Green Drives Conference & Expo
GREEN DRIVES 2026 RECAP: Practical Solutions, Read-World Progress, and Strong Momentum for Illinois Fleets
IACT's 2026 Green Drives Conference and Expo brought together fleet managers, industry leaders, public-sector partners, utilities, technology providers, and clean transportation advocates for a full day of learning, networking, and hands-on exploration at the Danada House in Wheaton.
With nearly 175 registered participants, a dozen exhibitors, and more than two dozen vehicles and pieces of equipment on display, this year's event reflected both the growing interest in clean transportation and the practical need for solutions that work in the real world. The program reinforced a core IACT principle: there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Success depends on matching the right fuel and technology to the right job.
Read a detailed account of the day by IACT Chair, Dr. Ann Schneider.
When
Thursday, May 14, 2026
from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (CDT)
Where
2026 Green Drives Conference & Expo Speaker Videos and Presentations
Morning Sessions
Afternoon Sessions
Presentations
Dr. Ann Schneider - "Welcome to Green Drives"
Video - "Home to a Champion"
Video - "Creating a Greener Future" (Governor JB Pritzker)
John Gonzales - "Right Fuels for the Right Job"
Michael Hottinger - "OEM EV Design Solutions"
Dan Fedor - "Common Questions, Answers, and Advice"
Dr. Ann Schneider - "Driving the Narrative: Communicating Alternative Fuel Fleet Impact in a Policy-Aligned Way"
Dr. Byungho Lee - "Helping Fleets Navigate Medium- and Heavy-Duty Technology Choices"
Bart Sowa - "RNG and H2: What's New?"
Brad Blair - "Concept to Customer: Illinois Propane Gas Association"
John Walsh - "Concept to Customer: PreFlight Airport Parking"
Joe Massicotte - "Cummins X15N and Beyond Engines"
Bailey Arnold - "Growing Opportunities: Biobased Fuels"
Dan Facchini - "7 Years of Impact" and Video
Videos - Clean Fuels Alliance
Daniel Hebreard - "Forest Preserve District Green Initiatives"
Dr. Ann Schneider and Lynn Stafford - "We are IACT"
Peter Hawley - "Green Film Production" and Video
Edith Makra - "Clean Transportation Planning and Initiatives"
Elbert Walters III - Powering Chicago: Driving EV Readiness Video
Mark Cassidy - "Protecting Your Investment" and Video
Tim Milburn - "Transportation Electrification: Reality Check"
Katie Davis - "ComEd Beneficial Electrification"
Rahul Chatterjea PE - "Fleet EV Charging Stations and Infrastructure"
Gabe Desmond - "State of Illinois EV Funding"
Our Speakers
In order of appearance
Les Faul
Vice Chair, Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation | Fleet Operations Manager, ComEd
Les Faul serves as Fleet Operations Manager for ComEd, the largest electric company in Illinois serving 9 million people, and one of the largest in the nation. In this role, he oversees a multi-year fleet electrification strategy aimed at replacing 50 percent of all vehicles by 2030 with zero-emissions vehicles in order to lower the company’s carbon footprint. Les has held various roles in the utilities sector throughout his career, including mechanic, call center lead, shop supervisor, field operations manager, and back office/procurement. He has also been engaged with vehicle electrification initiatives sponsored by General Motors, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), and has been involved with various petroleum displacement solutions including being a leader with the early adoption of Biodiesel in the Midwest. Les is involved with several industry organizations, including leadership roles on the Midwest Energy Association’s Fleet and Transportation Committee, and through his service as vice chair of the executive committee for Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation.
Ann Schneider
Chair, Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation | President, Ann L. Schneider and Associates LLC
Dr. Ann Schneider brings over two decades of executive-level transportation policy experience, including nine years with the State of Illinois focused on multimodal freight and financing initiatives. As Illinois Secretary of Transportation, she led efforts to advance freight planning and innovative transportation solutions for the 21st century, and served as inaugural chair of USDOT’s National Freight Advisory Committee. Now a transportation policy consultant, Dr. Schneider has helped clients secure nearly $357 million in grant funding. Recently elected Chair of the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation Board, she continues to lead clean energy and mobility initiatives across Illinois and the Midwest.
