Sam Spofforth, Executive Director

Sam Spofforth has served as Executive Director of Clean Fuels Ohio since the organization’s founding in 2002. Under Spofforth’s leadership, Clean Fuels Ohio has become the “go to” resource in Ohio for cleaner fuels, vehicles and energy-saving transportation technologies that reduce climate change, increase American energy security and strengthen Ohio’s economy. He plays a leadership role in Ohio and nationally in the field of transportation energy deployment. Spofforth was appointed to Columbus Mayor Coleman’s Green Team and Chairs the Mayor’s Green Transportation Committee. In 2007, Spofforth was named the U.S. Department of Energy’s national Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year. The DOE selected him as Midwest Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year in 2004. In 2008 General Motors selected Clean Fuels Ohio as top coalition for their Clean Cities Rewards program. Spofforth holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hiram College and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Pete Johnsen, Administration and Finance Director

Pete Johnsen is responsible for coordinating all accounting, IT, and other administrative needs for CFO. Johnsen has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, including 12 years as a staff member with the Ohio Environmental Council and service as past Vice President for Forty Plus of Central Ohio. Johnsen currently serves on the board for EarthShare Ohio. Johnsen holds a B.A. in Geography from Miami University and an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Ohio University.

Brad Couch, Program Director

Brad Couch comes to CFO with a decade of successful business experience as well as environmental activism, co-founding Active Citizens for Responsible Environmentalism (ACRE), which was designated Environmental Watchdog of the year by the Ohio Environmental Council in 2001. Couch has served on the Governors Solid Waste Advisory Council as well as many civic/philanthropic organizations and held numerous offices including two consecutive terms as President for his local civic association. Couch graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Natural Resources, Environmental Communications.

Jill Herbst, Development Director

Jill Herbst oversees membership and other resource development for Clean Fuels Ohio. Herbst previously worked for Godman Guild Association, a central Ohio social service organization, where she led three consecutive fundraising campaigns which combined generated over $300,000. Herbst is past president of Animal Outreach, and continues to serve on their board of directors. Herbst holds a BA in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and a MA in Political Theory from Ohio University.

Andrew Conley, Program Manager

Andrew Conley oversees the day to day management of the Ohio Green Fleets program for Clean Fuels Ohio, working to help fleets reduce harmful vehicle emissions and petroleum dependence, helping fleets secure project funding, and designating fleets who are leaders in deploying green technologies and practices. Since he joined the Clean Fuels Ohio staff in November 2008, he has worked to develop both the public policy and Ohio Green Fleets programs for Clean Fuels Ohio. Conley previously coordinated Corps Development for City Year Columbus, where he was charged with administering programs for 38 diverse AmeriCorps members. Conley holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in History and Comparative Religious Studies from Wright State University.

Cynthia Maves, Program Manager

Cynthia Maves oversees  the Clean Cities grant administration for the Ohio Advanced Transportation Partnership.  Prior to joining Clean Fuels Ohio, Maves worked as a consultant for a solar energy firm and  as an attorney with the State Medical Board of Ohio.  While serving as a director of a community bank in Indiana, Maves led the effort to build the first LEED-certified bank branch in Indiana.  Maves has volunteered with Sustainable Upper Arlington in efforts to persuade city and school officials  to adopt greener practices.  She also serves on the Friends of COSI.  She graduated with a B.A. from DePauw University and a J.D. from Indiana University at Bloomington.

Megan Miller, Program Coordinator

Megan Miller joined the Clean Fuels Ohio team in January 2010 as a Program Coordinator for the Department of Energy Clean Cities project—the Ohio Advanced Transportation Partnership. Megan’s previous experience includes work with two non-profit environmental advocacy organizations. With the Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW), she worked on education, outreach and the development of volunteer activities aimed at keeping the Olentangy River and tributaries clean and safe.  At The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), she participated in the Diesel Emission Reduction grant project. A 2009 graduate of Otterbein College, Megan holds a BA degree in Sociology, with a focus on environment and sustainability issues. 

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