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HomeEnergy & Utilities2024ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024
HomeEnergy & Utilities2024ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024

Gas, electric, nuclear, solar, wind … and then, there’s also the new technology.

The energy & utilities sector in New Jersey is loaded with industries — and seemingly unlimited opportunities — as the state attempts to find its way to a clean energy future that works for everyone.

That’s why there is no shortage of energy companies and thought leaders in the state.

And it’s why we are releasing our annual ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities list.

We invite you to flip through these pages — and slideshows — where we honor the most impactful energy leaders in the state.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — #1 Ralph LaRossa

Ralph LaRossa Chair & CEO Public Service Enterprise Group As a panel discussion at the recent ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo was coming to a close, Public Service Enterprise Group Chair and CEO Ralph LaRossa offered a big-picture assessment of the state’s business...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Todd Ahern

Todd Ahern CEO The Megawatt Group Cherry Hill company, which earned spot on regional Inc. list after experiencing 476% growth, also was recently named Energy Tech Review’s “Top Renewable Energy Services Company” for its innovative approach to module procurement.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Paulina Banasiak O’Connor

Paulina Banasiak O’Connor Executive director N.J. Offshore Wind Association Leader of industry-funded group aims to be dedicated, responsive advocate to speak for industry in Trenton and in communities across state.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Jen Becker

Jen Becker Managing director, Wind Institute N.J. Economic Development Authority Highly regarded thought leader heads the Wind Institute, which aims to position state as national leader in offshore wind — in other words, it could be the most important part of sector for state.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Damian Bednarz

Damian Bednarz Managing director Attentive Energy Attentive Energy, a joint venture of TotalEnergies and Corio Generation, recently was awarded a project that aims to provide 1,342 megawatts of wind energy. More than that, the award proved the sector is still strong in state.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Izzet Bensusan

Izzet Bensusan Founder & managing partner Captona Heads a North America-focused investment company dedicated to energy transition. In more specific terms, Captona is teaming with South Jersey Industries on the Linden Renewable Energy project that will convert organic waste into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Bob Brabston

Bob Brabston Executive director N.J. Board of Public Utilities He leads and manages the technical divisions of NJBPU — audits, clean energy, energy, reliability and security, state energy services and water — translating the decision-making and policy development of the BPU into operational activities.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Ray Cantor

Ray Cantor Vice president, government affairs N.J. Business & Industry Association One of the top thought leaders on all things energy, he and NJBIA often are out in front on issues that discuss how energy policy will impact business community.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Amy Cradic

Amy Cradic Chief operating officer of non-utility businesses, strategy and external affairs N.J. Resources Former top official in Governor’s Office and DEP, she is responsible for providing leadership, management and vision to NJR Clean Energy Ventures, NJR Energy Services and NJR Midstream.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Eric DeGesero

Eric DeGesero Executive vice president Fuel Merchants Association of N.J. DeGesero brings energy (pun intended) to all discussions around electrification mandates. More than that, he brings facts — and a willingness to actually discuss the issues, not just impose them.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Bhavini Doshi

Bhavini Doshi Senior counsel Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind She oversees regulatory, real estate, port development, procurement and other essential work streams — bringing her past legal and business expertise to support the organization on its portfolio of projects.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Jim Fakult

Jim Fakult President Jersey Central Power & Light Highly regarded figure for his various efforts in business community, he also is making his mark in state’s overall energy plan with company’s five-year, $935 million infrastructure upgrade that would greatly improve state’s energy efficiency and...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Maguette Fall

Maguette Fall Interconnection manager Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind She brings international experience in energy and transmission projects to her key role in Atlantic Shores’ offshore wind project.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Dan Fatton

Dan Fatton Director, offshore wind sector N.J. Economic Development Authority He manages team focused on supporting the offshore wind sector in New Jersey, providing input on key offshore wind policies at the state and federal level.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Joe Fiordaliso Jr.

