ABOUT APPRISE STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS | ORGANIZATIONAL CHART PDF | BLOG | JOIN THE TEAM
At APPRISE, our strength lies in the dedication and expertise of our team.
Our Leadership Team guides the vision and strategic direction of APPRISE. With decades of experience in research and evaluation on energy programs and policies, APPRISE co-founders Jacqueline Berger, Ph.D. and David Carroll lead a team of researchers in tackling complex research projects.
The Program Evaluation Staff is the backbone of our research initiatives. Specializing in the assessment and analysis of energy programs, this team works to measure effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and provide actionable recommendations. Their work ensures that our clients can make informed decisions to maximize program benefits.
Our Survey Research Staff is dedicated to gathering data that is integral to our research projects. With a focus on accuracy and methodological rigor, this team conducts surveys that capture critical information to ensure that our research is grounded in reliable data.
Jacqueline Berger, Ph.D.
President
(609) 252-8009
jackie-berger@appriseinc.org
Jacqueline Berger has 25 years of experience designing and implementing research and evaluation projects. Her clients have included the Department of Energy and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as state offices, utility companies, and nonprofit organizations around the country.
Education
- Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University in 1996
- Bachelor of Science in Economics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1989
Areas of Expertise
Study design, data analysis, multivariate statistical techniques, program evaluation, and performance measurement.
Recent Project Experience
Jackie is currently directing New Jersey Natural Gas’ Home Performance with Energy Star and Moderate Income Weatherization Program evaluations, several low-income usage reduction program evaluations in Pennsylvania, and the PG&E PIPP Program evaluation. She recently directed research on Ameren’s low-income solar initiatives, the evaluation of the Illinois Solar for All Program, and the evaluation of BGE’s Prepaid Pilot Program.
David Carroll, M.P.A.
Managing Director
(609) 252-8010
david-carroll@appriseinc.org
David Carroll has more than 30 years of experience in energy research. Mr. Carroll serves as the project director for energy program evaluations, he works with the Federal LIHEAP Program Office on low-income energy research and policy issues, and he designs and implements survey research projects that deliver high quality and reliable information for decision makers.
Education
- Master of Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs at Princeton University in 1984
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Williams College in 1979
Areas of Expertise
Evaluation study design and implementation, performance measurement, policy analysis, and survey research.
Recent Project Experience
David is directing the Performance Management Technical Assistance project for the Federal LIHEAP Program office, overseeing research and policy studies for NYSERDA, and conducting program evaluation and survey research for state agencies, utilities, and nonprofit organizations. He recently has been engaged in evaluations in Oregon, Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
Jim Devlin
Contract Manager / Senior Research Associate
(609) 252-8013
jim-devlin@appriseinc.org
Jim Devlin has over 30 years of experience in sample development, survey management, data collection, data processing, and technical writing. Mr. Devlin’s clients include the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many large electric and natural gas utilities, and energy-related organizations and associations.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trenton State College in 1977
Areas of Expertise
Project budgeting and administration, task management, questionnaire and forms design, spreadsheet design and manipulation, technical writing, and staff training.
Recent Project Experience
Jim is currently providing technical assistance to the Federal LIHEAP Program Office. He recently provided research support for the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Programs’ Commercial & Industrial Evaluation Code Compliance Project and for the Supply-Side Market Actors Scoping Study, and for the National Weatherization Assistance Program Evaluation.
Nicole Costello
Business Manager
(609) 252-9008
nicole-costello@appriseinc.org
Nicole Costello has 20 years of business and office management experience.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Studies and Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1996
Areas of Expertise
Financial analysis, bookkeeping, and account management.
Recent Project Experience
Nicole is responsible for budgets, invoicing, financial reporting, and information technology at APPRISE.
Kerice Robinson
Human Resources Manager
(609) 252-8012
kerice-robinson@appriseinc.org
Kerice Robinson has experience in branding, recruiting, and employee relations.
Education
- Society of Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM – SCP) in 2025
- Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from George Washington University in 2018
Areas of Expertise
NJ labor law and compliance, workplace diversity and inclusion, and webpage development.
Recent Project Experience
Kerice is responsible for recruiting, onboarding new staff, managing employee benefits, and office events. She is also responsible for marketing and website management.
Daniel Bausch, M.P.P.
Senior Project Director
(609) 252-9050
daniel-bausch@appriseinc.org
Daniel Bausch has over 15 years of experience in economic analysis, social science research methods, and survey research. Mr. Bausch recently served as the President of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Chapter of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).
