Our name (‘Op-teh-ruh’) blends two root words: Optic (a lens providing insight) and terra (a focus on the earth). It is also inspired by the Monarch Butterfly, a member of the Lepidoptera family, a species that makes an annual 3000-mile migration and one that is highly susceptible to climate change.
As with any good software story, Optera’s begins with a giant trove of data. The company’s founders were key contributors to ground-breaking publications Winning the Oil Endgame, Reinventing Fire and The 3% Solution – publications that informed the foundations of corporate climate action.
These studies culminated in a report called The Climate Has Changed – a report commissioned to launch the influential We Mean Business Coalition. To research corporate climate action for this report, Optera’s founders were given access to the complete history of data reported to the global corporate environmental impact disclosure system, CDP. The analysis of this large and unexplored dataset showed that the decisions of risk managers, investors and executives was starting to change, sending a powerful signal that a course correction is underway and where it should go. There was another key takeaway: that a software platform would be needed to make the key insights actionable by decision-makers inside companies.
The Optera Platform began as a skunk-works project called Flagstaff RPO (Resource Portfolio Optimization), or Flagstaff for short. At the time, the project was housed inside the sustainability innovation firm POINT380, which has since become Optera. From the beginning, Optera leveraged insights from its work on many corporate emissions inventories to develop a robust backend database. This “database of record” now supports the sustainability programs of a growing number of Fortune 500 companies and their suppliers.
With the foundation of the database complete, Optera turned to developing new analytical tools to enable platform users to go beyond generating summary data for annual reports. These tools help users to benchmark performance, to prioritize investments, to improve data quality, and to access granular operational data at the facility-level.
One analytic in particular intrigued Hewlett-Packard Enterprises (HPE). The Climate Point Ratio is a proprietary analytic that allows the reported emissions of any group of companies to be compared to each other and to science-based target pathways. HPE saw the potential to use this analytic in supply-chain management. Optera, in partnership with HPE, developed the analytic into a methodology to set science-based emissions goals for a supply chains. HPE and Optera subsequently used this methodology to set the world’s first supply chain science-based target.
Building on this work, Optera collaborated with HPE, Dell and other leaders in the tech industry to develop a supply chain management toolset within the Optera Platform. This toolset permits shared access to a common set of data and analytics that enables companies and their suppliers to collaborate on the transition to a climate-neutral supply chain.
Today, Optera’s wings are still unfolding. We continue to leverage insights from 20 years of developing innovative solutions with NGOs, industry leaders and all the companies we support. At present, we are working to expand our climate solutions to all industry sectors. Our team believes that scaling solutions to corporate climate action is the most important work most of us will do in our lives. We invite you to join us on the journey.
Major corporations are the largest emitters of carbon emissions. Our team designs and delivers the sustainability management solutions that enable companies to reduce the climate impacts of their operations, supply chains and products.
The Optera team is top-notch, creative and extremely tactical. They have been invaluable to me.
Optera is a cutting-edge sustainability information platform that has diverse features essential to accelerating environmental action, from setting, tracking, and achieving energy and sustainability goals, to developing project budgets and investment plans.
Optera’s tools and team are one of the best investments we’ve made. Their ability to help us develop and amplify our sustainability program has been invaluable.
Our knowledgeable and innovative team dedicates their skills, talents, and time to deliver tangible sustainability solutions to our clients.
Aaron Eischeid
Senior Software Engineer
Role:
Aaron supports the frontend development of Optera’s products.
Background:Aaron has been fixing (and breaking) web pages since the days of HTML 3.2. Prior to Optera, he worked at GlobalVetLink making applications for veterinarians related to animal movement.
Alekhya Reddy
Director of Product
Role:
Alekhya leads the development of Optera's product strategy and roadmap.
Background:Alekhya draws on experience in data SaaS product management & renewable energy financial structuring to develop Optera’s product strategy. She was previously Chief Product Officer of Carta Healthcare.
Alexa Ghiz
Consultant
Role:
Alexa supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Alexa studied environmental engineering and sustainability followed by working for AECOM. She worked on city water and wastewater treatment design projects in addition to public health initiatives.
Ali Rangwala
Junior Software Engineer
Role:
Ali supports both the front and backend development of Optera's products.
Background:Ali is experienced automating ETL workflows and maintaining franchise sales and customer data. Prior to Optera he worked at Buxton.
Andrew Cummings
Sustainability Project Director
Role:
Andrew leads delivery of integrated software and consulting services.
Background:Andrew has experience developing supplier engagement programs, scope 3 accounting, and advising on SBTs and climate risk. Prior to joining, he was Associate Director of Supply Chains at CDP.
Andrew Schlaepfer
Engineering Manager
Role:
Andrew leads and supports Optera's engineering team.
Background:Andrew is an experienced project leader, open-source contributor and scrum master. Prior to Optera, Andrew supported front-end software development at Bloomberg L.P.
