Our 2023 #Veterans Advanced Energy Project Fellowship Application is open!
Make sure to follow the link and join the only #leadership community of veterans in the #energytransition. This year-long fellowship will develop a diverse group of leaders to advance our mission that #EnergySecurityisNationalSecurity.
Kevin is a US Army veteran and long-time advocate for military veterans in energy with extensive professional experience in the energy industry. Kevin was the Chief Operations Officer of Combined Arms and Executive Director of the Bunker Labs Houston. Today, Kevin is the Chief Commercial Officer of Clean Energy Services (CES) providing operations and maintenance services for grid-scale wind and solar power projects across the United States. Kevin recently completed the year-long nonresident Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship with the Atlantic Council. Kevin received an MBA from Rice University and a BS in Psychology from Texas A&M University.
“With the recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act and ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict wreaking havoc on global energy markets, we are at a critical intersection in the future of the energy transition in the fight against climate change,” says Reed Blakemore, the Global Energy Center’s Acting Director. "Kevin is perfectly situated as a knowledgeable industry expert and experienced advocate to help continue the successful track record that VAEP has established as a critical way to engage veterans and the broader national security community on these issues."
We extend our thanks and congratulations to outgoing Co-Directors Dan Misch and Greg Douquet who founded the Veterans Advanced Energy Project in 2016 when they met during the Atlantic Council’s Take Point Initiative. Greg will join VAEP's Advisory Committee to continue providing support to Kevin as he guides the program into its next phase.
Please join us in welcoming Kevin!
The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is designed to drive US leadership in advanced energy by recruiting, equipping, and empowering military veterans who understand the importance of the evolving energy landscape to our future security and prosperity. Learn more at www.vetsenergyproject.org
As part of the yearlong leadership program, each fellow prepared a policy proposal related to national security and advanced energy with the assistance of an advisor from the Atlantic Council network. Each policy proposal diagnoses a problem and proposes a solution to a specific actor or actors. The Fellows consider the counterarguments of the policy prescription to strengthen the proposed pathway and were encouraged to select a topic that they have a professional and personal connection. Click the button below to read the full proposals.
Applications for the next cohort of the Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship are open until August 15, 2022. Click here for more information.
The Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship seeks to create a cadre of future leaders within the advanced energy industry. A successful fellow will become a peer mentor, advocate, and spokesperson for other veterans, reservists, and military spouses, helping to solidify the advanced energy connection to national security and the mission-driven advancement of veterans’ employment in advanced energy. As fellows rise within advanced energy organizations, they can more closely tie national security to energy security, as well as move the advanced energy economy forward.
Click the image above to read the full proposals
Warren Sakey, a 2021-2022 Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow, served as a US Army transportation officer organizing convoys in Afghanistan. This firsthand experience in nation-building by developing new infrastructure led him back to school for infrastructure finance before joining the renewable energy industry. Transforming energy infrastructure, he says, will improve national security and economic stability by reducing reliance on international commodities like oil and gas while also mitigating long-term climate effects.
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Veterans comprise approximately ten percent of all US energy jobs. Veterans are a good fit for the energy industry because they gain technical experience from operating equipment and electrical systems while serving in the military. They also bring desirable soft skills to civilian careers like critical thinking, decision making, and performance under pressure.
Veterans are mission oriented and highly motivated by service to their country. These skills can be put to use towards achieving a secure energy future. Energy security is integral to national security by reducing reliance on foreign fuels, securing energy systems against cyber and physical threats, mitigating international conflicts driven by climate change, and ensuring economic success for the future.
The Veterans Advanced Energy Project aims to give veterans and milspouses a better understanding of today’s global energy security challenges to inspire continued service to the country through careers in the advanced energy industry. As the best and brightest exit the military service with years of hands-on experience and training, it is in the best interest of our national security to return that investment for implementation of technology that would provide flexibility to forces in the field, lessen our dependence on foreign fuels, and mitigate future conflicts resulting from climate change.
We are proud to share some of these stories below to highlight the experiences of military veterans and how military service prepared them for a career in advanced energy:
Warren Sakey, a 2021-2022 Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow, served as a US Army transportation officer organizing convoys in Afghanistan. This firsthand experience in nation-building by developing new infrastructure led him back to school for infrastructure finance before joining the renewable energy industry. Transforming energy infrastructure, he says, will improve national security and economic stability by reducing reliance on international commodities like oil and gas while also mitigating long-term climate effects.
