Upcoming Events
September 24 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
If you’re not thinking about energy as part of your OpEx strategy, you’re missing out on a substantial opportunity to eliminate waste, cut costs, and improve performance.
With growing energy supply concerns and rising costs, energy efficiency is pivotal for achieving operational excellence, as it enhances value while reducing waste.
In this webinar, Sarah Cooney will draw from her expertise in energy and operations to share how the integration of non-energy benefits (NEBs) into energy efficiency projects can lead to risk reduction, value creation, and cost savings. By quantifying NEBs—such as improved safety, decreased waste, and increased productivity—companies can strengthen their business cases for energy investments, ultimately improving payback periods and aligning with strategic goals.
This session will feature insights on available resources, including an open-source software developed by Sarah’s team called JUSTIFI. You’ll learn about utilizing this energy efficiency benefits methodology based on continuous improvement tools and accessing training materials which build on existing U.S. Department of Energy resources to strengthen your organization’s operational competitiveness.
By attending this webinar, you’ll better understand:
- How energy efficiency is tied to business performance metrics, including safety, quality, and productivity
- How energy efficiency improvement can save your organization money
- Where to find resources to get started on your energy efficiency improvement journey
Sarah Cooney currently holds the position of R&D Staff Scientist at the Center for Energy Conversion & Storage Systems within the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO. With a distinct focus on supporting manufacturers, utilities, and educational institutions as they navigate their energy transition journeys, she is dedicated to leading groundbreaking initiatives that quantify the non-energy benefits associated with energy efficiency projects.
With a wealth of experience specializing in Lean & Six Sigma methodologies, regulatory compliance, and project management, Sarah has made a significant impact across various sectors. Her career spans multiple industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, where she has excelled in roles such as Plant Manager, Director of Operations, and Vice President of Operations. In each capacity, she has unwaveringly pursued operational excellence and accountability.
Driven by a passion for innovation and efficiency, Sarah is committed to advancing the renewable energy sector and U.S. manufacturing competitiveness while also championing workforce development in energy initiatives. Her work not only transforms industry practices but also inspires the next generation of energy leaders.
October 1 | 1 – 4 p.m. | In-Person Workshop
As AI transforms how businesses operate, the ability to communicate effectively with AI tools has quickly become a critical skill. This interactive workshop helps professionals cut down on the guesswork and transform AI into a high-performing business partner.
During this three-hour session, participants will be immersed in the world of prompt engineering—the art and science of crafting effective inputs to guide AI systems toward useful, accurate, and creative outputs.
This workshop explores:
- Why Prompt Engineering Matters: Learn how prompt engineering is transforming industries and workplaces. You’ll dive into how more effective communication with AI leads to improved efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Prompt Frameworks: Discover structured approaches to designing, testing, and refining prompts for different AI tasks. You’ll build fluency through hands-on experimentation.
- AI Startup Simulation: Collaborate in groups to apply prompt engineering techniques to real-world challenges.
This workshop is designed for professionals across industries who want to make AI work smarter and faster. No technical experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment!
Jim Perry is a seasoned data and technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation for Fortune 100 companies. His expertise spans artificial intelligence (AI), data strategy, and enterprise technology implementation, helping organizations become data-driven, customer-centric, and operationally efficient.
As an Adjunct Lecturer at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, he teaches courses in AI Prompt Engineering and Data Mining, equipping professionals with practical skills to leverage AI for business impact. He also advises companies through his private consulting practice, where he helps teams integrate AI to improve efficiency, speed, and decision-making.
Ralph Greco is a Fisher College of Business senior lecturer and the director of the Nationwide Center for Advanced Customer Insights. He joined Fisher after 25+ years working in technology. He is a two-time graduate of The Ohio State (Industrial and Systems Engineering) and has worked for IBM, Accenture and Sterling Commerce (later acquired by IBM). Greco works closely with college leadership, faculty, and staff to design and implement applied curriculum in the area of analytics for undergraduate students, graduate students, and practicing managers through executive education.
This is a limited-capacity, in-person only workshop on the Ohio State campus. Please submit your interest using the form below. Participants will be selected from interest form submissions in coordination with COE board representatives from each member company. If you have been selected, you’ll receive an email by September 10. Selected participants will be responsible for purchasing ChatGPT Plus to participate in this session.
Save the Date
November 5, 12 - 1 p.m. | Inventive Problem Solving Webinar featuring Holly Stein, Cardinal Health (Virtual)
December 4, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | 3rd Annual AI Insights Seminar (Hybrid - In-person at the Fawcett Center or virtual)
April 7-9, 2026 | COE Summit 2026 (In-person at the Fawcett Center)