Blake Mackey
Consultant
Role:
Blake leads delivery of integrated software and consulting services.
Background:Blake has extensive experience leading complex projects and supporting public sustainability disclosures. Prior to Optera, Blake worked at Deloitte.
Britt Daiss
Sustainability Project Director
Role:
Britt leads delivery of integrated software and consulting services.
Background:Britt spent the last 2 decades working for Xanterra Travel Collection developing and implementing multiple robust ISO14001 certified EMS programs focused on reducing impacts to our National Parks.
Caley Dorsey
Senior Product Designer
Role:
Caley shapes the user experience and interface of Optera’s platform.
Background:Caley has a background in creating user experiences, user interfaces, and design operations across industries. Prior to Optera, Caley worked for Campspot as the Lead Product Designer.
Christopher Arwady
Account Executive
Role:
Christopher builds new client relationships and enhances client onboarding.
Background:Christopher completed a master’s degree in environmental policy. He previously managed a fuel-tech startup and worked in enterprise sales for Fusion Risk Management.
Chris Wilson
Junior Software Engineer
Role:
Chris supports the frontend development of Optera’s products.
Background:Chris previously worked for a digital marketing agency facilitating the engineering needs of several financial institutions. Prior to that, he served in the Army and worked as an electrician.
Christina Bratton
People Operations Manager
Role:
Christina works to empower and enable the success of all Optera team members.
Background:Christina has worn many hats in the realm of HR, supporting the needs of organizations' most valuable asset: their people. Prior to joining Optera, she led the HR team at Richardson Sales Performance.
Cody Booher
Senior Software Engineer
Role:
Cody supports the frontend development of Optera’s products.
Background:Cody previously worked at Ancestry doing full-stack development. He loves making DIY electronics (mostly mechanical keyboards) and reading books.
Dave Zelinka
Climate Data Specialist
Role:
Dave supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Dave has spent over a decade in academia specializing in sustainability engineering, systems science, and global development. Prior to Optera, Dave consulted for the United States Institute of Peace.
Emily Eck
Product Manager
Role:
Emily supports the maintenance and development of Optera’s product.
Background:Emily has a background in environmental economics and building enterprise SaaS products. Prior to Optera, Emily designed and built products with Understory.
Hayden Siekman
Consultant
Role:
Hayden supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Hayden has a background in sustainability, consulting in analytics working with companies such as Red Bull, Trek Bikes and more. He has his MBA and Environmental Policy Masters from CU Boulder.
Ilya Sukhanov
Principal Software Engineer
Role:
Ilya oversees Optera's engineering team.
Background:Ilya is a skilled and experienced technical lead engineer with more than a decade of experience in the computer software industry. Prior to Optera, Ilya worked at Simple Energy and Uplight.
Jason Denner
Co-Founder, CIO
Role:
Jason guides Optera’s ongoing innovation as Chief Innovation Officer.
Background:Jason has contributed to influential corporate sustainability publications such as Reinventing Fire, The 3% Solution, and Green. Prior to Optera, Jason worked at the sustainability think tank RMI.
Jess Wang
Consultant
Role:
Jess supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Jess specializes in carbon accounting and sustainability management. She has a master degree in climate science from Columbia University. Prior to Optera, Jess worked for Boundless Impact.
Katie Oakes
Director of Marketing
Role:
Katie oversees Optera’s brand, positioning, and marketing strategy.
Background:Katie’s background in B2B technology and product marketing has shaped her focus on crafting clear, authentic stories that scale. Prior to Optera, she worked at Spotify.
Kelvin Davis
Software Engineer
Role:
Kelvin supports both the front and backend development of Optera's products.
Background:Kelvin supported multiple overseas missions as a Unit Deployment Manager in the US Air Force. Prior to Optera, Kelvin optimized and automated everyday solutions using Python.
Kimberly Kosmenko
Sustainability Project Director
Role:
Kimberly leads delivery of integrated software and consulting services.
Background:Kimberly enables businesses worldwide to achieve ESG and climate leadership, with 18+ years as a sustainability advisor to influential global enterprises and NGOs.
Lynn Socha
Consultant
Role:
Lynn supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Lynn has experience developing GHG inventories, climate action plans, sustainability strategies and analyses for local to global government and corporate clients. Before Optera, Lynn worked at ICF.
Matthew Goodwin
Engineering Manager
Role:
Matthew leads and supports Optera's engineering team.
Background:Matthew has led projects in the fields of ecommerce and urban analytics. Prior to his software career he pursued his Masters of Urban Planning focusing on using data to tell the story of city life.
Melanie Gower
Director of Design
Role:
Melanie oversees the user experience and interface of Optera’s platform.
Background:Melanie has led design for several SaaS platforms to power rapid growth for businesses across industries and across the globe.
