Senior Manager, Communications

Claire Bencks is the communications manager for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry. 

Claire has over five years of experience in strategic communications and public relations/public affairs, working with membership associations, nonprofits, and private sector organizations.

Before joining DCC, Claire worked for a boutique public relations agency in Washington, D.C., serving both private and public sector clients. Her expertise includes developing communications strategies, leading media relations efforts, and creating a variety of content to achieve client objectives and enhance their market presence. 

Claire holds a bachelor’s degree in Government from William & Mary.

Director, Government Affairs-West

Khara Boender serves as the director of government affairs - west at the Data Center Coalition (DCC). Khara brings over a decade of experience working on a variety of state policy issues. Prior to joining DCC, Khara served as state policy director at the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), where she oversaw CCIA’s engagement with policymakers across the 50 states on legislation and regulations related to antitrust reform, consumer data privacy, content moderation, online safety, artificial intelligence, and digital taxes. In this capacity, Khara provided written and verbal testimony before state legislatures, produced advocacy materials, and analyzed and commented on key legislative trends, serving as a voice for the technology industry.

Khara also previously served as a policy and research analyst at The Pew Charitable Trusts, on a team that worked with state legislators to adopt processes to evaluate the economic impact of their state tax incentives and, once processes were established, tying those evaluation findings to evidence-based policy changes. Working in partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures, Khara led a network of tax incentive evaluation analysts to foster peer connections and build shared technical capacity. Earlier in her career, Khara worked at Stateside Associates, a state and local government affairs firm, supporting efforts to identify and track relevant legislation for clients.

Khara has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Loyola University Maryland.

Operations Coordinator

Angela Book is the Operations Coordinator for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

With over 15 years of experience in office administration, project management, and business operations leadership, Angela has built a career rooted in efficiency, collaboration, and technical expertise. Her background in human resources, payroll, and customer service coordination has equipped her with the skills to enhance operational efficiency, streamline and document processes, optimize workflows, and foster team collaboration through strategic planning and process improvements. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Angela consistently drives productivity and organizational success.

Angela earned her Associate Degree in Business Administration and studied Human Resource Management at Indiana State University.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Angela is dedicated to humanitarian efforts, helping others in personal development and wellness. She frequently explores new artistic hobbies and enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Communications Manager, Content 

Randi Cefalu is the communications manager for content at Data Center Coalition, the membership association for the U.S. data center industry.

Randi brings nearly a decade of experience helping organizations communicate complex, policy-driven work in clear and engaging ways. Before joining DCC, she held communications roles at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where she translated scientific, technical, and regulatory topics into messaging that was accessible, accurate, and meaningful for diverse audiences. Through various forms of content, Randi enjoys uncovering the story behind evolving issues and is known for bringing both clarity and organization to communications.

Randi holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Outside of work, Randi enjoys spending time with her family, working on puzzles, and enthusiastically starting new arts and crafts projects.

Executive Vice President, State Policy and Government Affairs

Dan Diorio is executive vice president of state policy and government affairs for the Data Center Coalition. Dan brings over 16 years of experience in state and federal government affairs and public policy. He began his career in the Massachusetts State Legislature where he served as legislative director to State Senator Scott P. Brown. Dan followed Brown to Washington, DC, and the United States Senate where he worked as a Legislative Assistant handling a large portfolio of issues including energy and the environment, education, labor, immigration, and transportation.

Dan next handled state and federal government affairs for a Boston-based demand response provider. While there he helped form the Advanced Energy Management Alliance, a national trade association for demand response companies and end-users. Upon moving out west for sunshine and dry weather, Dan covered election administration policy for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Dan was also the vice president of legislative affairs for Colorado for the GoWest Credit Union Association. He advocated for credit unions and managed government affairs in both Colorado and Wyoming. 

Dan received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado Denver. He lives in Denver with his wife and two children.

COO

Allison M. Gilmore, CAE, is COO of the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association of the data center industry. In this role, she leads DCC’s research, communications, membership, and operations.

Allison has more than 23 years of experience leading strategy, communications, public relations, and research for associations, nonprofits, and public sector organizations.

