Meet The Team
Meet the passionate professionals behind BPI. Our team is committed to advancing home performance, building science, and workforce development to create healthier, more energy-efficient homes across the country.
Amanda Hatherly
Chief Executive Officer
Amanda has worked for 17 years in home performance, healthy homes and water efficiency workforce development. She started out as a BPI Building Analyst and has been a trainer, proctor, training center Director and the BPI Board Chair before becoming CEO. She loves making and sharing bean to bar chocolate and going for hikes with her dog, Starly.
Lynn J. Franz
Chief Operating Officer
Lynn J. Franz is the Chief Operating Officer at the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and brings over a decade of leadership in home performance, energy efficiency, and clean energy. She has deep expertise in certification programs, standards development, and operational strategy, with a strong track record of leading teams, managing national contracts, and driving innovation to support workforce quality and growth.
Outside of work, Lynn is a proud New York sports fan (go Knicks, Mets, and Bills!), dog mom to Capone and King, and enjoys fishing, kayaking, and spending time with her family in her free time.
Darlene Welch
National Technical Director
With over 15 years at BPI, Darlene has been instrumental in advancing best practices that improve energy efficiency, home comfort, and overall building performance across the U.S.
Darlene brings deep expertise in building science and a strong commitment to helping contractors, programs, and policymakers deliver better outcomes for homeowners. She has collaborated with a wide range of industry stakeholders to ensure that BPI’s standards are practical, science-driven, and aligned with the latest innovations and regulatory needs. Her leadership continues to strengthen BPI’s mission of raising the bar for residential energy upgrades and building performance nationwide.
Megan McCormick
Director of Client Relations
Meghan oversees the Client Relations department in day-to-day activities and implementation of new programs and certifications. She has worked at BPI since 2011, starting as a temp, when one of her tasks was grading the paper exams Test Centers mailed to BPI. Over the years she has worked in a few different positions throughout client relations and project management. Meghan lives with her family on a small farm in New York.
Brandon Cherney
Director of IT
Brandon supports the organization’s technology strategy by ensuring systems are secure, scalable, and aligned with evolving business needs. With a background in ISP and NOC engineering, he brings deep expertise in network infrastructure and operations. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys hiking and taking long bike rides—often accompanied by his dog, Reenie, who’s always up for an adventure.
Elizabeth Vonau
Director of Finance
Elizabeth is a proven finance professional with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. She specializes in budgeting, financial planning, and strategic resource management. As Director of Finance with BPI, she is committed to ensuring resources are allocated to drive forward the organizational mission. Elizabeth holds an MBA from the University of Colorado. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her dogs, cooking, and traveling.
Nancy Kaplan
Director of Workforce Development
Nancy has been with the Building Performance Institute for sixteen years. She works with many organizations to foster the growth of a diverse workforce and to create awareness of the home performance industry as a viable career opportunity. She is proud to work at a company so focused on awarding recognized credentials to individuals who make such a positive impact on housing, knowing the direct impact those improvements make in the quality of life for the people they serve. Her favorite thing is to spend time with family and friends wherever and whenever they can be together.
Bland Newman
Technical Project Manager
Bland supports certifications and standards creation/maintenance through technical and administrative support. In addition to Weatherization field experience, he brings almost 2 decades of teaching and technical training to support proctors and candidates seeking BPI certifications. When time and weather allow, Bland enjoys fishing off the North Carolina coast.
Daniela Freeman
Product Manager
Daniela “Dani” Freeman is the Manager of Standards at the Building Performance Institute (BPI), where she oversees the development and maintenance of BPI standards in alignment with ANSI requirements. With a background in standards, publishing, and marketing, Dani blends technical expertise with a passion for clear, accessible communication.
She’s served on the board of the Society for Standards Professionals and currently supports Writespace, a Houston-based literary nonprofit. Dani is also a Distinguished Toastmaster and award-winning fiction writer who believes “there’s beauty in simplicity.”
Stephen Levy
Manager of Client Relations
Steve leads a team of Client Relations Representatives in assisting Certified Professionals, Test Centers, Proctors and GoldStar Contractors. He is also involved with recertification and phone, or e-mail inquiries about BPI. Originally from New Jersey, he now lives in Saratoga Springs, NY and enjoys visiting brew pubs and live music whenever possible.”