Daniel Hebreard
President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Daniel Hebreard was elected at-large to the Forest Preserve District's Board of Commissioners in 2018.
President Hebreard is a lifelong DuPage County resident. After earning a bachelor’s degree with honors in parks and recreation management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he worked for two local recreation departments before joining the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as a ranger in 2005. While at the Forest Preserve District he earned a master’s in business administration from Benedictine University.
He and his wife, Donna, have two children and live in Woodridge in a home powered entirely by solar energy. Dan also drives an electric car. He looks forward to bringing more solar-powered amenities to the forest preserves and developing trail connections that will make it easier for residents to access and enjoy the preserves.
Ken Crowley
Board Member, Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation | Superintendent of Fleet Services, Village of Oak Park
Ken has over 36 years of experience in municipal fleet management, including 11 years as Fleet Superintendent for the Village of Oak Park, a 4.7-square-mile suburb of Chicago with about 50,000 residents. He oversees a fleet of roughly 250 vehicles, including fire, police, public works, and administrative units, as well as park district and township equipment through intergovernmental agreements.
Oak Park's fleet is over 10% electric, runs B20 biodiesel in all diesel vehicles, and prioritizes hybrid purchases when EVs aren't feasible. The ASE Blue Seal-certified shop uses telematics in 90% of its fleet to track usage, optimize sizing, and explore new technologies, all while aiming to reduce fossil fuel use without compromising service.
John Gonzales
Senior Engineer, National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)
John Gonzales is a senior engineer for technical assistance and deployment of alternative fuel vehicles for the Clean Cities and Communities Coalition Network; a position housed at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). He works with the Natural Gas Vehicle Technology Forum and researches gaseous fuel storage equipment. In addition to his natural gas expertise, John spends considerable time providing technical assistance on a variety of propane and electric vehicle projects.
Michael Hottinger
Regional General Manager, Harbinger Motors
Over 25 years in the commercial vehicle space with a leasing company, dealer and upfit manufacturer helping customers solve their vehicle needs.
Dan Fedor
Regional Sales Manager, U.S. Central Region, Orange EV
Dan Fedor is Regional Sales Manager for the U.S. Central Region at Orange EV, where
he works with fleets to deploy Class 8 electric yard trucks and develop tailored electrification solutions that meet specific operational needs. With more than 16 years of experience in commercial transportation technology and vehicle sales, he brings a practical perspective on EV adoption trends, vehicle customization, and how fleets can successfully implement new technologies at scale.
A Chicago-area native, Dan is a licensed attorney and a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Field Artillery after earning his commission through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ROTC program. He is an active advocate for clean transportation and, outside of work, volunteers with the National Ski Patrol in southern Wisconsin.
Byungho Lee, Ph.D.
Director of Advanced Mobility and Charging Technologies, Argonne National Laboratory
Dr. Byungho Lee is the Director of Advanced Mobility and Charging Technologies at Argonne National Laboratory, where he leads research on vehicle technologies, charging systems, and connected mobility. With nearly 20 years of experience—including leadership roles at Hyundai-Kia and the U.S. EPA—he specializes in advanced propulsion, testing, and transportation innovation, supporting both government and industry partners.
Bart Sowa
Program Director of Mobility R&D, GTI Energy
Bart Sowa leads mobility research and development at GTI Energy, a nonprofit technology development and training organization with 80 years of experience advancing energy systems. His work focuses on helping fleets, manufacturers, and technology developers derisk emerging transportation technologies through pre-production demonstrations and pilot projects. Bart’s portfolio includes hydrogen- and RNG-fueled locomotives, hydrogen Class 8 vehicles, CNG-hybrid trucks, a liquid hydrogen refueling system, and development of the Houston–Los Angeles hydrogen corridor blueprint. He has over 20 years of experience in mobility and energy, with prior roles at International Motors and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Brad Blair
Executive Director, Illinois Propane Gas Association
Brad has spent 30 years in Propane and Heavy Fuels. First As a service technician then as a service manager. Brad retired after 25 years and transitioned to the Director of the IPGA.
