Native Village of Kluti Kaah, Tribal Infrastructure: DeerStone is working with the Native Village of Kluti-Kahh, a federally recognized tribal government in the Ahtna region near Glennallen, Alaska, on several infrastructure and community development projects. This includes preliminary design and equipment selection, overseeing design engineers, and construction project managing a community biomass and district heating construction project for several buildings in addition to supporting the finalization of construction of a multipurpose building in the community. 

Tanana Chiefs Conference, Energy & Broadband: DeerStone works on infrastructure development with the Tanana Chiefs Conference, a tribal non-profit organization based in Fairbanks serving 37 federally recognized Tribes. Our work has primarily revolved around project development and securing funding for individual infrastructure projects, including biomass district heating systems, solar and battery installations, diesel power plant upgrades, and recently, a $35 Million broadband grant to serve several isolated communities. We have also performed power utility infrastructure assessments, conducted workforce trainings, and supported community and economic development initiatives such as developing their rural utility collaborative and assisted in garnering executive and board approval to become a utility owner/operator of broadband and renewable energy assets (IPP).

EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Planning – DeerStone is working with BBNA, Kawerak and The Kuskokwim Corporation to produce Climate Action Plans for approximately 50 communities across the three regions. The plans will align with priority projects that by being detailed in the planning documents, will become eligible to tap into $4.3 billion of implementation grant funding. 

Brian Hirsch

PARTNER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Brian Hirsch founded DeerStone Consulting in 2015. Since then, he has helped clients secure over $40 million in projects, with a focus on microgrid and renewable energy integration, multi-scalar energy storage, independent power producer formation, utility support, project finance, and community development in remote locations. He has directed and facilitated clean energy development and project management for clients including large Independent Power Producers, multinational engineering firms, Alaska Native corporations, Tribal governments, indigenous communities, federal government agencies and national energy laboratories, municipalities, electric utilities, and non-governmental organizations.  Current and recent projects include wind-solar-battery-diesel hybrid systems in the Northwest Arctic, achieving diesels-off operation for hundreds of hours annually; providing technical assistance for organizations supporting over 120 Alaska Native communities; multiple biomass thermal district heating loops; village-scale hydro-diesel project support; leading grid-scale battery energy storage workshops in Central Asia;

From 2009-2015 Brian was the Senior Project Leader for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he led renewable energy deployment efforts across Alaska and globally, including northern Canada, Indonesia and other remote settings. He assembled project-specific teams of experts and consultants for targeted technical assistance and project development, which included contributing to Alaska’s first utility-scale wind deployment, Fire Island Wind, at 17 MW, and establishing the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START), an Obama administration priority program under the US Department of Energy. NREL awarded Brian an Achievement Award for those efforts. In his capacity at NREL, Brian also served as Chairperson of the Alaska Emerging Energy Technology Fund Advisory Committee from 2010-2015, a position appointed by the Governor of Alaska.

He received a Master’s certification in Energy Analysis and Policy and a Doctorate in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on energy issues in northern regions of the world and a Bachelor’s degree in Government/Political Science with an additional focus on electrical engineering from Cornell University.

Tashina Duttle

PARTNER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Tashina has a background in project management and has spent a majority of her career developing and managing infrastructure projects for rural, Tribal communities in Alaska. Tashina worked at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium from 2015-2020 where she managed their Rural Energy Program and the National Tribal Water Center, in that position she managed tens of millions of dollars of infrastructure design and construction funding for energy and sanitation projects in rural Alaska while overseeing a multi-discipline team of project managers, engineers, and administrative staff. Tashina has a Master’s Degree in Project Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Resources Management with an occupational endorsement in Sustainable Energy from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Areas of Expertise: Project Development • Project Management • Assembling Teams • Team Management & Oversight • Developing Scopes of Work and Competitive Solicitations • Grant & Proposal WritingCommunity & Regional Energy Planning

Devany Plentovich

PARTNER & CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER

Devany received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Christian Brothers University and a M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. She has had extensive training in managing projects, fostering collaborative teams, and facilitating for results. From 2009 to 2019, Devany was the Program Manager for Biomass and Combined Heat and Power at the Alaska Energy Authority where she was Co-lead of the Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group. During her time at AEA she focused on developing heating systems in Alaska’s remote communities to help reduce the cost of energy, provide local jobs managing a local fuel source and to develop sustainable communities. Due to the leadership of the Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group, Alaska now has over 50 operating biomass systems. From 1987 to 2009, Devany worked for Kimberly-Clark Corporation in various roles in Operations Management, Maintenance, Projects, and Environmental Sustainability. She led international teams in Latin America and China to create new consumer products. Devany was awarded 4 patents in process and product design by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Working with DeerStone Consulting since 2009, Devany is focusing on technical side of project development and execution, including economic and technical feasibility analyses, design reviews, system commissioning, operating and maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. Her passion is to equip communities with well-designed, appropriate technology, proper O&M tools, and superior training to assure that the energy goals are achieved and exceeded. Devany is a member of the United States Forest Service’s Woody Biomass Technical Support Team where she works with public and private sector facility owners to evaluate and develop community scale projects that use woody biomass for heat and power.