Melanie MacDonald
Software Engineer
Role:
Melanie supports the frontend development of Optera’s products.
Background:Melanie has contributed to web applications, teaching code fundamentals, and learning to develop SAAS products from scratch. Prior to Optera, Melanie worked for Terrayn.
Michael Hendrix
Learning & Development Manager
Role:
Michael supports learning, training, and education initiatives.
Background:Michael has built and scaled employee and customer education for onboarding, software, and technical trainings. Previously, he launched and managed the online academy program at Chainalysis.
Michael Tarbert
Senior Consultant
Role:
Michael supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Michael has spent the last decade consulting agencies and organizations to develop responses to environmental contamination in earth, land and water. Prior to Optera, Michael worked as a Civil Engineer.
Miranda Davis
Consultant
Role:
Miranda supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Miranda has bachelor degrees in accounting and supply chain, and a masters degree in accounting from NC State University. Prior to Optera, Miranda had experience as financial statement auditor at KPMG.
Mitch Voss
VP of Services
Role:
Mitch oversees Optera’s client services.
Background:Mitch has helped drive ESG strategy and performance by bringing companies ‘out of excel’ and into software solutions to manage risks and optimize results. Prior to Optera, Mitch worked for KPMG.
Nancy Schoemann
VP of Operations
Role:
Nancy oversees human resources and manages business operations.
Background:Nancy has worked across sectors to help purpose driven organizations scale and increase their impact. Prior to Optera, Nancy worked with Natural Habitats and the Obama administration.
Pietro Giacomin
Junior Software Engineer
Role:
Pietro supports the backend development of Optera’s products.
Background:Pietro has a background in software engineering and consulting. He has experience with SaaS, creating web apps and data analytics involving AI/ML among other skills from a range of experiences.
Samuel Nilsson
QA Manager
Role:
Samuel supports the development and improvement of Optera’s product.
Background:Samuel is a geophysicist who draws from experience in science and over 10 years of software QA and support to bring powerful process and testing philosophies to Optera.
Sara Brannman
Consultant
Role:
Sara supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Sara is a sustainability professional offering expertise in global net zero initiatives. Before Optera, she monitored and analyzed corporate climate action data at the We Mean Business Coalition.
Sean McColgan
Senior Software Engineer
Role:
Sean supports the backend development of Optera’s products.
Background:Sean has been developing and delivering software solutions for over 10 years in many different industries. Sean previously worked at Simple Energy and Uplight.
Siddarth Sharma
Senior Consultant
Role:
Siddarth supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Prior to Optera, Siddarth worked for CenturyLink where he developed a data analytics solution to find gaps, improvement opportunities and boost business performance.
Manjula Rimmalapudi
Senior Software Engineer
Role:
Manjula builds out and supports Optera's APIs and infrastructure.
Background:Manjula’s software experience ranges from design, development and maintenance to web-based applications. Prior to Optera, Manjula worked at TrackBack.
Tara Hanna
Executive Assistant
Role:
Tara supports Optera’s executive team.
Background:Tara draws on her experience in administrative support and operations to deliver results for dynamic business environments. Prior to Optera, she worked in operations at a technology company.
Thomas Cazares
Consultant
Role:
Thomas supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Thomas has experience with sustainability operations and team management. Prior to Optera he worked as an ESG Analyst, while earning degrees in Sustainability and Urban Planning.
Tim Weiss
Co-Founder, CEO
Role:
Tim is responsible for Optera’s long-term strategy and vision.
Background:Tim has spearheaded thought-leading work with the World Economic Forum and Fortune 500 companies across many industries. Prior to Optera, Tim worked for AES Distributed Energy and Uncharted.
Travis Roberts
Software Engineer
Role:
Travis supports the backend development of Optera's products.
Background:Travis has experience with developing scalable software systems and web applications, database design, and workflow automation. Prior to Optera, Travis worked for Datafiniti.
Ty Colman
Co-Founder, CRO
Role:
Ty oversees Optera’s sales and client services.
Background:Ty has spent nearly two decades supporting the sustainability programs of Fortune 500 companies in nearly every major industry. Prior to Optera, Ty worked for Domani Consulting.
Vicki Foust
Senior Consultant
Role:
Vicki supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Vicki has spent the last fifteen years working with local governments and higher education institutions to develop GHG inventories and perform sustainability assessments.
Victoria Ramos
Senior Accountant
Role:
Victoria supports the accounting and operations team with all finance tasks.
Background:Victoria has worked for several different industries where she managed company's bookkeeping and assisted with financial reporting. Previously, she worked for a private equity firm in the Denver area.
Wan Lee
Senior Consultant
Role:
Wan supports software and technical consulting engagements.
Background:Wan specializes in project and client management, specifically with corporations embarking on their sustainability journeys. Prior to Optera, she worked at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.