Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association Welcomes New Leader
St. Paul, MN (September 15, 2026) The Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association (MNGHPA) has appointed Carina Paton as their new Executive Director. Ms. Paton replaces Jeffrey Beiriger, who stepped down recently after serving as Executive Director for nearly fourteen years.
Ms. Paton brings more than 15 years of experience in clean energy consulting to the role, including her experience as owner and founder of VoltaMetrics. Her experience spans residential, commercial, and community applications in ground- and air-source heat pumps, solar PV, energy storage, commercial food service equipment, fuel cells, combined heat and power (or cogeneration) and thermal and electrical microgrids.
MNGHPA President Garret Sakry (Northern GroundSource, Inc. of Brimson, MN) noted that:
“We love what Carina brings to the table as we take this next step in the evolution of the association and the industry. She has both the technical and organizational skills needed for this moment, when geothermal heating and cooling is poised to play a larger and larger role in meeting our state, and our national energy policy needs.”
Ms. Paton, who holds an MPhil in Environmental Technology, a BSc(hons) in Physics, and is a Certified Geothermal Inspector, stated:
“One of Minnesota's greatest energy opportunities lies just beneath our feet. Ground source heat pumps can reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and strengthen our state's energy resilience. I'm excited to lead the Association's efforts to expand awareness of this proven technology, promote excellence in installation and design, and position Minnesota as a leader in geothermal innovation and adoption. By working collaboratively with contractors, manufacturers, utilities, policymakers, and other partners, we can accelerate industry growth and deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits across our state.”
The MNGHPA was founded in 1989 a non-profit organization committed to promoting the technical competency and growth of the geothermal heat pump industry in Minnesota, as well as educating the public – consumers, regulators, architects/engineers, elected officials, and others – on the effective uses and benefits of geothermal technology and its specific applications in the state.
As he leaves the organization, Mr. Beiriger reflected on his years working on behalf of the association:
“It’s incredible how the geothermal heating and cooling industry has changed over the past dozen years. I don’t recall a time when there has been more momentum toward the use of geothermal technology – in residential markets, for sure, but especially in the non-residential markets. I’m excited for the direction of the industry and the association and glad to have played a small part in the organization’s history.”
Sakry noted that the MNGHPA has done much to advance the use of geothermal technology, but also that there is a lot more that can be done. He especially noted the organization’s work to advance awareness of geothermal heat pump technology and to provide contractor and installer training, including the creation of the Master Geothermal Installer program, which works to ensure the best outcomes when geothermal systems are designed and installed.