Staff

Angela Crowley-Koch (she/her)

Executive Director
‭(503) 867-3378‬

Angela Crowley-Koch has spent the last two decades in public policy and advocacy.  Previously the Legislative Director at Oregon Environmental Council, her work was instrumental in passing the Toxic-Free Kids Act, renewing the Clean Fuels Program and getting coal out of Oregon's electricity mix, among other bills. She worked for Senator Jeff Merkley as part of his Blue Wave Project in 2018, as a Legislative Assistant in D.C., and as the call room manager on his 2008 campaign.  While in D.C. she negotiated policy for Oregon in the Food Safety Modernization Act and the MAP-21 transportation package, including closing a loophole in the Buy America rules, among other policies. Angela previously served as Executive Director of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and is enjoying her second time in the role. Angela moved to Portland from the Chicago area in 2000 and now lives in North Portland.

Alyssa Forest (she/her)

Policy and Regulatory Affairs Director

Alyssa grew up in Sacramento, California, then moved to Oregon for college. She graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resource Law and Policy from Oregon State University in 2018. After moving to Portland, Alyssa worked as a claims adjuster for a few years. This experience, along with the COVID pandemic, helped Alyssa decide to go to law school to pursue her passion for climate justice. While attending Lewis & Clark Law School, Alyssa pursued a diverse legal education including energy law, tenant defense, and environmental litigation. She is passionate about strengthening communities, which has led her to pursue a career within the Oregon renewable energy industry. In her free time, Alyssa loves spending quality time with her family and friends (and cat), enjoying the outdoors, and challenging herself with new hobbies.

Kristi DeGroat (she/her)

Development Director

503-887-1259

Kristin DeGroat is a mission-driven fundraising and development leader with over 15 years of experience driving strategy, cultivating diverse funding streams, and executing high-impact events from inception through completion. Permission to build or elevate existing programs, she brings energy, resourcefulness, and a results-oriented mindset to every initiative.

Her passion lies in connecting people to purpose. Kristin has secured significant support through individual donors, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and public funding—demonstrating a strong track record in donor stewardship, long-term engagement, and revenue growth.

Known for a solutions-oriented approach (colleagues often reference her “MacGyver-level” resourcefulness), Kristin thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments where innovation and execution go hand in hand. Outside of her professional work, she lives with her family in Tualatin, Oregon, enjoys hiking, climbing, snowboarding, and playing all sorts of sports, and remains deeply connected to her roots in West Linn, Oregon, and to her alma mater, the University of Oregon (’08).-

Erin Zygaitis (she/her)

Program Manager, LRT Apprenticeship Administrator, Workforce Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Erin is not only a seasoned project manager but also an expert cat herder, boasting a wealth of experience across government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Whether she's spearheading complex projects, refining processes, or rallying teams toward a shared objective, Erin is the anchor that keeps everything steady.

Hailing from the lush lands of the Willamette valley, you'll often find Erin amidst the tranquility of her garden, enjoying a cup of tea alongside her faithful dog and foster pups, who eagerly lend a paw with the weeding. Alternatively, she may be found camping along the drizzly costal shores with her child, embracing the often-damp joys of nature.

When she is not busy enjoying the great outdoors, Erin is indulging her creative side creating unique fiber arts, dabbling is watercolor painting, and tackling triathlons, slowly, but with gusto.

Yet, beyond her myriad of hobbies and professional endeavors, Erin's heart lies in education and community engagement. As a devoted Mentor at a local middle school and a dedicated community liaison to the Lane ESD School Board, she tirelessly advocates for the transformative power of education. Erin firmly believes that by nurturing curiosity, fostering innovation, and igniting passion, we can empower the next generation to shape a brighter future.

Shakunda Murphy-Wilson (she/her)

Program Director

Shakunda is a Midwesterner through and through. 

She moved to Portland in 2021 and started working in Tech. She worked for Alchemy Code Lab as the Career Development Director. While there, she focused strongly on promoting safety, collaboration, and an efficient culture, which led her to initiate programs that enhanced employee engagement and retention. 

In her most recent role as the Regional Program Manager at https://cewd.org/about/, she has built strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, facilitating effective, clear communication and successful collaborations. Over the last two years in that role, her passion for workforce development has earned her credibility within the community, where she is often consulted for hiring practices and team development guidance.

As solar energy and storage evolve, Shakunda remains passionate about implementing best practices that enhance workforce capabilities and drive sustainable growth. 
Shakunda prioritizes creating an environment where professionals can thrive and provide universal access to solar energy and storage while contributing to a sustainable community.
We look forward to Shakunda's contributions to a brighter, more efficient future.

Marie Kills Warrior (she/her)

Training Coordinator 

Anpetu Waste yuha ye! (Good day to you all),

My name is Marie Kills Warrior, and I am from Kyle, South Dakota, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation. I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. I entered the solar industry in 2017 at an Earth Day event on my reservation. I knew what solar was, but I did not yet understand its full potential. After one day of information and hands-on installation, I was hooked. I made the decision that day to pursue solar as my career.

I have been involved in workforce development since 2016 and am now focused specifically on solar workforce development. I believe in expanding my knowledge library so I may share what I learn with those who want to enter the industry. Throughout my journey in solar, I have worn many hats and gained valuable experiences, such as Solar Technology Manager and Lead Instructor for Red Cloud Renewable, Community Solar Garden Subscription Manager and Instructor for Minneapolis Climate Action, and as the Senior Project Assistant Manager for Renewable Energy Partners in Minneapolis.

I am honored to be a Les Nelson Scholarship awardee, a recognition that has further supported my commitment to professional growth and leadership in the solar field.

I currently hold my NABCEP Associate credential and am working toward earning my NABCEP Designer Certification as well as the Solar Professionals Certification through Solar Energy International.