Leading Businesses into a Renewable Era
The seasoned leadership of Core Development Group has over a century of energy industry expertise combined with a decade of Core Development Group’s track record of designing, engineering, constructing, developing, financing, and operating a nationally ranked leader of clean & renewable energy projects.
Every day, we use our experience and know-how, with clarity and transparency, to make a positive impact and guide businesses to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Henry Cortes - CEO and Founder
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 in 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.
Dana Hall - General Counsel
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 - Head of Marketing
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.
Deborah Masker - Controller
Brian Gemberling - VP of Engineering
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.
Jenn Rist - VP of Operations
Jenn Rist leads project delivery, management, and pre-construction activities and provides input on growth strategy and critical process development. Jenn has spent nearly 10 years in the C&I industry working with industry-leading companies to oversee the construction and delivery of over 250MW of distributed renewable energy.
Rist has 2 decades worth of Project Management experience, working as a Defense contractor as well as spending 5 years as the Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Chapter of Girls on the Run International, growing it into the largest council in the county under her leadership. She also spent over 2 years as a paralegal for Williams & Connolly, supporting several high-profile corporate litigation cases.
She has been PMP certified since 2013 and graduated with a bachelor’s in economics from Johns Hopkins University. Rist enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and supporting her son’s motorsports career dream.
Adam Burgess - Director of Construction
Adam Burgess is the Director of Construction and is responsible for project management, construction management, quality assurance, contract negotiation, contractor selection, and site assessments. Adam holds an excellent track record of strong working relationships with system owners, architects, and engineers, resulting in successful construction experiences that meet budgets and are completed on time.
Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and over 20 years of experience in electrical construction and contracting, combined with over 10 years of solar project management. Adam previously held positions of general foreman and project manager for large-scale commercial & industrial energy reduction, and energy generation projects. As a prior owner-operator of an electrical construction company, he developed skills in management, estimating, finance, and construction project documentation. Adam apprenticed electrical at the Local Washington, D.C. Union and is proud to be a second-generation electrician with an impressive list of certifications and credentials. He currently holds a Journeymen Electrical License in Prince George’s County MD, a Master Electrical license in the State of Maryland, a Master Electrical License in Virginia, a Master Electrical license in the District of Columbia, certified by The National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as PV Installation Professional, completed training in construction safety and health that’s recognized by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and is a licensed Captain by the United States Coast Guard.