Joe Fiordaliso Jr. CEO NorthStar Strategies He is a seasoned public policy professional with vast experience and expertise solving complex governmental issues — advising government and business leaders at all levels, especially those involving energy and transportation.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Erick Ford

Erick Ford Vice president Stevens & Lee Public Affairs He brings nearly two decades of public-sector leadership and private-sector experience to a firm that already was a leader in energy issues.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Pam Frank

Pam Frank CEO ChargEVC A vice president at Gabel Associates, she has more than 20 years of experience in sustainability issues and the renewable energy industry. Among other areas, she serves as CEO of ChargEVC, a nonprofit coalition that promotes the sustainable growth of...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Janice Fuller

Janice Fuller President, Mid-Atlantic Anbaric Smart, experienced leader with all the right connections on the ground, she heads the New Jersey efforts for an Anbaric team that plays well nationally.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Mike Garrity

Mike Garrity N.J. development and permitting lead Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind He is the developing and permitting lead for the company that is, by far, the leader in offshore wind in the state.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Christine Guhl-Sadovy

Christine Guhl-Sadovy President N.J. Board of Public Utilities Every energy and utility project and policy goes through her organization, which regulates and helps guide the industry.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Kim Hanemann

Kim Hanemann President & chief operating officer Public Service Electric & Gas She is an expert on energy and business. She has been out in front on idea that sector must work with unions, with focus on diversity, to build a better sector.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Susan Hardwick

Susan Hardwick CEO American Water She not only heads the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility in the country, but she does it the right way: She annually is among a list of most admired CEOs.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Dennis Hart

Dennis Hart Executive director Chemistry Council of N.J. Highly respected thought leader and longtime director of various organizations involved in the environment, energy, transportation and logistics — and how they all work together.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Rich Henning

Rich Henning CEO N.J. Utilities Association He took over as head of state’s top utilities association last year, after working for three decades in various capacities at various energy companies. He is responsible for setting public policy and strategic planning for the utilities industry...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Doug Hritz

Doug Hritz Senior vice president River Crossing Strategy Group A guru of legislative procedures and the political, policy and procedural nuances of moving legislation through the process, he serves as chair of River Crossing’s Renewable Energy Practice Group and co-chair of firm’s Legislative Practice...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Chris Ichter

Chris Ichter Executive vice president CEP Renewables Firm recently finished community solar landfill project in Southampton. The project is the first of its kind in the state, due to having two 5 megawatt solar systems atop a landfill, and which span across two utility...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Wes Jacobs

Wes Jacobs Project director Leading Light Wind Leading Light Wind, comprised of two companies (Invenergy and energyRe), recently was awarded ability to produce 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind — and will do it with U.S.-based companies.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Joe Jingoli

Joe Jingoli Founder & CEO Jingoli His construction company seemingly is involved in — or will be involved in — every major energy project in the state.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Alexandra Jingoli Smolar

Alexandra Jingoli Smolar CEO Jet Electrical Testing Heads company that specializes in commissioning, preventative maintenance, equipment repair, apparatus testing and emergency response/troubleshooting.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Shaun Keegan

Shaun Keegan Co-founder & CEO Solar Landscape A bill signed at beginning of year to further strengthen N.J.’s community solar program will be great for business for Keegan’s Asbury Park-based company, which has promised to hire more than 100 employees.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Jerry Keenan

Jerry Keenan President N.J. Alliance for Action For 50 years, the Alliance for Action — with a membership that reaches all aspects of the energy and business community — has been at the forefront of discussion around all energy and infrastructure projects and initiatives.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Greg Lalevee

Greg Lalevee Business manager IUOE Local 825 You can be sure that IUOE not only will be in the middle of any energy infrastructure project in the state, but that Lalevee and his team will participate as partners, finding ways to ensure the projects...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Shawn LaTourette

Shawn LaTourette Commissioner Department of Environmental Protection Yes, the DEP always will put the environment first, but LaTourette aims to run an agency that wants to understand — and work with — the business community.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Lee Laurendeau

Lee Laurendeau CEO EEW American Offshore Structures Heads the group that literally is building the offshore wind industry.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Nadine Leslie

Nadine Leslie CEO Middlesex Water Co. Highly regarded Nadine Leslie, a veteran of numerous top jobs in the water and environmental sector, she is the new CEO of this important regional company.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Brian Lipman

