Employee Spotlight: Nicole Hartman, Vice President of Development
At CEG Solutions, our people are the heart of everything we do. From the way we collaborate with clients, to the way we solve complex infrastructure challenges, it’s our team’s expertise, curiosity, and commitment that set us apart.
As part of our Employee Spotlight series, we’re highlighting the people behind the work — the individuals who bring CEG’s mission to life every day.
We recently sat down with Nicole Hartman, Vice President of Development, to talk about her career path at CEG, what drives her work, and what makes CEG such a unique place to grow. Here’s what she had to say.
What do you do in your role, and how would you describe it to someone new to CEG?
I lead CEG’s project development phase. From the moment a client selects us to develop an energy performance contract to the time we’re officially under contract to implement those measures, I oversee the full development process.
That means coordinating initial site investigations and scope identification, building cost and savings models, working closely with our clients and subcontractors, and assembling the final proposal. I work very closely with our project managers, engineers, and construction team. It’s truly a whole-team effort, and my role is really about bringing all those pieces together to deliver a successful project.
You’ve held several roles at CEG. Can you walk us through your path here?
I’ve been with CEG for 12.5 years, and I’ve been fortunate enough to get exposure to most elements of the business.
I started as an intern doing data collection and analysis, then moved into an associate role where I supported a little bit of everything – including engineering calculations, proposal writing, project management, and subcontractor coordination.
Eventually, I chose to follow the more project management track (as opposed to engineering), and started taking on larger and more complex projects.. Today, as Vice President of Development, I’m focused on development across our entire portfolio. Whenever possible I still like to dive into the details of a project, but I also spend a lot of my time at a more company-wide, strategic level.
What do you think helped propel your growth at CEG?
It really came down to exposure to opportunity. We were a very small company when I started, so it was truly all hands on deck.
CEG puts a lot of trust in its people, especially early-career professionals. You’re given responsibility pretty quickly, and it can definitely feel like a sink-or-swim environment, but you’re not doing it alone. There’s strong support from experienced teammates, and your team members genuinely want you to succeed. One thing CEG does well is letting you take on more and more responsibility, proving that you’re capable of handling it. That trial-by-fire approach helped me learn very quickly by doing, not just observing, and that made a huge difference in my career development.
Did CEG support any additional training or professional development along the way?
Definitely. I completed my Certified Energy Manager (CEM) training and became a Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP). Since my background was highly technical, I also completed Harvard Business School Online’s Credential of Readiness to build my business foundation to accelerate my growth in that area.
Beyond that, I’ve attended many conferences and continuing education programs, and I also participated in career coaching. Collectively, these development opportunities helped me become a more well-rounded leader.
You were awarded AEE’s Young Energy Professional of the Year in 2021. What did that recognition mean to you?
That was a big moment for me, and meant a lot from both a personal and professional standpoint
Professionally, I definitely didn’t earn that award on my own — it was a true reflection of the collaborative nature and mentorship at CEG . Despite only being 8 years out of school, I was given the opportunity to develop numerous high-impact projects – including projects that reduced electricity consumption by over 70%.
On a personal note, I hope it shows other early career colleagues that even someone with a non-traditional path (I studied meteorology and chased tornadoes before moving into energy) can still make a tangible impact on climate change. It also reinforced how important it is to pay it forward by creating career growth and mentoring opportunities for more junior resources on my team..
What qualities make someone successful as an associate at CEG?
You have to be hungry to learn and willing to jump in and try anything.
If I had to boil it down, I’d say curiosity, hard work, and taking responsibility are the most important traits. All of our core values are fundamental to how CEG operates, but “take responsibility” is number one. If someone wants to learn, works hard, and takes full ownership of their work, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where they wouldn’t succeed at CEG.
What would you say to someone exploring a career in development?
You really have the ability to make a huge impact in development.
This is where projects begin — you’re helping shape outcomes, understand client goals, and figure out creative ways to accomplish things they couldn’t do outside of an ESPC. You’re given a big puzzle without all the pieces, and your job is to figure out how to put it together.
When it comes together, the results can be truly life-changing — for clients, communities, and the environment. It’s work that helps people, helps the climate, and helps organizations thrive.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I like personal challenges and trying new things.
I lived in Europe for seven months while completing half of my master’s degree and traveled extensively during that time. I’ve been skydiving multiple times, and my husband and I renovated our house from top to bottom (so I learned everything from tiling to drywall along the way).
Probably the personal biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on, but also the one I’m most proud of – I woke up one day having never run a mile and decided to run a marathon. I ran the Philadelphia Marathon and finished in 3:47. I don’t think I’d do another one now that Mom life has ramped up, but I’m glad I did it once.
How has motherhood shaped your approach to your career?
Before having kids, my career was my main focus. Once you have children, you have to find a new balance.
CEG has been incredibly supportive as I’ve figured out how to keep growing professionally while also being present at home. It’s definitely been a learning process, especially going from one child to two, but in a lot of ways it’s made me more productive. When you have fewer hours, you learn how to focus and make them count.
For me, it’s really about being intentional — setting boundaries and making sure I’m showing up fully both at work and with my family.
Is there anything else you feel is important to your story at CEG?
Mentorship has been huge for me.
I’ve learned so much from mentors with different backgrounds and perspectives, and I hope I’ve been able to pay that forward by mentoring others. I truly believe I’m only as successful as the people around me.
CEG hires incredibly smart, driven people, and there’s a real multiplier effect here. One plus one doesn’t equal two — it equals four or five. Being in that kind of environment has shaped my career in the best possible way.
Interested in exploring a career where you can make a real impact while working alongside smart, driven people?
At CEG Solutions, we’re always looking for curious problem-solvers who want to grow, take ownership, and help shape the future of energy and infrastructure. Explore open roles and learn more about life at CEG on our Careers page.
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