MADISON - Key Persons
Ben works in Operations at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. His responsibilities include contract management, revenue billing and collections, regulatory and financial reporting, O&M management and account management. Prior to joining the Madison Energy Investments team, Ben spent over six years with Deloitte Consulting leading client projects focused primarily on achieving operational efficiencies. Specific project experience included driving large program integrations, redesigning operating models, and identifying process automation opportunities. He is a CPA and previously worked in Tax Advisory at KPMG and Investment Banking at BB&T Capital Markets. Ben received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Virginia.
Job Titles:
- General Counsel and Vice President of Project Financ
Blair joins us from Vinson & Elkins in New York where he represented borrowers and lenders in complex domestic and cross-border finance transactions, including project finance and development, general syndicated finance, acquisition finance and asset-based facilities. He also counseled clients in offerings of debt and equity securities. Blair has experience representing banks and financial institutions, developers and private equity funds in a wide array of sectors, such as renewables, oil and gas, infrastructure, power generation and transmission, maritime, and aviation. Prior to V&E, Blair spent time at Fortress Investment Group LLC helping to grow New Fortress Energy, focusing on developing and operating infrastructure and transportation assets within the natural gas industry, as well as Latham & Watkins LLP, where he was a project finance and mergers and acquisitions associate representing developers of natural gas assets and renewable energy in financings and acquisitions. Blair received his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in New York and D.C.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Business Development
Cameron Bard leads MEI's business and market development, driving new partnerships and customer engagements to deploy more clean energy and build stronger communities. Cameron has spent his entire career in clean energy and climate and has held senior leadership positions at Cypress Creek Renewables and DSD Renewables. Prior to joining the private sector, Cameron served in state government, first with the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority and then in the Office of the New York State Governor as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Energy & Finance. Cameron frequently lectures at colleges and universities and has been an adjunct faculty member of NYU's Center for Global Affairs for more than seven years.
Job Titles:
- Director, Asset Management
Chioma works in operations at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. She is part of the asset management group focusing on maximizing revenue and performance across operating assets, ensuring contract compliance and managing O&M providers. Previously, Chioma worked for several years in the carbon capture, utilization and storage space. She has also worked as a consulting geologist on environmental remediation issues. She received a bachelor of science in environmental geology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Engineering from China University of Petroleum.
Christiana works in finance at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. She focuses on project finance, third party relationships, as well as contract and process management. Christiana previously worked at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation as an Operations Engineer. There she focused on process improvement of manufacturing procedures for the G500 and G600 aircrafts. Prior to Gulfstream, Christiana worked as an intern at WGL Energy in their solar group, where she gained knowledge on commercial asset management and distributed generation. Christiana graduated with a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University.
Job Titles:
- Director, Marketing
- Marketing Director at Madison Energy Investments
Crystal Williams is Marketing Director at Madison Energy Investments, joining in 2023, and is responsible for communications, public relations, and marketing strategy. Before joining, Crystal spent three years as a Marketing Manager for Manifest Agency, a content marketing agency in NYC, where she was responsible for building and implementing strategic marketing, awards, and events programming. Earlier in her career, Crystal spent four years at Whole Foods Market as a Metro Marketing Community Liaison, responsible for developing new and strategic regional community partnerships while creating and managing marketing activities for stores in the Atlanta southeast region. In her spare time, she volunteers for multiple non-profits supporting climate, diversity, equity and inclusion, and educational initiatives.
eabu@madisonei.com Eme works in Operations at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office and is part of the asset management group. The team is responsible for ensuring that operation and maintenance providers comply with their contracts and operating assets perform at optimal efficiency and maximize revenue. Prior to joining Madison Energy Investments, Eme worked in the downstream energy sector at IHS Markit (now S&P Global) in their Americas and Global teams. She was responsible for writing refinery infrastructure and market retail reports, creating and managing demand forecasts for major refined products and creating dashboard analytics, all part of subscription packages for energy clients. Her love for imparting knowledge landed her an adjunct teaching role at Houston Community College. She was also a research and development chemist for drilling fluid additives at Prince Energy LLC. Eme has a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, a doctorate degree in analytical chemistry from University of Cincinnati, Ohio and a master's degree in business data analytics from Maryville University of St. Louis, Missouri.
Job Titles:
- Director, Construction & Engineering
George works in operations at Madison Energy Investments. He is responsible for EPC contract management and contractual due diligence and compliance. Prior to joining the Madison Energy Investments team, George spent six years in the renewable energy industry in various roles such as operations management of a PV contractor, PV design consulting engineering, and off-grid systems design. Before entering the energy industry, he worked as a project manager for a large mechanical contractor in the Southeast performing mechanical system-based energy performance contracting. George graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Grace works in the accounting & finance department at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. She is responsible for all activities related to accounting and corporate finance. Grace has extensive experience in construction accounting and daily accounting operations. Prior to joining Madison Energy Investments, Grace worked at WGL Energy, where she managed all aspects of accounting for energy efficiency and distributed generation projects including the WGL Energy C&I solar portfolio. Grace has also worked at Fannie MAE in loan accounting and in the design department of Sunrise Senior Living. Grace is a certified public accountant and received her B.A. in Accounting from Concord University in West Virginia.
