Our People
BEN CICHOWSKI
Ben is the Founder and Executive Director of Frontier Charging. He has spent the majority of his career in the non-profit sector helping to better our local communities. As the Director of the Montana Weatherization Training Center at Montana State University, Ben successfully obtained and managed federal, state, and private grants to work with local contractors and state agencies assessing and correcting energy deficiencies in low-income housing. He’s seen first-hand the struggles our rural communities face and is committed to helping in unique ways that move these places toward the future, while retaining the characteristics that make them so special. His innovative approaches to complex issues have won him numerous awards over the years and Ben is using his skills and experience to propel Frontier Charging to success in this burgeoning EV market. He holds degrees in zoology, environmental conservation, and engineering, as well as numerous teaching certifications in EH&S and building science.
REBECCA (BECKY) EDWARDS
For over twenty years, Becky has created and executed communications and legislative campaigns to protect our shared public lands and climate. She is currently the executive director of the Mountain Mamas, a national conservation organization with a mission of protecting our public lands, clean air, and climate for the next generation. Becky successfully led the Land and Water Conservation Fund campaign in Montana, which resulted in passage of the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (2019) as well as the Great American Outdoors Act (2020). Passage of these two vital pieces of legislation ensures that full, dedicated funding is permanently available to underserved communities across Montana, especially our rural and tribal communities. Additionally, Becky has launched the “Mamas Rural” program of the Mountain Mamas, working to ensure “mama” leaders in communities across Montana have the tools and support to lead and develop solutions to local climate and conservation issues - and make certain that every Montana kiddo has access to a local park.
JERROD BLEY
Jerrod has served as the Clean Energy Program Director for the Adirondack North Country Association since 2019 where he works to create a local and vibrant clean energy economy that works for all by centering equity and justice as we transition to a clean energy future. In June 2020, Jerrod was named to New York State’s Climate Justice Working Group, which will help guide the implementation of New York’s ambitious new Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). In the years prior he worked for Montana State University as the renewable energy education coordinator and EH&S educator at the MSU Weatherization Training Center. He began his career in ground-based petroleum refuel systems as a member of a Marine Corps Engineering unit. Jerrod received a BS in Environmental Studies with minors in Energy Science and Business from the University of Nebraska, and a PM in Science & Engineering Management from Montana State University. Jerrod also holds several solar industry certifications. He has worked on energy conservation and efficiency initiatives with hands-on experience installing units for grid-tied PV, off-grid solar, and small wind projects. He is an AEE Certified Energy Manager.