Staff
Micah Gold-Markel founded Solar States on August 4th, 2008 after thinking long and hard about elements that are missing from todays public school curriculum. Micah spoke with with teachers, researchers, scientists, state representatives, and business leaders to help focus the goal of Solar States. He takes inspiration from Van Jones who is a leader in green collar job training. Micah sits on the board of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA) and is the chair of the NLNA Education Committee. He is a lifelong resident of the city of Philadelphia and CEO of a ten year old web based software firm named avEIGHT.
Bob Simon, V.P.
Bob Simon joined Solar-States in August of 2008, to assist in business development.
Bob has become increasingly interested in solar energy as a means for individuals & businesses to gain a measure of control over their energy sources & costs. As many people now perceive, this is an historical tipping point for solar energy. There is an emerging convergence between public environmental awareness, government support for renewable energy, & a steady reduction in the cost to execute a solar project. Solar power generation is moving into the mainstream of our economy.
Bob has had a long career in Business Management & budget development in both the Marketing & Printing industries.
Matthew Van Kouwenberg, Teacher
Matthew Van Kouwenberg and Micah decided to form a partnership to forward the educational aspects of Solar States in July of 2008. Matt currently teaches at the Science Leadership Academy (SLA). Matt came to SLA from West Philadelphia High School where he was the Math Department chair. At SLA, Matt is able to take full advantage of his background as a double major in biomolecular engineering and chemical engineering at Penn. Matt is a Yale Teaching Fellow, and he has been running staff development workshops for the School District of Philadelphia. He is a believer in the “yes we can” notion, that science will prevail in saving our future. His enthusiasm & his students’ natural curiosity combine to help their academic engagement.
John Steele, Communications Director
John Steele started out as a freelancer for Philadelphia Weekly and several local blogs. He soon became a columnist, writing about environmental issues and the sustainable business community of Philadelphia. When he interviewed the owners of Solar States for a column, he developed an interest in the company’s multi-disciplinary approach to creating green-collar jobs. When they offered him a job, he gladly accepted.