John Walsh
VP of Operations, PreFlight Airport Parking
John Walsh is the Vice President of Operations for PreFlight Airport Parking. John has been with PreFlight for 27 years and has been in the parking industry for 34 years. PreFlight has 4 locations with 80 buses and is developing a 5th location at the Denver airport that will add 16 buses to the fleet. Out of the total 96 buses, 46 use an alternative fuel.
Adam Goldstein
Director of Engineering, True Alternative Fuel Systems
A native of Indianapolis, Adam is a grdualte of Indiana University School of Business and has been an entrpreneur since the 1990s. Having worked in the Automotive aftermarket industry since the early 1980s, True Alterantive Fuel Systems, founded in 2011, was to be the industry where Adam and his team would design and manufacture alternative fuel systems in both propane and natural gas for light, medium, and heavy duty internal cumbustion vehicles.
Joe Massicotte
Sales Manager, Cummins Inc.
Joe is a seasoned sales and business leader with over 15 years of experience across the commercial vehicle, diesel, and manufacturing industries. Currently a Sales Manager at Cummins Inc., he leads Midwest teams supporting OEM and dealer partners with growth strategies across parts, sales, and service. Joe has held senior roles in business development, national account management, procurement, and supply chain.
Bailey Arnold
Board Member, Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation | Director of Healthy Air Solutions, American Lung Association
Bailey Arnold is an environmental science, sustainability, and public health professional serving as Director, Healthy Air Solutions at the American Lung Association. In his role, Bailey leads grant-funded programs that advance clean transportation with a focus on low-carbon fuels, vehicle technologies, and biobased alternatives. His work supports fleets and decision-makers in reducing emissions and protecting human health. Bailey also serves in leadership roles with Greater Indiana Clean Cities, the Transportation Energy Institute, Clean Fuels Alliance America, and IACT. He also leads outreach and education efforts for the B20 Club of Illinois, B20 Club of Indiana, and Biobased Academy.
Lynn Stafford
Board Member & Director of Business Development and Events, Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation | VP of Business Development, True Alternative Fuel Systems
Lynn has been VP, Business Development with True Alternative Fuels since 2010. Formally known as STAG USA, True AFS designs, manufactures and installs dedicated and bi-fuel, LPG and CNG fuel systems for municipal, law enforcement and commercial fleets. Mr. Stafford is a Board member of IACT. In Detroit, as Sr. VP, Creative Director at BBDO, he was responsible for sustaining and communicating the DNA of the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge Brands.
Dan Facchini
Managing Director, Innovation DuPage
Dan Facchini is the Managing Director of Innovation DuPage, the leading business incubator and accelerator serving Chicago’s western suburbs. Over the past five years, he has contributed to the organization’s significant growth and is instrumental to the launch of its Clean Energy Incubator Program, a State of Illinois initiative supported through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Also a regular contributor to Your Money Matters with Jon Hansen on WGN Radio, Dan brings more than 20 years of development and organizational leadership experience to his role. He is a published author, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Management Fellow of the Development Leadership Consortium. Dan holds bachelor’s degrees in Economics and English from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University.
Christopher Lyon
Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA
Chris started his career with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, where he was promoted the use of clean energy. Since July 2015, he has served as director of fleet relations for NTEA and liaison for the Green Truck Association, working as the link between distributors/manufacturers and end-user fleets and staying abreast of current issues impacting the fleet community. Christopher earned his Certified Automotive Fleet Manager’s designation from the NAFA Fleet Management Association in 2009. Christopher serves on the executive board of the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation and holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, Illinois)
Peter Hawley
Director, Illinois Film Office
Peter Hawley has been the Director of the Illinois Film Office since 2019. 2025 was a record-breaking year for film production in Illinois. Peter has been a filmmaker for 40 years and a college professor in the film space since 1996.