Education
- Certificate in Survey Methodology from the University of Maryland
- Master in Public Policy from Rutgers University in 2011
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rowan University in 2009
Areas of Expertise
Economic analysis, public policy research, survey research, and data analysis.
Recent Project Experience
Dan is currently overseeing technical and performance management assistance to grant recipients for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), leading data collection planning and implementation for several studies with the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, and assisting with an evaluation of the District of Columbia’s energy and water assistance programs. His recent experience includes designing and fielding a survey to collect income and demographic data from NY-Sun solar participants, managing research activities for the Essential Use of Electricity Study conducted for California’s large investor-owned electric utilities, and conducting an impact analysis for Philadelphia Gas Work’s Home Comfort Program.
Rachel Strow, Ph.D.
Project Director
(609) 252-2081
rachel-strow@appriseinc.org
Rachel Strow has experience in economic research focused on sustainability, geospatial analysis, econometrics, empirical data analysis, data visualization, and teaching microeconomics at the collegiate level.
Education
- Ph.D. in Economics from Rutgers University in 2024
- Master of Arts in Economics from Rutgers University in 2020
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics from Muhlenberg College in 2017
Areas of Expertise
Sustainability, economic analysis, and data analysis
Recent Project Experience
Rachel will be assisting with the California Percent of Income Payment Plan Pilot Program Evaluation, the New Jersey Natural Gas Home Performance with Energy Star and Moderate Income Weatherization Evaluations, and the National Fuel Gas Low-Income Usage Reduction Program Evaluation.
Andrew Eisenbarth
Senior Policy Analyst/Social Media Coordinator
andy-eisenbarth@appriseinc.org
Andrew Eisenbarth has experience in strategic communications and social media management.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Communication, Media & Technology from La Roche University in 2014.
Areas of Expertise
Communications and social media management.
Recent Project Experience
Andrew is working directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a social media coordinator for the Office of Community Services.
Catherine Chen, M.S.
Senior Policy Analyst
catherine-chen@appriseinc.org
Catherine Chen has over 10 years of experience in quasi-experimental and experimental research design, data analysis and management, qualitative research, and large-scale assessments.
Education
- Master’s in International Educational Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University in 2014
- Bachelor of Arts in Law and English from Nanjing Normal University in 2012
Areas of Expertise
Statistical analysis, experimental research and design, and coding.
Recent Project Experience
Catherine is conducting analysis and performing needs assessments for the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Community Services’ programs, including the Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG), the Community Economic Development Program (CED), the Rural Community Development Program (RCD), and the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP).
Shameir Skipworth-Hanson, M.S.
Senior Policy Analyst/Program Specialist
shameir-hanson@appriseinc.org
Shameir Skipworth-Hanson has experience in case management for programs assisting unhoused, formerly incarcerated, and other vulnerable populations at the local and state level.
Education
- Masters of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Kean University in 2023
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Kean University in 2017
Areas of Expertise
Community engagement, case management, and social work.
Recent Project Experience
Shameir is working directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a program liaison with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) state administrators.
Elena Kotanchyan, M.P.A.
Senior Policy Analyst
elena-kotanchyan@appriseinc.org
Elana Kotanchyan has experience with policy research and financial analysis.
Education
- Master of Public Administration in Public Policy from California State University, Long Beach in 2022
- Master of Arts in Economics from California State University, Long Beach in 2021
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration from Hartwick College in 2019
Areas of Expertise
Economic analysis, market research, and data analysis.
Recent Project Experience
Elena is working with the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Community Services to assess and document the impact of the Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) at the national, state, and local level.
Caroline Kacmarsky
Senior Policy Analyst/Program Specialist
caroline-kacmarsky@appriseinc.org
Caroline Kacmarsky has experience in community engagement and project management within the nonprofit and government sectors.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Tulane University in 2019
Areas of Expertise
Strategic communications.
Recent Project Experience
Caroline is working directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a program liaison with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) state administrators.
Pragya Chauhan, M.S.
Senior Policy Analyst
(609) 252-2082
pragya-chauhan@appriseinc.org
Pragya Chauhan has experience in energy policy research and data analysis.
Education
- Master’s in Energy Science, Technology and Policy from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018
- Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Manipal University Jaipur in 2016
Areas of Expertise
Energy policy research and data analysis.
