Sarah Fitzgerald – Chief Executive
Sarah Fitzgerald is an experienced renewable energy sector leader committed to supporting youth and industry in the transition of the global energy market to a zero carbon economy. She views education as an essential role in this journey to develop future generations of innovators in sustainability.
Sarah is also Principal of Nikau Energy, a communications and events company committed to the cleantech sector providing knowledge sharing platforms to help facilitate the adoption of clean and renewable energy solutions.
Prior to joining EVolocity Sarah spent eight years living in the Middle East where she held roles with a number of prominent renewable energy organisations including General Manager of the Clean Energy Business Council and founder of the MENA region’s Women in Clean Energy (WICE) Program.
Before moving to Dubai with her husband and daughter, Sarah was Head of the CEO’s Office at Westpac New Zealand and was actively involved in the local non profit sector. Contact Sarah sarah@evolocity.co.nz
Susan Grobler – Regional Coordinator Auckland, Taranaki & Canterbury
Susan has a passion for seeing people reach their full potential. She believes that it is important to be a lifelong learner and ever growing in life and character. Her experience as a professional photographer for over 20 years, has honed her strengths in perspective, strategic planning, goal setting, communication and teaching skills by hosting in front of audiences small and large. She has extensive experience in administration and business development, marketing management, as well as teaching private photography courses and running safety programs for high schools.
Susan’s love of travel and outdoor pursuits has taken her to over 40 countries, and together with her husband and two young children, would love to keep adding to that number on more adventures. Contact susan@evolocity.co.nz
Shannon Wildman – Regional Coordinator Waikato, BoP, Wellington/Manawatu, Nelson
After personal involvement with EVolocity over the last few years, Shannon is super excited to be part of the EVolocity team – contributing to what is already an awesome organisation, and bringing along a little extra girl power.
With a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Sociology, and experience running her Photography business, Shannon is a creative who loves expanding her knowledge and learning bits and bobs of everything. Outside of work, you’ll find her listening to music, building LEGO, and cleaning! Contact shannon@evolocity.co.nz
Sam Knox – Technology Specialist
Research and development in the field of mechatronic engineering has been Sam’s focus thus far. He has been involved with modern technologies such as drones and computers, having spent much of his time building them. As well as studying as a mechanical engineer, his experience includes electronics and music. He is currently the music producer for a pop/EDM band.
Sam is passionate about building a sustainable future and supporting technologies that operate on renewable materials and energy sources. He takes fulfilment from passing on knowledge and assisting others in the development of theirs. Sam has spent several years living in Papua New Guinea, which has given him a wider appreciation and broad understanding of other cultures. Sam’s inspiration comes from the creative process of developing new and exciting technologies and making a positive difference for our future.
Sam will be providing online in-classroom Zoom sessions for teams that need technical advice with their vehicle build. He is an Arduino programming and CAD design expert and as a Mechanical Engineer will provide teams with practical one-on-one learning support. Contact Sam sam@evolocity.co.nz
Jo Morgan – Head of Partnerships
Jo has worked in the NFP sector for 20 years as a fundraising professional and manager of various charities in health, youth, community law & animal welfare. “My journey in the charitable sector started in the Bequests area with the then named Foundation of the Blind.
I will always be grateful for the path my career took into the world of philanthropy and service. I have been touched so often by the generosity and compassion shown towards the vulnerable in our society, by individuals and entities that have showed great moral and financial support. These benefactors choose to care about inspiring positive change and empowering others who dare to dream.”
Jo’s work with EVolocity facilitates supporters to help open doors and career pathways for rangitahi who have a willingness to learn and whose imagination and talents are endless. Jo is based in the sunny Bay of Plenty region. Her pastimes include caring for her many pets, music-singing/song-writing and volunteering/supporting local animal rescues. Contact Jo jo.morgan@evolocity.co.nz
Claudia Reynolds – Marketing
Claudia is passionate about the value of STEM in schools and getting kids inspired through hands-on learning. She loves being involved with anything creative, and is looking forward to her new role as Marketing Manager at EVolocity.
Claudia will be keeping our community up to date online, helping us reach new audiences, and assisting to make our events run smoothly.
Outside of work, you’ll find her at the beach, chasing around two little people or in the kitchen attempting to whip up something sweet. Contact claudia@evolocity.co.nz
Thomas Galbraith – Technical Lead South Island
Thomas is an Electrical Engineer with experience working with electric vehicles and recently in-space electronics and aerospace propulsion systems. Whilst studying Bachelor and Master degrees in Electrical Engineering at the University of Canterbury, he was actively involved with Formula SAE for a number of years, eventually taking on the position of Chief Engineer and Team Lead for the electric vehicle team. He has also served as an official Technical Inspector (scrutineer) at the Australasian Formula SAE competition. Thomas’ interests include electric powertrain design, EV safety systems, lithium battery design, DC motor control, embedded systems, PCB design and project management. When not doing engineering, you will probably find Thomas out on a mountain bike or surfboard! Contact thomas@evolocity.co.nz
Keith Anderson – Technical Lead North Island
Keith is a product development engineer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare where he works on embedded software for medical devices. While studying Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Auckland Keith was Team Leader of the Formula SAE team. In his final year of study, Keith was published in the Australasian Computing Education Conference for his work on a tool to help students learn to problem-solve when writing code. Outside of work, Keith is an avid Formula 1 fan, and a self-proclaimed coffee snob. Contact keith@evolocity.co.nz