Kendra Ryan had an interest in the environment at a young age. After training as a nuclear engineer for the US Navy, her graduate studies led her to work at the NATO Undersea Research Center in Italy evaluating the impacts of active sonar on marine mammals. She later used this experience to study offshore wind and how to overcome environmental barriers. Today, her work continues at the intersection of sustainable energy and water developments.
Jordan Shontz served as a US Army infantry officer in Afghanistan and Iraq. After the military, he found a new mission in renewable energy development. Domestic clean energy, he says, brings economic benefits to local communities and improves national security by reducing reliance on foreign fuels. To other veterans entering the energy industry, he says to network early and often—you might be surprised by how willing other veterans are to help.
Allisson Bennett Irion used her experience from the US Navy and Merchant Marines to help research nuclear proliferation risks at international seaports. Today, she helps the US nuclear industry export technology to maintain global leadership in nuclear safety and security. To meet our clean energy goals, she says, supply chains must continue to diversify and innovate to meet the demand and reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive sources.
Carlton Brinda had a highly technical military career as a nuclear electrician on US Navy submarines operating under pressure in a demanding underwater environment. After retirement, he used that experience to work in the lithium manufacturing industry producing materials used in advanced energy applications like batteries for electric vehicles. Today, he helps maintain a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity to fuel the US economy as a Control Center Supervisor for AES Clean Energy.
Alex Yachanin studied ocean and environmental engineering to learn as much as he could about the causes and solutions to climate change. After his service in the US Navy as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer, he has applied this technical education and hands-on experience in the clean energy industry to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and create economic opportunities.
Kevin Doffing saw the negative effects of energy poverty firsthand while deployed to Iraq as an Army platoon officer charged with securing stable electricity for war-torn regions. This experience drives his career today to democratize energy access and independence for greater stability and economic growth. To other veterans, he says, the energy transition is the next battlefront and strong leaders with a sense of service are needed to ensure success.
Kevin Booher served as a Marine Corps combat engineer in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting city security and soldier safety. After the military, he was drawn to an energy career by the challenge of climate change. He is most excited about investments in new technology but concerned whether countries can come together for global solutions while maintaining equitable opportunity for economic growth.
Chris Rawlings knew he wanted to be a Marine from a young age. He relied on his experience auditing aircraft maintenance centers to start his own energy efficiency business, VLED, and podcast, Energy Sense. To other veterans leaving military service, he says, try new things, find your tribe, use the available resources, and start building your support network early for a successful transition.
Timothy Crowder served in the US Navy as an Electronics Warfare Technician before studying sustainable energy systems. Today, he is helping to expand the availability of solar energy across Illinois, and says that the United States needs to increase domestic panel manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign imports. His advice for other veterans? Making connections within the veteran community is key.
Sara Lechtenberg-Kasten, a US Army military spouse, is using her experiences as a US diplomat and researcher to help provide equitable and sustainable access to energy in developing countries because, she says, energy is an economic, social, and political driver in our day-to-day lives.
Jasper Camacho jump-started his career in the US Army and National Guard with the opportunity to study economics and invest in power generation around the world. To other veterans, he says, the military prepares people to look at a problem, develop a plan, and execute. The energy industry is a complex coordination problem and needs future leaders to execute the mission.
Max Adams started his career integrating experimental technologies with the US Army’s special operations in Latin America. He is now using that experience as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Parasanti, providing machine learning data solutions for the Department of Defense and renewable energy industry.
George Bonner spent the last half of his Coast Guard career repairing costal infrastructure damaged by rising seas and hurricanes. After retirement, he wanted to continue making a difference and now works in research and testing of marine energy — such as waves, tides, and currents — to help combat climate change.
Robin Tyner witnessed firsthand how US military strategy around renewable energy developed from inside the Pentagon walls working for the Chief of Naval Operations. Today, she says renewable energy is a “win-win” and is excited about emerging technologies like river and tidal energy.
Robert Hayward helped rebuild electric and water infrastructure in Baghdad, Iraq as a young US Army officer. That experience helped him to see how important energy access is to our society and drives his work to close the gap here at home. To other veterans leaving the military, he says to take a pause to find your cause before jumping job to job.
Jon Gillis developed drones and robots with the US Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. Fuel consumption was just one practical design problem to solve, and he uses the same approach in his energy resilience work today. To other veterans, he says “keep showing up.” Someone might help you today, and you will pay it forward.
Mike Petersen traveled the world with the US Navy. After the military, graduate studies in business and international affairs led him to a career in energy. Today, he is encouraged by the rapid developments of clean energy technology but concerned whether developing countries will get any of the benefits. To other veterans, he says be patient, be humble, be flexible
David Tancabel leveraged his experience as a nuclear engineer in the US Navy to start a career in energy. After working at various levels of government, he’s most excited about utility reform and most concerned about having the transmission lines needed to deliver electricity. His advice to other veterans leaving the military is to have a plan and work in energy for a sense of service.
