Sustainability Staff

Chad Worth

Energy, Utilities and Sustainability Director

Chad joined the Energy, Utilities and Sustainability team in 2021. Chad is a Cal Poly Alum (Industrial Engineering ’09) and worked in facilities as part of the Green Campus Program as a student assistant. Chad has previously spent a majority of his career working for the consulting firm Energy Solutions , and also had shorter stints working for a small solar company, Cuesta College and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Outside of work Chad enjoys making music, tinkering on old cars, watching baseball when he can (Go A’s), mountain biking and keeping up with his wife and kids.

Amy Unruh

Sustainability and Waste Specialist

Amy graduated in 2017 from Sonoma State University with a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. During her time in college, she interned with the Sonoma Land Trust to do riparian restoration work, volunteered with local schools to teach elementary-aged students ecological concepts, and contributed to a project measuring species diversity in Sonoma County. After she graduated, Amy worked for an environmental nonprofit where she created a comprehensive program aimed at improving traditional and organic waste recycling processes at schools across San Diego County. Later, she managed a team to lead this effort, and oversaw several programs including a business waste reduction program, a hazardous waste referral hotline & database, and community-based events that centered around sustainability. In her free time, Amy enjoys hiking, camping, playing board games, and gardening.

Edgar Palacios

Energy and Sustainability Data Analyst

Edgar is a Cal Poly alum (Electrical Engineer '16) and joined the team in summer 2022. Edgar previously worked as a consultant to Cal Poly and other CSU's where he provided engineering support in implementing a software-based energy information system (EIS). As an energy project engineer supporting the Willdan SCE commercial, industrial, and multi-family energy efficiency programs he gained valuable knowledge on what it takes to audit, calculate, and realize energy savings. He has a knack for improving any excel spreadsheet you throw at him and contiously improving processes overtime. During his free time he enjoys being outdoors, spending quaility time with his wife and preschooler, and wrenching on any four or two-wheel drive vehicle.

Nereida Herrera

Central Coast Volunteer Corps Memeber

Nereida Herrera is a Los Angeles native that moved to San Luis Obispo to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Currently she is serving as an CCVC fellow where she oversees the Green Campus intern team. As a fellow her mission to create a more sustainable campus through recruitment and retention of student volunteers to work on waste reduction and energy/water conservation projects on campus. In her free time she like to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors by going on a hike, walk the beach and kayak in the summer!

Lalo Ocampo

Commissioning Agent

Lalo graduated from Cal Poly in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Prior to joining the Cal Poly Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability (EUS) team in 2024, Lalo worked for a private engineering & consulting firm in Southern California. His professional background entails various facets of building engineering including mechanical engineering design, energy conservation, strategic energy planning, and building commissioning. When outside of work, Lalo enjoys spending time with family, developing his artistic skills in water coloring, and improving upon his horrible golf game.

Marcus Henderson

Water Resources Manager

Marcus joined the Energy, Utilities, and Sustainabiliy team in September 2024. Marcus has completed various programs from Sacramento State and is a licensed Grade 5 Water Distribution Operator. Before coming to Cal Poly Marcus worked for the City of San Luis Obispo as the Water Distribution Supervisor where he oversaw the construction and maintance of the City's water system and is well versed in regional water management strategies.Outside of work Marcus likes spending time with his wife and kids enjoying everything the Central Coast has to offer including golf and surfing, while also working on a never ending list of home maintenance.

Administration & Finance

Sustainability