Who We Are

A group of elderly people sitting around a large table in a library, some using laptops and smartphones, engaged in conversation and activities.
Seven people standing in a row inside a wood-paneled room, with a large landscape painting on the wall behind them.
  • Terry Nelson

    PRESIDENT

    Terry, a lifelong La Conner resident, has been a champion of solar energy since the 1980s, when he first began selling and installing solar systems. As President of SVCEA, Terry has been instrumental in forming the organization and securing substantial grants, and is very grateful to Marylee and Mary for their efforts in securing a nearly $2 million for solar and battery storage at La Conner Middle School. He works closely with local and state officials to accelerate the transition to clean energy and strengthen the community’s resilience to climate change.

  • Nancy Shimeall

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Nancy is a La Conner resident who has long been involved in climate justice and protecting our Pacific Northwest environment for future generations. Along with her volunteer work with SVCEA, she has been a volunteer with Skagit County Citizens Climate Lobby, La Conner Sunrise Food Bank, Soroptimist International, and the Climate Reality Project.

  • Bob Raymond

    OUTREACH DIRECTOR

    A founding board member of SVCEA, Bob is deeply involved in community service, volunteering with the La Conner Food Co-op and Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland. He has been a resident of La Conner since 1995 and uses his passion for community engagement to promote SVCEA’s clean energy goals and initiatives.

  • MaryLee Chamberlain

    SECRETARY

    MaryLee has over 30 years of experience in education and health care as well as community service. She works with local schools, government and community groups to apply for clean energy and resilience grants. As Secretary, MaryLee provides critical support for SVCEA’s outreach, grant procurement and education efforts. She also serves on the La Conner Town Council and has previous experience as First Responder/EMT.

  • John Leaver

    TREASURER

    A longtime La Conner resident and former Town Council member, John has been a passionate advocate for solar energy since installing 14 panels on his roof in 2013. He joined SVCEA early on, serving as Treasurer and engaging with the community through events like Farmers Market tabling. John is dedicated to promoting solar and renewable energy solutions and expanding the group's membership and volunteer base.

  • Greg Whiting

    TECHNICAL ADVISOR

    With over 20 years of experience in energy strategy and innovation, Greg serves as Technical Advisor for SVCEA. He specializes in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and advanced technologies like microgrids and energy storage. Greg has guided utilities, governments, and organizations toward 100% renewable energy, cost reductions, and innovative solutions. At SVCEA, he helps Skagit County achieve its clean energy goals with a holistic approach to sustainability.

Who We Are

Skagit Valley Clean Energy Alliance is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit in La Conner, WA. Our organization is composed of citizen volunteers who work to promote local and regional renewable energy and to foster sustainable, self-reliant and resilient local communities. 

We began as a not-for-profit cooperative on May 6, 2022 in La Conner, WA with the intention to promote and produce local and regional renewable energy and to foster sustainable and self-reliant communities.

We encourage you to join us. Bring your own ideas! Together we will make them happen!

We invite you to read a heartfelt letter from our president, Terry Nelson, outlining our vision, achievements, and ongoing efforts. In it, you’ll find details about our work and ways you can get involved.