Government Affairs - Legislative
MANNING FERACI - VICE PRESIDENT OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Manning Feraci is the Vice President, Legislative Affairs for SEIA. Feraci is the head of SEIA's federal legislative advocacy efforts and is responsible for implementing the organization's federal legislative priorities. He uses his experience to advise SEIA members on matters pending before both Congress and federal agencies and actively participates in the formulation of the industry's public policy positions.
Prior to joining SEIA, Feraci served as Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the trade association for the U.S. biodiesel industry. In this capacity, he served as the head of NBB's Washington, D.C. office and led the industry's advocacy efforts on priority tax and energy issues pending before both the Legislative and Executive Branches.
Feraci served on the staff of U.S. Representative Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) from January, 1997 through May, 2007. As Chief of Staff and previously as Legislative Director, he was the senior staffer in the Congressman's Washington, DC office and was responsible for the operation's legislative, communications and political initiatives. He was the primary policy staffer on issues pertaining to Congressman Hulshof's assignment on the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means including tax, trade, health care and Social Security. He also served on the staff of U.S. Representative Mel Hancock (R-MO).
Manning Feraci graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science from Georgia State University in 1992. He is married to Holly Feraci and resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
SCOTT HENNESSEY - DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS & GENERAL COUNSEL
Scott Hennessey works on SEIA's tax policies and shares General Counsel responsibilities for the association. Additionally, he is staff liaison to the Solar Services and Consumers Division of SEIA's membership. Scott joined SEIA in December of 2006. Previously, he was the Special Assistant to the Chairman of The Brattle Group, an economic and environmental consulting firm. He received his JD from Boston College Law School and a BA in Politics from Oberlin College.
Scott enjoys cycling, trying to learn to cook, playing guitar, and watching the New England Patriots.
VICTORIA ADAMS - DIRECTOR OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Victoria Adams is the Director of Political Affairs. In this capacity, she manages all of the daily aspects of SEIA's Political Action Committee (PAC). Victoria is responsible for developing the political strategy and outreach in alignment with SEIA's strategic plan. She is also responsible for planning and executing national fundraising activities and working with SEIA members and allied interests to plan political events in support of candidates and incumbents who show a commitment to understanding the solar energy industry.
Prior to joining SEIA, Victoria spent 5 years as the Director of Political Affairs at the International Franchise Association, where she gained recognition for her leadership of the IFA's Political Action Committee, FranPAC. In this capacity, Victoria helped raise more than $750,000 during the 2009-2010 election cycle and was responsible for managing all of the daily aspects of the PAC's operations, as well as federal policy responsibilities. Prior to joining IFA, Victoria was the Manager of Political Affairs at the National Restaurant Association and also served in the Washington, D.C. government relations office of the McDonald's Corporation. Victoria began her political career with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association as Coordinator for the NCBA's Political Action Committee. Victoria holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science and Small Business from the University of Vermont.
MICHAEL RADER - DIGITAL ADVOCACY SPECIALIST
Michael works on photovoltaic technology issues and policy supporting customer-sited (or "distributed") solar energy systems. In particular, he supports SEIA's work on net metering, interconnection standards, renewable energy standards, consumer financing for solar, and other incentives and market barriers. Prior to joining SEIA, Michael worked as a reporter for WMUK Public Radio in Kalamazoo, Michigan covering local politics and events. He also worked for the Union of Concerned Scientists' clean energy program. Michael has a BA in political science and economics from Western Michigan University and master's degree in public policy from American University with a concentration in energy & environmental policy. In his limited spare time, Michael enjoys working on his blog, playing music, rock climbing and playing games of any kind.
JOEL MEISTER - POLICY SPECIALIST
Joel supports SEIA's work on tax policy, including issues related to innovative project finance structures and incentives to expand domestic renewable energy manufacturing capacity.
Prior to joining SEIA, Joel worked as Outreach and Policy Assistant at the Center for Global Development focusing on clean energy finance in the developing world. He previously worked in communications on behalf of a 2008 presidential candidate. He gained additional Washington experience through roles at a federal leadership PAC and in the Capitol Hill office of a member of Congress.
Joel holds a BA in international affairs from the George Washington University. When he isn't busy with evening law school classes, Joel tries to stay active in Virginia politics, attend the occasional concert, and sharpen his Guitar Hero skills.
LINDSAY EHRHART - LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT
Lindsay joined SEIA in November of 2010. Lindsay works on a variety of issues for Government Affairs, including support work for grassroots, the PAC, and tax policy. Prior to joining SEIA, Lindsay worked as a grassroots organizer with U.S. PIRG. She earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies from Denison University and is working towards an M.P.P degree at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Lindsay currently lives in the DC area and grew up in the area. She enjoys supporting her DC sports teams and taking advantage of all the city has to offer!
