Grid Alternatives Affiliates &

Oakland, CA · Founded 2013

Supporting business and community development in CA

Primary audience
Business Members
Work area
Regional Advocacy
Topic
Environmental Policy
Contact
Ashley Christy
Website Contact

About Organization

Grid Alternatives Affiliates & serves the business community in Oakland, CA through advocacy and leadership development. The organization manages $46.0M in annual revenue, 371 employees, $38.1M in assets. Established in 2013, the organization has served the region for 13 years.

What They Focus On

Economic Growth

Promotes regional economic development through strategic partnerships and support for business expansion initiatives

Workforce Development

Supports talent pipeline development through education partnerships and workforce readiness programming initiatives

Business Advocacy

Represents member interests in policy development and advocates for pro-business initiatives at local and state levels

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$46.0M

+5% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$52.9M

+17.8% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$38.1M

-6.4% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

371

-0.8% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $45,983,870 $52,915,329 $38,109,389 371
2023 $43,800,270 $44,910,415 $40,697,783 374
2022 $40,833,858 $42,087,465 $39,099,390 346
2020 $40,071,662 $39,036,513 $29,654,831 339
2019 $32,765,734 $35,034,582 $26,891,262 314
2018 $36,785,947 $27,560,875 $26,106,854 285

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Member Engagement

    Identifies priority issues through stakeholder consultation and analysis of business community needs

  • 02

    Strategic Planning

    Develops targeted initiatives based on member input and regional economic development priorities

  • 03

    Program Implementation

    Executes programs through partnerships with member organizations and community stakeholders

  • 04

    Impact Assessment

    Evaluates outcomes through member feedback and tracks progress toward organizational objectives

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Grid Alternatives Affiliates &

Member Services

Provides networking opportunities, resources, and support to member organizations across the region

Leadership Programs

Develops business leadership capacity through training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities

Community Engagement

Facilitates collaboration between business and community stakeholders on shared priorities

Economic Development

Promotes regional economic growth through strategic partnerships and development initiatives

Business Advocacy

Represents business interests in policy development and legislative initiatives at state and local levels

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Grid Alternatives Affiliates &.

Nimalka Achini Bandara

Nimalka Achini Bandara

Co-Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $132,007

Achini brings over seven years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, and grant-funded project management to GRID NV. Achini transitioned to the nonprofit environmental field following a career in academic research, where she managed large collaborative cancer research projects. She is excited to be a part of GRID's efforts to address our global climate crisis and bring equitable energy and employment access to our North Valley communities. Achini holds a Bachelor's in Chemistry and Mathematics and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Bioorganic Chemistry. Achini loves watching SciFi series and documentaries. Mountain lakes are her favorite geographical feature.

Margaret Kral

Margaret Kral

Executive Director - Grid Co
Full-time
Compensation: $128,251

Margaret joined GRID Colorado in October 2022; she is a seasoned business leader who worked 28 years in community banking, starting at entry level positions to the top executive position as a former Well Fargo Community Bank President in Colorado. She left the banking industry and became an entrepreneur focused on systems change to address our world’s most pressing issues, including climate change and health. Margaret has extensive experience in business, community engagement, finance, operations, and entrepreneurship. “If you’re looking for me and I’m not in the office, I’m probably out with nature. I love hugging trees, touching and feeling rocks and minerals and smelling the soil. Outdoors, travel and reading are my passions, but I have to admit on cold snowy days, I have been known to binge on Netflix Food shows like Midnight Diner!”

Erica MacKie

Erica MacKie

President - Grid San Diego
1 hrs/week

Erica Mackie co-founded GRID Alternatives in 2001 and has developed it into a major national non-profit. Ms. Mackie has received numerous awards for her leadership of GRID Alternatives, including the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in 2008, the New Leaders Council Energy Leadership Award in 2009, the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2010, the US Green Building Council’s Green Building Super Hero Award in 2010 and the 2013 Clean Energy and Empowerment Award from C3E. Ms. Mackie’s professional experience prior to GRID Alternatives included work in the social sector, first with survivors of domestic violence and then with youth at risk, as well as work in renewable energy and energy efficiency consulting and sales. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from Southern Illinois University, one in Mechanical Engineering and the other in Physics.

Jaime Alonso

Jaime Alonso

Executive Dir - Grid Inland Empire
Full-time
Compensation: $167,414

Jaime Alonso was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. Like many in this region, he came from a family of Mexican migrant farmworkers. Raised in a mobile home in an unincorporated area of Riverside County, Jaime recognized early on that access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and reliable energy sources were not readily available to all. This recognition motivated him upon his return to the Coachella Valley after graduating from the University of California in Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.) in 2005 to become active with Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), a faith-based community organizing network. During this time, Jaime also joined local community leaders in Coachella, CA to form what would become Raices Cultura, an arts and culture organization committed to the empowerment of youth and adult residents through artistic self-expression and cultural inclusivity. Jaime graduated from Brooklyn Law School (2009) with honors and spent ten years working as a legal and policy p

Pablo Del'aguila

Pablo Del'aguila

Construction Dir - Grid N. Valley
Full-time
Compensation: $137,139

Pablo started his solar career installing residential and commercial solar in 2011. He specialized in off-grid design and construction, and became a NABCEP PV Installation Professional in 2013, and a Master Electrician in Pennsylvania in 2018. Pablo lives and breaths solar, so in some of his free time, he works as a solar consultant for companies looking to install solar and wanting to create a more reliable grid in regions where that is lacking. In his non-solar free time, he enjoys hiking and biking with his wife and puppy.

