CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clean Energy Trust (CET) today announced that Erik G. Birkerts has joined as executive vice president and chief operating officer, responsible for directing operational processes of the non-profit cleantech business accelerator while implementing new strategies and programs.
Birkerts, 45, has 20 years of general management, project financing and strategy development experience with energy efficiency and clean technology companies. He served on the senior management teams for two IPOs of venture capital-backed companies, including as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Orion Energy Systems (NYSE: OESX). Birkerts holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA from Tufts University.
“Erik is a seasoned executive with a wealth of management and operational expertise in the clean energy space. I look forward to working closely with him to build upon our successes, and those of our community, to further develop the Midwest clean energy ecosystem,” said Amy Francetic, Clean Energy Trust CEO.
Francetic also announced the following staff promotions: Jason Zielke, to senior vice president and chief technology officer, Winston Lazar to director of programs and Suzanne Stelmasek to director of policy and marketing.
“These individuals worked passionately and tirelessly to establish CET’s role and impact in the Midwest. I am proud to announce these hard-won promotions, which recognize their intellects and leadership,” Francetic said.
The mission of the Clean Energy Trust is to bring clean energy research and technology to the marketplace, creating sustainable businesses to increase energy security and grow the domestic economy. In addition to its premier event, the Clean Energy Challenge, CET plays a critical role in cleantech initiatives across the region including the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative and Chicago Lakeside Development.
About the Clean Energy Trust
The Clean Energy Trust was founded by prominent business and civic leaders to accelerate the pace of clean energy innovation in the Midwest. The trust is supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Small Business Administration and donations from more than 60 investors, corporations, universities, foundations and trade groups. For more information, visit www.cleanenergytrust.org.
