Our Team

Executive Director

aileen.hull@daytonenergycollaborative.org

(937) 476-1845

www.linkedin.com/in/aileen-hull

Aileen was hired on as DEC’s second employee in the Spring of 2022. She served in the role of Community Engagement Coordinator before being designated Executive Director in the Fall of 2024. Aileen guides the organization’s direction, focusing on tangible solutions for housing improvements for our Dayton community. Aileen holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Dayton, has completed home health trainings, and is RRP and lead abatement contractor certified. 

While a Dayton transplant, Aileen now calls the Gem City her second home and is passionate about engaging with her community both inside and outside of her role at DEC.

Operations Director

ericka.carpenter@daytonenergycollaborative.org

(937) 701-7840

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericka-carpenter/

Ericka, a Dayton, Ohio native, began her academic journey at the University of Dayton before continuing her studies at Franklin University in Columbus. She spent 15 years advocating for parental choice in the nonprofit sector and later worked in a virtual call center, rising to the role of Client Results Manager.

Ericka has also served as Vice Chair of the Board for The Peace Place, a community-based nonprofit. Now serving as the Operations Director at Dayton Energy Collaborative, she brings her passion for helping others into every aspect of her work. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Intake Resources Manager

rue@daytonenergycollaborative.org

(937) 240-3272

Rue Gray joined DEC in Fall 2025 as the Resource Intake Manager, where she leads community engagement efforts and develops equitable, sustainable processes within the Dayton Home Repair Network. She previously served as Resource Coordinator for Dayton Children’s Hospital, Outreach Specialist at Preschool Promise, and Transition Coordinator at The Ohio State University. A graduate of Walden University in Child Development – Administrative Management, Rue brings a blend of administrative expertise, community knowledge, and client-centered service delivery.

Born in the U.K. and raised in the U.S., she has called Dayton home for 15 years and is passionate about building trusted relationships to strengthen neighborhoods and improve access to essential services.

Case Manager

tess@daytonenergycollaborative.org

(937) 246-1651

Tess is a dedicated Case Manager at DEC, joining the team on September 29, 2025. As a refugee from Eritrea who arrived in 2019, he has dedicated himself to serving the Dayton community, a mission that perfectly aligns with DEC's focus on collaborative impact and home repair networking.

Tess brings a strong professional and educational background, including an MBA from Wright State University (2025) and a certificate from the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (2023). To further strengthen his advocacy for social equality, he is currently participating in the 10-month Civic Leadership program through Learn to Earn Dayton. His commitment to service is built on practical experience, including his previous work as an Employment Specialist and interpreter, and extensive volunteer leadership with organizations like the City of Dayton’s VITA program and Refuge Robotics.

Tess is enthusiastic about making a positive difference, particularly within the minority community, and as he developed a sense of belonging and ownership, he proudly calls Dayton his home.

Project Manager

joe@daytonenergycollaborative.org

(937) 350-1452

Joe joined DEC as Project Manager in October 2025, bringing a background in home renovations, as a small business owner, and a deep commitment to community. In his role, Joe manages DEC’s direct home repair projects, including those within the Gap Program. He conducts comprehensive home assessments, coordinates with contractors, and ensures that clients receive high-quality, completed work.

Joe also leads DEC’s collaboration with service learning initiatives, partnering with Liberty High School and YouthBuild programs to complete essential exterior projects that support hands-on learning and neighborhood improvement.

A passionate Daytonian, Joe lives in the Five Oaks neighborhood. He holds degrees in English and spent over a decade teaching in higher education before transitioning to community development work. In addition to his role at DEC, Joe serves as president of the Five Oaks Neighborhood Association and sits on the boards of Preservation Dayton and the City of Dayton’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

Intake Systems Manager

austin@daytonenergycollaborative.org

(937) 404-6345

https://www.linkedin.com/in/award17/

Austin joined the DEC team in October 2025 as our Intake Systems Manager. He oversees the processes of our Intake Team to ensure seamless collaboration and delivery of services between DEC, our home repair partners, and Dayton residents. Born and raised in the Gem City, Austin is passionate about improving the health and wellness of Daytonians and supporting our city as a national leader in sustainability and innovation.

Austin brings a robust academic background in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Oberlin College & Conservatory. During his time there, Austin analyzed the intersections of urban planning, ecology, culture, and American politics with a focus on the Midwest and Appalachia. 

In his professional career, Austin has committed the last decade to strengthening conflict resolution skills, environmental education, and program development in the hospitality, housing, higher-ed and non-profit sectors. He holds a Community Mediator certification from Dispute Resolution Institute in Illinois and has received training in Trauma-Informed Practices and Restorative Justice. Austin also volunteers for his high school alma mater’s Student Success Committee and Fine Arts Fundraising Club. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and biking Metropark trails, trying out new recipes, and sci-fi horror movies.

President

Current job: Environmental Scientist for the City of Dayton Dept. of Water

Katie has served on DEC’s board since December of 2021. She has been the active president since January of 2024. Katie has stuck with DEC because she loves the passion and commitment to Dayton's neighborhoods and residents, with a focus on making a real and lasting impact. She has been with the organization through its evolution and wants to continue to support it as it grows and blossoms. 

Katie has previously served as the board president for McPherson Town Historic Society and has volunteered for a variety of different social and reproductive justice organizations.

Vice President

Current job: Freelance Mechanical Engineer and Software Developer

Thomas has served on DEC’s board since January of 2024 and has been the active Vice President since early 2025. He finds meaning on serving on DEC’s board because he is fully enamored with improving Dayton's energy infrastructure and efficiency.

Thomas has previously worked as an Engineer at Woolpert, Montgomery County, and AltaFiber, and a Data Scientist at 3 Axis Advisors.

Treasurer

Current job: Business Development Specialist, EBEB Solutions, LLC

Chris has served on DEC’s board since January 2024. He believes collaboration is an essential use of time and resources and is impressed by DEC’s ability to work effectively with local organizations. 

Chris has experience teaching high school and college. He is also an entrepreneur and researcher and has been part of a research and development team in vaccine and medical delivery units which holds 6 patents focusing on high performance insulation and phase change materials. He has served on various boards focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency.

He currently serves on the boards for the I-70/75 Development Association, Port Williams Lions Club, Earlham College Alumni Association, and the Energy Coalition of Ohio Steering Committee.

Secretary

Current job: Assistant Professor, Sustainability and Energy Management Program

Founder of Hatch Architects, a nonprofit dedicated to education around the built environment.

Alex began serving on DEC's board in January 2024 because of the amazing service it provides to Dayton residents. She sees the importance of maintaining the health of our built environment for residents and the community. 

Alex has a background in architecture, working at Hatch Architects and Annette Miller Architects. She has also served as a volunteer at River's Edge Montessori. 

Trustee

Current job: Learning Design Specialist, Sinclair Community College

Co-Founder of The Rong Way, a music/education nonprofit

Lead by his passion for the built environment and sustainability, Ryan has served on the DEC board since November 2024. He believes in the power of community collaboration and is honored to donate his time and resources to ensure the existing Dayton housing infrastructure is efficient, resilient, and meets the needs of the community. 

Trustee

Current job: Senior Project Manager, CityWide Development Corporation

Caitlin has been a member of DEC’s board since November 2024. She is grateful for the opportunity to support and guide the work of DEC because of the tangible positive impacts it has on the community. She sees the value and importance of focusing on building a sustainable and resilient future while prioritizing resident experience, agency, and dignity throughout the process. 

She has served on the Board of Directors for the Miamy Valey Fair Housing Center as well as the Human Relations Council for the City of Dayton.