Recent Project Experience
Pragya is currently analyzing the American Community Survey (ACS) data for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Low-Income Bills and Usage Study. In addition, she is providing technical assistance to LIHEAP state grantees as a part of the LIHEAP performance management project.
Read Pragya’s Blog Post: https://www.appriseinc.org/life-as-a-policy-analyst/
Megha Datta, M.P.A.
Senior Policy Analyst
(609) 252-8014
megha-datta@appriseinc.org
Megha Datta has experience in econometrics, coding, and survey analysis.
Education
- Master of Public Affairs from Brown University in 2023
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California San Diego in 2022
Areas of Expertise
Data analysis, coding, and data visualization.
Recent Project Experience
Megha is currently supporting program evaluations for Pacific Gas & Electric’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan and UGI’s Customer Assistance Program.
Lukas Lopez-Jensen, M.P.P.
Senior Policy Analyst
(609) 252-9033
lukas-lopezjensen@appriseinc.org
Lukas Lopez-Jensen has experience in economic research and data analysis.
Education
- Master of Public Policy from Stanford University in 2024
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University in 2023
Areas of Expertise
Economic research.
Recent Project Experience
Lukas is contributing to the Atlantic City Electric and New Jersey Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Program Evaluations.
Anisha Sahni, M.P.P.
Senior Policy Analyst
(609) 252-9051
Anisha-Sahni@appriseinc.org
Anisha Sahni has experience in economic research and statistical analysis.
Education
- Master of Public Policy in Social Policy from The George Washington University in 2023
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies from The George Washington University in 2022
Areas of Expertise
Public policy research.
Recent Project Experience
Anisha is assisting with the Federal Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) data warehouse and census analysis, contributing to the production of LIHEAP Reports to Congress, and conducting research for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on low-income energy usage and energy burden.
Kevin Schwartzbach, M.P.A.
Senior Policy Analyst
(609) 252-9031
kevin-schwartzbach@appriseinc.org
Kevin Schwartzbach has experience in policy and political research, data analysis, and professional writing and editing.
Education
- Master of Public Administration in Public Policy Analysis from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany in 2022
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McGill University in 2012
Areas of Expertise
Data analysis, policy research, and professional writing and editing.
Recent Project Experience
Kevin is currently providing technical assistance and data analysis for the LIHEAP performance management project. In addition, he provides support for the program evaluations for Atlantic City Electric, New Jersey Natural Gas, and the NYSERDA Low-Income Energy Bill and Usage Analysis.
Julia Wang, M.P.H.
Senior Policy Analyst
(609) 252-9053
julia-wang@appriseinc.org
Julia Wang has experience in benefit-cost analysis and data analysis.
Education
- Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Services from Yale University’s School of Public Health in 2023
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Geography from the University of California Berkely in 2021
Areas of Expertise
Data analysis.
Recent Project Experience
Julia contributes to APPRISE research for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on low-carbon technology implementation in multifamily buildings and the health benefits of energy efficiency upgrades.
Naina Bhargava
Policy Analyst
(609) 285-5820
Naina-bhargava@appriseinc.org
Naina Bhargava has experience in climate and energy policy research.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Quantitative Economics & Government with an environmental concentration from Smith College in 2023
Areas of Expertise
Economic research.
Recent Project Experience
Naina is currently assisting with the UGI Customer Assistance Program and FirstEnergy Low Income Usage Reduction Program evaluations.
Read Naina’s Blog Post: https://www.appriseinc.org/analystjourney-blog/
Jason Casado
Policy Analyst
(609) 252-9052
jason-casado@appriseinc.org
Jason Casado has experience in economic research and data analysis.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Hamilton College in 2024.
Areas of Expertise
Economic research and data analytics.
Recent Project Experience
Jason is providing technical assistance for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Luke Gooding
Policy Analyst
(609) 454-3777
luke-gooding@appriseinc.org
Luke Gooding has experience in economic research and data analysis.
Education
- Bachelor of of Arts in in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2024
Areas of Expertise
Economic research and analysis.
Recent Project Experience
Luke is providing technical assistance for the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Adam Hollanek, M.S.
Policy Analyst
(609) 252-0035
adam-hollanek@appriseinc.org
Adam Hollanek has experience in economic research and statistical analysis.
Education
- Master of Economics from the University of Amsterdam in 2023
- Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business from the University of Amsterdam in 2022
Areas of Expertise
Economic research.
