Energy Consulting & Marketing Leadership
Bridging Technical Expertise and Strategic Insight in Power, Utilities, and Renewables
As a co-founder of ProtoGen, I combined technical expertise with strategic marketing and communications to drive growth and deliver impactful results. On the technical side, I developed financial models and conducted techno-economic analyses using tools like MS Excel, XENDEE, and the System Advisor Model, translating complex data into actionable insights that informed critical business decisions. My role extended to supporting regulatory research and analysis, enabling clients to navigate compliance challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
I collaborated closely with senior leadership to develop high-level strategies, which I then translated into polished, client-facing deliverables, such as industry reports, proposals, and webinars. I played a pivotal role in business case development, aligning financial and operational objectives while addressing permitting and interconnection requirements to ensure seamless project integration. Additionally, I supported offtake negotiations, fostering agreements that secured revenue streams for clients. This blend of strategic collaboration, technical acumen, and refined communication enabled ProtoGen to deliver innovative and effective energy solutions tailored to client needs.
In parallel, I spearheaded the company’s marketing strategy, crafting an editorial calendar and leading agency selection, onboarding, and performance management. I implemented HubSpot to streamline workflows and improve project management efficiency, while leading the creation of brand identity elements, websites, sales collateral, email campaigns, social media content, public relations initiatives, and content marketing strategies to boost engagement and brand visibility. Additionally, I authored and directed corporate communications, from press releases and slide decks to webinars and email templates, ensuring a unified and compelling brand voice. By integrating technical insights with strategic messaging, I consistently aligned marketing efforts with business objectives, contributing to year-over-year revenue growth and operational success.
Research and Consulting
The Electrical Contractor’s Practical Guide to Microgrid Development
I authored The Electrical Contractor’s Practical Guide to Microgrid Development, a flagship project commissioned by ELECTRI International to empower electrical contractors (ECs) to seize opportunities in the rapidly growing microgrid sector. This guide was developed using the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC) methodology and took approximately nine months to complete.
As the project lead, I managed every phase of development. I crafted the successful research proposal, led contract negotiations, and authored the majority of the guidebook. To ensure its breadth and depth, I organized and led meetings with ELECTRI’s task force members, which included representatives from some of the nation’s premier electrical contracting firms. I conducted interviews with industry subject matter experts from a diverse array of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), developers, and utilities, gathering invaluable insights. Additionally, I developed and distributed surveys to a broader group of stakeholders, incorporating their responses into the research for a comprehensive perspective.
I collaborated with Guidehouse Insights to procure key market research on microgrid development, ensuring that the guide was informed by the latest industry data and trends. To further support ECs, I curated a robust collection of resources organized into a shared drive, covering critical topics such as:
Architecture and Control
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Case Studies
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Communications and Cybersecurity
Design and Blueprints
Financial Models
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
Market Background
Standards and Best Practices
Training Materials
I not only wrote and edited the guide but also handled its layout and design, creating a user-friendly document with bold topic sentences, interactive links, figures, and tables to ensure its accessibility. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of the microgrid project lifecycle, from market analysis and feasibility studies to implementation and operations. It provides practical, actionable advice tailored to various audiences within the Electrical Contracting world, including project managers, electricians, business developers, and company owners.
By synthesizing cutting-edge research, expert insights, and real-world case studies, this guide positions ECs to lead in the energy transition, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to identify, develop, and execute microgrid projects successfully.
Advancing Energy Sovereignty for American Indian Tribes
I have had the privilege of collaborating with three American Indian tribes—the Northern Cheyenne Tribe (NCT) in Montana, the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin (MITW), and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA) of North Dakota—to advance energy sovereignty and align energy strategies with cultural values and environmental priorities. These projects fostered sustainable energy solutions while respecting the unique heritage and aspirations of each community.
Northern Cheyenne Tribe (NCT)
My work with NCT encompassed securing key licenses and contracts, mapping utility infrastructure using GIS, and researching and evaluating energy supply agreements with TRECO and the broader regulatory context with Southwest Power Pool. I also reviewed wind energy development proposals, working alongside Tribal attorneys to craft financial models that included provisions for social and cultural programs. Additionally, I assisted in reviewing solar layouts, 3D modeling, and techno-economic modeling for microgrid designs, ensuring technical accuracy and alignment with the tribe’s goals. To support decision-making, I created detailed reports summarizing findings and recommendations for the tribe. Furthermore, I collaborated with Indigenized Energy to support key Workforce Development initiatives integrated with solar and wind energy project development initiatives.