Before joining DCC, Allison served as Chief Communications Officer at the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), where she led comprehensive communications strategy to promote NAAG and increase the visibility of its members, as well as providing communications counsel to staff and elected leadership. As a member of the NAAG executive team, she played a key role in implementing the organization’s strategic plan and mentoring junior staff.

Allison previously spent 9 years at the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) as Vice President of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, where she was responsible for NVTC’s strategic communications, including print and digital publications, message development, media relations, advertising, and internal and external marketing. In addition, she cultivated key organizational partnerships, supported NVTC’s policy advocacy, and developed and implemented research and workforce development initiatives for the association.

Prior to NVTC, Allison served as Director of Communications and Research Analysis at the National Women’s Business Council, where she directed the Council’s communications, research activities, events, and outreach to the women’s business community. Earlier in her career, Allison managed communications and public relations for the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) (now GBTA), as well as representing a variety of clients while serving in account management roles at two public relations and public affairs firms in the D.C. area.

Allison is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rice University and a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University. She lives in Arlington, Va. with her husband and daughter.

Senior Manager, Events and Operations

Amanda González is the senior manager of events and operations for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Amanda has more than 12 years of experience in managing member programs. Through strong communication and customer service skills, she is dedicated to providing an outstanding experience for members.

Before joining DCC, Amanda served as Director of Member Relations at the American Society of Baking (ASB), where she was the first point of contact for the membership. During her tenure she oversaw membership development and communication efforts to increase member value, as well as promote and increase awareness of the Society. As part of the ASB team, she was a trusted partner to the executive level in effectively identifying business needs, defining risk, and creating strategy.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rosemont College and lives in Fort Worth with her 2 miniature dachshunds.

Communications Coordinator 

Masyn Halpern is the communications coordinator for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Masyn brings creativity, curiosity, and a passion for clear, impactful storytelling to every project, whether developing messaging, coordinating media outreach, or
crafting content that connects with diverse audiences.

Before joining DCC, they worked at a small public relations firm, supporting social-good clients across industries with strategic communications, media engagement, and digital campaigns that elevated brand visibility and built meaningful connections.

Masyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from American University.

Director, Texas Government Affairs

Jess Heck serves as Director of Texas Government Affairs at the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the member association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Jess brings over a decade of experience in government affairs, public policy, and legislative strategy. Prior to joining DCC, Jess served as Director of Government Relations for the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), where she was the primary liaison to the Texas Legislature. In this role she worked on policy issues affecting the state’s electric, water, and telecommunications sectors, including grid reliability, transmission planning, resource adequacy, and economic development. She advised commission leadership, managed policy analysis, and coordinated engagement with elected officials and stakeholders across Texas.  

Prior to the PUCT, Jess led government relations efforts for an energy company, overseeing federal, state, and local government strategy. She secured public funding for workforce development initiatives supporting the energy industry and led engagement with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders across multiple states on issues affecting infrastructure development, energy policy, and business growth.

Earlier in her career, Jess worked in the Texas House of Representatives, Texas Senate, and the Governor’s Office.

Jess holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Energy from Texas A&M University. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her golden retriever, June.

Vice President, Communications

Jon Hukill is the vice president of communications for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Jon is a seasoned communicator, strategist, and leader with 15 years of experience in communications, journalism, politics, and public policy.

During his career, Jon has helped trade associations and membership organizations communicate more effectively as they seek to increase public awareness, convince elected officials, and influence policy at the state and national levels. 

Jon has spent the past seven years as a team leader at two D.C.-area public relations/public affairs firms. His expertise includes developing strategic earned media and thought leadership campaigns, serving as a crisis communicator during challenging media situations, and providing media coaching to client spokespeople. His clients have included trade associations, including Data Center Coalition, nonprofit organizations, universities, local governments, and Fortune 10 companies.

Previously, Jon spent three years as executive editor of Sayfie Media, a respected media organization that covered state politics and policy news in four states. As the organization’s top editor, Jon was responsible for managing teams that produced the award-winning Sayfie Review websites year-round, including during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Jon started his career as campaign manager and spokesperson for several state legislative campaigns on both sides of the aisle; he also advised state PACs and trade associations on their policy communications. He also led marketing and communications efforts for a startup tech company. Jon holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State.

