable EPC and development firms, driving CapEx/OpEx strategies across dynamic markets.
Engilla studied Industrial Engineering at Munich University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, and speaks five languages. She moved to the United States in 2007 and lives in Orange County, California, with her family.
Courtney Newcombe - Senior Director
Engilla Draper - Head of Procurement
Courtney Newcombe - Senior Director
Courtney is an experienced finance leader and CPA with a passion for fast-paced startups. Most recently, Courtney served as the VP Finance & Strategy of Zendoor, a VC-backed tech platform for multi-family real estate operations. As Zendoor’s first finance hire, Courtney built the company’s financial reporting processes, hired and managed
Courtney is an experienced finance leader and CPA with a passion for fast-paced startups. Most recently, Courtney served as the VP Finance & Strategy of Zendoor, a VC-backed tech platform for multi-family real estate operations. As Zendoor’s first finance hire, Courtney built the company’s financial reporting processes, hired and managed accounting and operations teams, and oversaw investor relations until Zendoor’s ultimate sale to Poplar Homes in 2023.
Courtney began her career at Deloitte, where she primarily served real estate clients, advising finance teams on complex accounting matters, real estate asset valuation best practices, and SEC reporting requirements.
Courtney received a Masters in Accounting, B.S. in Accounting, and B.S. in Marketing from Arizona State University. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her partner, Madelyn, and their two cats.
Carson Weinand - Senior Director
Engilla Draper - Head of Procurement
Courtney Newcombe - Senior Director
Carson is a solar development professional with over nine years of experience in distributed generation.
Prior to joining Arena Renewables, he was Senior Project Developer for CVE North America, leading origination, development, and M&A efforts for their New York territory (achieving 72 MW into construction) as well as establishing a 600M
Carson is a solar development professional with over nine years of experience in distributed generation.
Prior to joining Arena Renewables, he was Senior Project Developer for CVE North America, leading origination, development, and M&A efforts for their New York territory (achieving 72 MW into construction) as well as establishing a 600MW pipeline in states such as IL, VA, PA, NM, OH, and MI.
Carson received a B.A. in Economics from Yale University. Carson lives in Los Angeles, CA with his fiancée, Anna, and their shih tzu, Daisy.
George Wohlgemuth - Director
Priya Tiwari - Project Developer
George Wohlgemuth - Director
George has spent his entire career in the solar industry with experience on projects of all sizes across the US. He has worked to develop over 600MW of transmission level projects and on the development and acquisition of over 400MW of distributed generation assets.
George joins Arena from Standard Solar where he was the Director of Develo
George has spent his entire career in the solar industry with experience on projects of all sizes across the US. He has worked to develop over 600MW of transmission level projects and on the development and acquisition of over 400MW of distributed generation assets.
George joins Arena from Standard Solar where he was the Director of Development leading the development and M&A teams for distributed generation assets in 26 states. Prior to Standard Solar he worked as a project manager at Cypress Creek Renewables.
George has a dual degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Michigan and lives in his hometown of Washington D.C. An avid outdoorsman, George frequents the ski slopes in the winter and the Chesapeake Bay in the summer.
Ava Lombardino - Director
Priya Tiwari - Project Developer
George Wohlgemuth - Director
Ava Lombardino is a renewable energy project leader with more than nine years of experience delivering solar and distributed energy projects across the United States and North America. She has delivered renewable energy projects for Fortune 500 companies, leading healthcare systems, financial institutions, and nationally recognized consum
Ava Lombardino is a renewable energy project leader with more than nine years of experience delivering solar and distributed energy projects across the United States and North America. She has delivered renewable energy projects for Fortune 500 companies, leading healthcare systems, financial institutions, and nationally recognized consumer brands, helping organizations advance their renewable energy and sustainability objectives.
At Arena Renewables, Ava leads the execution of distributed generation and community solar projects from development through commercial operation, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and guiding projects through permitting, interconnection, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout. Prior to joining Arena, she managed complex renewable energy portfolios spanning the continental United States, working alongside utilities, EPC contractors, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders to successfully deliver projects across diverse markets.
