About Us

Jason Benfit

General Manager, Solar Energy — Leadership

With a passion for green building, Jason once lived in a solar powered “tiny home” he built in Hawaii — way before tiny homes were considered cool. Now in his second stint at Neil Kelly, Jason leads our solar energy practice and consults on sustainable building projects, energy efficiency, solar energy systems and more. Focused on communication and customer service, committed to outstanding build quality, and supported by a top-notch team of Neil Kelly craftspeople and technicians, Jason can deliver home improvement jobs on time and on budget.

Mike Wirkkula

Project Manager — Portland

Mike brings more than two decades of broad and deep experience to Neil Kelly’s solar energy team and the clients they serve. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University, Mike’s many professional certifications include Project Management Professional, LEED AP, Certified Energy Manager, Quality Control Inspector and Building Analyst and Envelope Professional.

In a career focused on clean energy and sustainable construction, Mike worked as a Solar System Designer, Home Performance Contractor, Energy Analyst, and Technical Building Consultant before joining Neil Kelly. He was drawn to Neil Kelly’s commitment to quality, customer service, community and the environment, and enjoys helping homeowners to make their homes – and the world – more livable and sustainable.

Jeff Poirier

Solar Energy Consultant — Portland

Jeff is an experienced solar energy and home performance specialist with more than 20 years of experience in sustainable building and product development. Among the products he’s developed is an environmentally friendly loose-fill building insulation material. He is BPI certified and a member of the Oregon Solar and Storage Industries Association (OSSIA).

With so many people becoming interested in energy efficiency and solar energy solutions these days, Jeff especially enjoys the challenge of delivering quality products and high integrity service to new customers.

In his spare time, Jeff enjoys keeping up with his kids, along with mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. He’s also a part-time snowboard instructor at Mt Hood Meadows.

Andreis Kennedy

Project Associate — Portland

Andreis has worn many hats during her 15+ years with Neil Kelly.  In her current role, she puts that experience to work ensuring that clients’ Solar Energy projects remain on track, on time and on budget.

From ordering materials and procuring permits to preparing schedules and budgets to ensuring effective communication between the NK team and clients, Andreis keeps projects running according to plan. She enjoys being part of a team that’s doing great work for clients and good work for the environment at the same time.