Meet The Team

Co-owner
Tesla Miller
Tesla Miller is an experienced leader in strategy, innovation, and growth. Her career spans executive and consulting roles with brands such as Starbucks, Disney, Hilton, Best Buy, and FOCUS Brands. She led global strategy and business development for six franchises across 63 countries, overseeing 3,800 locations and more than $1 billion in global sales. At Best Buy, she was part of the Enterprise Strategy team, guiding growth, M&A, and new ventures. Her work has been featured in Financial Times, MSN Business, The TODAY Show online, and the New York Post, among others. A global explorer, Tesla is guided by curiosity and a belief in the laws of the universe. She is a hot yoga enthusiast and lover of sushi, has run marathons and competed in triathlons, and finds inspiration in hiking mountains, Native American teachings, abstract painting, and culinary adventures. She holds a BA in International Business and Marketing from James Madison University and an MBA in Strategic Management from Colorado State University.

Co-owner and CFO
Jon Miller
Jon is a clean energy entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in solar project finance, development, and investment. He has closed more than $2 billion in renewable energy transactions across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects nationwide. Known for navigating complex capital stacks and building high-performing partnerships, Jon brings a sharp financial lens and strong execution discipline to every project. Jon holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, a BBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, NABCEP Entry Level Certification, and multiple technical certifications from Solar Energy International (SEI), where he later served on the board. He has been a featured speaker at KPMG and industry events, with work published in the Financial Times, Corporate Counsel Business Journal, and the Springfield Business Journal.

Business Support Manager
Kara Kilmartin
Kara joined the Newport Solar team in January 2015 after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a Master of Environmental Science and Management, focused in Environmental Policy. She feels most at home wandering the woods and has a sincere appreciation for wildlife. Kara sees renewable energy deployment as a practical way to help the environment and takes pride in being part of a team that brings positive change to others. A native Rhode Islander, Kara resides in South County. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her dog and going on birding adventures in the woods or at the beach. She also enjoys simple artistic outlets, including photography, embroidery, and painting.

Master Electrician and Project Supervisor
Mark Chatterley
Mark joined the Newport Solar team in April 2016. He is a master electrician with over 20 years of experience in the electrical field. Mark currently leads the installation crew as foreman and also contributes to system design work for the shop. Outside of work, Mark is a third-degree black belt in Shotokan karate and the founder of 10kV Artworks, his woodworking brand. He creates custom wood designs using fractal burning, a technique that uses electricity to burn intricate patterns into wood, along with other woodworking methods such as live edge, epoxy, and more.

Principal, Solar and Energy Advisor
Casey Ackerman
Casey joined the Newport Solar team in 2021 and brings over a decade of comprehensive solar industry experience. His BS in Business from Salve Regina University, and NABCEP Technical Sales Certification add an extensive level of expertise to the team. Casey is passionate about renewable energy and its impact on the environment. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed educating others on the economic and environmental benefits of solar electricity and battery storage. Casey lives in Middletown with his wife Diana, and their dog, Wally. His home is solar-powered, and he values contributing to Rhode Island’s renewable energy goals. He enjoys gardening, an average golf game, platform tennis, and playing in the RHL street hockey league.

Lead, Solar and Energy Advisor
Tim Rich
Tim joined the Newport Solar team in 2025 and brings 7 years of solar PV experience along with a deep understanding of residential energy systems. He is a member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) and currently serves as head of the Solar Committee in his homeowners association. Tim holds a degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University and has extensive knowledge of home construction, which helps him design systems that work seamlessly with each home. Tim lives in South Kingstown with his family and enjoys sailing, skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors. He has a passion for teaching, whether it’s helping someone learn a new sport or guiding them through the process of evaluating a solar system. He finds real fulfillment in helping others gain new skills or a deeper understanding of something meaningful.

Solar Site Analyst and System Designer
Jacob Izzi
Jake joined the Newport Solar team in 2021 and has continued to grow his expertise in the energy industry. He discovered his interest in solar while studying Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at the University of Rhode Island and interning in the solar field during his undergraduate studies, graduating in 2019. A native Rhode Islander, Jake enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and snowboarding. He is also an avid guitar player and is extremely passionate about training in mixed martial arts.

