Join AWWEE's OC/IE team for a special Path to Power lunch with two women who took their energy careers all the way to City Hall.
Costa Mesa City Council Members Arlis Reynolds and Andrea Marr will share how they went from working in the energy field to running for and winning local office, and how that experience shapes the decisions they make for their community today.
Whether you've thought about public service, want to grow your influence at work, or just love a good career story, you'll leave with practical insight into stepping up, speaking up, and leading.
The afternoon includes a moderated conversation, open Q&A, and plenty of time to network over a catered lunch on the patio.
About Our Speakers
Arlis Reynolds is completing her second term on the Costa Mesa City Council after being elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. She has worked professionally in the clean energy sector for twenty years focused on program evaluation and policy to advance energy efficiency, serves as Board Chair for America Walks and on the Executive Committee for the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, and is a passionate advocate for our community and environment.
As a council member she has championed environmental action, open space access, active transportation, housing affordability, and community engagement. Her proudest achievements include working with a statewide coalition to “Save Banning Ranch” (a 400-acre public park and preserve); creating new city positions for Energy & Sustainability, Active Transportation, and Sustainable Planning; galvanizing Orange County’s safe streets movement; initiating the city’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival; and supporting community leaders as partners with local government.
Arlis is a proud graduate of Newport Mesa Unified School District and earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and her Masters in Business Administration from UC Irvine.
Andrea Marr is a Senior Vice President at Cadmus and a recognized leader in the energy industry, with more than 20 years of experience helping utilities, regulators, and public agencies advance energy efficiency, load flexibility, distributed energy resources, and grid modernization. She leads teams that design and deliver programs that strengthen grid reliability, improve affordability, and accelerate the transition to a more resilient energy future.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former nuclear-trained Navy officer, Andrea combines technical expertise with executive leadership experience. She is a licensed Professional Engineer, holds a master's degree in Engineering Management, and earned a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership. Her contributions to the clean energy sector were recognized by the White House through its Champion of Change program.
In addition to her professional work, Andrea serves on the Costa Mesa City Council, where she was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. She is passionate about advancing innovative energy solutions, fostering collaborative leadership, and developing the next generation of industry and community leaders.
Registration
Registration is free for active AWWEE members and $20 for non-members.
Seats are limited, so register early.