About Us
Our team
The Energy Efficiency Council has a small team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff with extensive knowledge and experience in energy management policy, sustainability, financing and a range of supporting skills.
Luke Menzel
Chief Executive Officer
Luke Menzel is Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Efficiency Council, a not-for-profit membership association for businesses, universities, governments and NGOs. Luke is Vice-President of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council. He is a member of the NABERS National Steering Committee, the Queensland Government’s Ministerial Energy Council, and the Victorian Government’s Clean Economy Skills and Jobs Task Force.
Sage Michaels
Head of Strategy and Partnerships
A values-driven executive leader and partnership specialist with extensive experience in association and community sectors, Sage has overseen delivery of strategy, projects, membership and partnership engagement for a range of organisations. Sage leads the EEC’s partner and membership engagement activities, connecting with a broad spectrum of businesses, universities, government and NGOs to build the energy management market and facilitate an equitable, prosperous and net zero economy.
Jeremy Sung
Head of Policy
Beginning his career in the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Jeremy is a climate change and energy policy specialist with over a decade of experience. Jeremy has worked in Asia and Europe with organisations such the the Grantham Institute in London, and the International Energy Agency in Paris, where he was a lead analyst on energy efficiency. Jeremy leads the Council’s policy and advocacy activities, working with members and governments to inform the development of robust and cost-effective energy efficiency policies and programs in Australia.
Anna Freeman
Head of Electrification
Anna is a highly-experienced policy and advocacy leader in Australia’s clean energy transition having represented the renewable energy industry for eight years at Australia’s peak body for the sector from 2017-2025. Anna has been deeply engaged in energy, resources, infrastructure and climate policy for more than 20 years, working on behalf of Federal and state governments, and independent inquiries. She is recognised across Australian and international clean energy spheres as an effective and energetic advocate on behalf of Australia’s tremendous economic growth opportunities arising from the world’s transition to net zero emissions.
Karla Paeglis
Head of Workforce Development
With extensive NFP, private sector and government experience, Karla leads the EEC’s Workforce Development team that focuses on delivering initiatives related to the development and growth of the energy services sector. This includes research and analysis regarding jobs, market sizing, skills and training, development and delivery of training, professional development programs and certification; and engagement on related issues, such as Australian and international standards.
Katie Bartrop
Head of Finance
Katie is a CPA and works with the CEO to develop the EEC’s strategy, budget and business plan, and works with area leads across the organisation to ensure it is operationalised effectively. Katie also has responsibility for financial management, including governance, financial reporting and compliance, and human resources.
Rachael Wilkinson
Senior Advisor, Government Relations
Rachael has worked in both the public and private sector over the last decade, most recently providing policy and advocacy support to thousands of businesses with the Ai Group. Her key focus is encouraging the uptake of energy efficient products and technologies to support Australia’s net zero transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Public Policy) from the University of Tasmania.
Rob McLeod
Senior Advisor, Policy and Research
Rob is an experienced policy and advocacy professional with a background in the community sector and federal politics. He has worked in policy areas including residential energy, electrification, climate adaptation and resilience, housing, and social inclusion issues. Rob led Renew’s Climate Resilient Homes campaign, successfully advocating for improved energy standards for new and existing homes. He was awarded the 2023 Gill Owen Scholarship for research into community heatwave resilience.
Philippa Shepherd
Senior Events Manager
Philippa is an experienced events professional with 30 years of experience, particulaly in delivering energy sector events and building relationships with partners.
Nicole Minnaar
Workforce Development Manager
Nicole has extensive experience in the energy management and decarbonisation sector, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, project management and marketing. With her broad range of skills and industry knowledge, and a commitment to well-formulated processes and procedures Nicole is focused on supporting EEC’s objectives to build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce in her role as Workforce Development Manager.
Amelia Jarrett
Policy Advisor, Business Decarbonisation
Amelia has over 10 years of international experience in the energy sector in both renewable energy and net zero related project roles. Since moving to Australia from the UK where she worked on large scale renewable energy projects, she has managed net zero related projects within industry (ERM Power/Shell), at Monash University and within government (DELWP). Amelia’s role at the EEC involves using her diverse background to deliver strategic projects that build the market for energy management and services in order to accelerate the transition to net zero.
James Pound
Acting Partnerships Manager
James has long been passionate about sustainable development and action on climate change. Over the course of two degrees — a Diploma of Sustainable Living from The University of Tasmania, and a Master of Sustainability from The University of Sydney — he focused on researching energy systems, policies, and co-benefits of the renewable energy transition, as well as the social and cultural barriers that impede it. As Acting Partnerships Manager, James is eager to work with EEC members and other industry stakeholders to unlock the power of the demand side to facilitate Australia’s energy transition.
Nat Corveddu
Project Officer
Nat joined the EEC on a part time basis whilst completing her Master of Environmental Science at the University of Melbourne with a focus on sustainable development, energy efficiency and stakeholder engagement. Since graduating Nat focuses on supporting the projects and policy teams with completing the EEC’s essential advocacy, workforce development and business engagement activities. Having completed a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology), Nat is passionate about environmental issues and the way science contributes to management strategies.
Lisa Karas
Workforce Development Officer
Lisa is responsible for administering the EEC’s training, professional development, and certification programs, while also contributing to a range of initiatives across the Workforce Development division. With more than 15 years of experience in customer service and administrative roles, she brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative
approach to her work. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications and is passionate about supporting the growth of Australia’s energy management and efficiency workforce.