Ava holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Management and is committed to accelerating the deployment of clean energy infrastructure. She lives in Chicago with her dog and enjoys traveling, exploring the city's neighborhoods, and discovering new restaurants.
Priya Tiwari - Project Developer
Priya Tiwari - Project Developer
Priya Tiwari - Project Developer
Priya Tiwari is a seasoned real estate professional with a diverse background spanning both engineering and real estate development. With a solid foundation in engineering, Priya worked for an engineering firm for five years before transitioning into the real estate sector. Her prior experience includes working with a solar developer on
Priya Tiwari is a seasoned real estate professional with a diverse background spanning both engineering and real estate development. With a solid foundation in engineering, Priya worked for an engineering firm for five years before transitioning into the real estate sector. Her prior experience includes working with a solar developer on large-scale renewable energy projects, with capacities of up to 90 MWac, across Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Priya holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Georgetown University, equipping her with the expertise to navigate complex development challenges. As a Project Developer for Arena, Priya will continue to lead impactful solar initiatives. Residing in the DMV area with her husband and son, Priya enjoys traveling and embracing new cultural experiences with her family.
Julia Parr - Project Developer
Priya Tiwari - Project Developer
Priya Tiwari - Project Developer
Julia Parr is a project development professional who has devoted her entire career to developing renewable energy assets that increase access to a reliable energy grid in the communities she has worked in. With a background in business management and entrepreneurship, she began her career at a solar developer working on site business deve
Julia Parr is a project development professional who has devoted her entire career to developing renewable energy assets that increase access to a reliable energy grid in the communities she has worked in. With a background in business management and entrepreneurship, she began her career at a solar developer working on site business development and project development in Illinois. After developing a passion for project development, she began working on a portfolio of sites spanning across MISO-S and SOCO to develop Qualifying Facility sites for Energy Communities that did not previously have access to affordable and renewable electricity. In addition to the QF sites, she developed several utility-scale sites and worked on agreements to deliver green energy to Alabama Power and Entergy Louisiana, a pioneer for developing renewable electricity in several parts of the two states.
Here at Arena Renewables, she has taken on the role of developing battery storage to increase grid reliability in urban markets. Outside of work, Julia can be found around DC trying new restaurants or recipes with her fiancé and training for another ultramarathon. Her childhood days spent outdoors in Johnson City, TN has inspired Julia to devote her passionate career of providing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for all.
Sam Walch - Project Developer
Patricia Murray - Project Developer
Patricia Murray - Project Developer
Sam is a detail oriented renewable energy developer with a passion for learning.
Prior to joining Arena, Sam was a Development Manager at Arevon Energy, where he grew his career developing utility-scale energy storage projects throughout California.
Sam attended Kenyon College, where he graduated with a B.A. in Economics and a History m
Sam is a detail oriented renewable energy developer with a passion for learning.
Prior to joining Arena, Sam was a Development Manager at Arevon Energy, where he grew his career developing utility-scale energy storage projects throughout California.
Sam attended Kenyon College, where he graduated with a B.A. in Economics and a History minor. Outside of work, he enjoys the city of Chicago, which can include beach days, bike rides, camping trips, triathlons, good food, and more.
Patricia Murray - Project Developer
Patricia Murray - Project Developer
Patricia Murray - Project Developer
With a diverse background spanning community engagement, government, and renewable energy, Patricia brings a wealth of experience and passion to their role at Arena. Prior to joining Arena, Patricia spent three years at Nexamp, specializing in Community Solar in Illinois. At Nexamp, Patricia also played a key role in developing a DG pipe
With a diverse background spanning community engagement, government, and renewable energy, Patricia brings a wealth of experience and passion to their role at Arena. Prior to joining Arena, Patricia spent three years at Nexamp, specializing in Community Solar in Illinois. At Nexamp, Patricia also played a key role in developing a DG pipeline in various emerging Midwest Markets.