Karina Gonzalez

Karina Gonzalez

Co-Executive Dir - Grid C. Valley
Full-time
Compensation: $90,046

Karina brings over 16 years of experience in community outreach, education, and training. Joining the team in 2011, she has driven the GRID mission forward serving homeowners, job trainees, and building partnerships. She thrives in challenging situations, always looking for ways to improve department outcomes and program offerings. She is passionate about serving and meeting individual needs. If not in her office, she can be found interacting with participants in the four training programs she helped to develop. Working alongside the Central Valley team, she envisions a new map for serving the needs of the CV region. Her roots run deep as she has lived in Fresno County for over 30 years. She currently resides in Fresno with her husband and four wonderful children. 

David Griffin

David Griffin

Co-Executive Dir - Grid C. Valley
Full-time
Compensation: $89,547

David graduated from CSU, Fresno with a B.S. in Business Administration-Accountacy. His work history includes retail sales, construction, insurance, and teaching prior to joining GRID Alternatives in September, 2010. David began volunteering with GRID after looking for a career that was socially, environmentally, and personally satisfying. As David volunteered often, he learned more about GRID Alternatives, it's mission and goals, and decided to join the Central Valley Fresno team.

Bambi Tran, Vice President of Regions

Bambi Tran, Vice President of Regions

Bambi grew up in the Washington, DC area. She holds a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Virginia, a Masters in Real Estate Development from the University of Maryland in College Park, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. In her career she has worked as a green builder, designer, and consultant for a number of private and non-profit developers, building owners, and design/engineering/contracting firms throughout the US and internationally. Bambi enjoys cooking, eating, hiking, traveling, reading, teaching, humming, building things, and spending time with her family. She believes in trying anything, especially unique foods, at least once!

Christian Weaver, Vice President of Philanthropy

Christian Weaver, Vice President of Philanthropy

Christian Weaver served as the Program Director, leading the grantmaking programs for the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund, a GRID tribal-led philanthropic grantmaking program supporting new solar projects in tribal communities across the country. Weaver has been in the strategic planning, development, and organizational development industry for over 20 years and has extensive experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, grant-making, and building partnerships. Prior to joining GRID, Weaver served as Associate Vice President of Major and Institutional Giving at the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Vice President of Development for the National Congress of American Indians, Director of Organizational Development for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Manager of Major Gifts at the American Indian College Fund. Weaver is passionate about environmental sustainability, conservation, community development and civil rights. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University, a Mas

AC

Ashley Christy

Executive Director - Grid Gla
Full-time
Compensation: $149,027
AT

Alex Turek

Deputy Director - Grid Gla
Full-time
Compensation: $131,774
AW

Ajith Weerasinghe

Interm President - Grid C. Valley
1 hrs/week
DO

Dai Owen Beg 0824

President - Grid Bay Area
1 hrs/week
GP

George Puddephatt

President - Grid Inland Empire
1 hrs/week
HP

Hector Pena

Chief Financial Officer (Thru 11/24)
1 hrs/week
JB

Joel Blaine

President - Grid Hldg
1 hrs/week
JK

Joseph Karp

President - Grid Bay Area
1 hrs/week
KL

Kacey Lizon

President - Grid N. Valley
1 hrs/week
KP

Kathleen Pritchard

President - Grid Co
1 hrs/week
SK

Sarah Keane

President - Grid Co
1 hrs/week
TS

Timothy Sears

Chief Operating Officer
1 hrs/week
AB

Arthur Bart-Williams

Executive Dir - Grid Bay Area
Full-time
Compensation: $155,467
JE

Jonatan Escalante Marroquin

Dir Of Const And Op. - Grid Gla
Full-time
Compensation: $129,943
PC

Paul Cleary

Executive Dir - Grid San Diego
Full-time
Compensation: $128,159
LM

Lonnie Merscham

Construction Manager
Full-time
Compensation: $127,518
TP

Teresa Perez

Dir Of Grants Admin - Grid Gla
Full-time
Compensation: $118,084
SM

Salvador Miranda

Sr. Solar Installation Supervisor
Full-time
Compensation: $114,271
EP

Elijah Perry

Executive Dir - Grid Mid Atlantic
Full-time
Compensation: $69,570
JK

Jason Keyes

Member
1 hrs/week
NM

Norma Medina

Member
1 hrs/week
RM

Roxana Mejia

Member
1 hrs/week

Milestones

2013

Organization Founded

2013

Established to serve business community development and economic growth initiatives

2024

Program Enhancement

2024

Launched enhanced member services and expanded advocacy initiatives for business community

2026

Continued Impact

2026

Maintains active programming serving member organizations and regional economic development priorities

