Central MA Up + Comer: Operations Analyst Laura Nowell

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Former Clarkie, Laura Nowell is an Operations Analyst for Conservation Services Group (CSG). CSG is a large not for profit organization that specializes in energy efficiency programs and brings in over 120 million in revenue with offices in more than15 states. Laura holds her BA from Clark and MS from Southern New Hampshire University with two graduate certificates in Public Administration and HR. She is active in professional development groups including the Young Professional Women’s Association, New England Women in Energy & the Environment, Northeast Energy Commerce Association, and is Co-founder of the Young Professional Westborough Group.

A Conversation with Laura Nowell

SW: You are an Operations Analyst for Conservation Services Group. What exactly does your job entail?

LN: Being part of our Operations team means you have a slight hand in everything. CSG currently holds contracts for more than 64 programs so as an Operations Analyst we help start programs, analyze their workflows, business practices and implement systems company wide. The job consists of a lot of program consulting, each programs goal is energy efficiency and our goal is to make the program more efficient.

SW: What led you to this career path?

LN: I joined CSG the summer of 2011 after graduating from Clark. Taking a position within the green industry was just another page out of the Clarkie book. I started in their HEAT Loan Financing program and having had several opportunities to work on projects outside of my job description realized I wanted to consult and do project management for more than one program at CSG. Joining our Corporate Operations team was a step in that direction.

SW: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

LN: There are too many phases in life to chalk it up to one major influence. Thus far I have had three major contributors to my success; my mom Joanne Normand, my mentor Sandra Mokey and one of my bosses Celeste Maykel. My mom has been a constant support for each step I’ve taken… she even handed me my diploma when I completed my Masters. Sandra has given me the many opportunities and professional guidance at CSG that is essential to professional growth. Celeste is the owner of EVO dining and she never allowed me to say no! She constantly reminds me what it means to have a demanding schedule and great work-life balance.

SW: How do you spend your free time?

LN: I work two jobs so free time is usually a foreign concept. My boyfriend is the co-owner of Funky Stuff in Worcester which adds to our work load but gives us the opportunity to travel and meet all kinds of different people, business owners and artists. In our “free” time we go to music festivals all over the Country and hike with my dog as much as possible.

SW: What do you do for volunteer work?

LN: As a member YPWA I have had several volunteering opportunities through Working for Worcester and Girls Inc. I also volunteer for The 200 Foundation which has multiple fundraising events such as charity golf tournament and dinners in order to give grants and donations to local non-profit organizations and communities.

SW: What is your favorite quote?

LN: “In the end the love you take is equal to the love you make” it’s from a Beatles song and it just reigns true to my mentality and reminds you to keep your surroundings equal and well- balanced.

SW: What is a fact that few people know about you?

LN: I was a vegetarian for six and half years… one day someone dared me to take a bite of a cheeseburger and I never looked back.

SW: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

LN: Student loan free, the rest I am still deciding on…

GoLocalWorcester presents Central MA Up + Comers, a weekly profile of a member of the next generation as they are making their mark or charting new territory in the Central Ma workforce and community. Join us every Thursday for a look at the careers and lifestyles of the local digital generation.

If you have suggestions for a profile, please email [email protected].

Susan D. Wagner is president of Susan Wagner PR, a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity.

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