Leading Businesses into a Renewable Era

Henry Cortes is the Founder and Owner of Core Development Group and is responsible for the company’s strategic growth and daily operations in the United States, Atlantic region, and Pacific Islands region. Cortes powered Core Development Group to be nationally ranked in annual solar ratings (Solar Power World), recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies, significantly increasing MWs of commercial and community solar developed, a leader commercial fleet EV charging stations across the US., and recognized for battery energy storage systems. Prior to founding Core, he was vice president of project management for BayWa r.e. Solar Projects, a global leader in the renewable energy market. He is leading the expansion efforts of Core Development Group in the renewable energy industry, such as the solar energy, storage, and microgrid markets.

Cortes began his career in the electrical construction trade in 1990. He later served as the owner/operator of a large electrical contracting firm focused on commercial installations and a general contracting firm focused on real estate development and investments throughout New Jersey. He is also experienced in project finance, construction science, business development, leadership team management, and operational processes across a range of industries. With over 28 years of general construction experience, he brings a significant amount of real-world experience to Core Development Group.

Cortes studied industrial electric at the Passaic County Technical Institute from 1988 to 1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University and a master’s in business administration from Ramapo College. He also holds a Master Electrical license in the State of New Jersey and is certified by The National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP); the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); and the Project Management Institute (PMP).

He is fluent in Spanish and English and conversational in Portuguese.

Brecc Avellar leads Development processes at Core Development Group. He is an expert in technical and financial solutions in the Renewable and Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency industries. He has more than 25 years of business and project management experience in the design-build and finance of energy systems — as a business owner and also in roles with Ameresco, Johnson Controls and other companies.

Brecc has led or participated in energy projects for corporations and governments in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He has a depth of experience in the deployment of many forms of alternative energy, including solar PV, energy storage, biofuels, renewable natural gas (RNG) and waste-to-energy, as well as traditional energy generation and co-generation. He has facilitated several mergers and acquisitions in the energy and biofuels industries, as both principal and agent.

He has a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Virginia Tech, and has published several papers on biofuels, bio-materials and waste management processes (including waste-to-energy).

Brian Gemberling is a member of the Core Development Group executive board for strategic development and planning. He is responsible for the development and implementation of strategy and planning activities, including alignment to Core’s enterprise strategy, benchmarking, and positioning for growth. In his day-to-day role, he oversees the operations of Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Project Development Services.

Gemberling has a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech. He has 12 years of experience in all phases of project development, design, and construction.

Dana Hall is an attorney with 12 years of experience in the clean energy sector. Her primary role at Core is serving the company’s legal needs, and extends into policy, compliance and human resources. Prior to joining Core as General Counsel, Hall provided consulting and legal services to a broad range of energy clients in her boutique renewable energy practice, established in 2010.

She has also held roles with the Pace Energy and Climate Center, a multidisciplinary group working at the intersection of energy and the environment, conducting robust research and analysis in law and policy; and with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the impacts of hydropower generation through the certification of low impact hydropower.

Hall teaches environmental law and energy policy at Purchase College and has taught energy policy classes at The Cooper Union School of Continuing Education, Green Building Design Program. She is a frequent speaker at renewable energy industry conferences and events.

She has a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University., a master’s in environmental education from New York University, and a Juris Doctor from Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.

Peter Muzsi is head of marketing at Core Development Group and leads marketing and channel sales efforts for commercial solar, battery storage, and EV charging. Peter has more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the energy industry, including work at Constellation, ConEdison Solutions, and Starion Energy. Peter adds a passion for digital innovation, a desire to develop lasting win-win partnerships, and an aspiration to create compelling brand experiences.

He understands the unique energy needs of commercial customers, is a frequent speaker at industry energy conferences, and is a member of the TEPA Sustainability Committee.

Peter has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Bryant University and a master’s in business administration in marketing from the University of Connecticut.