Board of Advisors
Guiding Earth Right Consulting Towards a Sustainable Future
From A Wealth of Experience
At Earth Right Consulting, our mission is to lead the way in transforming the renewable energy landscape. Central to this mission is our esteemed Board of Advisors, a diverse group of industry leaders whose collective expertise drives our strategic vision and growth.
Comprised of professionals with extensive backgrounds in renewable energy, finance, policy, and technology, our Board of Advisors plays a pivotal role in guiding our company through the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving industry. Their insights and experience ensure that Earth Right Consulting remains at the forefront of innovation, helping contractors across the country build sustainable and successful businesses.
Meet Our Advisors
Cynthia Finley
Vice President of IREC’s Workforce Program
Cynthia is the Vice President of IREC’s Workforce Program, where she spearheads strategic initiatives aimed at expanding workforce development in the clean energy sector. Prior to joining IREC, Cynthia was the Director of Workforce Development Programs and Partnerships at the Virginia Community College System. She brings a wealth of experience in higher education, workforce development, adult education, fiscal management, programs for justice-impacted individuals, and research on building social capital for underserved communities. Cynthia is dedicated to creating sustainable and equitable career opportunities and pathways for underrepresented populations in the clean energy workforce.
Cynthia holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Old Dominion University, a Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Tech. She resides near Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Dr. Janell Hills-Thomas
IREC Senior Director, Equitable Workforce Strategies
Dr. Janell Hills-Thomas serves as IREC’s Senior Director of Equitable Workforce Strategies. With 15 years of experience in higher education and 12 years in grant administration—including development, implementation, and management—she has a strong background in fostering educational opportunities. Dr. Hills-Thomas has created work-based learning and apprenticeship programs for innovative fields such as pharmacy technician and information technology. Additionally, she has enhanced the plumber’s apprenticeship program by incorporating digital plumbing layout design equipment into the curriculum.
An enthusiastic leader, Dr. Hills-Thomas is passionate about education and workforce equity, and she takes great pleasure in developing programs for underrepresented populations.
A fun fact about Dr. Hills-Thomas is that while she loves being outdoors, she has a strong aversion to bugs and is terrified of spiders.
Todd Stansbery
Independent School Educator and Administrator
With over 34 years of experience in independent schools, he has taught Science to kindergarten through fifth grade, served as a student activities coordinator, and held the position of Associate Director of Lower School at St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia. He then became the Head of Lower School at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida, and later served as Head of School at The Swain School, a PS through eighth-grade institution, for nine years. From 2015 to 2021, he was the Head of School at Tuxedo Park School in Tuxedo Park, New York. In 2021, He joined the JK-12 school community at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia, as the Head of the Lower School.
David Peterson
Executive Director at SHINE | Innovator | Uniter | Cultural Carpenter
As the Executive Director of SHINE, He led a nonprofit public-private partnership dedicated to creating innovative solar career pathways in Virginia. With over 10 years of experience in steering and expanding successful businesses and organizations across various sectors, he brings a distinctive blend of skills and insights to this role.
His expertise spans social networking, new business development, strategy consulting, environmental sustainability, educational opportunity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. He utilizes these strengths to develop and execute multi-channel revenue models that enhance profit growth and generate social impact. Additionally, he cultivates high-performing teams that align with my vision and values, combining solid business principles with creativity and collaboration.
Dr. Robert Jason Ferguson
Associate VP CVCC
Dr. R. Jason Ferguson is the Associate Vice President of Professional and Career Studies and Workforce Solutions at Central Virginia Community College. In this role, he oversees programs in Business, Culinary Arts, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Skilled Trades, Public Safety, IT/Cyber Security, and Early Childhood Development. His division also provides consulting services, customized training, and corporate training to regional businesses through Workforce Solutions. Jason is known for his collaborative and innovative approach to problem-solving.
Dr. Ferguson holds an Associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic, a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Public Administration, a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Lynchburg. He actively participates in various local, state, and national committees. His professional interests include transformational and servant leadership, motivation, and addressing workforce challenges.
Join Us On
Our Journey
We invite you to learn more about our mission and explore how we can work together to build a brighter, cleaner future. Whether you’re a contractor looking to navigate the complexities of the industry or a partner interested in collaborating on innovative projects, we’re here to help you succeed.
Contact Us Today
Discover how Earth Right Consulting can support your journey in the renewable energy sector. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
