2027 Speakers

Assistant Secretary of Tribal Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation

Mr. Crawford is a proud member of the Forest County Potawatomi Community in Northern Wisconsin, and currently serves as the foremost representative for tribal interests in the U.S. Department of Transportation. His leadership and influence have been recognized with prestigious accolades, such as being recognized by Madison 365’s 2023 Wisconsin’s Most Influential Native American Leaders, and BizTimes Media’s 2024 Wisconsin 275 Most Influential Business Leaders. Mr. Crawford has been elected by his tribe to serve as both the initial Chairman & inaugural Chairman of the Board of Directors for Potawatomi Business Development Corporation (now known as Potawatomi Ventures). His tribe had also elected him to the roles of Vice-Chairman, Council Member, Secretary and most recently resigning his Tribal Chairman position to take on the role of US DOT Assistant Secretary. As Tribal Chairman James was the fourth tribal leader to sign a Self-Governance Compact with the US DOT. With an impressive 39-year tenure dedicated to his Tribe, Mr. Crawford is recognized as a passionate advocate for Tribal Sovereignty. James is eager to advance the Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program and continue making a positive impact. Secretary Crawford will share his unique insight and views as to the current state of sustainable transportation in the tribal territories of Wisconsin, including anticipated future policy developments and funding opportunities that aid tribal communities to switch to cleaner transportation. 

President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, Pod Caster & Author of the well selling book “Path to Zero”

Mr. Perkins is an energy expert with four decades of experience in the liquid and renewable fuels industry, a nationally recognized speaker, author, podcaster and advocate for practical approaches to reducing emissions. Since 2017, he has served as President and CEO of PERC, where he leads efforts to advance propane technology, safety, education, and innovation. Mr. Perkins is also the author of Path to Zero: 12 Climate Conversations That Changed the World, published in 2024. The book explores the journey toward a net-zero future through conversations about energy, climate, technology, and innovation. Drawing from his Path to Zero podcast, Perkins presents a “wide path” approach that considers a range of technologies and energy solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a frequent keynote speaker, Perkins brings a unique perspective on the intersection of energy, transportation, innovation, and decarbonization. Attendees of 2027 T&I will have the opportunity to hear his insights firsthand, learn more about the technologies and strategies shaping the future of transportation and obtain a signed copy of his acclaimed book!

Director of the Alternative Energy Division, CMD Corporation

Mr. Schmoll is an industry leader in providing capital equipment and services to the Compressed Natural Gas Market. With a strong background in energy systems and innovation, Brad oversees the development and implementation of renewable energy products at CMD with an emphasis on CNG and RNG Compression systems.  His leadership is instrumental in aligning alternative energy strategies with long-term organizational goals, fostering collaboration, and promoting a cleaner energy future. Mr. Schmoll boasts in excess of 25 years of experience in the industrial equipment industry. Before his current position, Brad served as Manager of Technical Services for CMD in both international and domestic markets. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and an associate degree in Business Management from Fox Valley Technical College. He currently serves as Executive Chair of the Wisconsin Clean Cities board of Directors.

Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities

Fred is the former Mayor of the City of Ashland, Wisconsin, where he established the city as the first Eco-​Municipality in the nation. These efforts helped Mayor Schnook to ​increase funding to Ashland by ​over 350%. Fred previously served as a consultant with Foth, Inc., ​providing sustainable planning to private ​sector enterprises and municipalities across the mid-west. Fred has served as the City and Village ​Administrator in Kewaunee and Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Schnook ​also served as Wisconsin’s representative to the Great Lakes ​Commission. Mr. Schnook has lectured at universities across the mid west and numerous conferences internationally on Sustainable Planning, ​Economic Development, Eco-​Industrial Park Design and Creative Cities. Fred has a master’s ​degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-​Oshkosh.