We are proud to recognize the incredible contributions of the Women of ACT (Advocacy and Communication Task Force), who are bringing much-needed attention to the advancements in the geothermal heat pump industry. This dynamic team includes Christine Hoffer from NY-Geo, Dona Kyler from Indiana Geothermal, and Kathy Ridley from Geothermal Alliance of Illinois, they form the backbone of ACT and drive its success.

ACT’s mission is to be the leading voice of the geothermal heat pump industry through advocacy, training, and certification. Its vision is to promote IGSHPA’s geothermal expertise, training, and best practices as the “Gold Standard” across state geothermal associations, contractor collaborations, and public outreach.

Formed in December 2023 at the Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Women of ACT meet monthly to address the key challenges facing the geothermal ground source heat pump industry today. Their guiding question is, “How can we support one another and, more importantly, how can we expand the reach of GSHPs both nationally and internationally? Through their efforts, they continue to inspire growth and collaboration across the geothermal sector.

Name:
Christine Hoffer

Company, Position & Title:
NY-GEO; Executive Director

How long have you worked in the Geo Industry?
Two Years; 15+ at the kitchen table

How did you get into the Geo Industry/Why did you choose to work in Geo?
NY-GEO decided to hire an executive director after Bill Nowak opted to retire and move into a board of director position. NY-GEO board member, John Ciovacco of Aztech Geothermal, was familiar with my work as it relates to association management and asked me to apply. Full disclosure-my husband (see “kitchen table talk”) is John’s business partner.

Tell us what you love about the ACT Committee?
The ACT Committee is a collective of State and Provincial (Canada) associations whose goal is to advance GSHPs (geothermal). We are stronger together and all basically have the same challenges. By collaborating together and with IGSHPA, we have more resources to grow the industry.

What do you want to see for the future of the Geothermal Industry?
I want to see that as an industry, we collaborate – best word ever – to advance the industry, ensure everyone makes money while saving the planet. All industries’ ultimate goal is to be profitable. Our industry also happens to be helping to decarbonize our planet while creating a workforce that can transition from traditional fossil fuels and be good paying jobs, provide buildings’ heating and cooling needs without damaging the grid, while providing a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.

I also want to see our industry begin to speak to the consumer in a way that they can understand it. We need to help reduce the costs, provide training to increase a quality workforce, and encourage CGD and CGI certified individuals on projects.

Three interesting facts about yourself?
I’m not that interesting,

1. I’m an Alaskan
2. If I had a do over, I would be a Chef or a Classic Cocktail Bartender
3. Proud mom of two young men

Name:
Dona Kyler

Company, Position & Title:
Indiana Geothermal, Co-owner & New York Geothermal Supply, Co-owner

How long have you worked in the Geo Industry?
7 years

How did you get into the Geo Industry/Why did you choose to work in Geo?
I married into it. My husband has been a lifer since the late 80’s. I joined with the company when the tax credit went away in 2017. The loss in business almost took us under, so we joined forces with his knowledge and my communications/marketing background and dug back out. We planned for a 40% loss in business as a distributor and loop contractor. We had a 70% loss. The contractors stop selling geothermal. They genuinely believed that it could not be sold without the tax credit. So, we went out and sold it. With a lot of contractor and consumer marketing and training we are not only doing better than before, but we have branched out into New York State.

Tell us what you love about the ACT Committee.
My brain thinks like a marketer, so this committee is perfect for me. I also work with other distributors, contractors, builders, and consumers, so my reach and experiences are far reaching so it is good for this. However, what I really LOVE about the ACT committee is the people. I have made awesome friendships with like-minded people as we forge the advancements with advocacy of geothermal heat pumps.

What do you want to see for the future of the Geothermal Industry?
More of it! In the world of electrifying this and electrifying that, we are a huge answer to the grid problems. I would like to see consistent messaging about this product, that not only is the best heating and cooling system you can use, but it is a problem solver too for the larger global efforts that are panicking our electric grid and our gas companies.

Three interesting facts about yourself?

1. I run a horse boarding stable - We have 7 horses on the property right now
2. In my spare time, which is very little, I love to go off roading in our jeep. Moab, Utah is my favorite place. We are doing a Jeep Jamboree in Monticello, NY in 2025! Woo Hoo!
3. Mother of three, the youngest being a 22-year-old special needs daughter with epilepsy.

Name:
Kathy Ridley, CAE

Company, Position & Title:
Geothermal Alliance of Illinois, Executive Director

How long have you worked in the Geo Industry?
3 years

How did you get into the Geo Industry/Why did you choose to work in Geo?
I own an association management company, and my good friend and colleague, John Freitag, introduced me to the fascinating world of geothermal energy. His passion for the industry inspired me to explore it further, and I quickly saw the tremendous potential and importance of geothermal systems.

Tell us what you love about the ACT Committee.
I love the ACT Committee for its emphasis on knowledge sharing and fostering a collaborative network. As someone new to the geothermal industry, I’ve learned so much from everyone involved in this task force. It’s incredibly rewarding to see us working together toward the common goal of advancing the industry and supporting one another’s growth.

What do you want to see for the future of the Geothermal Industry?
I envision geothermal systems becoming the default choice for heating and cooling in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This transition would establish geothermal as a cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

Three interesting facts about yourself?

1. I’ve been working with associations for over 30 years. I started with a lobbying group, where I discovered my passion for the association world and helping groups amplify their message.
2. I’m currently serving as Commodore (President) of the Island Bay Yacht Club. While I don’t own a sailboat or yacht, I love everything about the water and am dedicated to helping the club grow and enhance its membership experience.
3. In 2018, I earned my CAE (Certified Association Executive) credential, the highest professional designation in the association industry. Fewer than 5% of association professionals achieve this distinction, and I’m proud to hold this mark of excellence.