About VPA

The Virginia PACE Authority (VPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving as the statewide program administrator for the VA C-PACE Program.

The VA C-PACE Program incorporates industry best practices that promote clean energy, resilient and economic development in both new and existing building projects.

Our mission is to educate, promote and facilitate energy efficient, clean energy and resilient building solutions through the design and administration of C-PACE financing programs.

Abby Johnson, Executive Director and Founder
Abby has helped grow the North American C-PACE market since 2012 and is widely known as a C-PACE visionary. She specializes in advising commercial building owners, lenders and jurisdictions in C-PACE project and program development including crafting legislation, creating program guidelines, and launching and administering C-PACE programs. Abby leads the organization in the expansion of the Program’s geographic footprint and raising awareness of the broad benefits of this powerful financing tool. Prior to specializing in C-PACE, Abby worked for over 15 years in commercial real estate as well as an architect in Italy and a building science consultant. She is a member of the Executive Committee of PACENation, the PACE national advocacy industry organization.

Ellen Dickson, Outreach and Development
Ellen provides outreach for clients in the Northern Virginia region. She also assists with business development and fundraising. Ellen has expertise in public affairs, government relations and economic development. Her prior work experience includes Manager for Public Affairs for Ford Motor Company and Director of Government Relations for the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce.

Joe Bianco, Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
Joe serves as CTO of VPA, responsible for outlining the company’s technological vision, implementing technology strategies, and ensuring that technological resources are aligned with the company’s business needs and goals. Joe has over 30 years of experience as a Systems Architect, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Department Manager and Instructor working for companies such as IBM, Lockheed Martin, Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding, mid-sized biotech and consulting companies, and non-profit organizations. Experience includes all phases of providing software solutions to government classified, commercial, and company internal customers, including business acquisition, requirements, analysis, design, development, verification, validation, documentation, configuration control, delivery, and training.