Holly Benz

Holly is Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability Program (MSES) at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Northwestern University. MSES is administered by the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (ISEN).

She teaches graduate level courses at Northwestern and is responsible for all aspects of the MSES program, including staff, budgets, faculty, courses, facilities, and initiatives. In addition, Holly manages MSES external relationships with adjunct faculty, corporate, policy, and non-profit partners and is responsible for practicum project development and other external links. She holds professional experience at CLEAResult, Schneider Electric, Direct Energy, British Gas New Energy, Bain & Company, and Accenture, and previously served on ISEN's Executive Council.

Education

• M.B.A. Finance & Entrepreneurship, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School
• M.A. International Studies, University of Pennsylvania, The Lauder Institute
• B.A. Economics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Areas of Focus

• Microgrids
• Sustainability reporting
• Circular economy
• Energy strategy and market innovation
• Professional education in sustainability
• Beneficial electrification and electric vehicles
• Low/moderate income energy efficiency

Work/Research

• Energy strategy for businesses and utilities
• Sustainability strategy including strategy development and sustainability reporting
• Utility program design and implementation for energy efficiency, demand response, strategic energy management and electric vehicle programs
• Utility innovation for climate change strategy, electric vehicle charging networks, low/moderate income programs and smart thermostats