MATTHEW BLACKLER | FOUNDER & CEO | LinkedIn
Matthew founded ZEF Energy in 2014 with the desire to help make EV ownership more accessible and utilize his skills in clean technology solutions. Prior to ZEF, Matthew worked as a software engineer at The Crown Estate creating software that helped identify the best areas on the UK’s continental shelf for offshore wind farms, tidal and wave generation. He also served as a Solutions Architect for the UK’s Network Rail, where he developed an application that allows users to access a full 360 degree view of any Network railway at any time–essentially a Google Street View for trains. Matthew holds Master of Science degrees in both Advanced Information Systems and Geographic Information Science (GISc) from Birkbeck, University of London, and a post grad degree in Information Technology from Kingston University. He and his wife drive a Nissan Leaf and a Chevy Bolt.
MEGAN HOYE | VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & POLICY | LinkedIn
Megan joins ZEF in 2020 as the Director of Business Development and Policy, using her experience of managing special energy innovation projects and pilots for communities, utilities, and businesses, and strong background in legislative and regulatory issues. Megan’s speciality in leading and designing new development oriented projects focused on integrated development practices and electrification. Megan tracks regulatory and technology trends and managing business development opportunities for ZEF Energy, ensuring ZEF’s products serve an organisations needs as closely as is possible.
Chris Grunseth | DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SALES | LinkedIn
Chris's passion is to make zero emissions technology and green energy more accessible to every corner of the market, from retail and manufacturing, to multi-unit housing, to cities and parks. Since 2009 Chris has worked in the solar industry, helping to grow the industry through new partnerships, sales tactics, and by applying his past experience in solar manufacturing and development. Chris joined ZEF Energy in 2021 and brings that same sustainability drive to build partnerships and make EV Charging more accessible to everyone. Outside of ZEF Energy, Chris can be found cross country skiing with his kiddos, e-biking, and drinking coffee.
John Diem | UTILITY SALES & ACCOUNT MANAGER | LinkedIn
John joined ZEF in 2020 as the Manager of Utility Sales. He leverages his strong relationships and extensive contacts from across the country, particularly with electric coops, to build collaborative working networks. John works with his customers to implement, grow, and improve their utility EVSE programs. John is passionate about efficiency and providing top of class service. He enjoys the challenge of providing effective solutions crafted to fit the specific needs of ZEF’s unique customers. John and his wife, Trasa, are the proud parents two daughters and two sons.
Corey Orehek | PARTNER PROGRAM MANAGER | LinkedIn
Corey Orehek joined ZEF Energy in 2021 after years of sales and marketing experience in ERP software and solar development. As the Partner Program Manager, Corey is building a national network of electric and energy service providers who promote and sell ZEF Energy solutions. He builds solid relationships with his passion and energy for his work and is inspired daily by his wife and their two kids. In his free time, Corey likes to play hockey and spend time on the lake.
Megan Pihlaja | MARKETING MANAGER | LinkedIn
Megan joined ZEF Energy as the Marketing Manager in 2021. With an extensive background working in marketing for a variety of industries, Megan is excited to be shouting to the world - all things ZEF Energy. She brings a positive attitude and ambitious spirit to join ZEF Energy in creating a Zero Emissions Future. When she isn’t posting, emailing, or planning, Megan enjoys summer, running and having dance parties in the kitchen with her daughter and their pup.
Mark Kurilla | SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER | LinkedIn
Mark Kurilla has been managing extensive and unique projects, blending electricity with electronic control systems for the last 25 year. He has had the opportunity to work with some of the best design and engineering teams to bring solutions to a broad range of clients throughout the United States. As a project manager he has studied the PMI model extensively and has been very successful in overseeing installations that have met all budgetary and calendar goals.
He is excited to be in an industry to be applying his expertise in the EV charging sector since starting at ZEF Energy in the summer of 2022. Mark has an Associates Degree in Electronics Technology from Brown Institute and is a Licensed Power Limited Technician in the State of Minnesota.