We at New Buildings Institute (NBI) are pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Patrick Hughes, Rochelle Routman, and Jill Sherman. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership across key sectors, including energy technology and policy, corporate sustainability, and real estate and urban planning. Their diverse expertise will help guide NBI’s mission to create a built environment that equitably delivers community benefits and climate solutions.
These new board members bring decades of experience in public policy, public-private partnerships, and community-centered development. Their leadership will be instrumental as NBI deepens its impact in areas such as building electrification, low-carbon construction, demand flexibility, and community resilience.
Patrick Hughes, Senior Vice President Strategy, Technical, and Industry Affairs
Patrick Hughes is the Senior Vice President of Strategy, Technical, and Industry Affairs at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), where he leads efforts to advance the adoption of electrical technologies in key areas like high-performance buildings, renewable energy, and transportation. With a background in energy policy and climate science, he promotes strategic sustainable growth for the electrical manufacturing industry. Patrick also serves on the boards of ANSI and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, contributing to national standards and clean energy advocacy.
Rochelle Routman, Founder and President, Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards Alumnae Group
Rochelle Routman is a distinguished sustainability leader and executive, currently serving as founder and President of the Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards (WSLA) Alumnae Group, a nonprofit with over 135 global members. She formerly led sustainability and impact initiatives at HMTX Industries and held similar leadership roles at Mohawk Industries, Southern Company, and Lockheed Aeronautics. With academic geology and public policy backgrounds, Rochelle combines her passion for ecology, human health, and social justice to drive impactful environmental strategies.
Jill Sherman, Co-Founder and Partner, Edlen & Co
Jill Sherman is a partner at Edlen & Co., leading public-private partnerships and nonprofit-focused real estate projects, including affordable and mixed-income housing. With deep expertise in complex financing strategies, Jill has developed multiple high-performance buildings, including LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge-certified projects. She holds advanced degrees in urban studies, economics, and psychology and actively contributes to Portland’s real estate and planning community through advisory and leadership roles.
NBI is honored to welcome Patrick, Rochelle, and Jill to our Board of Directors. Their guidance will strengthen our efforts to scale equitable, carbon-neutral solutions across the built environment.
To learn more about our board members and the NBI team, visit our About Us page.