Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 18, 2024) – PACENation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, recognized the exceptional achievements of individuals and companies in the 2024 PACESetter Awards and PACE Champions of the Year at the 2024 PACENation conference held June 12-13 in Nashville, Tenn.

Two of PACE Loan Group’s experts and one transaction were recognized, building upon the company’s frequent recognition of both people and projects in the C-PACE industry. Robbie Pinkas, senior vice president – originations, was selected as a PACE Champion of the Year, a distinguished award that recognizes individuals who have shown unparalleled commitment and passion for advancing PACE financing, contributing significantly to the program’s nationwide success. Karen Raitanen, vice president – loan servicing, was selected as one of four women of the year recognized as women leaders in PACE.

The Aviator Hotel, which has had three tranches of C-PACE financing in two years, was selected for a PACESetter as an Innovative Deal of the Year between $5 million - $50 million. The hotel, a 250-room hotel currently being renovated in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaska, received $16.75 million in Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy & Resilience (C-PACER) to support the renovation and upgrades to the 1970s-era hotel recently being used as transitional housing into a Class A hotel. 

“We’re happy to see Robbie, Karen, and the Aviator team recognized for their excellence in our growing industry. These experts continue to minimize the perception that C-PACE financing is complicated. In fact, C-PACE financing can solve many challenging capital stack recapitalizations and mezz debt or equity replacements while also reducing operating costs and improving operating efficiencies,” said Rafi Golberstein, CEO and founder of PACE Loan Group.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 2024 PACESetter Award winners,” said Mary Luevano, PACENation’s Executive Director. “These leaders are not only building a stronger PACE industry and transforming the built environment but also setting a high standard for others to follow in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.”

The PACESetter Awards celebrate achievements in various categories, highlighting the efforts of those who have pioneered advancements in clean energy, energy efficiency, and resilience projects. This year’s award recipients exemplify the highest standards of excellence and have demonstrated a profound impact on their communities and the environment.