Ecomerit has assembled a highly qualified, experienced, and multi-disciplinary team for its marine renewable energy projects with expertise from industry, academia, and specialized marine research laboratories. Ecomerit is collaborating with marine engineering organizations, bringing expertise in marine engineering and fabrication, drivetrain engineering, electrical power generation, and mooring and anchoring systems. Project partners include Penn State Advanced Research Laboratory, Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, General Atomics, Inc., PCCI, and Luna, Inc.

James G.P. Dehlsen, Innovation and System Architecture

Jim is recognized as a pioneer and world leader in wind power and renewable energy. Jim co-founded Clipper Windpower, Inc., where he serves as Executive Chairman. Clipper developed the breakthrough 2.5 MW Liberty wind turbine and is currently advancing the development of a 10 MW offshore turbine project that he initiated in 2007.

In 1980, Jim founded Zond Corporation and served as Chief Executive Officer, and as Executive Chairman of the Board until its acquisition by Enron Corporation in 2000. Zond pioneered wind power technology developing three generations of wind turbines, growing rapidly to become one of the largest global companies in wind turbine manufacturing, wind power project development, and plant operation. In 2002 following Enron’s demise, General Electric purchased the wind energy business and technology for its entry into the wind industry. Recognition of his work includes the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by the American Wind Energy Association and the Danish Medal of Honor conferred by his Royal Highness, Prince Henrik of Denmark. Jim has served as an advisor to the Department of Energy’s Wind Program and has testified at U.S. House and Senate hearings on renewable energy related issues.

Jim has 13 patents and nine patents pending.

James Brenton (“Brent”) Dehlsen, CEO

Brent co-founded Clipper Windpower in 2001 and managed the growth of the company as COO until 2008 and is currently an independent Board member. At Clipper, Brent was responsible for leading all of the operational activities, including technology development and testing of the Liberty 2.5 MW turbine, establishment of manufacturing and assembly facilities, development of the supply chain, and manufacturing startup with production and deployment.

In 1997, Brent founded Dehlsen Associates (“DA”), a research and development organization specializing in renewable energy technologies. DA originated and patented the D-GEN drivetrain used in Clipper turbines. Previously, Brent worked at Zond Corporation in production assessment for 2,500 wind turbines, plant operations and maintenance, and the commissioning of new facilities. Brent is Founder and President of Avianda, LLC, engaged in the development and construction of sustainable residential properties in Mexico utilizing an efficient, panelized building system. He received his BA from San Diego State University and his MBA from the University of San Diego.

Alex Fleming, Vice President of Engineering

Alex has over 20 years of innovation and inventions in unmanned undersea vehicles, vertical flight aircraft, military jet engines, propulsion, and alternative energy systems. Under both academic and research scholarships Alex performed research at Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Aeronautical Lab and NASA Ames while studying Aerospace Engineering. In 2003, Alex became Lockheed Martin/Perry Technologies’ youngest Staff Mechanical Engineer and led the $6.5 million Advanced Development Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Project, as well as the $2 million UUV test bed, with a team of 10 engineers responsible for technical, budget and schedule oversight; this work included novel manufacturing (Titanium Rapid Casting Pressure Vessels), engineering processes, computer-aided engineering (CAE) tool development, ballast design, thermal management, acoustic treatments, configuration management, propulsive design, energy sources, and modular instrumentation packages. After Lockheed Martin, he co-founded an advanced aerospace engineering services firm specializing in Industrial Gas Turbines. Customers included Flextronics, Siemens and Lockheed Martin. Later, as a Hardware Engineering Manager at General Electric (GE), Alex managed a team of 15 Mechanical and Electrical Engineers in addition to being Homeland Security Cost Out Leader for three divisions and one of five members on the Mechanical Technology Council. As a GE Top Talent, Alex received a number of Management Awards.

Charles Vinick, Director of Business Development and Government Relations

Charles brings extensive experience in ocean policy, environmental policy, project management and government relations to the Ecomerit team. He has been engaged in the offshore renewable energy regulatory development process and MMS and FERC permitting regimes. Prior to joining Ecomerit, Charles worked for the Cousteau family for over 25 years managing their ocean-related activities with positions as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Futures Society and as Vice President of the Cousteau Society.

Nehal Gajjar, Program Manager

Nehal has an MBA from Carnegie Mellon and Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. Nehal has over 15 years of consulting, corporate, and entrepreneurial experience focused on identifying industry trends and on defining new and strategic growth vistas. Her previous experience includes serving as founder and principal of an engineering design company serving gas turbine OEMs and engaged in new ways.