Shane Stennes, Systemwide Chief Sustainability Officer, University of Minnesota

Shane Stennes is the University’s first Chief Sustainability Officer. In this role, Shane is responsible for advancing the University’s strategic priority to “Build a Fully Sustainable Future” through leadership in sustainability teaching, research, convening, and operations. Prior to this role, Shane served in a variety of positions on the University’s Twin Cities campus during which he managed development of the campus’ first climate action plan, led the first implementation of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s environmental justice framework for the University’s combined heat and power project, and oversaw efforts that led to a 50% reduction in campus greenhouse gas emissions. Shane grew up in northern Minnesota, has degrees from St. John’s University and the University of South Carolina, and lives in St. Paul with his partner and their two children.

Elise Kelly, Senior Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP

Elise sits on the sustainability, climate and equity team within Deloitte tax. Elise works on Inflation Reduction Act compliance for several entities receiving Direct Pay, including State and Local Governments and Higher Education. Her work revolves around ESG reporting matters and advising clients on how to strengthen, streamline, and improve their governance and transparency. She also have over 12 years project management experience focused on large tax engagements for multi-national corporations.

David Yaros, Tax Principal, Deloitte Tax LLP

Sustainability is a passion of Dave’s dating back to his college years when he earned BS and MS degrees in Environmental Engineering. Today Dave co-leads Deloitte Tax’s US Sustainability, Climate, and Equity practice. Dave works with Government and Higher Education clients helping them expand opportunities presented within the IRA.

Clients look to Dave to approach tax credits and incentives through a sustainability lens. For more than 20 years, Dave has been bringing that perspective to clients in government, energy, manufacturing, transportation, financial services, technology, hospitality, retail, life sciences, insurance, and telecommunications.
In addition to frequently speaking with local and state government leaders on IRA topics, Dave is a regular speaker at the National Governors Association on IRA direct pay incentives.

Bryant Katta, Managing Director, Deloitte Tax LLP

Bryant has specialized in global credits and incentives for more than 28 years and leads Deloitte’s National credits and incentives practice specific to government and higher education. Currently, Bryant dedicates a significant amount of his time helping clients earn credits and incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Bryant’s extensive portfolio includes working with entities in various sectors, notably government, higher education, and energy. His strategic insights and thorough knowledge of tax regulations have enabled his clients to maximize their benefits and achieve substantial savings. Bryant also has significant experience with prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirements, domestic content provisions, and other key factors that optimize IRA credits.