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Our Leadership

In partnership with our parent company, National Grid, we are leading the transition to a clean, fair, and affordable energy future for all. Our deep expertise, results-oriented culture and financial strength, paired with our farmer-friendly foundation and commitment to building a safe, responsible and community-focused business, sets us apart as an industry leader. 

National Grid Renewables is transforming the energy landscape and repowering America with sustainable and economically beneficial renewable energy. We have successfully developed thousands of megawatts of wind, solar, and energy storage projects throughout the United States.

We develop, construct, and operate renewable energy projects. We attract and retain expertise in the following areas:

Energy landscape infographic

Our leadership team represents the industry’s top talent and is firmly committed to driving sustainability and economic growth in the communities that host our projects. 

Meet Our Executive Team

Blake Nixon

Blake Nixon

President & CEOView bio

Andy Cukurs

Andy Cukurs

Chief Operations OfficerView bio

Jeff-Ringblom-

Jeff Ringblom

Chief Development OfficerView bio

Michelle Arawwawela

Michelle Arawwawela

Chief Investment OfficerView bio

Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan

Chief Financial OfficerView bio

David Reamer

David Reamer

Chief Commercial OfficerView bio

Sanjay Bhasin

Sanjay Bhasin

Vice President, OriginationView bio

Nathan_Franzen_

Nathan Franzen

Vice President, Project DeliveryView bio

Joe Ibrahim

Joe Ibrahim

Vice President, ConstructionView bio

Melissa Schmit

Melissa Schmit

Vice President, Project DevelopmentView bio

Gemma Smith

Gemma Smith

Vice President, Field OperationsView bio

Lindsay Smith

Lindsay Smith

Vice President, External Affairs & CommunicationsView bio

Meet Our Board Members

Ben Wilson

Ben Wilson

Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer and Interim President, National Grid Ventures View bio

Blake Nixon

Blake Nixon

President, National Grid Renewables
View bio

Mitchell Carrol

Mitchell Carroll

General Counsel,
National Grid Ventures
View bio

Julie Taylor

Julie Taylor

Chief Financial Officer, National Grid Renewables
View bio

Guy van Nieuwenhove

Guy van Nieuwenhove

SVP – Director of Portfolio Management & Business Development, National Grid Ventures
View bio

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Blake Nixon

Blake Nixon

President & CEO, National Grid Renewables

Blake Nixon is the President & CEO of National Grid Renewables. Prior to National Grid Renewables, Blake was Chief Executive Officer for Geronimo Energy and led its growth into a leading independent North American renewable energy project development company. Prior to Geronimo Energy, Blake served as a Principal at The Rahn Group, the family investment office of Geronimo Energy founder, Noel P. Rahn, where he managed the venture capital and private equity portfolio of the family office, as well as the firm’s hedge fund. In the private investment portfolio, Blake was responsible for deal flow generation, due diligence, deal negotiation, portfolio management, active assistance for portfolio companies on operational and strategic issues, and investment divestitures. Blake was also responsible for the majority of the portfolio company oversight and board relationships for the firm’s private equity investments. Prior to The Rahn Group, Blake worked as an equity analyst for money management firm Investment Advisers, Inc. (IAI).  Blake holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Washington at Seattle and completed the General Course at The London School of Economics (LSE).

 

Andy Cukurs

Chief Operations Officer

Andy has over 38 years of experience in the energy, engineering, and construction industries, with the last 22 years in the renewable energy space including wind, solar and energy storage. He has held senior management positions with venture funded start-ups, large OEM’s, ISP’s and developers in the renewable energy industry, and the management of various other international businesses focused on providing design, engineering and construction services. 

Earlier in his career, he was responsible for the design, engineering and construction of processing facilities in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, having designed and constructed facilities in Russia, China, Argentina, Mexico, Australia and throughout the US.

Andy is passionate about coaching and mentoring managers and leaders in fast-paced growth industries, early-stage start-ups, and turn-arounds. He also voluntarily serves on the Illinois State University Renewable Energy Board and is the Executive Director of the Latvian American Chamber of Commerce.

