The AHEAD Team

Taken 9/13/16 at the Annual Board Meeting. From left to right: Clark Hochgraf, Manfred Niethammer, David Johnston, Ellie Rusling, M. James Grieve

BOARD MEMBERS

Eleanor (Ellie) Rusling, Interim Executive Director & Secretary

Ellie Rusling is principal consultant with Merrill Rusling, LLC - focused on technology-to-market initiatives. She is CEO of MicroEra Power, a cleantech start-up focused on ultra-efficient distributed generation technology. She has worked in several start-up companies and serves on the Highland Hospital Foundation Board, Horizons at the Warner School Advisory Board, and the Medical Research Review Committee of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. She has also done work with corporate communications for international clients. Ellie holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Development from Smith College, and a Master's degree in Education Administration from the University of Rochester.

M. James Grieve, Chairman

M. James Grieve moved into his leadership position with AHEAD Energy in June 2012 after serving on its technology committee for 2 years. He is a chief scientist at Delphi Automotive Systems in Henrietta, New York. He is the author of numerous publications on engine management systems and emission controls, fuel cell systems, hybrid vehicle systems and alternative fuels. Previous to Delphi, he worked for General Motors in Oshawa, Canada and Milford, MI. He is the recipient of numerous professional awards for technology innovation. He is a licensed professional Engineer (Ontario), graduate of the IESE Business School of Barcelona Spain and Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Manfred Niethammer, Vice Chairman

Manfred Niethammer is an Independent Consultant for European automotive and funding projects. He has held several positions with Delphi Corporation, the most recent being as the Director of Business Affairs and European Union Funding Programs in France. He has held a number of other professional positions with companies in the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Manfred has a master degree in Mechanical Engineering, from the Mechanical Engineering Academy, Esslingen, Germany and a diploma from the Technical College of Stuttgart.

Monika Reifenstein, Consultant

Monika Reifenstein began consulting with AHEAD Energy in June 2016. She is currently acting as an assistant to the Executive Director in the transition and management of the organization. Her work takes place in a variety of modalities, including: research, economic development, presentation, marketing, and event planning. She is interested in serving any organization with a mission dedicated to social justice. When not consulting with AHEAD, she serves as Co-founder and Committee Member for Make Music Rochester, a global celebration of the summer solstice aimed at community engagement, bonding, & development. Monika holds a dual BA in Psychology and the Study of Women and Gender from Smith College.

Johann (John) Clendenin

The Honorable Johann (John) A. Clendenin currently serves as Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Public Service Commission. Historically he has held a variety of positions including: U.S. Marines Major, Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration Lecturer, Inner Circle Logistics Founder, and IE University Senior Associate Dean of Postgraduate Programs. John strives to continue an international perspective of multicultural change leadership and obtain senior executive assignments with Commissions, Boards of Directors positions, Academic leadership, public speaking and community service where he may contribute to the success of organizations and governments.

Clark Hochgraf

Professor Clark Hochgraf is a professor of Electrical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He teaches and does research in the area of smart grid technologies and integration of renewable energies. He has considerable industrial experience in the area of power systems, power electronics, microturbines and fuel cells at Westinghouse, Ford/Visteon and General Motors.

David Johnston

David Johnston is an engineering and economics consultant and author helping companies with technology strategies, ramp-up and turn-around project implementation, and training. David works with his brother at Daniel Johnston & Company, Inc., an independent consultancy to the international petroleum industry. David has participated in negotiating oil and gas contracts and production sharing agreements in several countries. He has presented numerous seminars on oil and gas finance and regulatory policy, including regular invited seminars at the Africa Petroleum Producers Association. David holds several patents. He travels widely as he is in high demand as a speaker and seminar leader. He holds a BSEE from the University of Rochester.

Paul Jordan

Paul Jordan currently serves as Director of Marketing at Logisoft, a nationally known company that offers top brands of software and hardware, along with expert training and personal development, to educational institutions.
Paul has strong combined experience in new product development and launch, from conception through market
placement. He enjoys developing products both "Business to Business" and "Consumer" in nature. Paul believes that innovation is the key to growth today and thus that working with all levels of a business to obtain this goal is the best way to lead in the market place. He holds a BS in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia.

Alan Rae

Alan Rae holds an MBA in Business Administration and PhD in Metallurgy & Engineering Materials from University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and a BSc in Chemistry from Aberdeen University. He currently serves as Co-Executive Director of IncubatorWorks, President of Renew Rare Earth Inc., and Interim Director of the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology at Alfred University.