Edith Makra
Director of Environmental Initiatives, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
Edith has worked in her position at the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) for nearly 13 years. As Director of Environmental Initiatives, Edith launched the Greenest Region Compact, now the largest municipal sustainability collaborative in the U.S. She has advanced solar adoption and led pioneering EV readiness efforts across Illinois. Her leadership in regional climate planning—developed in partnership with the EU, the Global Covenant of Mayors, and NOAA—resulted in an equity-focused Climate Action Plan for the Chicago region. Edith has also led award-winning programs—including NeighborWoods, Greenstreets, and Community Trees—that unite diverse stakeholders to strengthen urban environments.
Elbert Walters III
Board Member, Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation | Executive Director, Powering Chicago
Elbert “Bert” Walters III is the Executive Director of Powering Chicago, a labor-management cooperative between the Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago and IBEW Local 134, promoting union skilled labor. A former Business Representative for IBEW 134, he represented nearly 12,000 electricians in Chicagoland.
Starting as an electrical apprentice in 1999, he earned the Apprentice of the Year award. He serves as Commander of the American Legion Electrical Post 769 and on the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus board. Walters has also held roles on the Electrical Joint Arbitration Board, Illinois Prevailing Wage Council, and Chicago Building Trades Council.
Committed to community service, he established the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast and coordinated union volunteers for Rebuild Together Chicago. A strong advocate for labor leadership, he is a recent graduate of DePaul University’s Labor Leadership Program.
Mark Cassidy
SVP Business Development, EV Energy Group
Mark Cassidy is an expert in project management, strategic planning, client relations, customer service, operations, brand marketing, creative development, and website/app creation. Currently, Mark is VP of Business Development at EV Energy Group, working closely with new and existing customers to establish and operate best-in-class EV charging stations. Mark is helping clients make a successful transition to sustainable energy with right-sized EV Charging solutions.
Tim Milburn
Board Member, Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation | Co-Founder, Green Ways 2Go
Tim has over 30 years of experience in managing people and projects in a range of energy and environmental industries. As Partner in GW2G since 2011, Tim has been engaged in developing the business and has been active in the field making sure alternative fuel technologies and supporting installations always meet expectations. Tim has been on the Steering Team of the Chicago Area Clean Cities, now the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation and has completed several useful studies on their behalf. He has also been the Project Advisor for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus EV Readiness program since 2018, developing extensive research and collateral in collaboration with the Caucus. Milburn provides information, resources and recommendations for municipalities and other local governments related to transportation electrification.
Katie Davis
Manager of Beneficial Electrification, ComEd
Katie Davis has been with ComEd since 2023, currently as Manager of Beneficial Electrification and previously as Senior Business Program Manager for Green Power Connection. Prior to joining ComEd, Katie was Director of the Illinois Green Economy Network, a consortium of community colleges working to drive growth of the state’s clean energy economy and green workforce. Katie has more than 14 years of experience in the industry, focused on energy and sustainability-related initiatives and programs, including community education and customer support for electric vehicles and solar.
Rahul Chatterjea
Senior Energy Engineer, ComEd
Rahul Chatterjea has over 30 years of engineering experience. He attended both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Illinois Institute of Technology and has worked as Senior Energy Engineer for ComEd since 2016.
Gabe Desmond
Electric Vehicle Program Grant Liaison, IL EPA
Gabe Desmond is the Electric Vehicle Program Grant Liaison for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. In this role, he leads implementation of $115 million in transportation sector grants, including for electric trucks and EV chargers. Prior to joining IEPA, Gabe managed the Federal Transit Administration’s Low- and No-emission Bus Program, funding thousands of electric and alternative fuel transit buses across the country. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College and a Master of Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment focused on sustainable transportation.
Event Host
Event Sponsors