Patricia holds a B.A. in Public Relations and Intercultural Communication from DePaul University. Currently residing in Chicago, IL, Patricia enjoys exploring the city on her bike, tending to her garden, and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible
Sam Grimmelbein - Project Developer
Patricia Murray - Project Developer
Sam Grimmelbein - Project Developer
Sam's journey to the world of renewable energy came through maps and data. A seasoned GIS professional, Sam brings over 5 years of experience developing, refining, analyzing, and displaying spatial data within non-profits, local government, federal contracting, and the private sector.
Prior to joining Arena, Sam entered the renewable secto
Sam's journey to the world of renewable energy came through maps and data. A seasoned GIS professional, Sam brings over 5 years of experience developing, refining, analyzing, and displaying spatial data within non-profits, local government, federal contracting, and the private sector.
Prior to joining Arena, Sam entered the renewable sector at Apex Clean Energy, where he supported development and construction of multiple gigawatts of utility-scale wind and solar across primarily ERCOT, SPP, and MISO, along with distributed generation in Illinois and Virginia.
Sam has a B.S. in Environmental Sciences and a B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia. In his spare time, he enjoys long-distance running and long-distance traveling to as much live music as possible.
Erik Steeb - Project Developer
Patricia Murray - Project Developer
Sam Grimmelbein - Project Developer
Erik is a project developer with experience across a range of project sizes from small rooftop commercial buildings to gigawatt-scale combined wind and solar projects.
Prior to joining Arena Renewables, Erik developed green hydrogen projects in WECC and ERCOT, focused on regions with underdeveloped renewable energy resources to build large
Erik is a project developer with experience across a range of project sizes from small rooftop commercial buildings to gigawatt-scale combined wind and solar projects.
Prior to joining Arena Renewables, Erik developed green hydrogen projects in WECC and ERCOT, focused on regions with underdeveloped renewable energy resources to build large scale hydrogen-to-e-fuels projects. Prior to his green hydrogen experience, he was the construction manager for Wunder Power’s portfolio of commercial and industrial solar projects across the country. Erik started his career as a supply officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Erik has a B.A. in History from the University of California, Los Angeles, an M.S. in Energy Policy from Johns Hopkins University, and an M.B.A. from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife and Australian cattle dog, Cocoa. He’s often found outside, often running, biking, or gardening.
Logan Dye - Project Developer
Nate Abercrombie - Senior Associate
Tameem Jahan - Senior Associate
Logan is a project developer focused on Arena's community solar portfolio. Prior to joining Arena, he spent two years in battery energy storage system (BESS) development at Lightshift Energy.
Logan holds a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University's Nicholas School, where he focused on the intersection of energy development a
Logan is a project developer focused on Arena's community solar portfolio. Prior to joining Arena, he spent two years in battery energy storage system (BESS) development at Lightshift Energy.
Logan holds a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University's Nicholas School, where he focused on the intersection of energy development and ecosystem science, and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Before Duke, he spent two years in AmeriCorps positions focused on land conservation.
Logan lives in Washington, D.C. with his fiancée. In his free time, he enjoys hitting more shots than anyone else on the golf course and cheering on the Charlotte Hornets.
Tameem Jahan - Senior Associate
Nate Abercrombie - Senior Associate
Tameem Jahan - Senior Associate
Tameem is passionate about the clean energy transition. Prior to his role at Arena, Tameem worked in the renewable energy industry for three years, leading the development of utility scale wind, solar, and storage projects in the MISO region.
As a student, he studied Economics and Systems Engineering to learn about renewables from both a b
Tameem is passionate about the clean energy transition. Prior to his role at Arena, Tameem worked in the renewable energy industry for three years, leading the development of utility scale wind, solar, and storage projects in the MISO region.
As a student, he studied Economics and Systems Engineering to learn about renewables from both a business and technical perspective. He sees renewable energy as a necessary and practical solution to the climate crisis. Tameem lives in Chicago, IL where he enjoys running and working on his debut sci-fi novel.
