MCE Honors Four Local Leaders with 15th Annual Charles McGlashan Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 20, 2026
Press Contact:
Jackie Nuñez | Senior Communications Manager
(925) 695-2124 | communications@mceCleanEnergy.org
SAN RAFAEL and CONCORD, Calif. — Four Bay Area environmental leaders have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to building cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities.
MCE’s Board of Directors has selected the local recipients of its annual Charles F. McGlashan Advocacy Awards, established in 2011 to commemorate the legacy of MCE’s founding Chair, Charles F. McGlashan. The annual award celebrates local changemakers whose leadership advances environmental justice and climate ready communities.
This year’s honorees include:
• The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
• Maria Albuja-Pavon of North Marin Community Services
• Richard Fleming of the Benicia Community Sustainability Commission
• Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley
“Confronting climate change is an all-hands-on-deck effort, which is why we are celebrating these passionate leaders guiding our communities toward meaningful change, We need more leaders like them, and we are grateful for their bold dedication.”
The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
TURN partnered with MCE to expand EV charging at five Bay Area Black churches, gathering input from more than 300 community members, including residents in state- designated disadvantaged communities. TURN continues to play a key role in MCE’s Community Power Symposium and supports EV charging deployment, particularly in Richmond, offering a replicable model for equitable, community-driven clean mobility.
Maria Albuja-Pavon of North Marin Community Services
As Climate Action Coordinator, Maria leads the Volunteer Promotores Program, empowering 21 Latine community leaders who have engaged more than 600 residents across Novato, San Rafael, and West Marin. The program connects families with MCE programs, renewable energy options, and utility savings such as CARE and FERA discounts. In 2025, Maria organized bilingual presentations and cohosted the first annual Our BrightFuture: Electrification and Energy Efficiency Fair, drawing 250 attendees and 19 exhibitors. Her culturally responsive outreach strengthens equitable participation in climate solutions.
Richard Fleming, Chair of the Benicia Community Sustainability Commission)
Richard’s leadership helped launch a direct mail campaign in early 2025 promoting MCE’s clean energy resources to more than 120 Benicia businesses—advancing clean energy adoption in the first Solano County community served by MCE. He also represents MCE at community events, helping residents and businesses access programs that support local sustainability goals.
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley
Habitat for Humanity’s Esperanza Place in Walnut Creek is a model for climate-smart affordable housing. The 42-unit Zero Net Energy townhome development produces more energy than it consumes, reducing utility costs for residents while advancing equity and sustainability. Its transit-oriented design and community focused layout reflect MCE’s values of accessibility and environmental stewardship.
MCE’s work is possible thanks to partnerships with outstanding environmental leaders. To collaborate with MCE to advance a clean energy future, contact engagement@mceCleanEnergy.org.
About MCE: MCE is a not-for-profit public agency and the preferred electricity provider for more than 600,000 customer accounts and 1.8 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Setting the standard for clean energy in California since 2010, MCE leads with 60-100% renewable power at stable rates, serving a 1400 MW peak load, significantly reducing greenhouse emissions, and reinvesting millions in local programs. For more information about MCE, visit mcecleanenergy.org, or follow us on your preferred social platform @mceCleanEnergy.