A significant portion of this work involved facilitating vision-planning exercises through council meetings, cultural research, and interviews with key stakeholders to determine the tribe’s energy goals. These efforts culminated in a shared aspiration: to establish energy sovereignty aligned with their cultural values, encapsulated in the Northern Cheyenne Environmental Protection Department’s vision: to "protect, preserve, and enhance our land, air, and water by sustaining our natural habitats and species for the benefit of present and future generations."
Key contributions and achievements include:
Developing scoping documents and proposals that secured two transformative grants:
Creating GIS-based maps to analyze utility infrastructure and support project planning.
Leading energy vision exercises that shaped the tribe’s long-term energy strategy.
Partnering with The Sheward Partnership to develop the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), a guiding framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy adoption (Read More).
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin (MITW)
For the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, I developed two key deliverables: a microgrid feasibility study for Middle Village and a Tribal Utility Authority feasibility study. These projects aligned with the tribe’s goals of enhancing energy sovereignty, reliability, and sustainability.
Middle Village Microgrid
The Tribe already owned the electrical distribution system at Middle Village but faced challenges with high energy costs under existing contracts with Alliant Energy and chronic reliability issues caused by infrastructure vulnerabilities, such as falling branches. The microgrid feasibility study examined the potential for establishing a microgrid at Middle Village.
Physical Siting: Our technical staff conducted an assessment to determine the maximum photovoltaic (PV) capacity that could be physically sited at Middle Village. 3D modeling was performed to enable shading analyses, identify obstructions, and create visual representations to evaluate viewshed impacts.
Techno-Economic Modeling: Our technical staff modeled feasible combinations of energy generation and storage assets capable of sustaining operations during outages ranging from short-term to indefinite. I reviewed and directed this modeling work to ensure it met project objectives and incorporated the findings into final deliverables.
Communication and Reporting: I worked with technical staff to translate these designs into a clear and compelling narrative that communicated the project’s technical and economic potential.
Throughout the entire project, I attended meetings, created agendas, and captured and shared meeting minutes with the project team to ensure clear communication and alignment.
Tribal Utility Authority
The second study evaluated the feasibility of expanding the Tribe’s existing electric utility services at Middle Village to encompass the entire reservation. The work involved a comprehensive exploration of historical and cultural aspects of reservation electrification and established the Tribe’s goals around reliability, affordability, sustainability, and energy sovereignty.
Infrastructure Valuation and Strategy: I collaborated with a utility consultant to inventory and appraise the existing infrastructure. The study outlined a phased strategy to acquire and operate the existing grid, renegotiate supply agreements, and expand technical and operational capacities.
Local Generation and Storage: The plan included building local generation and storage capacity, with a focus on tribal facilities like the sawmill and casino, which were modeled for energy solutions.
Large-Scale Renewables and Export Capability: I developed plans for large-scale renewable energy projects and an export capability with MISO to generate revenue for the Tribe.
Business Planning: The report provided a detailed business plan, including staffing requirements, warehouse needs, customer service protocols, operations, maintenance and construction (OM&C) standards, power purchasing, and dispatch and service restoration mechanisms.
Financial Modeling: I created an Excel-based pro forma model to identify revenue requirements, analyze energy and capacity rates, assess administrative and general (A&G) costs, perform cash flow analysis, test key sensitivities, and define capitalization requirements.
Risk Analysis: The study identified potential risks and proposed tailored mitigation strategies to ensure the Tribe’s goals were achievable and sustainable.
These deliverables provided the Menominee Tribe with actionable insights and a roadmap to achieve greater energy independence and resilience, while also establishing opportunities for economic growth and community empowerment.
Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA)
For the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA), located on the Fort Berthold Reservation in central North Dakota, I contributed to a microgrid feasibility study for the new buildings in the White Shield Master Plan. The Tribe’s goals were to offset energy costs and achieve zero-net energy for the White Shield Segment for years to come.
Physical Siting: Our technical staff identified the maximum photovoltaic (PV) capacity that could be physically sited within the White Shield Segment. 3D modeling was performed to identify obstructions, conduct shading analyses, and create visual representations to evaluate viewshed impacts.
Techno-Economic Modeling: Using the PV capacity as an input, our technical staff utilized XENDEE to identify techno-economically optimized combinations of solar, batteries, and gas-fired generation capable of sustaining the community through a two-week outage. I reviewed and directed this modeling work to ensure alignment with project goals and incorporated the findings into the final deliverables.
Regulatory and Contractual Analysis: I performed regulatory research and analyzed existing supply contracts to identify opportunities and challenges for implementing the microgrid.
Communication and Reporting: I summarized our process, findings, and recommendations in a comprehensive written report. Additionally, I wrote agendas, captured detailed meeting minutes, and distributed them to stakeholders throughout the project to ensure alignment and progress.
