Board of Directors
Michelle Amante-Harstine
Founder & CEO
Michelle Amante-Harstine is the founder and CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement Foundation (CEE Foundation), the nonprofit of Congressional Energy Engagement LLC (CEE) that empowers and expands energy education, bipartisan policy engagement, and clean energy leadership. As a 501(c)(3), the CEE Foundation enhances CEE's ability to facilitate energy dialogues on Capitol Hill while fostering energy literacy and government collaboration at both national and global levels in nuclear and clean energy. ​​
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With a career spanning over 25 years, Michelle has built a legacy of strategic engagement in the energy sector, serving as Senior Advisor for stakeholder engagement at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy and later as Senior Fellow for the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council. She currently serves on the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, advising on energy innovation and state leadership.
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Through CEE and the CEE foundation, Michelle brings together bipartisan policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to strengthen U.S. energy leadership and drive meaningful progress in nuclear energy, fusion, and other clean energy technologies. She is the architect of the Congressional Energy Leaders Forum, now known as the Nuclear Policy Leadership Dinner Discussion series, a key platform fostering dialogue between policymakers and energy experts. Michelle speaks on government engagement and leadership strategy, emphasizing the power of authentic relationships to drive real-world impact. She is often quoted saying, "Human achievement is inseperable from human interaction.". While her work is primarily based in Washington D.C. she remains deeply involved in Tennessee, championing energy prosperity, education and workforce development for the next generation.
Denise Grimm
Acting Executive Director
Denise Grimm serves as the Executive Director of the Congressional Energy Engagement Foundation (CEEF), working alongside Founder & CEO Michelle Amante-Harstine to expand engagement between the nuclear and clean energy sectors and federal legislative stakeholders. In this role, she facilitates strategic dialogues between policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions, supporting CEEF’s mission to advance energy education, workforce development, and bipartisan collaboration.
With a background in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, Denise brings a wealth of experience from her time in the pharmaceutical industry, where she served as an Executive Sales Consultant in oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb and Celgene Corporation. She worked closely with thought leaders, advocacy organizations, and federal lawmakers, championing increased funding for cancer research through direct engagement with Congress and the Senate.
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Over the past several years, Denise has expanded her expertise into the energy and nuclear sectors, engaging with advanced reactor developers, mining companies, national laboratories, and universities. This hands-on experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the nuclear and clean energy landscape, reinforcing her commitment to advancing innovation and policy solutions that support the nation’s energy future.
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Denise holds a Master’s Degree from LaRoche University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dale Vines
Director of Development
Dale Vines is an experienced executive with a distinguished background in engineering, industrial projects, and corporate leadership, currently serving as Executive Vice President of Business Development at Dominion Energy. With degrees in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University and an MBA in Finance and Management from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business, Dale skillfully blends technical expertise with strategic business insight.
His career has been highlighted by leadership roles across several firms where he spearheaded project management, engineering management, and business development, particularly in the energy and power plant sectors. At the Congressional Energy Engagement, Dale utilizes his deep knowledge to contribute to energy policy discussions and infrastructure development, focusing on promoting sustainable and innovative energy solutions through educational and advocacy efforts.
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Dale's comprehensive understanding of the operational and technical aspects of energy projects makes him a vital asset to the board, dedicated to advancing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy practices.
Aaron Harstine
Associate Director
Aaron Harstine brings a robust background in federal government affairs, with a specialized focus on infrastructure initiatives. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., Aaron has successfully navigated the complexities of legislative processes, securing critical language in multiple bills and obtaining exemptions from a pivotal FTC ruling during his tenure as Director of Federal Government Affairs for HomeServe USA from January 2021 to February 2024.
His acute understanding of the intersections between public policy and infrastructure development, coupled with a well-established network of relationships within the House of Representatives, positions him as a pivotal figure in advancing the board’s objectives. Aaron's strategic approach to government relations has not only influenced significant legislative outcomes but also positioned him as a key resource in shaping policy to foster sustainable and equitable energy solutions.
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At the Congressional Energy Engagement, Aaron applies his deep understanding of policy, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to support the board's mission of promoting sustainable energy initiatives. Aaron’s commitment to advancing national infrastructure in a non-partisan, educational manner positions him as a valuable asset to the Congressional Energy Engagement Board.
Richard Johnson
Financial Officer
Richard Johnson brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, business development, and fundraising with over two decades of distinguished experience. As President of Richnet Consulting since January 2010, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Richard has successfully directed startup campaigns targeting fundraising, strategic partnerships, and brand development. His adeptness at cultivating relationships and managing impactful marketing and communications strategies has driven significant business growth and operational excellence.
Prior to his leadership at Richnet Consulting, Richard served as the Regional Director of Business Development for AOL from 1995 to 2008. In this role, he was responsible for spearheading new business initiatives and enhancing client relationships across the United States. His strategic approach significantly boosted economic and workforce development, underlining his capability to transform business operations and market presence.
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At the Congressional Energy Engagement Board, Richard applies his extensive experience in strategic and event planning, campaign management, and partnership development. He supports the board’s mission of promoting sustainable and innovative energy solutions through educational and non-partisan initiatives, ensuring impactful community engagement and advocacy.
Alex Beehler
Board Member
In 1975, Alex Beehler gained a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University, before gaining a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1978. Subsequently, he spent 25 years practicing law, both in a private environment, and across a number of federal agencies including the Department of Justice's Environmental Enforcement Section. Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Beehler served concurrently as the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at Koch Industries, and as the Vice President for Environmental Projects at the Charles G. Koch Foundation.
Between 2004 and 2009, Beehler served in the Department Defense, firstly as the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, and then later as the Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations & Environment. He also was the inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer of the department. After leaving the DoD Beehler worked for FaegreBD Consulting, providing environment, energy, and sustainability advice to government agencies; however in 2018, he was nominated to serve as the 8th Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment within the Department of the Army, and was sworn in on January 20, 2019. He served in this role until the beginning of Joe Biden's presidency.
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Beehler remains a member of the District of Columbia Bar, Maryland State Bar Association, and Virginia State Bar.