Shawn developed a passion for green building, energy efficiency and solar energy while in high school and has continued to pursue these interests since through his dedicated and passionate sustainability advocacy and work experience in the solar industry in the greater Santa Barbara region. With a thorough understanding of building science, energy conservation and solar energy, Shawn is motivated as the division manager for Building Performance Specialists to dramatically reduce the energy consumption of homes and buildings while increasing the quality of life for those who occupy them. Early in his career Shawn assisted with the development of a sustainability center from the ground up and worked for two R&D companies developing energy efficient refrigeration, energy recovery ventilation and stirling engine power systems. Earning a degree in Geography from UCSB he focused on earth system sciences, climate change and sustainable development. An avid outdoorsman, Shawn has led kayaking tours at the Channel Islands National Park as well as taught environmental education with Jean Michelle Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.
Since graduation, Shawn has worked locally as a consultant for one of the largest solar installers in the country as well as managed regional sales for a global solar system and energy efficiency engineering and manufacturing firm. He has served on the board for The Sustainability Project, held advisory roles with the Santa Barbara City College’s Center for Sustainability (which he helped to found) and the Community Environmental Council and has been the Chair of the Built Environment Council with the Ojai Valley Green Coalition for the past four years.
Shawn enjoys spending time with his two children and wife, transforming his recently bought home in Ojai into a model for sustainability, exploring wild places, surfing and kayaking as well as developing his skills in the arts through music, photography and pottery.