Project Coordinator
Randy Martinez
Randy is an accomplished HR leader with over 20 years of experience driving culture change and executive development at Fortune 5 companies and global brands. Known for his strategic vision, project management expertise, and ability to align people and purpose, he has helped organizations foster inclusive cultures and lead meaningful transformation. After stepping down from his corporate role to stay in Rhode Island, Randy is channeling his expertise into local projects and publishing a book on the process of personal and organizational transformation. We’re grateful to have him supporting our team with special projects as we build for the future. Outside of work, Randy enjoys reading, writing, golf, and spending time outdoors in the sunshine.

Journeyman Electrician and Install Manager
Robert Johnson
Rob joined the Newport Solar team in 2014 and has been installing solar arrays on Rhode Island homes ever since. He leads the team delivering quality installations while maintaining a clean and safe work environment. He takes pride in contributing to efficient, clean, and renewable energy for our clients. Born in Rhode Island, Rob earned his bachelor’s degree from Johnson and Wales University in 2010. He enjoys sports, personal fitness, and cooking.

Journeyman Electrician and Crew Lead
Austin Tingley
Austin joined Newport Solar in early 2016 and achieved his Rhode Island Journeyman Electrician credential in 2021. He is currently the head installer at Newport Solar and takes pride in his work. Austin leads by ensuring every installation is code compliant and completed to the highest standard. A lifelong Rhode Islander, Austin graduated from La Salle Academy in 2014, where he started as middle linebacker for the football team. He has also earned his black belt in Shotokan karate after 10 years of training. In his free time, Austin enjoys playing sports and video games.

Journeyman Electrician and Assistant Crew Lead
Parker Dupuoy III
Parker has been an installer with Newport Solar since 2016. He enjoys the challenges of starting new jobs and adapting to working outdoors. After a 19-year career in human services, Parker appreciates the completely new and different opportunities Newport Solar offers to serve the community. In his free time, Parker enjoys spending time with his teenage son, going to the beach, listening to hip hop, and eating pizza.

Electrician and Senior Tech
Rich Legan
Rich joined the Newport Solar family in 2020 as a member of the installation team. Before that, he worked as a high school educator and as a farm hand at Greenview Farm in Wakefield. Originally from Massachusetts, Rich is now proud to call Rhode Island home. He loves working outdoors every day and takes pride in helping build a greener, more sustainable future. When he’s not on a roof, you’ll most likely find him surfing, hiking, camping, or traveling with his wife, kids, and dog.

Journeyman Electrician and Assistant Crew Lead
Jim Touni
Jim worked in the fitness and well-being industry for several years before joining the installer team at Newport Solar. He has always been interested in science and sustainability, and he is proud to contribute to local and eco-friendly solutions for energy needs. A Rhode Island native, Jim enjoys staying active, mostly through day hikes, sports, or at-home exercise. He also loves discovering new places, hearing new perspectives, gaming with friends, and spending time with family.

Solar and Battery Technician
Alex Perez
Alex joined Newport Solar in 2025 and is currently completing his apprenticeship with the team. He was born in Florida and moved around a lot before finally finding his place in Rhode Island with the Newport Solar team. He is a car enthusiast, passionate about sports, and has a deep love for nature. Joining the team has allowed him to combine his curiosity for electrical work with his drive to contribute to clean energy projects.
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At Newport Solar, we do more than install solar systems. We build meaningful careers in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.

The Future Is Solar
Every solar system we install powers more than a home. It fuels the future. From smart homes and electric vehicles to innovations we cannot yet imagine, solar energy is the foundation of what comes next.
We build what once belonged to science fiction. Today, solar is safe, proven, and built to last. Think of it as putting a little bit of sci-fi on your roof and taking one giant leap toward a cleaner, smarter world.
We approach every project with purpose. The experience is simple, thoughtful, and built around your needs.
Curious how it all comes together?