VISTA

Graham Wright started with RREAL as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in 2006. Before coming to RREAL, he had worked as an engineer for Kodak. During his term as VISTA, Graham was instrumental in the research and development of RREAL’s Solar Powered Furnace. His expertise and talent in engineering and his unparalleled passion for the promotion of solar energy were crucial to the RREAL SPF success story.  He continued to work closely with RREAL on several projects since the conclusion of his VISTA service until he move to Portland, Oregon to further his career in sustainable design and consulting.

Tim Ollhoff holds his Masters in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Before joining RREAL, he worked as a program manager for Lutheran Social Services for ten years. He became involved with RREAL when he joined the Board of Directors in 2005. After serving for two years on the board, he became RREAL’s second VISTA and had his hand in many projects. Tim helped to support and develop RREAL’s Outreach and Education programs, he created RREAL’s Dealer Network, worked on marketing strategies for the SPF, and helped with fund development. After two years as a VISTA, RREAL hired Tim to be its Development and Outreach Coordinator.

Tina Schilawski Pierce joined RREAL as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in 2008. While serving for two years at RREAL, she worked on developing a private donor and fundraising program, helped develop RREAL’s website, brought the organization into modern times through social media, assisted with grant writing, and assisted RREAL with tracking and understand legislation related to renewable energy. Tina finished her Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership in the spring of 2010 and she is now working on her Masters in Biology at Bemidji State University.

Benjamin Kelchlin joined RREAL as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in the fall of 2009. After graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2007 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he cycled across the country and landed in Portland, OR where he lived for two years and spent time observing the great strides the city has made in public transportation, energy conservation, and social programs. Time at RREAL for Ben was spent on further research and development for the Solar Powered Furnace, looking into improving installation techniques, manufacturing, and panel orientation efficiency. Ben is currently consulting with RREAL for a short time since the end of his VISTA year of service.

Roger Garton joined RREAL as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in the spring of 2010. Roger is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering Degree. He started volunteering with RREAL at the beginning of 2010 and became a full time VISTA in April. While at RREAL, Roger will join Ben in working on improving the manufacturing and installation processes of the Solar Powered Furnace as well as work to generate technical specifications on SPF panels and research alternative panel uses.

 Sean Muller joined RREAL as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in the fall of 2010. After graduating with a degree in Biology and Chemistry in 2008, Sean moved to Portland, OR to study renewable energy technologies and work with sustainable community development initiatives. While at RREAL, Sean will be using his experience and skills to assist with organizational streamlining and improving RREAL’s capacity to deliver solar power to more homes, both domestically and abroad.

Adam Kutrich joined RREAL as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in the Spring of 2011. Adam graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2010 with an MS in Solar Energy Engineering. While there he worked on the design of a passive solar house for use in the mountains of Peru. As a VISTA, he is researching alternative SPF applications and helping to improve the design and deployment of RREAL’s solar energy systems.