Areas of Expertise

Community Education and Outreach • Grant Writing and Project Finance • Project Management • Energy Planning and Resource Assessment • Renewable Energy Technical Screening • Feasibility Assessment • Engineering Design Review • Development of Operations and Maintenance Procedures • Operator Training Systems • System Commissioning • Technical Troubleshootin • Economic Analysis, including Power Cost Equalization

Brian Kirchner

OFFICE MANAGER

Brian's journey to working with rural Alaskan communities began as a program manager for the Skiku outdoor education and skiing outreach initiative. Since joining the DeerStone Consulting team, Brian has enjoyed supporting rural Alaskans by engaging in energy and infrastructure funding and project development work. He leads a multi-year statewide effort to assist Tribal and Alaska Native Corporation applicants secure their DOE grid resilience grant allocations and navigate program rules. Brian also develops targeted communications about relevant funding opportunities to help connect clients with meaningful avenues to achieve their energy and infrastructure goals. On the administrative side, Brian helps with contracting, financial operations, integrating software solutions, and general support for the DeerStone team. Outside of his professional endeavors, Brian finds joy in outdoor adventures, participating in races, working in the garden, and playing the piano.

Christina Salmon-Bringhurst

SENIOR TRIBAL ENGAGEMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Christina Salmon is the eldest daughter of Dan and Julia Salmon. She grew up in Igiugig and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage, focusing on Journalism and Alaska Native Studies. In addition to serving on the Igiugig Tribal Council, Christina serves on the Lake and Peninsula Assembly. Christina also works as a Trespass Officer for the Native Corporation maintaining Village rules and regulations on Native Corporation lands. She enjoys fishing and berry picking in the summer and most importantly, enjoys the time with her four children: Aiden, Keilan, Dannika and Beatrice.

Schuyler Alig

GRANT WRITER, COMMUNICATION DESIGNER

Schuyler Alig has a strong foundation in Communication Design and and Strategic Marketing. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Communication Design with a minor in International Marketing from Skidmore College. With a diverse skill set encompassing Photography, Graphic Design, and Web Design, Schuyler is driven to create compelling visual and digital experiences. Her passion for equitable digital access stems from her belief in the tools available through technology, which has not only developed her professional endeavors but also fueled her creative pursuits.

Prior to joining the DeerStone team, Schuyler completed the Learn Grant Writing Program while working for the collective, honing her skills in persuasive writing and securing funding for impactful projects. Schuyler spent five years working as a photographer and graphic designer based in Philadelphia before her photography and and love of the outdoors led her to Alaska two years ago. When she's not exploring with her camera or snowboarding in the mountains you can find her practicing metal smithing.

Michelle Collingridge

GRANT WRITER

Michelle has a strong background in academic research, journalism, content strategy and development, and technical, marketing and proposal writing. She studied philosophy, art and literature at Columbia University and Brigham Young University, before moving to Alaska to pursue a more mindful lifestyle.

Prior to joining DeerStone, Michelle assisted in writing proposals for IT related projects. She also developed extensive written content for Alaska’s travel industry that included features on Alaska Native communities, highlighting the diverse and exceptional cultural heritage of Alaska’s first People. She has produced journalistic articles with a focus on healthcare and the impacts of climate change to Indigenous communities, worldwide. She also taught literature and humanities courses at a University level, and has a passion for championing progress and change. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening and spending time with her family. Areas of expertise: Research, Content Strategy and Development, SEO, Travel Writing, Technical, Marketing, Grant and Proposal Writing

Gavin Dixon

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Gavin has been developing infrastructure projects in rural Alaska for over ten years. Before working with DeerStone, Gavin worked at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium managing planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects to include energy, water, sewer, and climate change mitigation projects. Gavin spent four years overseeing the ANTHC’s role in the relocation of the Newtok Village to Mertarvik. Gavin works with a variety of clients to secure funding and implement their capital project priorities throughout rural Alaska.

When he isn’t working, Gavin can be found with his wife Trina and their twin children, Brynn and Holden. Gavin grew up in Anchorage, where he and his family currently live on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina people in East Anchorage. Gavin’s hobbies and interests include mountain biking, downhill skiing, and trying to keep up with their dog Cholla.

Andrew Walsh

PROJECT MANAGER

Andrew Walsh graduated from Montana State university with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology from Montana State University.  Andrew’s background in construction management, land surveying, civil design, and grant writing gives him the tools to create actionable results for remote Alaskan projects. He is passionate about the integral construction process, and delivering quality project execution. Originally from Montana, Andrew moved to Alaska 7 years. Along with his family, Andrew has loved every minute outside. Together there they enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and skiing.

