Our Team
Aaran Koller
Owner, President
Aaran has lived in New York most of his life, growing up in Ellicottville where he enjoyed hobbies like mountain biking, trail running, and camping. After high school, Aaran joined the Navy, where he spent 5 years maintaining the F/A-18C Aircraft's engines and fuel systems. He deployed twice and after his service he continued his education by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Sustainable Energy Management from SUNY ESF and minored in Sustainable Construction. Aaran has continued his career in the solar industry ever since.
Rick Luckette
Operations Manager
Rick grew up right here in Syracuse, New York and has a degree from Utica College in electrical engineering. Rick brings over 30 years of experience in project management and company operations. In his free time, he enjoys anything outside, whether it be hanging out by the pool, hiking, camping or skiing during the winter. Because he enjoys the challenge of company growth and business development, Rick has taken on this role of Operations Manager to bring innovation and strategic planning for a new era at Next Generation Solar.
Mark French
Senior Sales Consultant
Outside of my interest in renewable energy, I like to spend my time with my wife of 20 years and my 3 daughters. We live on a small horse farm which accounts for a lot of quality time together. What I enjoy most, however, is the time I spend coaching and watching my girls play the various sports that they are into, especially basketball. For me, this is a short-lived part of my life and I plan to enjoy it as much as possible.
Cheryl Severance
Accounting Manager
Cheryl joins the Next Generation Solar team with 10 years of financial and administrative experience. Her knowledge and qualifications make her an integral part of our financial department. She enjoys working for and being a part of a company that she believes makes a difference for our future.
Cheryl likes spending time at the beach and loves the outdoors, animals, and most of all her family!
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Marlee Koller
Human Resources Coordinator
Marlee Koller is the Human Resources Coordinator with NGS. She manages the onboarding process of new employees as well as providing support and assistance for them throughout their employment with NGS. Prior to her current job, Marlee brings an extensive background from her previous endeavors. These include performing payroll duties at a large hospital; working for the U.S. Department of Defense as a Contract Specialist that trained employees and interfacing with the private companies and the U.S. Navy. Her work experience makes her a valuable resource at our company. In her spare time, she manages to enjoy her “off-time” hanging out or hiking with her husband Aaran, daughter Haisley, and her 3 dogs.
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Tommy Stubbs
Commercial Project Manager
I love the great outdoors, sports and most of all the future of solar! With 14 years of experience in solar Tommy is a huge asset to our team and helps to train site supervisors and keep everything running smoothly.
Donny Pauldine
Assistant Project Manager
Donny is a Syracuse native, where he graduated from Liverpool High School in 2014. After graduating, Donny continued to pursue a baseball career in college where he played for two years before deciding to leave that behind and enlist in the US Army. He spent 6 years there as a Military Police Officer, deploying once, and furthering his skills through numerous specialization schools. Donny brings his strong leadership and problem solving skills to Next Generation as an assistant project manager. As a family man Donny is a proud son, brother, uncle and soon to be husband.
Vinnie Smith
Residential Project Manager
Vinnie is a fun-loving adventurous guy. He has spent time in solar installation off and on for the past 5 years before coming on full-time with the company in 2022. He likes to spend his free time on the golf course or hiking in the woods with his dog, Zeke (Go Cowboys!)
Emily Messinger
Project Manager & Supervisors Assistant
Emily Messinger joins the team at Next Generation Solar with years of experience in administrative and financial services including Accounts Receivable and Medical Administration. She found a love for community through her work at the YMCA that she carries with her to this day. Her hobbies include spending time at the beach, 4 wheeling and exploring new places. Emily enjoys being outdoors and values time with her friends and family, especially her daughter. She is happy to be part of the NGS team.