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AM
Alex Morris Board Member - Grid N. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
AS
Alex Saucedo Board Member - Grid Inland Empire 1.00 hrs/week
AM
Anna Moon Treasurer - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
AH
Anthony Hernandez Vice Chair/Treasurer - Grid Gla 1.00 hrs/week
BT
Bambi Tran Secretary - Grid Mid Atl & Sd 2.00 hrs/week
BB
Blaine Boyer Treasurer - Grid Inland Empire 1.00 hrs/week
BW
Brandon Wellcome Board Member - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
BG
Breana George Beg 0824 Secretary - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
BV
Brian Vickers Treasurer - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
CF
Christopher Fields Board Member - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
DT
Daniel Tenenbaum Secretary - Grid Gla 1.00 hrs/week
DR
Derrick Ross Secretary - Grid N. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
DO
Dotun Odewale Beg 0824 Board Member - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
DN
Dr Nikky Avila Board Member - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
EJ
Eric J Heintz Treasurer - Grid Mid Atlantic 1.00 hrs/week
EP
Eric Poff Treasurer - Grid N. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
IJ
Iffy Jennings Board Member - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
JH
Jack Hawley Board Member - Grid N. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
JO
Jack Olree Board Member - Grid Gla 1.00 hrs/week
JM
Janine Medina Secretary - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
JK
Jeff Kodish Board Member - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
JJ
Jeremiah Jancik Board Member - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
JM
John Mimms Board Member - Grid Gla 1.00 hrs/week
JH
Joshua Hang Board Member - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
KB
Kari Burman Board Member - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
KH
Kari Hovarth Board Member - Grid Inland Empire 1.00 hrs/week
KG
Karinna Gonzalez Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
LC
Leroy Coffman Board Member - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
LS
Lididja Sekaric Board Member - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
LC
Lisa Cottle Beg 0824 Board Member - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
LM
Lisa Morales Board Member - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
MP
Michelle Pierce Secretary - Grid Inland Empire 1.00 hrs/week
MV
Michelle Vigen Ralstonbeg 924 Board Member - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
PB
Pat Barrett Board Member - Grid N. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
PG
Paul Gonzales Board Member - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
PT
Peter Ton Beg 0824 Treasurer - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
RB
Rahima Butler Board Chair - Grid Gla 1.00 hrs/week
RT
Reid Tucker Secretary - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
RA
Robert Anchrum Board Member - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
RR
Rodney Roque Treasurer - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
RD
Ryan Dulaney Secretary - Grid Co 1.00 hrs/week
SN
Salvador Nunez Board Member - Grid Gla (Thru 5/24) 1.00 hrs/week
TC
Timothy Conboy Board Member - Grid C. Valley 1.00 hrs/week
TM
Tina Murray Treasurer - Grid Bay Area 1.00 hrs/week
TW
Tracy Woodburn Board Member - Grid Inland Empire 1.00 hrs/week
VP
Vikita Poindexter Board Member - Grid Inland Empire 1.00 hrs/week
WJ
Willie Joe Marquez Board Member - Grid N. Valley 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$2.0M

Highest Paid

$180K

Jaime Alonso

Compensated Officers

15

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Jaime Alonso Executive DIR - Grid Inland Empire $167,414 $12,156 $179,570 40
Arthur Bart-Williams Executive DIR - Grid Bay Area $155,467 $12,152 $167,619 40
Ashley Christy Executive Director - Grid Gla $149,027 $4,608 $153,635 40
Pablo Del'Aguila Construction DIR - Grid N. Valley $137,139 $8,777 $145,916 40
Jonatan Escalante Marroquin DIR Of Const And Op. - Grid Gla $129,943 $13,337 $143,280 40
Nimalka Achini Bandara Co-Executive Director $132,007 $6,820 $138,827 40
Alex Turek Deputy Director - Grid Gla $131,774 $6,971 $138,745 40
Paul Cleary Executive DIR - Grid San Diego $128,159 $10,578 $138,737 40
Margaret Kral Executive Director - Grid Co $128,251 $6,413 $134,664 40
Lonnie Merscham Construction Manager $127,518 $6,615 $134,133 40
Teresa Perez DIR Of Grants Admin - Grid Gla $118,084 $7,677 $125,761 40
Salvador Miranda SR. Solar Installation Supervisor $114,271 $8,964 $123,235 40
David Griffin Co-Executive DIR - Grid C. Valley $89,547 $13,535 $103,082 40
Karina Gonzalez Co-Executive DIR - Grid C. Valley $90,046 $12,632 $102,678 40
Elijah Perry Thru 0524 Executive DIR - Grid Mid Atlantic $69,570 $2,757 $72,327 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Related Organizations

1 affiliated entity reported on IRS Form 990 Schedule R

1

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

1
Grid Alternatives
Oakland, CA
To Provide Energy Cost Savings
501(c) 501(C)(3)

Source: IRS Form 990, Schedule R (Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships)

Contact

Get in touch with Grid Alternatives Affiliates &

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(510) 731-1310 866-921-4696

Social

Visit Website
1171 Ocean Avenue 200 Oakland, CA 94608