Management

Evan Vana

Chief Executive Officer & President

Evan Vana joined New England Clean Energy in 2017, bringing more than 12 years of experience in supply chain management, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and business operations.

Before becoming CEO and President, Evan served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing installation crews, project coordination, supply chain management, and day-to-day operations.

His previous experience includes working with consumer brands such as Burton Snowboards, The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, PajamaGram, LightWedge, and Force Factor.

Evan earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Vermont and holds Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Supply Chain Operations Reference Professional (SCOR-P) certifications through APICS. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Boston APICS Chapter.

As CEO and President, Evan combines his background in business operations with nearly a decade of firsthand experience at New England Clean Energy to guide the company’s continued growth, support its employees, and maintain its commitment to customers.

Outside of work, Evan enjoys snowboarding, golfing, boating, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and their dog.

Mike Richards

Vice President of Field Service & Installations

Mike Richards has built his career in solar energy from the ground up, beginning at New England Clean Energy as an electrical apprentice and advancing into a leadership role overseeing the company’s installation operations.

A graduate of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Mike holds Master Electrician licenses in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Throughout his career, Mike has helped install hundreds of solar energy systems, developing extensive firsthand knowledge of solar equipment, electrical installations, and field operations.

As Vice President of Field Service & Installations, Mike directs the company’s installation operations, supports field crews, and helps ensure that projects meet New England Clean Energy’s standards for quality, safety, and workmanship.

His progression from apprentice to company leadership reflects his technical expertise, practical experience, and longstanding commitment to the company.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys basketball, golf, fishing, camping, riding his motorcycle, and spending time at the beach.

Jess DeMar

Vice President of Operations

Jess DeMar brings more than 15 years of experience in the solar industry, with expertise spanning project management, asset management, service, and operations.

Jess began working in solar energy in 2011 and first joined New England Clean Energy as a Project Lead from 2016 to 2018. She returned in 2020, taking on responsibilities in service and operations.

Throughout her time with the company, Jess has played an important role in strengthening its long-term customer support, including spearheading the development of New England Clean Energy’s service department.

Today, Jess leads the project management and service teams, overseeing support for new installations and helping existing customers receive dependable service throughout the life of their solar systems.

Her team also supports orphaned solar systems, helping homeowners whose original installation companies are no longer available.

Jess studied Environmental and Global Studies at Framingham State University, focusing on environmental law and sustainability.

Her leadership approach combines compassionate customer support with practical, straightforward solutions to operational challenges.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and three stepsons, as well as painting, attending concerts, and exploring the outdoors.

Roy Van Cleef

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Roy Van Cleef joined New England Clean Energy in 2011 and brings more than 15 years of firsthand experience with the company and the solar energy industry in New England.

Roy began his career with the company conducting property assessments for the Solarize Harvard program, helping homeowners better understand the opportunities for solar energy on their properties.

Over the years, he has held increasingly significant responsibilities in residential solar sales, customer education, and business development, including serving as Residential Sales Manager.

Roy earned certification as a Photovoltaic (PV) Technical Sales Professional through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). He has also been actively involved in community education, presenting on solar energy, home energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

Originally from South Africa, Roy attended Hilton College before earning a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Animal Biology from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. He later studied at the University of Oregon as an exchange student before relocating to Massachusetts in 2004.

As Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Roy leads customer outreach, sales strategy, and marketing efforts, helping homeowners and businesses make informed decisions about their energy futures.

Outside of work, Roy is an avid ultramarathon runner who enjoys trail running and long-distance endurance events. He lives in Harvard, Massachusetts, with his wife and three children.