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Anthony Santarelli

Business Development Specialist

EnergySense Resilience Center, University of Illinois System

About

Anthony Santarelli supports EnergySense’s statewide programs through partnership development, outreach, and strategic guidance across a range of energy and sustainability initiatives. He manages relationships with clients, municipal partners, business associations, and community groups, with a particular focus on expanding participation in sustainable business engagement programs such as the Illinois Green Business Program. His work advances EnergySense’s mission within the Illinois Innovation Network building stronger connections and delivering impactful solutions across Illinois.

Anthony directly manages a community-based green business program and contributes to several other EnergySense initiatives, drawing on his experience in outreach, consulting, and program design. He regularly works with businesses to assess opportunities, share best practices, and guide sustainability improvements. He also helps shape communications strategies and creates educational materials, including video content and digital media, to strengthen engagement and highlight the impact of EnergySense’s work.

With more than 15 years of experience in sustainability and business engagement, Anthony has developed a strong foundation in program development and relationship-building. Earlier in his career, he co-founded the Illinois Green Business Association, where he helped develop statewide green business certification standards in collaboration with industry experts, led a small-business energy efficiency program, and built partnerships that scaled sustainability efforts across Illinois. He is an experienced public speaker and facilitator who enjoys collaborating with people to create solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment.

Anthony also serves on the leadership team of the Chicago Sustainability Task Force, a network of environmental professionals dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges through local action. Through his involvement, he connects innovative green businesses and sustainability leaders statewide, helping organizations exchange knowledge and collaborate on building a more sustainable future.

Anthony holds a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling to beaches around the world and making funky music with friends.