Rachel Kozlowski
Manager of Compliance
Rachel Kozlowski ensures BPI's compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies by leading audits, investigating potential violations, and implementing corrective actions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors gardening, caring for her animals, and connecting with nature. Rachel is also passionate about hosting and creating memorable experiences for family and friends.
Michelle Watrous
Manager of Finance
With over 16 years at BPI, Michelle brings a deep well of institutional knowledge and a steadfast commitment to accuracy in managing the organization’s finances. Her contributions across multiple roles have helped shape BPI’s operations and culture over the years. Outside of work, she finds joy in the outdoors - whether walking her three dogs, tending her garden, camping, or relaxing in a hammock with a good book.
Jasmeet Singh
Marketing & Outreach Manager
Jasmeet Singh is based in Washington and originally from California. With 7 years of experience in developing, implementing, and executing strategic marketing campaigns, she has successfully driven awareness, increased membership, and attracted new partnerships across various industries.
Outside of work, Jasmeet enjoys taking her puppy, Teddy, on long walks, staying active with fitness, paddleboarding, and racing cars.
Tyler Russell
SPERO Administrator
With over 15 years at BPI, Tyler is the go-to expert for all things tech. From project management and server administration to desktop support and website development, he wears many hats—and wears them well. Tyler has played a pivotal role in designing and building the custom systems that keep BPI running smoothly behind the scenes. His problem-solving skills, technical know-how, and commitment to innovation make him an invaluable part of the team.
Andrew Pushlar
Software Engineer
Drew is the tech brain behind BPI’s digital tools, building and maintaining everything from our websites to our online exams and certification systems. With over 30 years of experience in web and e-commerce development, he keeps our systems running smoothly and securely. When he’s not coding, you’ll find him on stage playing keys and synths with The Arcade, '80s pop tribute band.
Emily Saunders
Client Relations Rep
Emily supports the building industry Contractors and Candidates with the GoldStar Contractor Program assisting with the growth of your business.
With over 20 years of experience in the Construction Industry she brings the knowledge of home building, green space, and reduction of the carbon footprint. Emily’s enjoys baking, gardening, spending time with friends, family, and grandchildren.
Bryce Loy
Client Relations Rep
My name is Bryce Loy, and I was born in Vermont but raised in New York. I started at BPI in the Certification Department, reviewing Certification Renewal applications. I then moved on to reviewing Energy Auditor applications and I am now currently working with Test Centers & Proctors. Before my time at BPI, I worked for 10 years at a publishing company, designing advertisements and doing layouts for a local newspaper.Outside of work, I enjoy traveling to new areas and trying new foods. NYC is my favorite, and I attend New York Comic-Con every year in October. I also enjoy playing video games and learning about computers and technology.
Brigitte Toussaint
Client Relations Rep
With a passion for people and an understanding of building science, Brigitte serves as a key liaison between certified professionals and technical teams, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience from initial inquiry to project completion. Drawing on a customer-focused mindset and strong communication skills, Brigitte is grateful to support a mission that not only reduces energy costs and environmental impact, but also creates healthier, more comfortable living spaces. Outside of work, Brigitte finds joy in travel, exploring the natural world, and values quality time with family.
Heather Blackman
Client Relations Rep
Heather guides Certified Professionals through the recertification process and ensures correct use of BPI logos across Test Centers, Training Centers, and individual certifications. She brings a strong background in customer service, data entry, and sales. Known for her dedication, work ethic, and sincere desire to help others, Heather is a valued support resource. Outside of work, she enjoys nature walks, fishing, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Scott Lapham
Client Relations Rep
Scott Lapham has over 15 years of experience in the residential HVAC contracting industry. Passionate about energy efficiency and home comfort, he is dedicated to educating and empowering contractors to make informed decisions that lead to healthier, more efficient, and longer-lasting homes. Scott plays a key role in supporting the certification and advancement of professionals who serve homeowners nationwide.
Brittany Schultz
Human Resources & Project Manager
Brittany supports our people operations and organizational projects that help strengthen BPI’s impact on home performance, comfort, health, and energy efficiency. With over eight years of experience leading HR programs and project initiatives, she brings a people first and results driven approach to every effort. She’s passionate about balancing business needs with employee advocacy, fostering a high trust culture, and leading initiatives that support organizational growth. When she’s not working, you’ll find Brittany spending time with her family, reading, or journaling.
