About Us

We are a knowledgeable team that enjoys working with industry leaders and those just beginning their sustainability journeys.
Our Vision

Optera's platform and services will enable thousands of companies across the globe to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Our Name

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.

Our Journey

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.

Software for Managing & Reporting

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.

Software for Supply Chain

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

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.

Our Mission

We enable the corporate sector to stop climate change.

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.

Testimonials

Fortune 100 IT Company

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 Team

 Our knowledgeable and innovative team dedicates their skills, talents, and time to deliver tangible sustainability solutions to our clients.

Clise Icon 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.

Aaron Eischeid Senior Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Alekhya Reddy Director of Product View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Alexa Ghiz Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Ali Rangwala Junior Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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 Cummings Sustainability Project Director View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Andrew Schlaepfer Engineering Manager View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Blake Mackey Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Britt Daiss Sustainability Project Director View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Caley Dorsey Senior Product Designer View Bio
Clise Icon Catherine Tran Senior Product Manager Role:

Catherine supports the maintenance and development of Optera’s product.

Background:

Catherine has experience in building SaaS products that leverage data and modernizing user experiences from antiquated systems. Prior to Optera, she was building software solutions in healthcare.

Catherine Tran Senior Product Manager View Bio
Clise Icon Christina D'Astolfo Senior Software Engineer- Backend Role:

Christina supports the backend development of Optera's products.

Background:

Christina has spent the last 6 years building software, data pipelines, and internal tooling for startups. Prior to Optera, Christina worked in EdTech at Higher Ground Education.

Christina D'Astolfo Senior Software Engineer- Backend View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Christopher Arwady Account Executive View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Chris Wilson Junior Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Cody Booher Senior Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Dave Zelinka Climate Data Specialist View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Emily Eck Product Manager View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Hayden Siekman Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon Hossam Elkady Senior Consultant Role:

Hossam supports software and technical consulting engagements.

Background:

Hossam has extensive experience in supporting clients decarbonize their buildings, corporate GHG accounting and science-based target setting. Prior to Optera, he worked at the Anthesis Group.

Hossam Elkady Senior Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Ilya Sukhanov Principal Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Jason Denner Co-Founder, CIO View Bio
Clise Icon Jenny Jones Marketing Manager Role:

Executes marketing strategy by building out relevant content and campaigns.

Background:

Jenny has 5+ years in building B2B marketing strategies and campaigns in the tech space. Jenny served in Peace Corps Colombia helping local entrepreneurs build business, marketing and financial plans.

Jenny Jones Marketing Manager View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Jess Wang Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Katie Oakes Director of Marketing View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Kelvin Davis Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Kimberly Kosmenko Sustainability Project Director View Bio
Clise Icon Lisa Pitcaithley People Operations Generalist Role:

LP supports Optera’s greatest assets: the people!

Background:

LP has experience in the entire employee lifecycle, benefits administration, recruiting, and performance management. Prior to Optera, she helped build and strengthen a People Ops team based out of Denver

Lisa Pitcaithley People Operations Generalist View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Lynn Socha Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Matthew Goodwin Engineering Manager View Bio
Clise Icon 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 Gower Director of Design View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Melanie MacDonald Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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 Hendrix Learning & Development Manager View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Michael Tarbert Senior Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Miranda Davis Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Mitch Voss VP of Services View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Nancy Schoemann VP of Operations View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Pietro Giacomin Junior Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Samuel Nilsson QA Manager View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Sara Brannman Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Sean McColgan Senior Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Siddarth Sharma Senior Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon Shivali Marwaha Senior Product Designer Role:

Shivali shapes the user experience and interface of Optera’s platform.

Background:

Shivali has a background in creating seamless user experiences for complex problems in the financial industry. Prior to Optera, Shivali worked for Pacific Life Insurance Company as a Senior UX Designer.

Shivali Marwaha Senior Product Designer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Manjula Rimmalapudi Senior Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Tara Hanna Executive Assistant View Bio
Clise Icon Taylor Pfeiffer Senior Consultant Role:

Taylor supports software and technical consulting engagements.

Background:

Taylor has experience in GHG accounting, ESG goal setting, and sustainability reporting for corporate clients. Prior to Optera, she worked for WSP’s Sustainability, Energy, and Climate Change team.

Taylor Pfeiffer Senior Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Thomas Cazares Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Tim Weiss Co-Founder, CEO View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Travis Roberts Software Engineer View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Ty Colman Co-Founder, CRO View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Vicki Foust Senior Consultant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Victoria Ramos Senior Accountant View Bio
Clise Icon 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.

Wan Lee Senior Consultant View Bio