Jessica Klinge says her military service and nonprofit work to educate veterans on the environment and climate change are driven by a desire to help other people and love of her country. Her advice for other veterans? Follow your passion and don’t settle for a job you don’t want.
Justin Lau joined the Air Force for an education in technology. He is now working to improve US national security by modernizing the grid and ensuring reliable energy infrastructure. To other veterans, he says to follow your passion and use your leadership skills to create your own opportunities.
Mike Henchen searched fuel trucks for bombs as an Army officer in Bagram, Afghanistan. The military dependence on these fuel transports and danger to US soldiers helps inspire his work in the clean energy transition today.
Taylor Searcy was surprised to see the power go out every night in the capital city of East Timor on his Navy tour. Ensuring reliable and affordable access to abundant energy resources around the globe has helped drive his post-military career in advanced energy. He recommends other veterans bring their unique perspectives to the table in the clean energy transition.
Jesse Medlong joined the US Navy for educational and economic opportunities. His decision to pursue a career in international law stemmed from days enforcing UN sanctions against Saddam Hussein. Today, he represents the country of Georgia in multilateral climate change negotiations. To other veterans, he recommends staying in touch with your peers and looking out for one another.
The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is designed to drive US leadership in advanced energy by recruiting, equipping, and empowering military veterans who understand the importance of the evolving energy landscape to our future security and prosperity. The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is a managed by the Global Energy Center within the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit. www.AtlanticCouncil.org
Returning to an in-person event for the first time since 2019, the Veterans Advanced Energy Summit is a learning and networking event dedicated to veterans and military spouses working to strengthen US national security through careers in the advanced energy industry. Stay updated on our website for information on registration, confirmed speakers, and agenda details to be released this summer.
August 8, 2022 – American Resilience Project Film Screening followed by Welcome Reception co-hosted by Bunker Labs
August 9, 2022 - Veterans Advanced Energy Summit
Bob Keefe
Executive Director, E2; Author of “Climatenomics: Washington, Wall Street and the Economic Battle For Our Planet”
James Rodriguez
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), US Department of Labor
Josh Sawislak
Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting; Senior Adviser, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
The Summit is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors. Please contact Dan Misch at info@vetsenergyproject.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Veteran advanced energy fellow Jack boger at the 2019 veterans advanced energy summit
The Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship (VAEF) seeks to create a cadre of future leaders within the advanced energy industry. Applications for VAEF open June 1, 2022. Learn more about the fellowship.
The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is designed to drive US leadership in advanced energy by recruiting, equipping, and empowering military veterans who understand the importance of the evolving energy landscape to our future security and prosperity. The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is managed by the Global Energy Center within the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit. www.AtlanticCouncil.org
Veteran advanced energy fellow Chris rawlings, founder and ceo of bowerbird energy, at the 2019 veterans advanced energy summit
The advanced energy Veteran Resource Group (VRG) Roundtable serves as a forum to connect veteran employee resource groups from across the advanced energy industry to share best practices and establish long lasting connections to establish a community.
The VRG Roundtable will meet virtually on a periodic basis, quarterly at a minimum, to share experiences and learn from outside experts. Scheduled dates are listed below. Members of the VRG Roundtable will also serve as advisors to the Veterans Advanced Energy Project and will be invited to meet in person at the annual Veterans Advanced Energy Summit.
February 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm ET
May 19, 2022 at 11:00 am ET
August 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm ET (Veterans Advanced Energy Week)
November 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm ET (Veterans Day)
To join the VRG Roundtable, applicants must currently be serving in a leadership role within an existing Veterans Resource Group at a company that operates in the advanced energy industry. Advanced energy includes, but is not limited to, solar, wind, batteries, microgrids, advanced nuclear, electric vehicles, and end-user energy efficiency.
Use the button on the right to join. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Participants will be asked to renew on an annual basis. Please join us in welcoming the initial members of the VRG Roundtable!