Nate Abercrombie - Senior Associate
Nate Abercrombie - Senior Associate
Nate Abercrombie - Senior Associate
Nate is a practiced distributed solar development professional with a background that also spans environmental communication and advocacy. His passion for the outdoors was shaped by his childhood hunting and fishing experiences, and by hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains during his college years.
Nate began his career in Maryland state poli
Nate is a practiced distributed solar development professional with a background that also spans environmental communication and advocacy. His passion for the outdoors was shaped by his childhood hunting and fishing experiences, and by hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains during his college years.
Nate began his career in Maryland state politics before shifting to climate policy advocacy. Motivated by a desire to advance practical, emissions-free energy solutions, he transitioned to the renewable energy sector. Prior to joining Arena, Nate was with EDF Renewables, where he was pivotal in expanding the firm’s distributed solar pipeline in the New York and Pennsylvania markets.
He holds dual degrees in Business Administration and Political Science from Washington and Lee University, and currently resides in Washington, D.C. In his free time, he enjoys visiting museums, golfing, and returning to his hometown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to spend time in nature and visit the beach.
Soolgi Hong - Senior Associate
Atley Richards - Senior Associate
Atley Richards - Senior Associate
Soolgi’s (pronounced Sue-ghee) career has been dedicated to getting projects built– whether it be a battery storage project, a solar canopy, or a trail in the Rockies.
She works with local communities, landowners, and industry stakeholders to drive clean energy infrastructure forward. Prior to Arena Renewables, Soolgi oversaw the developme
Soolgi’s (pronounced Sue-ghee) career has been dedicated to getting projects built– whether it be a battery storage project, a solar canopy, or a trail in the Rockies.
She works with local communities, landowners, and industry stakeholders to drive clean energy infrastructure forward. Prior to Arena Renewables, Soolgi oversaw the development of over 15MW of commercial and industrial solar projects across the Washington D.C. and Maryland region. At FGS Global, she advised global energy clients— ranging from utility-scale solar to nuclear small modular reactors — on policy and communications strategy. She also worked in national parks and forests in Wyoming and Colorado, building trails and educating visitors.
She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in International Relations from the University of Southern California.
Atley Richards - Senior Associate
Atley Richards - Senior Associate
Atley Richards - Senior Associate
Atley is a dedicated renewable energy professional with a proven track record in advancing diverse clean energy portfolios. Prior to joining Arena Renewables, she worked at EDP Renewables, where she focused on the development of utility-scale projects within the PJM and MISO markets, specifically overseeing site acquisition and project mi
Atley is a dedicated renewable energy professional with a proven track record in advancing diverse clean energy portfolios. Prior to joining Arena Renewables, she worked at EDP Renewables, where she focused on the development of utility-scale projects within the PJM and MISO markets, specifically overseeing site acquisition and project milestones across Indiana. Her experience in these complex regulatory and interconnection environments allows her to navigate the full development lifecycle with precision.
Atley holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Wellness from Brigham Young University. This background in wellness fuels her disciplined approach to project management and her commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions for the communities Arena serves.
Currently residing in Washington, D.C., Atley is an active sports enthusiast who can often be found playing basketball or sand volleyball. Outside of work, she is a passionate traveler who loves exploring international destinations and discovering new culinary experiences at local restaurants.
Courtney Hillman - Associate
Atley Richards - Senior Associate
Courtney Hillman - Associate
Courtney is an accounting professional based in Scottsdale, Arizona with 5 years of experience in the real estate industry. After graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, she started her career at Cushman and Wakefield where she provided financial reporting and accounting operations services to a
Courtney is an accounting professional based in Scottsdale, Arizona with 5 years of experience in the real estate industry. After graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, she started her career at Cushman and Wakefield where she provided financial reporting and accounting operations services to a variety of clients. Most recently, Courtney served as a Senior Accountant at Fundamental Income Properties, which formed her background and knowledge in accounting for commercial real estate.
At Arena, Courtney functions as a part of both the Accounting and Operations teams. She is excited to bring her skillset to the renewable energy sector. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new destinations to experience the variety of life and reading for adventure (when travel isn’t an option).