Iwona supports all activities related to finance at Madison Energy Investments. This includes managing financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, as well as managing tax equity partnerships and arranging asset financing. Prior to joining Madison Energy Investments, Iwona spent several years at WGL leading a corporate FP&A team as well as providing Strategic Finance support to tax equity partnerships totaling over $300M in project value. This included financial modeling, solar project evaluation, and acquisition due diligence. Iwona also previously worked in strategy consulting supporting corporate and private equity clients. Iwona graduated with Masters in Business Administration from University of Maryland and completed a Certificate in Financing and Deploying Clean Energy at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment.
Jack oversees all activities relating to Operations at Madison Energy Investments. This includes system design, project management, permitting, EPC negotiations and asset management. Prior to co-founding Madison Energy Investments, Jack spent six years at WGL Energy where he was Director of Operations and Asset Management. He oversaw all construction of over 300 MW of C&I distributed generation assets and managed a portfolio of over 300 assets totaling 320 MW across 20 states. Jack also previously worked in a number of construction related roles at Q Cells, Standard Solar and NVR. Jack graduated with a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University and received his Masters in Business Administration from West Virginia University.
Job Titles:
- Associate, Midwest Market
Jake works in business development focused on the Midwestern market. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, he works with partners and clients to delivery turnkey solutions for solar development across the region. Jake has solar development and marketing experience, with years spent in the Ohio solar arena. He was previously the Interim Director at the Utility Scale Solar Energy Coalition (USSEC) of Ohio and Vice President, Operations and Marketing at Solarvision LLC. Jake earned his MBA at the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University, MA at the University of Chicago and BA from Miami University (Ohio).
Juliana works in business development focused on the Southeastern market. Based out of Birmingham, Alabama, she works with partners and clients to deliver turnkey solutions for solar development across the southeast. Juliana has marketing and business development experience across several industries, including product and professional services. She was previously a Marketing Coordinator for a large MEP Engineering firm that provides planning, design, engineering, commissioning and facility assessment services globally to clients in the healthcare, higher education, laboratory/research and government sectors. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a focus on Public Relations and Political Science.
Kinga works in operations at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. She is part of the asset management group focusing on data analytics, process management and contract administration. Previously, Kinga worked at the University of Pittsburgh, where she provided financial administration to externally funded projects. In her role, she budgeted and reconciled projects' expenses and revenue, forecasted future funding, and ensured regulatory compliance. Kinga graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2017 and Master of Business Administration in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, Real Estate & Development
Manolo works closely with Madison Energy Investment's legal team to facilitate and manage real estate and title operations during project acquisition and development. Prior to joining Madison at its Virginia office, Manolo served as Vice President of a title company for four years before founding his own residential and commercial title company in the Northern Virginia Metropolitan area. Focusing on Madison's real estate function, Manolo deploys a suite of title-driven systems and standards for real estate due diligence that optimize operational and capital efficiencies during solar development. He graduated from Hampshire College, within the Amherst Massachusetts Five College Consortium, and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Biology & Cognitive Science with a focus in Nutritional Neurophysiology.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate of Valuations at Madison Energy Investments' NYC
- Senior Associate, Valuations
Matthew is a Senior Associate of Valuations at Madison Energy Investments' NYC office. Previously, Matt worked as a structured products analyst at Citibank where he contributed to the management of Citi's Global Infrastructure and Clean Energy investment portfolios. Prior to working at Citi, Matt was an associate at Marshall and Stevens, a valuation and appraisal firm where he specialized in C&I and utility-scale solar valuations. Matt graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.
Job Titles:
- Corporate & Finance Paralegal
Neelofar serves as Madison Energy Investment's Corporate & Finance Paralegal, supporting MEI's legal team. She has over 8 years of experience in corporate and international business law. Before working in the US, Neelofar worked with one of the leading law firms in Pakistan, RIAA Barker Gillette that specializes in a wide range of sectors including, oil & gas, energy, M&A transactions, and project finance. Neelofar also worked as the manager of legal department for a privately owned Pakistani oil & gas company. Neelofar received her LLB (Hon's.) from University of London. She completed the Bar Vocational Course from City University, London and was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honorable Society of Lincoln's Inn. She received her LLM from University College London (UCL).
