Experience

RTI Innovation Advisors

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Managing Director - RTI Innovation Advisors

  • Mar 2019 - Present

  As the leader of a diverse team of innovation advisors – including designers, scientists, engineers, and more – I help clients identify growth opportunities and make well-informed decisions. We provide services that span the entire innovation pipeline, utilizing the latest AI tools to deliver exceptional results. Our expertise includes innovation foresighting, strategy, ideation, technology landscaping, scouting, partnering, technology transfer, go-to-market strategy, and commercialization. Our clientele ranges from Fortune 100 companies to government agencies and non-profits, with many of the products you encounter daily resulting from our successful collaborations. By employing a user-centered design approach, we align our clients' internal teams and enhance the success rate of their growth initiatives. Show less



RTI International

• United States
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• VP & Managing Director - Attego

  • Apr 2016 - Feb 2019

  I led the Attego effort, a distinct business incubator dedicated to exploring market opportunities in sustainable business and impact investing. Focusing on addressing supply chain and business sustainability challenges in large-scale food, agriculture, energy, and water operations, I was instrumental in establishing the incubator, securing internal funding, and developing an operating model. Under my leadership, Attego cultivated a dynamic growth environment that balanced internal culture with market qualification and validation activities. My team and I rapidly developed four minimally viable products in social media AI, distributed ledger, impact investing, and project impact measurement, while also setting up sales and marketing processes. Show less

• Head of Operations and Strategic Initiatives: Science and Technology

  • Mar 2015 - Mar 2016

  I led business unit operations for a nation-leading 350-person laboratory science and engineering operation. My responsibilities included implementing infrastructure optimization and restructuring projects, leading MA&D initiatives to align operations with strategic objectives, overhauling and improving health and safety processes and procedures, and spearheading quality assurance improvement initiatives. In addition to these duties, I led change efforts and influenced large groups of individuals, from senior leaders to junior staff, to create win-win solutions for everyone involved. Show less

• Senior Director: Energy Research

  • 2011 - Feb 2015

  I spearheaded research, project management, personnel, safety, and operational activities across the energy, chemicals, and oil and gas sectors, leading a team of 35 top-notch research engineers, chemists, and scientists in developing groundbreaking material and process engineering solutions.My accomplishments include:- Revamping project management processes by adopting industry best practices.- Restructuring a contract R&D group to enhance operational systems and culture, setting and implementing strategic direction, and driving a return to sustainable profitability.- Securing a substantial $5.5 million Department of Energy (DOE) research grant for the development of cutting-edge distributed energy micro-reactor technology.- Successfully executing a $170 million clean energy technology pilot in partnership with DOE and Tampa Electric, demonstrating my ability to forge strong collaborations for the greater good. Show less



QuantumSphere - Cleantech Nanocatalyst Startup

• Chief Technology Officer

  • 2009 - 2011

  Spearheaded a cleantech startup focused on innovating and commercializing a cutting-edge nanocatalyst manufacturing process. The resulting materials have potential applications across various industries, including fuel cells, emission control systems, ammonia production, and advanced batteries. Key Achievements & Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Formulated and implemented the company's overarching business strategy, aligning R&D activities with revenue-generating objectives. Team Management: Directed a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists, fostering innovation in the environmental, fuel cell, chemicals, and battery sectors. R&D Commercialization: Enhanced the business focus of research and development efforts by expanding research and support staff and forging strategic partnerships and joint development agreements with Fortune 500 companies. Fundraising: Vigorously participated in venture capital and private equity fundraising rounds, successfully securing $3 million in additional investment. Corporate Strategy: Instrumental in the meticulous planning and execution of a reverse merger IPO, positioning the company for future growth and success. Show less



C12 Solutions

• South Africa

• Principal

  • Oct 2007 - 2009

  As the lead of an environmental consulting practice, I developed Greenhouse Gas (GHG) mitigation and offset strategies for commercial clients, ensuring they operated sustainably and responsibly. I provided expert advice on carbon trading strategies, helping clients navigate the intricacies of the carbon market. Additionally, I performed rigorous Cleantech technology due diligence activities for venture capital and other investors, ensuring informed investment decisions in environmentally responsible technologies. Show less



The Linde Group

• United States
• Staffing and Recruiting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Corporate Strategy

  • Sep 2006 - Mar 2007

  In my role as a post-merger integration officer, I was responsible for the seamless integration of the innovation, R&D functions, and the Latin-American industrial gas operations for BOC and Linde. This required strategic alignment of their research and development objectives, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and harmonizing organizational processes and culture. By leveraging my expertise in change management and communication, I facilitated a smooth transition that preserved operational efficiency, minimized disruptions, and ultimately, unleashed the full potential of the combined capabilities to foster long-term growth and success. Show less



BOC Group Inc.

• Chemical Manufacturing

• Corporate Strategy Business Development Mgr

  • May 2005 - Sep 2006

  I effectively demonstrated critical skills that contributed to the company's success. I led various business growth initiatives, skillfully setting high-level corporate strategies, and providing valuable support during M&A activities. My keen understanding of industry dynamics enabled me to scout new investment opportunities and expertly conduct due diligence and investment valuations. My strong collaboration, communication, and leadership abilities were essential in supporting business unit strategy formulation and implementation, ensuring that our strategic vision translated into tangible results. Show less



BOC Gases

• Chemical Manufacturing

• R&D Section Manager - Advanced Computing

  • Oct 2003 - May 2005

  As the leader of an R&D group, I focused on advanced simulation and computing research in areas such as process modeling, fluid dynamics, reaction engineering, measurement and control, and advanced design. I established an advanced process modeling group in the US and India, and I was responsible for maintaining modeling capabilities for over 1,000 engineers and research staff. My team and I delivered technical solutions through advanced modeling services for over 30 industrial projects and clients. I also supported strategic investment technical due diligence activities and technology partnerships in which BOC had a vested interest. Show less

• Head - Chemical Reaction Engineering

  • 2001 - 2003

  I led the development of a new approach to using advanced modeling and simulation tools to solve complex process problems in the chemicals and refining sectors. I also partnered with an external firm to validate a novel cavitation reactor technology for use in pulp and paper applications.I have seen firsthand the ups and downs of technology startups as they progress towards commercialization. I know that passion is important, but it is not enough. Sometimes, the right decision is to kill a significant project, even if it is difficult. Making and following through with tough decisions is part of the job. Show less

• Sr. Development Engineer

  • 1999 - 2001

  I supported the commercialization team for a new technology that is now used in many oil refineries. I found that many clients are conservative when it comes to adopting new technologies. My primary role was to create digital simulations (digital twins) of our technology in client applications and use these models to help optimize the operation and address any concerns they might have.A lack of technical understanding can often lead to a misunderstanding of the full value of a new product or service. However, I learned that providing the correct technical support and know-how to the business development process can make for a compelling story. Show less

• Development Engineer

  • 1996 - 1999

  As part of BOC's combustion research team, I investigated applications that use oxygen to increase flame temperatures. Higher temperatures can be used to melt things faster, like glass or metal, make things faster (cement), or destroy things quicker, such as hazardous chemicals.I specialized in creating digital models of burners and combustion systems. By testing different designs on a computer, I learned that it is possible to control the intense heat from oxy-fuel systems and avoid melting the wrong things in reality.To create what we now call a "digital twin," you must deconstruct a problem to understand it fully. Problem deconstruction is a skill I have used throughout my career to understand technical and business issues. Show less