An interview with David "Dave" Kopans '91

How has your political outlook changed since Brown?

When we all graduated my political outlook was naïve and hopeful. I am now wiser and cynical. I also always make sure that I fully punch the chad out whenever I vote.

What have been the most motivating forces in being involved in politics through work or volunteerism?

My kids. They drive me to try and be part of doing the right thing.

What have been some of the more satisfying moments in your politically involved life?

Seeing the $3 billion California Solar Initiative launch (I participated actively in the rule making process as Director of Regulatory Affairs of the renewable energy company I started in 2003).

What advice would you give to current Brown graduates going into politics, law and/or public policy?

Find an area that resonates with you and go for it. Expect slow going and lots of failure. Learn to appreciate a good bottle of port. Port goes well with chocolate and policy decisions that go the wrong way.

What is your forecast for the presidential race this fall or for any other elections (national, state or local) on which you would like to comment?

I don’t want to jinx it…..

Do you feel that our political process still serves the founding principles of our country in our modern times?

Hard to imagine. Too much outside influence. Too much FOX News spin. Not enough space for reasoned dialogue by smart people who can remain focused on principles and issues rather than reelection and soundbites for the 5 o’clock news.

Dave Kopans has most recently been the Director of Regulatory Affairs for Fat Spaniel, a provider of monitoring services for the renewable energy industry. With more than a decade as a senior executive and advisor to publicly traded and early-stage companies, Mr. Kopans has helped launch hardware, software, nanotechnology and biotechnology companies. He has served as CFO and Head of Finance of two publicly traded companies and has overseen the issuance of more than $40 million in Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Convertible Secured Debentures. He started his career auditing publicly traded companies at what is now PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Kopans is also an inventor of two technology patents, a finalist in MIT's Technology Review Magazine's TR100 competition and a Finance Committee Member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. He holds a dual-degree MBA with Honors from the NYU Stern School of Business and a dual-degree BA from Brown University.