After graduating from college, Shawn Horton worked in commercial construction for a number of years before moving on to public transit. Later, he worked in housing services for a Housing Authority in Pennsylvania, and a Community Action Partnership (CAP) in Tioga County, NY. There, he helped administer the USDA Rural Development Grant, the NYS Home Improvement Project Grant, NYSHCR Section 8 rental assistance and other related programs.
After working at CAP, he spent some time as a NYS licensed home inspector and then at his local school district as the Director of buildings and grounds. So, he'd already accumulated significant experience in energy-related programs and helping his community before joining Smart Energy Choices.
When Shawn recently started looking for other opportunities, he took a recommendation from one of his former CAP co-workers to apply for the open position of Community Energy Advisor at Cornell Cooperative Ext Chemung. His co-worker felt it would be a natural fit for him given his experience, so he took her advice.
““I find it to be a very fine organization. It’s got an excellent culture, and a group that is supportive and not judgmental, and it’s not just rhetoric.””
Since joining the hub team, Shawn hit the ground running on outreach events and advising. He said he's really enjoyed working with his fellow advisors to make a tangible difference in his community. Contact him with your energy questions by calling 607-366-0833, extension #2, or emailing sh2757@cornell.edu.