This WCTA program focused on the role of utilities in the energy entrepreneurial process. How can entrepreneurs access and work with utilities as customers, partners, or investors?
Ethan Boardman is the Director of Business Development IDMS for Alstom Grid. He has been involved in the development and delivery of real-time network management systems for transmission and distribution utilities for the past 25 years at ESCA, Cegelec, and Alstom (formerly AREVA). He received his BSEE and MSEE from the University of Washington. Mr. Boardman is an active member of IEC TC57 WG14 focusing upon extensions to the Common Information Model (CIM) for distribution modeling purposes. View Mr. Boardman’s comments: Part 1 (10:00) | Part 2 (10:00) | Part 3 (3:01)- John Clark is a senior executive with over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience establishing, financing, leading, and operating companies. He currently advises and serves on the board of several early stage companies in the telecommunications and software industries. At GridPoint, a smart grid company, he served as EVP, Operations with responsibility for driving operational excellence, from supporting the initial sales process to delivering professional services and support throughout the customer life cycle. He was CEO of V2Green, a leading electric vehicle management company acquired by GridPoint. Previously, Mr. Clark was based in London as the SVP/Managing Director, Europe for TeleCommunication Systems, a provider of infrastructure and services to the wireless telecommunications industry worldwide. He has also served as VP, Operations & Deployment for Xypoint (acquired by TSYS in 2001) and Founder & President of Toll Free Cellular. Mr. Clark holds a degree in computer science and business administration magna cum laude from Western Washington University. View Mr. Clark’s comments: Part 1 (4:21) | Part 2 (10:00)
- Patrick Leslie is the Emerging Technologies Program Manager for Puget Sound Energy and is responsible for evaluating the feasibility, risks and benefits, and market potential for numerous technologies including electric vehicles, solar, energy storage, and fuel cells. Mr. Leslie has worked at PSE for nearly three years, previously performing financial analysis on power plant acquisitions. Before moving to Seattle, Patrick sold and installed solar and wind power systems in the Bahamas. He received his MBA from the UW and his BA in Spanish and Biology from Dartmouth. View Mr. Leslie’s comments.
- Discussion video: Part 1 (10:00) | Part 2 (10:00) | Part 3 (3:42)
Thanks to: Daniela Axinte moderated the panel and Peter Cancelmo of Garvey Schubert Barer organized the event.