2024 Finals Speakers
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Before stepping into the role of President of ACT (previously NECEC), Joseph A. Curtatone forged a reputation for being one of the most innovative mayors in the United States as the nine-term Mayor of Somerville, MA. That includes Somerville being named one of only 95 cities in the world to make the CDP Cities A-List for climate planning and action. He also spearheaded a comprehensive net-zero action plan for his city with a strong focus on equity. During his tenure, Curtatone embraced data-driven decision making, employed systems-based solutions to community issues and was an innovator in healthy city initiatives. He has forged regional coalitions to tackle issues around transportation, housing and COVID-19 pandemic response. He also worked to establish Somerville as a leader in climate technology, recruiting Greentown Labs to the city, where it has been steadily growing since 2013. Thanks to his pursuit of cutting edge industries, Somerville saw its workforce increase by more than 40% during his tenure as the city became the home to billions of dollars of new economic activity. Curtatone also did significant work to reshape the city. In 2014, Somerville opened the first new station in Greater Boston's core light rail transit system in 27 years, and soon it will open six more new stations as part of the first major expansion of that system since the 1980s. In addition, during his time in office Somerville built a network of more than 40 miles of bicycle lanes inside a city of just 4.1 square miles. He is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School, the New England School of Law and Boston College. A father of four, Curtatone also has been a longtime high school and youth sports coach.
Mary McManmon is the Associate Director for Commercialization Programs within the Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT). In this role she leads the development and implementation of programs that address challenges in bringing emerging energy and decarbonization technologies to market.
Prior to this role, Mary worked at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) researching and analyzing innovative technologies in a wide range of areas including infrared radiation and solid-state lighting. She also served as a supervisor overseeing the examination of patent applications focused on fluid handling, storage, and delivery in a wide range of sectors including hydrogen, HVAC, fossil fuels, and food and beverage.
In addition, Mary has worked for two start-ups in the energy sector. With Skybuilt Power she supported the construction of microgrid power stations. With Distributed Sun she wore numerous hats including designing commercial rooftop and ground mount solar systems, analyzing financial models, and assisting on-site with system installation.
Mary received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering in her community as a Girl Scout leader and edible garden educator. She is also a graduate and supporter of EcoAction’s Energy Masters Program.
Dr. Emily Reichert is the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, where she leads the agency’s efforts to build a globally competitive clean energy economy in Massachusetts and achieve the state’s climate goals. Emily was previously the CEO of Greentown Labs, North America’s largest climatetech startup incubator, where she oversaw its growth into a global hub for climate technology innovation. During her tenure, Greentown Labs incubated hundreds of startups that collectively raised over $2 billion and created thousands of jobs. Emily has also been appointed to several leadership positions at the state, federal, and international levels, including the Massachusetts Governor’s Economic Development Planning Council, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce’s National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the World Economic Forum’s Global Futures Council on Advanced Energy Technologies. She holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Kevin Dutt is the Chief Executive Officer of Greentown Labs, he has spent over 25 years leading mission-driven ventures focused on environmentally sustainable and socially responsible enterprises. Kevin has successfully built and exited high-growth companies in the private sector, gaining extensive experience in operational, financial, and strategic roles. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Kevin has been active in impact investing. He managed the Boston Impact Fund, a pioneering fund supporting ventures in underserved communities in the Greater Boston Area, and served on the technology investment committee for the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Kevin holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University and an MBA from Boston University, specializing in operations and quantitative methods. He is an avid cyclist, rower, and winter hiker, and enjoys beekeeping, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Ken Hayes helps start-ups grow, get financed and build value. He joined Cleantech Open in 2017 as Executive Director with US National and Global responsibilities for this established startup accelerator. Concurrently, he is Venture Partner and Co-founder of Canyon Creek Capital's Fund II, a VC fund focused on SoCal tech companies from Seed to Series A, with 40+ investments since late 2014. He is also a Director Emeritus of the Pasadena Angels, where he continues to focus on deal sourcing, mentoring entrepreneurs, and performing due diligence. Finally, Ken is a "recovering entrepreneur" who has built and sold several companies in Europe and the USA, in the ed-tech and ad-tech sectors. He earned an MBA at INSEAD, France, and a BA in Economics at Pomona College.
Jess Hawthorne is a successful sales professional at CSC Leasing known for building trusting partnerships with clients and delivering exceptional service. With a background spanning diverse industries, including medical device sales and beverage distribution, he tailors sales strategies to fit industry, market characteristics, and business circumstances. Jess stands out for a commitment to innovative sales strategies and process improvements that drive sales velocity. Achievements include recognition for top territory growth at E&J Gallo in 2015, leadership in sales for various product lines, and cost-saving initiatives at both Gallo and Zimmer Biomet. Jess also has experience in team leadership and training.
Terence Floyd is the Vice President and Senior Social Impact Specialist at Wells Fargo specializing in philanthropic giving, community development, team member engagement and non-profit relationships. Member of Wells Fargo Public Affairs group which focuses on 4 focus areas, housing affordability, financial health, small business growth and sustainability and environmental justice. Living in Connecticut overseeing the 6 New England states. Served on the boards of the CT Mortgage Bankers Association, Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, NHS of New Britain, NHS of New Haven, Partnership for Strong Communities, and the CT Fair Housing Center. Also serves on the LISC advisory board. Master’s Degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. Living in Bristol Connecticut and has 2 lovely daughters.
Joshua is a certified Data Scientist and the Founder and CEO of SparkCharge, a company specializing in the portable charging of electric cars. His experience in entrepreneurship and startups spans over 6 years and he is a dynamic figure in the cleantech community. Joshua is also the most recent winner of the New York Business Plan Competition and won awards in over seven business competitions. Joshua holds B.A. in Economics and Masters in Information Management from Syracuse University.
As Senior Director of Cleantech Open Northeast, Beth is passionate about combating climate change, improving environmental equity, and growing the cleantech economy through innovation and entrepreneurship. Her focus is on creating a positive experience for entrepreneurs and mentors, strengthening the diversity of cohorts, enabling startups to calculate their GHG emissions reduction potential, and securing a variety of sponsors that add value to the program and the startups. Beth has experience developing innovation hubs in the Northeast with Cleantech Open, as well as in India and Russia. She has worked at MIT and IBM, run her own marketing and sustainability consulting business, and led business development for a startup that grew from 10 to 1000 employees. She holds a BA, cum laude, from Wellesley College, an MBA from Boston University, a Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Science Po in Paris, and a Certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Southern Maine. She speaks French and Spanish. She plays squash, swims, kayaks, and hikes, and enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world.
Olivia is the Program Manager for Cleantech Open Northeast, NECEC. She has experience working with a variety of environmental organizations, in policy and non-profit groups at both the local and national levels. Olivia holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations-Political Science from Wellesley College. She is originally from midcoast Maine and has a passion for and commitment to climate change mitigation and business sustainability.
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