Brian Lipman Director Division of Rate Counsel He represents the interests of consumers of regulated electric, natural gas, water/sewer (and other areas), making sure all consumers receive proper utility service at affordable rates that are just and nondiscriminatory.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Mike Makarski

Mike Makarski External affairs lead Engineers Labor Employer Cooperative, ELEC 825 A gifted spokesperson and influencer, Makarski not only ensures the needs and concerns of the union he represents are recognized, but that its knowledge and know-how are key parts of the process.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Mary Maples

Mary Maples Senior adviser N.J. Economic Development Authority Widely respected executive, the all-important N.J. Wind Port falls under her leadership role at the EDA.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Nathan Mazurek

Nathan Mazurek CEO Pioneer Power Solutions The Fort Lee-based company recently announced that it has launched its new E-Bloc Charge Port series and immediately received initial purchase orders valued at more than $2 million.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Mark McDonough

Mark McDonough President N.J. American Water Head of the largest water utility in the state, McDonough and NJAW are helping towns across New Jersey making necessary and overdue updates to their water facilities.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Charles “Chaz” McFeaters

Charles “Chaz” McFeaters President & chief nuclear officer PSEG Nuclear Yes, New Jersey has nuclear plants — the third-highest-producing plants in the country. And that’s a good thing. PSEG’s nuclear program will be a key component of any and all clean energy models for...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Christie McMullen

Christie McMullen President Elizabethtown Gas She’s an experienced energy and utilities executive (with a focus on gas and electric operations and process improvement), but she specializes in leading teams through transformational changes — a key characteristic in a sector that is undergoing a massive...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Eric Miller

Eric Miller Executive director Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy He is described as a leader who is a passionate advocate for the green economy, one who has initiated high-impact policies across clean energy, building electrification and transportation.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Doug Mokoid

Doug Mokoid President Atlantic City Electric Mokoid is working to modernize the utility by increasing community workforce development (and increasing work with diverse suppliers) while embracing new technology and renewable energy initiatives.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Kelly Mooij

Kelly Mooij Program director, Northeast policy Energy Foundation A longtime leader in various capacities at the BPU, she now is working to advance equitable clean energy policy in the region at the Energy Foundation.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Doug O’Malley

Doug O’Malley Director Environment New Jersey The longtime leader of Environment New Jersey is a leader in all things energy/environment. He is playing a leading role at ChargEVC, too.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Melissa Orsen

Melissa Orsen Senior vice president; President South Jersey Industries; South Jersey Gas As senior vice president of South Jersey Industries, she provides strategic oversight and drives full alignment of operational excellence across SJI’s collective utility operations.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Rep. Frank Pallone

Rep. Frank Pallone D-6th Dist. House of Representatives His party is no longer in charge in the House, but he is the ranking member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Robert Pohlman

Robert Pohlman Vice president, NJR Clean Energy Ventures and corporate strategy N.J. Resources He is responsible for leading and developing NJR’s renewable energy business, which is one of the largest owner/operators of commercial solar in New Jersey, while also driving new growth opportunities and...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Tom Pollock

Tom Pollock CEO Trinity Solar Last fall, the Wall Township-based company completed its 100,000th solar panel installation.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Grace Power

Grace Power Partner McCarter & English One of the top energy lawyers in the state, she brings deep experience in the energy, utilities and renewables industries — and extensive knowledge of New Jersey policy. She previously served as chief of staff at the BPU.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Crystal Pruitt

Crystal Pruitt External affairs lead Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind A widely respected thought leader, she serves as external affairs lead at Atlantic Shores, supporting all teams at the state’s most important and impactful offshore wind company.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Karen Reif

Karen Reif Vice president – renewables and energy solutions Public Service Electric & Gas Reif oversees the company’s growth of solar energy, energy efficiency, demand response and alternative fuel vehicle programs.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Mike Renna

Mike Renna CEO South Jersey Industries The company’s recent announcement on the Linden Renewable Energy project, which will convert organic waste into pipeline-quality RNG, is just one way he is keeping SJI ahead of the curve on clean energy initiatives.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Nancy Sadlon

