Gene Kelley

Energy Specialist

Rockingham County Schools

Gene Kelley is an Energy Specialist for Rockingham County Schools (RCS) and has
served in that capacity since 2014 when the district began its energy conservation
program. This year RCS became a 2024 Department of Energy’s Renew America’s
Schools grant selectee; similarly, the district was recognized as a 2022-23 Efficient and
Healthy Schools for improving indoor air and environmental quality. RCS accomplished
this by securing a guaranteed energy savings performance contract in 2020, updating
lighting and domestic water ECMs. Moreover, the district received Energy Star
recognition for 12 of its 21 schools in 2017. These achievements are a direct result of
dynamic local leadership and Gene’s active involvement.

Gene also keeps account of facility, lighting, and HVAC system operations of the
district’s more than 3 million square feet of building space. This is accomplished through
careful practices, consistent local audits, continuous review of the building
automation systems, and cultivating relationships. RCS saves countless utility dollars (25% energy use reduction), equating to a significant elimination of greenhouse gases.

Furthermore, Gene and his family are long-time residents of Rockingham County, NC.
Gene serves the Town of Madison as the chair of the Historic District and Properties
Commission and the Board of Adjustment. He also assists as a board member of the
Reidsville, NC YMCA and teaches English as an adjunct instructor at Rockingham
Community College. In all, Gene appreciates life and relationships and enjoys the skies
and landscapes while trekking the globe.