This work provided the MHA Nation with a clear path toward energy resilience and sustainability, equipping them with actionable insights to realize their vision for the White Shield Segment.
Wind Repowering and Wind + LH2
I led a multi-year project for an aerospace R&D firm to evaluate its low-speed wind turbine intellectual property (IP) in the context of repowering aging wind plants and to subsequently explore how co-locating liquid hydrogen (LH2) production facilities could enhance project economics. The work was conducted in two phases.
Phase 1: Business Case, Market Strategy, and Repowering Analysis
The first phase of the project focused on assessing the client’s intellectual property (IP) in the context of repowering aging and poorly sited wind turbines. My contributions included:
Collaborating with Penn State University’s Aerospace Engineering program to validate the technology
Leading market research and analysis to determine the scale and scope of market opportunities
Developing a business case for commercializing the technology and repowering existing wind farms
Creating and refining assumptions related to project construction and operating costs
Designing a spreadsheet-based modeling tool to evaluate the technology’s feasibility across various wind regimes and test key sensitivities
Crafting a tailored go-to-market strategy
To identify high-potential turbines, I analyzed the U.S. Wind Turbine Database, assessed site characteristics, and refined acquisition criteria to maximize ROI. My team conducted site visits, gathered operational data, and evaluated the feasibility of partial and full repowering projects. This effort led to the development of a pipeline of over 5,500 turbines, representing approximately $14.5 billion in constructed value.
To support strategic decision-making, I created an Excel-based pro forma tool for financial scenario modeling and feasibility analysis. Additionally, I analyzed wind classes, turbine layouts, historical market data, and offtake agreements to inform negotiations with investors and stakeholders. The results were summarized in comprehensive reports and supporting slide decks, which I presented to the client and its investors.
Phase 2: Introducing "Wind + LH2"
The second phase focused on co-locating wind repowering projects with newly constructed liquid hydrogen (LH2) infrastructure—a novel concept I dubbed "Wind + LH2." This hybrid business model was designed to integrate wind energy and hydrogen production, enhancing project economics and aligning with the growing hydrogen economy.
To evaluate the feasibility of this approach, I modeled and compared the economics of three configurations: a simple wind repowering project, a standalone LH2 project, and the combined Wind + LH2 system. Modeling was conducted using NREL’s SAM tool as well as hydrogen modeling tools H2A, H2FAST, and HDSAM. The hydrogen aspect of the project assessed using wind energy output to power industry-scale electrolyzers and a liquefaction plant. Economic modeling was conducted for all components, including wind energy production, hydrogen generation, and liquefaction. Using GIS technology, I identified optimal locations by mapping data on wind component manufacturing, large water sources, and existing natural gas infrastructure. These locations were cross-referenced with aging wind plants showing redevelopment potential based on energy production data, expired tax equities, and estimated construction and operating costs. The analysis refined the market strategy and demonstrated the scalability of the Wind + LH2 model.
As part of this phase, I collaborated with an international wind turbine IP owner to validate their technology and explore potential licensing agreements. I developed financial models, business plans, and supporting documentation to support these efforts. Additionally, I identified and evaluated potential DOE grant and loan guarantee programs, prepared detailed slide decks to communicate the project concept and findings, and presented these materials to key DOE personnel.
The project demonstrated a systematic approach to integrating market research, technical analysis, and strategic planning. By developing the Wind + LH2 concept, the initiative offered an innovative framework for bridging wind energy and hydrogen production, highlighting new opportunities for sustainable energy development.
PA DEP Microgrid Feasibility Studies
When the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to advance microgrid feasibility studies and energy resilience at critical facilities across the Commonwealth, I took the lead in conceiving and drafting our successful proposal. This effort set the foundation for securing the project and establishing an ITQ contract with the state, which I negotiated to align with both the client's needs and our organizational goals.
Once awarded the project, I developed the educational webinar series, crafting a comprehensive slide deck that addressed key topics such as microgrids, distributed energy technologies, and funding opportunities like FEMA’s BRIC program. I worked closely with senior leadership to prepare them to deliver these webinars effectively. To gauge the impact of the series, I created and deployed follow-up surveys to assess participants’ knowledge retention and interest in pursuing state-funded microgrid feasibility studies.
Following the educational phase, I led the internal review of survey responses, identifying a recommended shortlist of communities for feasibility studies. I played an active role in the virtual site assessments, analyzing satellite imagery to evaluate site layouts, infrastructure, and potential constraints. I also facilitated stakeholder discussions, scheduling and supporting calls to understand each site’s operational goals, pain points, and future plans. This process included gathering critical utility data, tariffs, and other technical information to inform the project’s next steps.