Energy Regulatory Analyst

Emily Jackson is an Energy Regulatory Analyst for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry. 

Before joining DCC, Emily was a Senior Utility Analyst for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, where she oversaw the regulatory practices and procedures of Indiana’s regulated gas and electric companies. In her role, she also took a special interest in renewable projects and geographic information system cases. 

Prior to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Emily served as Community Programs Analyst for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, where she led the state of Indiana’s first Low-Income Water Assistance Program. 

Emily received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from Colorado State University and a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Sustainability from IU – Indianapolis. 

Director, Advocacy Communications 

Madeleine Jordan is the Advocacy Communications Director for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the leading association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

She brings more than six years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, and trade association leadership. Madeleine specializes in developing and executing integrated, multi-channel campaigns that drive engagement across national and state audiences.

Prior to joining DCC, Madeleine served as a Director for Narrative Strategies, a Washington, DC-based public affairs and communications firm. At Narrative, she led high-impact campaigns spanning all 50 states and Washington, DC, and served as the Infant Nutrition Council of America’s Communications Director, overseeing messaging, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. 
 

Madeleine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of Richmond.  

Senior Manager, Federal Affairs

Patrick Konrath serves as the senior manager of Federal affairs for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the member association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Prior to joining DCC, Patrick held various positions in Washington D.C., where he specialized in policy and regulatory affairs related to the manufacturing, energy, and technology industries. Most recently, Patrick was part of the government relations team at Johnson Controls where he managed federal advocacy. Within his role at Johnson Controls, Patrick concentrated on legislative and regulatory activity surrounding foreign trade, emerging technology, and energy efficiency. 

Before his time with Johnson Controls, Patrick worked for Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, managing congressional and regulatory affairs for a diverse portfolio of clients across the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. Patrick began his career on Capitol Hill where he worked as a Legislative Assistant in the House of Representatives for multiple years. 

Patrick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs from Wake Forest University and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the College of Charleston.

President and CEO

Josh Levi is president and CEO of the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association for the U.S. data center industry. DCC’s members are leading data center owners and operators who provide the digital infrastructure that enables the applications, capabilities, and services that support the modern economy, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

As the voice of the data center industry, DCC empowers and champions the data center community through public policy advocacy, education, thought leadership, and community engagement.  DCC is headquartered in Virginia and its members maintain data center infrastructure, teams and investment across the country. As president, Josh leads the organization and executes all aspects of the DCC’s strategy, operations, and growth.  

Prior to assuming his current role in 2019, Josh was vice president for policy at the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), a nationally-recognized regional trade association, where he spent nearly 20 years supporting Northern Virginia’s vibrant technology community. 

Josh was awarded a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech, graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law, and is a member of the Virginia State Bar.

Manager, Federal Affairs

Keylin Lopez serves as Manager of Federal Affairs for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the U.S. data center industry.

Prior to joining DCC, Keylin spent nearly three years at Lot Sixteen, a premier D.C. lobbying and communications firm, managing a diverse policy portfolio spanning energy, water, manufacturing, and technology. During her tenure, Keylin successfully advised and assisted corporate and trade association clients on their federal advocacy strategies. Her expertise in infrastructure is further rooted in her time as a Research Analyst for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), where she helped lead strategic labor campaigns to support the workforce behind America’s most critical systems.

Originally a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Keylin holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from the College of Charleston.

Manager, Energy Strategic Engagement 

Dariah Norwood is the Manager of Energy Strategic Engagement at the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

An energy professional with nearly seven years of experience spanning policy, partnerships, and corporate strategy, Dariah has worked across the industry to help advance collaboration and innovation in the energy industry.

Prior to joining DCC, Dariah served as the Strategic Alliances Analyst on the Sustainability team at LyondellBasell, where she helped identify, evaluate, and maintain strategic partnerships to advance the company’s business and environmental goals.

She began her career in the energy sector at National Grid, where she supported policy development, government relations, and stakeholder engagement initiatives focused on clean energy and grid modernization.

