Nicole Kennard, President and CEO

Ms. Nicole Kennard has BA in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from UC San Diego and an MS in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on Renewable Energy from San Diego State University. Formerly, Nicole was the Coordinator of the Department of Energy's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), located at San Diego State University. She is also a renewable energy advisor and biodiesel consultant for the San Diego City School District and a co-founder of the Biofuels Action and Awareness Network, a student action group at UCSD focused on community outreach and education.

Dave Richards, Vice President of Operations

Mr. Dave Richards has a BS in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on Thermal Design from San Diego State University. He was also formerly a student energy engineer with the Industrial Assessment Center at San Diego State University. Prior to attending San Diego State, Dave was an engineering consultant for Footprint Recycling where he helped design and build a biodiesel process heating system that increased production two-fold and improved product quality. He was also a facilities engineer and consultant for the Humboldt Creamery Association and a service manager and engineer at Town & Country Refrigeration.

Jennifer Case, Executive Director

Ms. Jennifer Case obtained a BA in Political Science from UC San Diego, and a law degree from Pepperdine University. In her legal practice, Jennifer represented individuals, business and public entity clients in such areas as general business litigation, real estate, construction and technology. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Case was an administrator of a start-up fiber optics company in the Silicon Valley.

Portia Smith, Director of Restaurant Sales and Marketing

Ms. Portia Smith has a B.A in Linguistics from University of California Santa Cruz and an Associate's degree in Japanese from Mesa College. She is fluent in Spanish, French and Japanese. Prior to joining New Leaf, Portia spent years in the Real Estate industry, both as a Realtor and Investor.