When it comes to tackling complex programs and making sure nothing falls through the cracks, Summer Winkler is someone you want on your team.
As a Senior Program Coordinator on the Market Engagement team, Summer has quickly become known for her dependability, thoughtful approach, and steady positive energy. Joining Frontier Energy in November 2023, she is nearing her two-year mark and, in that time, she has already made a big impact.
Summer supports utility programs, working directly with contractors to ensure they understand program guidelines, submit claims correctly, and receive their incentives. Her role goes beyond day-to-day support; she has also been spearheading reporting and automation efforts to streamline processes for internal and external clients.
One of her proudest accomplishments has been developing excel-based templates to automate multi-hour reporting tasks. “At first, I was just covering reports while a teammate was on leave,” she explained. “But once I dug in, I realized there was a better way to make the process more efficient. Now it’s saving us several hours a week and freeing up time to focus on bigger program improvements.”
Colleagues say this solution-first mindset is what makes Summer stand out. She doesn’t just identify problems, she thinks critically about why they exist and how to fix them. “It’s important to me that our programs run smoothly, not just for us, but for the 1,500 contractors we support,” she shared. “If they succeed, then the programs succeed, and ultimately we’re helping HVAC adoption grow across California.”
Summer thrives on problem-solving and compares it to one of her creative passions: songwriting. “For me, it’s like creativity within structure,” she said. “Whether it’s writing a song or building a spreadsheet, I love the balance of structure and freedom to create.”
Her collaborative spirit shines through in her work with colleagues like Tom Godfrey, Jorge Solorsano, and Tara Dufort, where she’s been learning new approaches to business analysis while fine-tuning tools for program delivery. “I’ve learned so much just by watching how others approach challenges and then being encouraged to try things myself,” she said.
“She approaches every challenge with a solutions-first mindset and never loses sight of the bigger picture,” Makenzie Davis shared about Summer. The rest of her team describe her as reliable, compassionate, and driven, qualities that shine through in everything she does. “I want these programs to succeed. Contractors rely on us, clients rely on us, and I take pride in being part of that bigger picture,” she shared.
Outside of work, Summer’s creativity takes center stage. She’s a singer-songwriter, often writing and performing music with her husband, who plays drums. When she’s not making music, she is usually relaxing at home with her two cats, attending concerts, or hosting get togethers with friends. While music and charcuterie might be her happy place, she admits that fantasy football season brings out her competitive side.
Whether she is helping contractors navigate program requirements, brainstorming automation solutions, or simply offering a steady hand when things get hectic, Summer leads by example.