Recent Project Experience
Adam is contributing to the program evaluation for Pacific Gas & Electric’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan Pilot Program. Additionally, he is providing technical assistance for the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Jeb Jacob
Policy Analyst
(609) 252-0005
Jeb-Jacob@appriseinc.org
Jeb Jacob has experience in statistical analysis.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023
Areas of Expertise
Economic research.
Recent Project Experience
Jeb is contributing to the PECO Low-Income Usage Reduction Program Evaluation and providing technical assistance for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Marla Khishigsuren
Policy Analyst
(609) 252-2081
Marla-Khishigsuren@appriseinc.org
Marla Khishigsuren has experience in behavioral economic research.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Williams College in 2023
Areas of Expertise
Economic research.
Recent Project Experience
Marla is contributing to the FirstEnergy Low-Income Usage Reduction Program evaluation, and providing technical assistance for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Yarden Mach
Policy Analyst
(609) 212-2875
yarden-mach@appriseinc.org
Yarden Mach has experience in sustainability.
Education
- Master of Public Policy from The College of New Jersey in 2024.
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science form The College of New Jersey in 2023.
Areas of Expertise
Research and sustainability.
Recent Project Experience
Yarden is contributing to the Philadelphia Gas Works Customer Responsibility Program Evaluation.
Nicolas Mititelu
Policy Analyst
nicolas-mititelu@appriseinc.org
Nicolas Mititelu has experience in economic research and data analysis.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in International Political Economy from Georgetown University in 2021
Areas of Expertise
Economic research and data analysis.
Recent Project Experience
Nicolas is currently providing technical assistance for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). He recently provided support for the NYSERDA State Multifamily Baseline Study and the NYSERDA Product Development Study.
Read Nicolas’ Blog Post: https://www.appriseinc.org/nicolas-liheap-new-hampshire/
Anne Worth
Senior Programmer
anne-worth@appriseinc.org
Anne Worth has developed database applications for over 10 years. These applications include data entry screens that are used for evaluation data entry and data cleaning.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1985
Areas of Expertise
Microsoft Access.
Recent Project Experience
Anne develops database applications and online customer surveys. She recently developed applications in support of the NYSERDA 2016 R&D Demonstration Survey, Peoples Natural Gas Evaluation, the FirstEnergy Universal Service Program Evaluation, and the Massachusetts Code Compliance Study.
Kathy Davis
Senior Research Associate
(609) 252-8008
kathy-davis@appriseinc.org
Kathy Davis has over nine years experience in small office management and marketing.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Apparel Marketing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2001
Areas of Expertise
Project management, consumer marketing and staff development and training.
Recent Project Experience
Kathy is currently assisting with the LIHEAP Web-Based Data Collection Tool. She previously participated in survey research activities for the Connecticut Commercial and Industrial Market Study, the National Weatherization Assistance Program Evaluation, the New Jersey Comfort Partners Program Evaluation and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Gianluca Bruzzese
Research Assistant
(609) 252-9009
Gianluca-Bruzzese@appriseinc.org
Gianluca Bruzzese has experience in customer service and policy research.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from John Cabot University in 2021
Recent Project Experience
Gianluca is currently assisting with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Heat Pump Pilot research.
Marisa Immordino
Research Assistant
(609) 454-5094
marisa-immordino@appriseinc.org
Marisa Immordino has experience in ecology, watershed research, and environmental education.
Education
- Master of Science in Natural Resources at the University of Vermont in 2024
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at Gettysburg College in 2020
Recent Project Experience
Marisa is currently assisting with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) EmPOWER survey, the New Jersey Commercial Baseline Study, and the LIHEAP Support Project.
Teneesha Jenkins
Research Assistant
(609) 252-8011
Teneesha-Jenkins@appriseinc.org
Teneesha Jenkins has experience in data collection and data visualization.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics and Information Technology from Rutgers University in 2023
Recent Project Experience
Teneesha is currently assisting with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) surveys on industrial facilities energy usage, heat pumps, and residential audits.
Mark Scott
Research Assistant
(609) 252-9054
Mark-Scott@appriseinc.org
Mark Scott has experience in data collection.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Montclair State University in 2024.
Recent Project Experience
Mark is currently assisting with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) EmPOWER survey, the New Jersey Commercial Baseline Study, and the LIHEAP Support Project.
Leadership Team
Program Evaluation Staff
Survey Evaluation Staff