Meet The Team

Jennifer joined URA as VP in 1999 and became the President in 2003 when Utility Reduction Analysts (URA) became a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise. In 2008, she became the sole owner and CEO. Jennifer has been helping clients across the United States solve problems and save money for more than 35 years. A trusted utility, waste, and telecom expert, Jennifer has an extensive background in contract negotiation, mediation, and vendor management. Focused on advocating for her clients and building vendor relationships, Jennifer’s optimism, joy, and honesty help her build bridges, not barriers. Responsive and reliable, many clients stay with URA for multiple contract terms of 10+ years.

• 35 years utility consulting and corporate experience
• Michigan State University, BA

Doug MacDonald brings more than 15 years of experience leading technology, engineering, manufacturing automation, and business operations initiatives. Beginning his career as a software engineer and advancing to Director of Engineering, Doug has built and led multidisciplinary teams spanning software development, hardware engineering, manufacturing, and information technology.

As Chief Operating Officer of Utility Reduction Analysts (URA), Doug is responsible for driving operational excellence, process improvement, technology strategy, project execution, and data analytics initiatives across the organization. He is passionate about helping teams transform complex data into actionable insights, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable results for clients.

• 15+ years of technology, engineering, and operations leadership experience
• Expertise in operational excellence, project management, strategic planning, and data analytics
• Bachelor of Science, Grand Valley State University

Richard has been an integral part of the URA team since 2008, leading analysis and helping companies save millions of dollars. He specializes in complex data analysis (thousands of meters), contract review, monthly monitoring, and vendor negotiation. Richard is a Certified Energy Procurement Professional who earned a BA in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University. Clients trust and respect Rich because of his wealth of knowledge and experience with tariffs and rates around the country. Rich makes complex situations understandable and profitable!

• 20 years complex data analyst, extensive technology background
• Michigan State University, Supply Chain Management
• Certified Energy Procurement (CEP)

Anita has been managing the Client Care for URA since 2010. With over 35 years of high-level administrative experience, Anita oversees all aspects of client relations and provides additional operational and technical support. As a military wife, her attention to detail and care for others is unprecedented. Clients have called Anita ‘invaluable’, and anyone who knows her understands why. 

• 35 years high level administrative experience
• Client relations, operational and technology support
• Project manager and vendor lead

Brian has over 35 years of business management and technology experience, Brian supervises all facets of system development, Utility Bill Management software, data management, and cybersecurity. These key areas are crucial to URA’s clients’ success and peace of mind. Brian goes the extra mile on a daily basis to meet clients’ goals, provide utility usage and GHG reporting, and regular updates to keep projects on track. Responsive and trusted, he goes the extra mile to ensure clients are highly satisfied. 

• 25 years of information technology experience
• System development, operations and communication technology

Lara joined Utility Reduction Analysts in 2008. A graduate of Michigan State University, Lara has over 30 years of administrative and bookkeeping experience. She strives to deliver the greatest customer experience and also working with vendors. Lara also leads the creation of all URA social media and loves research.

• 30 years administrative and bookkeeping experience
• Michigan State University, BA 

Scott joined URA in 2020 and is an Analyst focusing on utility tariff review, rebates, and special programs. Scott’s business and mathematical background are a great asset to URA and their clients, helping businesses utilize savings opportunities.

Scott has a great grasp of complex calculations, communications skills, and sense of humor to match.

• The University of Michigan, BA in Economics

John has played a crucial role at Utility Reduction Analysts, introducing Jennifer to the business in 1999 and supporting her vision for URA. John has provided insight and support as a consultant and board member of URA.

• 40 years of experience in business
• Notre Dame University, MBA

Evan has been working with computer programming and software development for over 10 years. He has provided IT support to URA since 2010. Evan is skilled in finding answers to IT problems and supporting our needs, so the URA team can continually care for clients.

• Ferris State University, BS Computer Information Systems