Nancy Sadlon Manager, public affairs Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery Company recently was honored for "Workforce Diversity" — and for good reason. In 2022, 36% of Phillips 66 – Bayway’s global hires were women, and 42% of its U.S. hires were from underrepresented groups.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Susan Schofer

Susan Schofer Chief science officer HAX A key leader at the ultra-cool HAX office in Newark, which is overseeing and advising numerous startup companies that are trying to imagine and create next-generation energy companies.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Kris Singh

Kris Singh CEO Holtec International You may have heard about his high-profile battles with the state. You need to know this: His Camden-based company is a global supplier of equipment and services for the nuclear, solar, geothermal and fossil power generation sectors.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Matthew Skidmore

Matthew Skidmore CEO CS Energy Edison-based firm is a leading integrated renewable energy company that designs and builds optimized projects in the solar, storage and emerging energy industries in New Jersey and around the country.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Sen. Bob Smith

Sen. Bob Smith D-Piscataway N.J. Legislature He’s chairman of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee — and the main sponsor of legislation that sets a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — William Sproule

William Sproule Executive secretary-treasurer Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters His union is deeply involved — and deeply dedicated to — numerous energy infrastructure projects, especially those around wind energy.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Michael Stivala

Michael Stivala CEO Suburban Propane The Whippany-based marketer and distributor of an array of energy-related products (propane, fuel oil and refined fuels, as well as natural gas and electricity in deregulated markets) is actively transitioning to renewable and low-carbon solutions..

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Tim Sullivan

Tim Sullivan CEO N.J. Economic Development Authority The state has made offshore wind a priority focus in its Energy Master Plan. Sullivan is helping to ensure the state gets all of the economic development benefits that come with it.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Preethy Thangaraj

Preethy Thangaraj Deputy director & policy adviser Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy Long a rising star in the energy sector, she will use this new role to continue to advance the administration’s clean energy and sustainability goals while helping the...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Rick Thigpen

Rick Thigpen Senior vice president for corporate citizenship Public Service Enterprise Group PSEG has long been one of the anchor institutions in the state. Thigpen ensures that the company continues to aid the state — while ensuring the state understands PSEG’s needs, too.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Lauren Thomas

Lauren Thomas Managing director, transmission and substation construction and maintenance Public Service Electric & Gas She leads multibillion-dollar electric transmission and distribution projects with a team of more than 1,000 to maintain the transmission system that powers New Jersey.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Maddy Urbish

Maddy Urbish Head of government affairs, Americas region Ørsted Yes, Ørsted has pulled out of New Jersey. But it still has important holdings in the state and it’s still a player in the industry on the East Coast and it still has one of...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Matt Valle

Matt Valle President NextEra Energy Transmission The company, which has been involved in energy in the state for decades, may still prove to be a major player in offshore wind transmission.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Joris Veldhoven

Joris Veldhoven CEO Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind His company is the leader in offshore wind in New Jersey, but many figure it will need some adjustments in its contracts to get to the finish line. Talks are continuing.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Alex Viqueira

Alex Viqueira Senior manager, transmission development Invenergy Whip-smart and well-connected, the former McCarter & English and Kivvit protégé is a rising star among energy policy executives.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Steve Westhoven

Steve Westhoven CEO N.J. Resources Key leader of an energy company that is proving to be a leader in transformation toward and development of alternative clean energy solutions.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Chao Yan

Chao Yan Founder & CEO Princeton NuEnergy Company (joining players from Argonne National Lab, National Renewable Energy Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab and UC-Irvine) will be upgrading its plasma-assisted lithium-ion battery recycling technology into the future, thanks to a recent $12 million grant from...

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Michael Zarnstorff

Michael Zarnstorff Co-founder & chief technology officer Stellarex Princeton-based Stellarex recently signed a memo of understanding with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to collaborate on fusion energy. The potential is limitless.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Trish Zita

Trish Zita CEO The Zita Group Her group has long been a thought leader and go-to source for advocacy for many in the energy sector.

ROI Influencers: Energy & Utilities 2024 — Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Sen. Andrew Zwicker D-Hillsborough N.J. Legislature He is an incredibly influential senator — especially on any issue involving energy and science.

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