Who We Are

Mr. Skeel has thirty-five years of experience applying economic principles, research and analysis to guide public policy, including transportation and utility asset management, capital and O&M expenditure optimization, life cycle costing, risk assessment, integrated resource planning, non-market social and environmental (triple bottom line) valuation, modeling, econometrics, demand forecasting, benefit/cost analysis, utility rate setting, and financial forecasting and analysis.

He has held positions that include Principal Economist for the City of Seattle at Public Utilities and the Department of Transportation, Director of Asset Management Services for CH2M Hill, Economics instructor at the University of Washington and North Seattle Community College, Economist for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and independent Asset Management Economics Consultant.

Mr. Steel received a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, 1983 and has completed all requirements for Ph.D. except dissertation.

Dr. John Putz is a 15-year veteran of the energy, energy software and trading industries. John has experience in a wide variety of areas including strategic consulting, risk management, trading, energy software, asset and portfolio optimization, trade and asset valuation, and hydro-generation optimization. John received his PhD in experimental particle physics from the University of Washington.

Ms. Meade is the Executive Director of an energy efficiency business association, supporting the Pacific NW energy efficiency business community as it transitions and pivots through the clean energy transformation. She has a valuable perspective to contribute to the City Light Review Panel, and a strong interest in seeing City Light successfully navigate the competing pressures it faces. Ms. Meade has substantial experience and knowledge of the tumult in the electric sector as well as the vast opportunities-opportunities to reimagine the utility business model with new rate designs and service lines, to rethink the relationship between buildings and the distribution system and the role of distributed energy resources, and the opportunity to partner with the community to leverage urban infrastructure in supporting the City's climate and affordability goals.

Dr. Lam has been a Seattleite for over 20 years, and as a former electrical engineering faculty at the University of Washington and a keen researcher in sustainability, he cares deeply about Seattle's energy supply chain. Dr. Lam strongly believes that City Light and the energy culture of the country must be part of the solutions to both climate change and equality issues faced by the City and the nation.

Dr. Lam is an innovative executive leader with expertise in multiple arenas ranging from multi-discipline engineering, product design, and strategic consulting to business development and process improvement. He has strong background in market research and scientific communications. Dr. Lam excels in leading organizations through strategic planning, creative solution development, and implementation of large, complex initiatives that dramatically improve performance through a unique skill set. He has proven the ability to lead, motivate, and integrate cross-functional teams and to initiate transformational solutions creating a high-performing workforce and accelerating strategic growth.

Mikel Hansen's experience with large, complex properties was established prior to joining Sabey, when he spent nearly 20 years managing some of the nation's largest shopping malls. He eventually returned to his home in the Northwest to manage Southcenter Mall, the largest mall in Washington.

For the past seventeen years he has led the Sabey Property Management Team and is responsible for the management and operations of Sabey's over four million-square-foot diverse portfolio including commercial, office, medical, warehouse and data center uses. As part of Sabey's Development group, Mr. Hansen has taken the lead in executing complex entitlement efforts, negotiating land acquisitions, property sales and re-zonings. He leads Sabey's improvement initiatives such as utility installations and transportation support improvements.

Mr. Hansen serves as Sabey's representative to a variety of municipalities and agencies. He works closely with local jurisdictions and with social initiatives that contribute to the growth and well-being of the communities with which Sabey partners.

Ms. Altchuler has a background in electricity trading and electricity-specific risk portfolio management. She helped build EDP Renewable’s (EDPR’s) Market Operations team from the ground up to support the necessary market interactions for commercial renewable assets in twelve states and ten markets – both regulated and de-regulated – including in the Bonneville Power Administration. Through this she learned how power markets work, both wholesale and retail, and she understands the challenges of maintaining reliability while both demand and renewable usage are increasing.

In her current role, she works with First Mode, an Industrial Customer, in Seattle. She tracks energy usage and works to improve efficiency and drive more sustainable outcomes. Her background has provided Ms. Altchuler with a significant range of experiences to represent the Industrial Customer on the Seattle City Light Review Panel.

Ms. Savolyuk is the Energy Program Director for the Multi Service Center, an organization that offers people pathways out of poverty through support and resources in education, employment, housing, energy assistance, food, and clothing. In her role, she works closely with City Light Customer Energy Solution (CES) staff. She is a knowledgeable Program Director well-versed in providing strategic direction and ongoing leadership to community action agencies. Veteran of Energy Program with 26-year demonstrated track record of success.

Ms. Do is an experienced marketing and communications leader with proven expertise in strategy development and culture & team building. Passionate about promoting organizational growth through employee development and mentorship, fostering meaningful relationships, and elevating brand reputation. Skilled in driving impactful change by crafting strategies that resonate with all stakeholders.

She currently serves as a marketing and communications leader at NorthStar Energy, where she focuses on strategy development, team building, and stakeholder communication. NorthStar Energy, which is located in Seattle’s Pioneer Square and has operations across Hawaii, Alaska, California, and the Western United States, recognizes the evolving relationship that communities have with energy and fuel consumption.

With 30+ years of legal experience, today Joel works mainly with electric utilities in the PNW and Alaska, advising management and boards on a wide range of issues, including power purchase and sale, regulatory issues, corporate governance and various commercial agreements. Joel currently serves as General Counsel to Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1; General Counsel to Orcas Power & Light Cooperative; General Counsel to Southeast Alaska Power Authority in Ketchikan; Counsel to Bradley Lake Management Committee in Alaska; and Special Counsel to Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative in Hepner, Oregon. Joel began his career as Senior Deputy Prosecutor, Civil Division, King County. Joel also works with his clients who are seeking to deploy and operate wireline and wireless networks.