Tana Smith

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (EIT) AND PROJECT MANAGER

Tana Smith, a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager at DeerStone, brings over nine years of experience in data analysis, project management, regulatory compliance and agency reporting. With a background rooted in oil and gas integrity management, she has transitioned her expertise to drive the development of energy systems in rural communities across Alaska. Tana’s provides technical assistance for grant applications and owner’s representation for projects. She fosters collaboration amongst clients, contractors, and subcontractors, and ensures project goals align with client expectations. Her expertise in materials, mechanics, and technology, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, enables her to craft comprehensive scopes of work, manage logistics, and implement remote energy and infrastructure projects effectively. As a strong communicator and dedicated team player, she grows and cultivates relationships with industry vendors, agency staff and regional entities, facilitating successful project outcomes. Tana holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UAF and is a certified Mechanical Engineer-in-Training.

Maxwell Goggin-Kehm P.E.

CIVIL ENGINEER, P.E.

Max moved to Alaska from the Midwest in 2009 and has called Alaska home ever since.  He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2005 and a Professional Engineering license in Alaska in .  Max has extensive design, construction, and troubleshooting experience on a wide variety of projects including arctic water and sanitation systems, recovered heat systems, solar installations, and a variety of renewable energy technologies.   He is focused on supporting sustainability through grassroots capacity building and maximizing efficacy of local, regional, and national resources.

Max worked at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) from 2009-2019 in design and operations departments.  While in the design department, Max gained valuable many aspects of water and sanitation design including water treatment systems, raw water intakes, distribution piping, and lagoons.

From 2015-2019, Max led the operations department for the Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative (ARUC).  During his time with ARUC, Maxwell focused on building local capacity through on-site and regional trainings, operator technical support, and growing an ARUC operations staff to support water and sewer infrastructure.

Maxwell started working with Deerstone in 2020 and is focusing on technical aspects of renewable energy integration, energy efficiency optimization through operations and infrastructure improvements, grassroots capacity building, and operations and maintenance.

Areas of Expertise: Technical Troubleshooting • Instrumentation and Controls • Routine Operations and Maintenance • Preventative Maintenance & Planning • Renewable Energy Integration • System Commissioning • Community Education and Outreach • Operator Training

Leah Olsen

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, EIT

Leah Olsen is a licensed Mechanical EIT, with a passion for harnessing technology to make a real impact on people’s lives. She completed her bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on renewable energy at the University of New Haven in Connecticut in 2019 and holds a prior bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Williams College. At DeerStone, she has experience with community outreach and the development of community energy action plans. Her passion is in translating technical details into easily operable systems that allow rural Alaskan communities to achieve energy independence.

Leah has experience in reliability engineering, working with asset management systems to develop and maintain maintenance records for the manufacturing facility of a multinational pharmaceutical company in Bend, Oregon. She has also worked at municipal utilities, including the City of Bend Water Department, where she worked with water plant operators to develop operational guides for the City water system. Her project management experience includes leading a team of peers to design an air-filtration system for use in NASA spaceships. She is proficient in Blue Mountain Regulatory Asset Manager (CMMS), Solidworks, and Hach WIMS. Her previous professional endeavors include commercial fishing and natural building construction. She lives in an octagonal house in Homer with her partner and their dog, Syd.

Chris Cronick

CIVIL ENGINEER, P.E.

Chris Cronick is an Energy Systems Engineer with a B.S. in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Wyoming, specializing in rural water and wastewater, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Alaska and a Certified Energy Manager. His professional journey includes significant roles in environmental and sustainable engineering, focusing on energy and water/sanitation systems in rural Tribal communities across Alaska. He has a strong background in supporting operations and maintenance in rural utilities across Alaska.

At the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Air Quality in Alaska, Chris developed his expertise in air quality management and regulatory compliance. His work at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) as a Tribal Utility Support Engineer III further honed his skills, where he provided engineering and technical support for water/wastewater utilities and energy systems, emphasizing the integration of renewable energy solutions in remote communities while supporting local operators through training and workforce development.

Chris's dedication to renewable energy and sustainable development is also evident in his entrepreneurial venture, Frontier Energy Advising, where he focused on HVAC systems and home energy advising, and at Sustainably Built LLC as a Building Energy Analyst/Lead HVAC Designer, where he consulted on residential energy use and green building.

Janessa Joseph

ENGINEER 1 /ENGINEER INTERN

Janessa is a graduate student at the University of Alaska Anchorage where she received her B.S in Civil Engineering in 2022. During her undergraduate career, she has gained professional experience by completing internships at the BP Explorations Alaska, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Yulista Tactical Services, and Boeing. As a student in the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, Janessa has developed a passion to use her education to make positive changes in communities throughout Alaska.