PACENation Recognizes the 2025 PACE Champions and PACESetters
Recently, a remarkable group of seventeen leaders was celebrated for their commitment to strengthening the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) marketplace. This recognition underscores the significant impact these individuals have made for local communities and property owners.
At the annual PACENation Summit, a pivotal event in the PACE calendar, the association unveiled its list of the 2025 PACE Champions and PACESetter Award recipients. The awards were bestowed upon individuals and groups who demonstrated superior leadership in policy innovation, program design, and implementation, as well as those who promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion within the PACE marketplace.
The achievements of the awardees have played a crucial role in the rapid growth of the PACE industry. According to Mary Luévano, the Executive Director of PACENation, the PACE market has surged from $8 billion six years ago to an impressive $20 billion today. "Their efforts enable countless property owners to secure financing for enhancements that increase the efficiency and resilience of their buildings," Luévano emphasized.
Moreover, PACE financing has successfully driven over $36.6 billion toward local economic development, leading to an estimated reduction of 17 million metric tons in carbon emissions and contributing to the creation of approximately 269,000 local jobs.
Colin Kalvas, a Partner at the law firm Bricker Graydon, expressed gratitude upon receiving the PACE Champion Award. He remarked, "This award is a personal highlight for me, and I appreciate the recognition from PACENation and my peers. PACE financing has become a crucial tool for commercial property owners in a relatively short time, and I'm enthusiastic about continuing to support its expansion alongside PACENation and fellow industry leaders."
2025 PACE Champions
The 2025 PACE Champions are acknowledged for their consistent and extraordinary leadership over the years in enriching and reinforcing the PACE marketplace. The honorees are:
- Colin Kalvas, Bricker Graydon
- Rafi Golberstein, PACE Loan Group
2025 PACESetters
The PACESetter Awards highlight the exceptional efforts of individuals and teams advancing PACE as a vital public policy tool. The recipients listed below showcased remarkable dedication to improving communities:
PACESetter Award for Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- LaShanya Washington, City First Bank
- Tom Nida, City First Bank
PACESetter Award for Excellence in Program Design
- Eric Christensen, New Mexico C-PACE
PACESetter Award for Advocacy and Policy Innovation
- Steve Wiese, Keeping PACE in Texas & Frontier Energy
- Eric Cowan and Michael Turner, CO C-PACE
- Senator Lindsey Port, State of Minnesota
- Representative Ned Carroll, State of Minnesota
PACESetter Award for Innovative Deals of the Year
Under $5M
- The Alley North Office Development Project Team, Amalgamated Bank & Allectrify
- The Old Soldier Hedden Empire Building Project Team, Last Best PACE Program
- Republic Elite Multifamily Interiors Inc. Project Team, Steve Garwood and Texas PACE Authority
$5M - $50M
- The Stella Project Team, PACE Loan Group
$50M+
- AREA 15 Project Team, North Bridge
- Habitat LA Project Team, CounterpointeSRE
Women Leaders in PACE
- Kim Bebchuk, PACE Loan Group
About PACENation
PACENation is a nonprofit membership organization advocating for broader access to PACE financing. The organization offers resources and support to local governments, businesses, and nonprofits committed to helping American property owners improve the efficiency and resilience of their homes and businesses with PACE financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the PACE Champions and PACESetters awards?
The awards recognize individuals and teams who have made substantial contributions to advancing the PACE marketplace and its benefits for communities.
How does PACE financing benefit property owners?
PACE financing enables property owners to secure funding for improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase building resilience.
Who leads PACENation?
PACENation is led by Executive Director Mary Luévano, who emphasizes the importance of community and industry collaboration.
What achievements have resulted from PACE financing?
PACENation reports significant investments and job creation, along with substantial carbon emissions reductions, due to PACE financing initiatives.
Why is diversity and inclusion important in the PACE marketplace?
Promoting diversity and inclusion fosters wider community engagement and ensures that all stakeholders can benefit from PACE financing programs.