Greg Blake, Safety and Health Manager, Southern Power Company
Steve Bravo, OS and Controls Product Manager, Fluence
Todd Chwialkowski, Business Development, EDF Renewables North America
Mary Coyne, Offshore Wind Commercial Leader, GE Renewable Energy
Jerry Davis, Defense Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Ryan Edwards, Project Finance Director, Silicon Ranch Corporation
Lesley Fisher, Renewable Engineering Manager, Invenergy
Greg Gebhardt, Corporate Alliance, Duke Energy Corporation
Matt Joseph, New Product Development, Emerson
Justin Lau, Program Director, Open Systems International
Bradly Pellegrin, Director, Greencastle Associates Consulting
Steven Ranes, Energy Management Senior Manager, Clearway Energy Group
Shane Roche, Program Manager, Vestas
Diana Schmitt, Strategic Operations Lead, Science and Technology Partnership and Outreach Division, Argonne National Laboratory
Jordan Shontz, Project Development Manager, Ørsted
Chris Valle, Vice President, DNV
Please contact info@vetsenergyproject.org for more information or questions.
The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is designed to drive US leadership in advanced energy by recruiting, equipping, and empowering military veterans who understand the importance of the evolving energy landscape to our future security and prosperity. The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is a managed by the Global Energy Center within the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit. www.AtlanticCouncil.org
Kendra Ryan had an interest in the environment at a young age. After training as a nuclear engineer for the US Navy, her graduate studies led her to work at the NATO Undersea Research Center in Italy evaluating the impacts of active sonar on marine mammals. She later used this experience to study offshore wind and how to overcome environmental barriers. Today, her work continues at the intersection of sustainable energy and water developments.
Read MoreJordan Shontz served as a US Army infantry officer in Afghanistan and Iraq. After the military, he found a new mission in renewable energy development. Domestic clean energy, he says, brings economic benefits to local communities and improves national security by reducing reliance on foreign fuels. To other veterans entering the energy industry, he says to network early and often—you might be surprised by how willing other veterans are to help.
Read MoreAllisson Bennett Irion used her experience from the US Navy and Merchant Marines to help research nuclear proliferation risks at international seaports. Today, she helps the US nuclear industry export technology to maintain global leadership in nuclear safety and security. To meet our clean energy goals, she says, supply chains must continue to diversify and innovate to meet the demand and reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive sources.
Read MoreCarlton Brinda had a highly technical military career as a nuclear electrician on US Navy submarines operating under pressure in a demanding underwater environment. After retirement, he used that experience to work in the lithium manufacturing industry producing materials used in advanced energy applications like batteries for electric vehicles. Today, he helps maintain a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity to fuel the US economy as a Control Center Supervisor for AES Clean Energy.
Read MoreAlex Yachanin studied ocean and environmental engineering to learn as much as he could about the causes and solutions to climate change. After his service in the US Navy as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer, he has applied this technical education and hands-on experience in the clean energy industry to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and create economic opportunities.
Read More
“Nexus of national security & energy security” panelists at the 2021 Defense techconnect innovation summit and expo (October 19, 2021)
The panel discussed the impact of losing power on the energy grid in the case of natural disasters and the importance of financial investments to ensure resilience of the grid in the face of increasingly severe weather events due to climate change. Panelists reflected on Biden Administration funding priorities and the importance of universities to extend beyond science and technology to provide training and partnerships connecting academia to the rest of the world—specifically the importance of microgrid and cybersecurity training as an area to support active duty servicemembers transitioning out of the military. Others commented on the need for increased mining production for the rare earth materials required for mass electrification and using microgrids for improved resilience, especially for military installations—noting, however, that regulators and lawmakers need to become more familiar with the available technology
The session was chaired by Col. Greg Douquet (USMC Ret.), Veterans Advanced Energy Project Co-Director, and the panel included Veterans Advanced Energy Project Advisory Committee Members Col. Al Trimble (USMC Ret.) and Sherri Goodman, Senior Fellow, Wilson Center; First Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security. Other panel members included Nate Johnson, assistant professor in the Polytechnic School at Arizona State University and the director of the Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions (LEAPS) and Tim Tetreault, Energy and Water Program manager for the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) at US Department of Defense.
Learn more about Defense TechConnect Conference & Expo below:
Kevin Doffing saw the negative effects of energy poverty firsthand while deployed to Iraq as an Army platoon officer charged with securing stable electricity for war-torn regions. This experience drives his career today to democratize energy access and independence for greater stability and economic growth. To other veterans, he says, the energy transition is the next battlefront and strong leaders with a sense of service are needed to ensure success.
Read MoreKevin Booher served as a Marine Corps combat engineer in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting city security and soldier safety. After the military, he was drawn to an energy career by the challenge of climate change. He is most excited about investments in new technology but concerned whether countries can come together for global solutions while maintaining equitable opportunity for economic growth.
Read More
The Veterans Advanced Energy Project is managed by the Global Energy Center within the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit | www.AtlanticCouncil.org