Dariah has also gained experience through internships with Apex Clean Energy, a renewable energy start-up, and Duke Energy.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Spelman College, and a Master of Science in Global Affairs with a specialization in Energy and Environmental Policy from New York University.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Dariah enjoys exploring art, literature, and travel.

Director, Energy Policy-Texas

Cameron Poursoltan serves as the director of energy policy-Texas for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the member association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

He has a decade of experience in state and federal government, with a strong background in legislative affairs, regulatory policy, and technological and environmental issues.

Before joining DCC, Cameron served as State and Federal Senior Policy Advisor at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), where he was a liaison to lawmakers. In this role, he prepared agency staff for legislative hearings, coordinated briefings for elected officials, and analyzed legislation for agency implementation.

Prior to his time at TCEQ, Cameron spent more than six years on U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul’s staff, starting as a Staff Assistant and progressing to become the Congressman’s Legislative Director. He advised on a wide range of policy areas, including homeland security, technology, energy, the environment, agriculture, and education. He also directed the Congressman’s work as co-chair of the High Tech and Cybersecurity Caucuses, advancing legislation to strengthen cybersecurity and bolster U.S. leadership in critical technologies like semiconductors.

Cameron holds a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Director of Virginia Government Affairs

Nicole Riley serves as Director of Virginia Government Affairs for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the member association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Nicole is a seasoned government relations professional who recently represented clients before the Virginia General Assembly and executive branch in various industries as President of Blue Ridge Public Affairs. She also advised clients on advocacy activities, including policy development, grassroots engagement, coalition building, and political activities.

Nicole has over twenty-five years of experience in government relations across both private and public sectors. Before starting her own firm, she worked at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade, where she led policy development and advocacy efforts for funding critical economic development projects and programs.

Nicole led the Virginia state office for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), representing over 6,000 small business owners on issues like tax, health care, energy, and unemployment policies. She successfully implemented grassroots campaigns on protecting private property rights and tax reform, and co-led a coalition of over thirty business trade associations.

A graduate of Roanoke College, Nicole holds a B.A. degree in Political Science with a Minor in History. In her free time, Nicole enjoys camping with her family and attending live music shows. She was raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has lived in Richmond for over two decades.

Executive Assistant 

Cindy Shultz is the executive assistant for the leadership team at the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

With more than 30 years of experience assisting C-suite executives, Cindy believes her role is about much more than managing calendars—it’s about taking care of people, building strong relationships, and keeping the day running smoothly for everyone. She serves as a vital bridge between executives, board members, and internal teams, ensuring day-to-day operations run seamlessly.

Outside of work, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family, going on adventures with her husband, or curling up with a great book.

Director, Energy Policy - FERC and RTOs

Morgan Sipple is senior manager of energy policy for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Prior to joining DCC, Morgan was a Senior Staff Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and its Sustainable FERC Project, where she advocated for energy policy priorities across the federal government, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Holding expertise in a variety of energy regulatory, permitting and environmental contexts, Morgan has appeared in panels and presentations hosted by the Environmental Legal Institute, Energy Bar Association, and Pipeline Safety Trust, among others.

Morgan attended the Ohio State University and its John Glenn College of Public Affairs, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, Management, and Leadership. Morgan earned her JD and Environmental Law Certificate from the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she also serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching a course on federal law and policy to law students learning and working in DC.

Morgan is active on a number of environmental and education-focused nonprofit boards, and volunteers for Rural Dog Rescue, a DC-based foster and rescue organization.

Membership Manager 

Emma Stevens is the Membership Manager for Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

She brings over six years of experience in marketing and communications, with the past three years focused specifically on the digital infrastructure sector. Prior to joining DCC, Emma worked as a Marketing and Community Manager at Infrastructure Masons, where she led content, social media, community engagement, and member events.

Emma is passionate about transforming audiences into purpose-driven communities through clear, strategic communications. She is known for translating complex technical topics into accessible, human-centered narratives that connect industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Certificate in Global Digital Infrastructure from the University of California, Berkeley.

Director, Government Affairs - Southeast

Christy Tarallo serves as director of government affairs – southeast at the Data Center Coalition (DCC). Christy has more than a decade of experience in legislative advocacy, public policy, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout her career, she has worked on issues ranging from state budgets and infrastructure investment to workforce development, educational innovation, and economic development.

