Kai Abelkis
Longmont
Summary
Senior sustainability professional with 25+ years of experience building, leading, and scaling environmental sustainability programs in complex healthcare systems. Deep expertise in energy and utility management, waste reduction, capital projects, and staff engagement, with a track record of aligning sustainability strategy to organizational mission, patient safety, and ROI. Extensive experience positioning healthcare institutions as leaders in environmental stewardship through measurable outcomes, compliance, and culture change.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Transaction Specialist
U.S. Department of Energy
12.2022 - 07.2025
- Led project management for large-scale clean energy and infrastructure initiatives, coordinating budgets, insurance, construction teams, and ensuring NEPA compliance to meet project milestones.
- Managed diverse project portfolios, including healthcare-adjacent and critical infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with federal environmental and safety standards to support regulatory objectives.
- Supported the successful close of an $860M renewable energy loan, advancing national clean energy and resilience goals.
- Loan Programs Office
Sustainability Manager
University of Maryland Medical System
04.2020 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented a system-wide Sustainability Declaration, embedding environmental sustainability into healthcare operations and culture system-wide.
- Oversaw an incineration-free waste strategy achieving a 99% diversion rate and $1 million in cost savings.
- Directed hospital-wide sustainability initiatives across energy, water, waste, and procurement, delivering measurable utility cost savings and efficiency gains.
- Led energy, waste and water audits, capital retrofits, and building system upgrades to improve performance while maintaining patient safety.
- Managed budgets, benchmarked utilities, and reported KPIs to enhance sustainability performance.
- Advanced staff engagement through training and awareness campaigns, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Secured grants and external funding, enabling implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Consultant
Jack’s Solar Garden
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Advised on agrivoltaics and renewable energy land-use strategies, enhancing sustainability, community benefits, and long-term viability.
- Advised clients on solar energy solutions and system design options.
- Analyzed energy needs to recommend optimal solar installations.
- Coordinated project timelines and resource allocation for installations.
Senior Sustainability Specialist
Premier Members Credit Union
05.2018 - 07.2019
- Led organization-wide energy and water efficiency programs, waste reduction initiatives, and responsible procurement strategies, enhancing overall sustainability performance.
- Implemented Sustainability Declaration, coordinating cross-departmental execution to align organizational efforts with sustainability goals.
Sustainability Coordinator
Boulder Community Health
10.1999 - 04.2018
- Founded and led healthcare’s first environmental sustainability program, generating more than $1 million annually in cost savings through utility efficiency and 61% waste diversion.
- Contributed to the development of the world’s first LEED-certified hospital, integrating energy conservation systems into design and construction.
- Directed energy audits and renewable energy installations, enhancing sustainability through medical device reprocessing and recycling programs.
- Contributed to the development of the world’s first LEED-certified hospital, integrating energy conservation systems into design and construction.
- Managed budgets and vendor relationships while coordinating interns and partnerships with architects, engineers, and municipal agencies for sustainability initiatives.
- Recipient of Practice Greenhealth Emerald Award and Greening the OR Leadership Award.
Procurement Specialist
Project C.U.R.E.
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Coordinated recovery and redistribution of surplus medical equipment, minimizing waste while enhancing global healthcare delivery.
- Managed procurement processes for medical supplies and equipment donations.
- Evaluated vendor proposals to ensure cost-effective sourcing decisions.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Business Recycling Coordinator
EcoCycle
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Rebuilt recycling operations, increasing departmental revenue by 35%.
- Advised businesses on waste reduction strategies and energy-efficient practices to enhance sustainability efforts.
- Coordinated recycling programs to enhance community participation and awareness.
- Developed educational materials promoting sustainable practices and waste reduction.
- Managed logistics for collection and processing of recyclable materials efficiently.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Journalism
Indiana University
BloomingtonSkills
- Healthcare Sustainability Strategy
- Program Development & Execution
- Energy & Water Management
- Waste Reduction & Zero Waste
- Life Cycle Thinking & ROI Analysis
- Capital Planning & Building Systems
- LEED & Green Building in Healthcare
- Environmental Compliance & EHS
- Data Analysis & KPI Reporting
- Staff Engagement & Training
- Executive & Public Presentations
- Cross-Functional Leadership
Leadership Engagement
- Vizient Sustainability Advisory Group – Founding Member
- Colorado Governor’s Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee – President
- City of Longmont Sustainability Advisory Committee – Chair
- University of Colorado Boulder – Adjunct Faculty (Sustainability)
- Ambu Sustainability Advisory Board – Member
Timeline
Transaction Specialist
U.S. Department of Energy
12.2022 - 07.2025
Sustainability Manager
University of Maryland Medical System
04.2020 - 06.2025
Consultant
Jack’s Solar Garden
08.2019 - 04.2020
Senior Sustainability Specialist
Premier Members Credit Union
05.2018 - 07.2019
Procurement Specialist
Project C.U.R.E.
01.2015 - 01.2018
Sustainability Coordinator
Boulder Community Health
10.1999 - 04.2018
Business Recycling Coordinator
EcoCycle
01.1999 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Journalism
Indiana University