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Energy Storag
Pablo Leads the Energy Storage Vertical at MEI. His responsibilities include market strategy, origination, and supply. Prior to joining the Madison Energy Investments team, Pablo spent over 7 years with AES and Fluence where he held various positions in the areas of market development and program management with focus on transferring and applying the knowledge of implementing Energy Storage from developed markets towards new markets. In this capacity he worked with regulators, system operators, utilities, developers, and several key stakeholders to enable the adoption of Energy Storage in different global markets. Pablo has over 15 years of experience developing new markets in the Renewable Energy and Real Estate Industries. He holds an MBA from Darden Graduate Business School at the University of Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Senior Analyst
- Project Finance Analyst at Madison Energy Investment 's Virginia Office
Praniti works as a Project Finance Analyst at Madison Energy Investment's Virginia Office. She works across multiple functions of the business from business development to finance and operations. Previously, she interned at Emory Investment Management where she rotated across various asset classes including private equity, venture capital and public markets. Praniti has also worked as a summer analyst in Deloitte's transfer pricing division and in HDFC Mutual Fund's asset management wing. She graduated from Emory University's Goizueta School of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
Rich oversees all activities relating to Business Development and Strategy at Madison Energy Investments. This includes project origination, new market analysis and partner and customer relations. Rich spent five years at WGL Energy where he led business development activities related to solar. He originated over $300 million of projects across dozens of state markets with clients ranging from the Federal Government to professional sports teams. Rich also previously worked in renewable energy advisory with Sterling Planet. Rich recently served as the US representative for the World Energy Council's Future Energy Leaders Programme. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Samford University.
Scott works in Operations at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. He manages the operational and EPC activities of commercial and industrial-scale solar energy projects throughout the United States. Since entering into the renewable industry he has managed projects with an approximate DC capacity exceeding 97WM and $300 MM in construction value. Scott has over 30 years of experience in construction, engineering, and management and has degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Management.
ssumter@madisonei.com Sherner works in operations at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. She is a trusted advisor to the Managing Partners on both People and broad-based business objectives. Previously, Sherner worked at Capgemini Government Solutions as a Senior Manager, Human Resources. Sherner has SHRM-CP and PHR certifications and received her B.S. from University of Maryland Global Campus.
Shivapriya works in Business Development at Madison Energy Investments' New York office. She evaluates and performs strategic due diligence on the North American C&I solar and storage deal flow for capital deployment. Previously, Shivapriya worked with the Norwegian utility Statkraft to help develop its C&I solar business in India and negotiated large C&I behind-the meter and open access solar opportunities with a combined capacity of close to 200 MW. Shivapriya also worked as a Power & Utilities Analyst with Ernst & Young India for four years, where she collaborated with Indian and European partners as well as global solution teams on Energy Advisory and Assurance business development and research. She graduated from International Management Institute, Delhi, India, where she finished her MBA in 2012. She received a Merit Certificate from the Dean for graduating third in her batch.
Steve oversees all activities relating to finance at Madison Energy Investments. This includes structuring of partnerships, arranging corporate and asset financing and investor relations. Prior to co-founding Madison Energy Investments, Steve spent several years at WGL Energy where he was responsible for tax equity partnerships totaling over $300M in project value including partnership structuring, financial modeling, solar project evaluation, acquisition due diligence, asset management and partnership operations. Steve also previously worked in consulting and investment banking. Steve graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration from James Madison University and received his Masters in Business Administration from Darden School of Business.
Thomas works in asset management at the Madison Energy Investments Virginia office. He recently graduated with his MBA from The University of Alabama and received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in December 2020. His prior work experience spans across a variety of diverse industries, with exposure to real estate, structural engineering, and project management on an Airbus assembly line expansion.
Tucker works in finance and operations at Madison Energy Investments' Virginia office. He is involved in corporate and project finance, asset level due diligence, project management, third party relationships and contract management. Previously, Tucker worked at Tobin and Company Investment Banking Group in Charlotte, NC as an investment banking analyst involved in M&A transactions and direct private placements. Prior to the financial industry, Tucker was the dealer group inventory manager for a multi-franchise luxury automotive retail group based out of Charleston, SC. He graduated from the Citadel Military College of South Carolina in May of 2016 with a degree in Business Administration.
Job Titles:
- Counsel, Real Estate and Development
zhunt@madisonei.com Zach joins us from the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he was the head legal advisor of the Commonwealth's Department of General Services, Division of Real Estate and Facilities Management. While with the Commonwealth, Zach was responsible for the oversight of the in-house legal team and management of the Commonwealth's commercial real estate portfolio, including all aspects of acquisition, disposition, leasing, construction management support, and legislative review and comment. Prior to joining the Commonwealth of Virginia, Zach was with the boutique commercial real estate firm Peake Law Group, counseling clients in complex commercial real estate transactions, developments, portfolio acquisitions and dispositions, and financings. Zach has represented developers, governmental entities, telecommunications companies, tenants, landlords, lenders, and borrowers in all aspects of commercial real estate development and financing. Zach received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, his J.D. from the College of William & Mary, and conducted further graduate work at Georgetown University. He is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.