Wild Center

As a biologist who became a builder over 30 years ago, Kevin Stack has served in many capacities including service on the boards of USGBC and past President of the CNY Homebuilders and Remodelers Association, NEHERS and a founding member of the USGBC NY Upstate Chapter. He built and lives in a 36 year old net-zero-energy house, and in 2012 built the largest LEED Platinum home. 

Matthew Bowers spent 6 years in the Navy as a nuclear engineer before attending RIT's Mechanical Engineering Technology Program. He graduated with the highest honors in 2010. Since 2013, Bowers has worked as a Certified Passive House Consultant and Tradesman and HERS Rater. In 2017, Bowers started his own company specializing in high performance homes. He has been featured in the Journal of Light Construction’s Energy Column under multiple topics including Blower Door testing for extremely tight homes, Infrared scanning, Blower Door testing and Retrofitting airtightness and trouble spots for airtightness in new homes. He helped in the design and construction of Rochester’s 1st Certified Passive House. 

Mark Seymour is owner-operator of Potsdam-based Radiant Hearth, Inc. He builds masonry heaters throughout the North East. This ancient technology of recovering flue gas heat through masonry channels can found in many styles throughout Northern Europe, Asia and more recently, North America. Masonry heaters are surging in popularity as a proven way to gently heat with cord wood. "After enjoying many years of warmth from a 1975 vintage wood stove in my hearth, my quest for a more sustainable and efficient way to heat my home led me to my discovery of masonry heaters.” Mark Seymour, an active member of the Masonry Heater Association of North America, serving on the technical committee.  

As Leidos Strategic Program Director, Mr. DeWein supports business and program development for Leidos in Energy Efficient Buildings and Facilities markets. With over 35 years’ experience as a national and regional leader in Energy Efficiency and Energy Code development and implementation, program development, advocacy and implementation, he is known as a national expert with service in 35 states and abroad. Mike is nationally recognized for combining his deep technical knowledge and large network of energy efficiency market players and industry colleagues with sustainable, practical applications and solutions.  Mike has served on numerous National and State Green and Energy Efficiency Code advisory, development and technical committees, including the ICC – SEHPCAC and IGBC, ASHRAE 189 (Green Standard), USGBC, and the NYS Energy Code, among others.

Matt is the Construction Manager and Owner of Whitbeck Construction with a 10+ year record of success building high end custom homes. Whitbeck Construction began as a five-person framing, roofing and siding subcontracting company, growing to a 25-30-person operation within two years, subcontracting for over 200 custom residential projects. In addition to building, Matt is dedicated to training not only his work crews but also other industry professionals. As a high performance building instructor, Matt develops curriculum conducive to high performance building practices and present it as required throughout the US at tradeshows, collages, vocational schools, lumberyards and other venues.

Donald J Colbert, II (DJ) took over his father's construction company at an early age. That began his journey into the trades. Over the past thirty years, DJ has Operated as both a building and HVAC expert. DJ's vast expertise in building science and HVAC has allowed him a platform to educate and bring energy efficiency and system solutions to the North Country. DJ started Cornerstone Services Plumbing Heating and Cooling in 2005 and has expanded its portfolio to include everything from manufacturing to energy services. DJ brings a level of expertise and experience to our customers second to none. He holds several BPI certifications and brings that knowledge to bear in all aspects of he work. DJ resides in his hometown of Norwood, NY with his wife Janel and their family.

475 High Performance Building Supply helps professionals make durable, resilient, ecological, and energy-efficient buildings that optimize occupant comfort and health by providing knowledge and materials that are essential to high performance buildings. Nick Shaw is a PHIUS-certified Passive House Consultant and Builder, with a background in integrated design-build projects.  

Jesse Schwartzberg, a graduate of the Masters of Architecture program at the University of Oregon, returned to his hometown of Saranac Lake, NY in 2011, to found Black Mountain Architecture, PLLC. While at Oregon, Jesse acquired a comprehensive understanding of contemporary green building techniques and honed his understanding of modern building science principles.

As a native of the Adirondacks who worked as a finish carpenter for six years before attending architecture school, Jesse is uniquely suited to work within the existing Adirondack architectural vernacular. By combining his local experience with the knowledge he acquired in Oregon, Jesse takes a fresh approach to architecture in the Adirondacks.

Thank you to our sponsors Curtis Lumber, Phinney Design Group, Raquette River Brewing, NYSERDA and U.S. Green Building Council.

If you are interested in sponsoring BAGA 2019, please contact Sally Hart.