As we progressed to the feasibility analysis, I reviewed the techno-economic models developed in XENDEE, ensuring that they accurately represented viable distributed energy resource (DER) combinations and their associated costs and benefits. I coordinated closely with our design and engineering teams to produce preliminary project layouts and 3D models that were both technically sound and visually compelling.
Project Development
Project Profile: CHP-Enabled Renewable Energy Microgrid at the Philadelphia Navy Yard
ProtoGen contributed to the design-build of a 65kW natural gas-fired microturbine at Penn State University’s Building 7R within the Philadelphia Navy Yard, integrating advanced components into a state-of-the-art building-scale microgrid. The completed system operates a combined-cycle microturbine alongside a rooftop solar array, lithium-ion and lead-acid battery energy storage systems, and a hyperlocal weather station. The weather station includes cutting-edge instruments such as a rain gauge, anemometer, cloud-forecasting sky camera, pyranometers, and thermometer. A microgrid controller and secure, encrypted two-way radio network connect the system to the Navy Yard utility’s Network Operations Center, enabling robust monitoring and control.
My contributions began with negotiating a complex contracting process to become an approved PSU vendor. I then developed detailed project documentation related to technical oversight, including scopes of work, bid solicitation materials, bid review, and interconnection requirements. I conducted site visits and generated comprehensive reporting for both consulting and construction administration phases. Additionally, I explored and documented potential business cases for the microgrid, as outlined in Penn State’s final report to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).
The system serves as a research and training platform for exploring complex energy system architectures. It is designed to operate in tandem with the electric grid or independently in an islanded mode, simulating grid outages. Research stemming from the project investigates the economic and technical factors associated with the interaction of distributed energy resource components within The Navy Yard’s unregulated private grid, which serves approximately 100 buildings and businesses.
The project also showcases the potential of coupling Marcellus Shale gas with renewable energy technologies to drive economic development in grid-constrained areas of Pennsylvania, while supporting long-term carbon footprint reduction. This innovative microgrid was funded in part by the PA DEP, U.S. Department of Energy, Penn State’s Office of the Vice President of Research, and contributions from PECO/Exelon, ProtoGen, EnerSys, and EnergyIQ.
Project Profile: Industrial Microgrid Development at a Chemicals Manufacturer
Recognizing a regulatory opportunity created by a pair of 2016 FERC rulings, I identified a pathway for QFs to sell power and capacity to municipal utilities—even those bound by all-in agreements with their suppliers. I developed a compelling business case around this opportunity and conducted site analyses to identify optimal locations for a CHP project within the municipal utility of Quakertown, PA. The Borough agreed to form a utilities sub-committee to explore options to expand local distributed and renewable energy development. As a result of this process, ProtoGen engaged a local chemical manufacturing facility to develop a hybrid CHP/PV microgrid project as the owner’s representative.
In this role, I led the development and administration of RFP processes for both feasibility studies and technical specifications for a hybrid PV and CHP system, with potential energy storage integration. I also prepared interconnection requirements and supported permitting efforts while validating regulatory analyses in collaboration with energy attorneys. To ensure financial viability, I supported the development of a comprehensive Excel-based financial prospectus showcasing balance sheet and P&L perspectives, including key sensitivities to natural gas and electricity prices. Through a Phase II RFP for EPC of the hybrid system and associated distribution upgrades, I developed reporting around our strategic recommendations to the project owner. These efforts helped advance the project’s goals of modernizing infrastructure, improving energy resilience and power quality, and positioning the facility for future expansion.
Project Profile: Southeast Pennsylvania Microgrid Corridor
I played a key role in the development of a nearly 200-mile microgrid resilience corridor spanning Pennsylvania and New Jersey in partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Net-Zero Microgrid Program. This groundbreaking project explores the interconnection of eight planned and existing microgrids to enhance community resilience during extended power outages and transition to net-zero carbon solutions.
My contributions included concept development, regulatory research, permitting and interconnection research, and early-stage GIS modeling to identify technical, economic, and regulatory challenges associated with connecting municipal utilities, substations, and distributed energy resources. I led the creation of compelling proposals and negotiated contracts with INL, setting the foundation for this innovative collaboration.
On the communications side, I collaborated with INL to craft a press release that effectively highlighted the significance and innovative aspects of our partnership. The release successfully captured the attention of key industry stakeholders and resulted in earned media coverage by Microgrid Knowledge, one of the leading media outlets in the energy and microgrid sector. This coverage not only amplified the visibility of the project but also positioned ProtoGen as a thought leader in the development of resilient and sustainable energy solutions.
This project represents a significant step toward advancing grid planning by addressing the non-technical hurdles of microgrid integration while demonstrating the potential for interconnected, scalable energy solutions to enhance disaster preparedness and community resilience.