The Solar 4R Schools Team

Dick Wanderscheid, Vice President, Renewable Energy Group

Dick oversees BEF’s nationwide investments in small-scale renewable energy projects and manages the organization’s acclaimed Solar 4R Schools program. Dick would be an appropriate contact to discuss support for studies and papers; to build support for new hydro, wind, or solar projects; or to engage the Solar4RSchools team in new ventures.

Dick spent 28 years managing renewable energy and energy efficiency programs for the City of Ashland and was the Municipal Electric Utility Director from 2001-2009. He developed one of the first net metering laws in the Northwest and installed several photovoltaic systems, including a 64 kW ‘community funded’ project in 2007. Dick has degrees from Oregon State University and Southern Oregon University.

Craig Collins, Program Manager - Solar 4R Schools

Craig manages the Solar 4R Schools program and would be the appropriate contact to discuss new funding partner relationships; new school applications; new utility managed green power subscriber programs; or new school district renewable energy programs.  Call 503-553-3925 or email.

Prior to working for BEF, Craig was a licensed Journeyman Electrician in the state of California, where he installed several PV systems. Craig graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Environmental Studies in 2003 and has an Electronics Technician Certification from City College of San Francisco in 2007. He is currently enrolled in Electrical Engineering coursework at Portland State University working towards a Masters degree in Power Systems Engineering.

Emily Barrett, Project Manager - Program Specialist

Emily manages solar projects, educational materials, activity development and Solar 4R Schools program logistics. Emily is an appropriate contact to discuss the details of an installation project she is leading, if you have questions about the Solar 4R Schools classroom materials, teacher training or activities, or if you are a vendor seeking to establish a relationship with our program.  Call 503-553-3950 or email.

Gruadated from Tufts University in 2008 with a degree in English, Emily first began working at BEF as a research fellow for the Natural Resources Defense Council and has a background in technical writing. She wrote the Solar Electric Energy Guide for Your Stadium or Arena that has been instrumental in development of several sports projects. She has worked in sustainable agriculture and native habitat restoration and is now pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. 

Sean LaFreniere, Project Manager - Technology Specialist

Sean manages solar projects, data monitoring and system maintenance, and our website and network of display kiosks. Sean is an appropriate contact to discuss the details of an installation project he is leading; to ask about data mointoring, kiosk, or website issues; or to discuss system repairs.  Call 503-553-3955 or email.

Sean studied urban planning and industrial design in Copenhagen and earned his Master's in sustainable urban architecture from the University of Oregon in 2007.  Before coming to BEF in 2010, Sean worked in consumer finance, software and hardware development, commercial and residential construction design.  Sean is active with his neighborhood association, school committees, and city-wide tree planting events.  Sean is also an avid alpine backpacker and can often be found high up in the North Cascades.