I was a Civil Engineer in the Air Force and began at Hill Air Force Base in Utah where I managed energy savings performance contracts and energy procurement for the base. I worked with steam and cogeneration plants and all sorts of steam distribution systems. I also attended a graduate civil engineering program at the University of Colorado that focused on building renewable energy and HVAC systems. ”

When I separated from the Air Force in 2007, I joined Johnson Controls in Wisconsin to work on energy efficiency. There, I joined the newly created renewable energy team to develop solar PV and solar thermal projects, including PPAs. In 2013, I joined an internal start-up that deployed lithium-ion storage solutions. And in 2015, I started at Invenergy, a company entirely dedicated to clean energy development. ”

I think the energy industry is appealing to veterans for a number of reasons. The one I hear most frequently from other veterans is that there is a sense of purpose and meaning to the work we do—that we can connect the dots from our everyday jobs to a larger vision to help transform our energy supply. For some, it’s about energy security; for others, it’s about tackling the threat of global climate change. In both cases, it’s about knowing that we are making a difference and contributing to something we believe in. Additionally, the energy industry is incredibly dynamic these days, experiencing rapid change around technology improvements, regulatory adjustments and new business models. It’s an arena where you must think strategically and tactically, absorb a lot of information and make quick decisions. In those respects, there are a lot of similarities to military service.”

I served 20+ years in the United States Air Force in many roles across the nation and world: maintaining and managing aviation and munitions support systems, ensuring the maintainability and reliability of B-1 aircraft, and as an aircraft and egress systems quality assurance inspector. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, with focus on occupational safety and health and management. I retired at the rank of E-7, Master Sergeant. An Invenergy manager encouraged me to apply for the safety manager position before I officially retired from the Air Force, and I joined Invenergy shortly after retiring. ”

My military career required technical proficiency and performance with a high level of autonomy. Moreover, it required significant resource, personnel, and program management skills, many of which I’ve used at Invenergy. In the Air Force, I deployed to bases around the world and worked alongside a diverse and international group of people. As an Invenergy employee, I’ve had similar opportunities to do the same in the United States and Canada. ”

Lastly, in the Air Force, I supported fighter and bomber combat aircraft along with cargo aircraft and associated support systems. Like Invenergy, safety was always the priority during Air Force operations, which made my transition feel seamless. Invenergy’s commitment to veterans is evident and seen in the number of veterans on staff and the support the company provides. For example, Invenergy supported me and my involvement in its partnership with the Truman National Security Project for Operation Free, a veteran-led initiative that advocates for veteran activism on oil independence and climate change. It’s important to me that Invenergy continues to support and hire veterans, and I hope Invenergy continues to be a model for other energy companies.”