Before joining DCC, Christy served as Director of Government Affairs for the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia, where she represented more than 230 engineering firms before federal, state, and local policymakers. Previously, she served as Manager of Government & Regulatory Affairs at Parallel, leading advocacy efforts across numerous states. She began her career as an Associate at Impact Public Affairs, a multidisciplinary contract lobbying firm. Her experience includes campaign management and coalition building across the public and private sectors.

Christy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgia State University and completed coursework at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Director, Government Affairs-Midwest 

Brad Tietz serves as the director of government affairs-midwest at the Data Center Coalition. Brad brings over 16 years of experience in state and local government affairs, public policy, politics, and economic development. He began his career in the Illinois House of Representatives where he served as a Senior Legislative Analyst for the Illinois House Revenue & Finance, Labor & Commerce, and Telecommunications committees. Brad then served as the Legislative Director for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in both Republican and Democratic administrations where he oversaw all legislative and regulatory operations and communications for Illinois’ economic development agency. Brad successfully led the legislative passage of new economic development and tax incentive programs, such as Illinois Data Center Tax Incentive and several workforce development initiatives.

Brad then joined the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce as the Vice President of Government Relations and Strategy. In this role, Brad advocated and lobbied on behalf of the over 1,000 members of the Chamber ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups and neighborhood businesses at the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, and Cook County levels. Brad led the passage of many economic and workforce development initiatives, negotiated many policies, and successfully stopped countless anti-business proposals while elevating the Chamber reputation and name across the political and stakeholder spectrum. Brad also managed the Chamber’s PAC, spearheaded events and projects with elected and government officials, and Chamber members, among many other initiatives on behalf of Illinois’ business community. In this role, Brad worked intimately with Illinois’ data center industry on a wide array legislative and advocacy efforts.

Most recently, Brad was a Director for the Illinois Government and Regulatory Affairs Practice at Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP where he advocated and represented clients in the data center, energy generation, carbon capture, retail, manufacturing industries among other sectors at the State of Illinois and City of Chicago levels.

Brad received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Illinois Wesleyan University. He lives in Chicago with his wife and three children.

Executive Vice President, Policy, Regulatory and Strategy 

Aaron Tinjum is the executive vice president of policy, regulatory and strategy for the Data Center Coalition (DCC), the membership association serving as the voice of the data center industry.

Before joining DCC, Aaron spent more than a decade in the utility industry, most recently with Xcel Energy, where he helped advance key policy and regulatory initiatives related to demand side management, grid security, resource planning, and utility-scale clean energy projects. 

Prior to Xcel Energy, Aaron served as senior writer for both Direct Energy and Opower. His writing has been cited or featured in several industry and national publications. He has also held fellowships with the Clean Energy Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. and the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Aaron received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carthage College, a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, a Certificate in Financing and Deploying Clean Energy from Yale University, and is a proud alumnus of the Teach For America program.

Senior Manager, Environmental Policy 

Angela Yuan is the Senior Manager of Environmental Policy at the Data Center Coalition (DCC). In this role, Angela leads DCC's environmental policy and sustainability efforts, with a primary focus on water resource management.

Angela's environmental experience spans the grassroots, state, federal, and international levels. Before joining DCC, she worked as a Project Manager at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, collaborating with bipartisan U.S. legislators on water, sustainable agriculture, and environmental justice solutions. Earlier in her career, she worked on the Flint Water Crisis and PFAS litigation, co-developed a U.S. EPA award-winning watershed plan, ​worked at the U.S. Forest Service, and founded a clean water project on Mfangano Island, Kenya, supporting thousands of people daily.

As a Schwarzman Scholar in China, Angela became focused on leveraging private-sector innovation, speed, and capital to advance public environmental goals. She has since worked with the United Nations on a sustainable business project, with Walmart on a carbon-reduction consultancy, and co-authored both a Japanese government-sponsored international data center sustainability roadmap and a Google-sponsored Columbia Center on Global Energy Policy data center policy report.

Angela holds a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Management in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Michigan State University. Outside of work, Angela loves to travel, paint, and spend time in nature.