This month’s Employee Spotlight is…
Kelsey Heck – Sr. Program Coordinator
1. Where did you grow up? Where do you reside now?
I grew up in Reading, PA, and have been living in Philadelphia for the past four years.
Kelsey pumpkin carving in Philly
2. What did you want to be when you grew up (when you were a child)?
I always envisioned myself going into the sciences, but I was very indecisive about choosing a lane to focus. I went for my BS in Biology, eventually leading me into environmental science.
3. What guided you into the energy efficiency industry?
I started my time in the workforce in environmental chemistry, working in laboratory settings and consulting. I was looking to expand my ability to have more of an impact within a community instead of reviewing environmental chemistry data. This is when I started a master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Management from the University of Connecticut where I had planned on focusing more on environmental planning and sustainability. After taking a few courses that focused on energy, I found it interesting and exciting for the future. I set out to find a job that aligned more with what I wanted out of a career, leading me to PSD!
4. What does a day in Kelsey’s life at PSD look like?
I work on the Existing Buildings team and assist with energy efficiency programs in PA. This includes the day-to-day tasks of verifying rebate applications, reviewing audits, and discussing rebate options with both residential and commercial customers, but each day holds something different.
5. Our company has five core values (Integrity, Passion, Collaboration, Vision, and Making an Impact). Which of these values resonates most with you and the work you do at PSD?
For me, Passion resonates most. Passion is a leading driver for why many of us work at PSD and in the energy efficiency space, wanting to contribute to a cleaner environment. Having a passion for your work shows clients how much we want to work with them to accomplish their and our goals and shows customers that what we do seriously matters long term and legitimizes our knowledge.
6. What is your favorite PSD-related memory?
The PSD All Company Meeting was my favorite memory. I was finishing my graduate degree that semester as well and, as part of the Sustainability committee, was able to use the meeting as a way to track the sustainability of the event, taking into consideration travel distances/miles traveled by plane or car, hotel reservations, venue choices, and vendor choices.
7. What do you do when you aren’t at work? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
Kelsey and her fiancé in the Rocky Mountains
My fiancé and I love visiting new or unique restaurants in Philly, going to comedy shows, taking day trips to the beaches in Jersey and Delaware, and going to breweries. Since finishing my master’s, I’ve also gained a lot more time for reading fiction, specifically fantasy so far, and baking sweet treats.
8. Do you have any pets?
I have two cats. One is a black cat named Otis, and the other is a tabby named Winnie.
9. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love dressing up for costume parties and all the spooky things that come with the holiday.
10. Favorite travel destination? Or dream travel destination?
My favorite travel destination is Sedona, Arizona. My fiancé and I are getting married there in April 2025. My dream destination is Italy and the Swiss Alps.
11. Favorite musician/genre?
I mostly listen to general pop music but love listening to a ton of podcasts.
12. What’s the top item that is still on your bucket list? Have you checked anything cool or fun off?
I’d like to visit more National Parks. I’ve gone to the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, but I’d love to see more!
13. What is an interesting thing about yourself that not a lot of people know?
I have an art history minor that I mostly chose just for fun. I also love period pieces like shows or movies, which may have helped contribute to choosing art history subconsciously.
Thank you, Kelsey! We appreciate you taking the time to do this and are excited to have people get to know a little more about our employees here at PSD.
