Annie Otfinoski: A Sustainability Trailblazer and Santa Cruz Works Titan of 2024
Annie Otfinoski is the perfect example of someone striving to create a greener world, one electric vehicle at a time. Her illustrious career has taken her across the continent, from assisting with communications work in Esteli, Nicaragua, to founding a consulting firm right here in Santa Cruz. Not only is she a trailblazer in the realm of sustainability and climate solutions, but she has also been recognized as a Santa Cruz Works Titan for 2024. Follow the exciting narrative of Otfinoski's story here!
Otfinoski earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Science and Sociology from DePaul University before embarking on a career in grant writing and marketing. She later returned to academia, pursuing her master’s degrees in Environmental Policy and Management and Sustainability Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. She became significantly more involved in the sustainability sphere at this stage in her life, working as a Sustainability & Compliance Specialist for ENGIE Impact, a consulting company that seeks to promote decarbonization in partnering corporations, and as an Account Executive with Mynt Systems.
It was with Mynt, an enginerring and construction firm that transforms commerical real-estate to be more sustainable and profitable, that Otfinoski earned her rising-star status. She played a pivotal role in developing over 9,000 kW of renewable energy projects, including 8,000 kW of off-grid systems designed to deliver power more efficiently than local utilities. Putting this into perspective; her developments could theoretically power approximately 1,800 to 2,700 average American homes!
Founder and CEO: Evest Energy
In early 2024, Otfinoski founded Evest Energy, whose mission is to "accelerate the electric vehicle transition." As CEO, she is driving efforts to expand California's EV charging infrastructure and promote the shift to renewable energy. The company focuses on building DC fast charging stations across the state, making electric vehicles more accessible and sustainable. Otfinoski has collaborated with major industrial developers, manufacturing firms, and automakers like General Motors and Nissan to design effective EV charging solutions. Additionally, she has gained extensive expertise in California's EV charging incentives, grant opportunities, and energy modeling.
Although this may seem like a lengthy list of accomplishments within itself, that's not all! Otfinoski recently started a fellowship with Climatebase, a program that empowers professionals to advance their careers in climate, secure impactful roles, or launch innovative projects and ventures. This fellowship marks an exciting new chapter in her career, and we eagerly anticipate the innovative projects, meaningful connections, and impactful partnerships that will emerge from it!
Otfinoski's ample experience in sustainability consulting, her prowess in delivering concrete results, and her passion to create a more accessible future makes her a worthy recipient of the Titan Award. She is truly a towering figure in Santa Cruz's energy-efficient landscape, cementing her as a visionary leader that will define a generation of sustainable pioneers. Let us unite to honor Otfinoski's well-earned recognition at the Titans 2024 Awards!