Andy holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA from the University of Chicago – Booth Graduate School of Business.

Jeff-Ringblom-

Jeff Ringblom

Chief Development Officer

Jeff Ringblom is Chief Development Officer for National Grid Renewables, which includes the renewables development company formerly known as Geronimo Energy. Jeff brings over a decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting. He has spent the majority of his career in renewable energy, where he has been instrumental in structuring the sales and negotiations of renewable energy projects throughout the Midwest. Jeff’s extensive experience in corporate finance includes M&A transactions, procurement negotiations, corporate restructurings and general business strategy. Jeff joined Geronimo Energy as Controller in 2010. Prior to joining Geronimo Energy, Jeff was at Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Assurance and Advisory services as well as St. Jude Medical, Inc. Jeff holds a degree in Accounting from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified public accountant.

Michelle Arawwawela

Michelle Arawwawela

Chief Investment Officer

Michelle Arawwawela is the Chief Investment Officer. Michelle started with the company when it was Geronimo Energy in 2015. Prior to joining the team, she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University. She began her career with a focus on energy markets and asset valuations during her time at PA Consulting Group in the energy and utilities group. From there, she enhanced her skills at Geronimo Energy and over time gained valuable experience in financial modeling, tax equity finance, project debt finance, power purchase agreement negotiations, mergers and acquisitions and much more. Her diligent work and experience in the energy industry led her to current day National Grid Renewables where she took on several roles including Finance Manager and Chief of Staff. Now, Michelle is responsible for the strategy behind pipeline and portfolio management, large scale project investment approvals, tracking investment performance management, economic modeling for utility scale solar, wind and storage projects and investor relations with joint venture partners. She serves as a crucial part of the team in maintaining external investor relationships and actively managing the National Grid Renewables portfolio to execute investment strategy.

Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan

Chief Financial Officer

Chris Morgan currently serves as National Grid Renewables’ Chief Financial Officer. He was the company’s Controller from 2017 – 2021 and later the Senior Director of Financial Operations until assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer in 2023. Prior to joining our team Chris received his education from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD where he studied Accounting and Economics. Following his graduation, he spent his early career in construction lending and public accounting. He also gained valuable experience as a Controller for Pine River Capital Management, a large multi-strategy Hedge Fund based in Minnetonka, MN where he developed his skills in finance, primarily in Reporting and Analytics. Over his two decades in finance, he has both built and led financial teams in high-growth commercial and entrepreneurial environments. Chris is an innovative and results-oriented leader which has motivated him to drive strategic leadership and business partnerships across Development, Construction, Investments, and Operations to maximize opportunities across the value chain. His extensive experience in core financial operations, structured finance and governance has been a key driver in his success.  Chris is also highly focused on leadership development and the continued growth and transformation of our organization. He is a service-oriented leader who has a passion for inspiring top-performing teams and businesses.

David Reamer

David Reamer

Chief Commercial Officer

David is the Chief Commercial Officer at National Grid Renewables and former President of Geronimo Energy. He has over 25 years of experience as a founder, CEO, and investor in technology companies and the energy industry. With a B.S. from the University of Minnesota, his customer-first approach to business has driven his career path from venture-backed entrepreneurial start-ups, to executive roles in the Board Room. 

Sanjay Bhasin

Sanjay Bhasin

Vice President, Origination

Sanjay Bhasin is the Vice President of Origination for National Grid Renewables. Sanjay has over 20 years of renewable energy experience, including expertise in origination, contract negotiation, underwriting, strategic planning, acquisitions, finance, and tax equity investments. Over the years, he has established an extensive network of customers across the US – IOUs, C&Is, Munis, and Coops.

Prior to National Grid Renewables, Sanjay served as the Senior Vice President of Originations at Savion, LLC. There, he focused on a 10+ GW solar + storage portfolio across 26 states. Prior Savion, he worked for Tradewind Energy (TWE) for six years as the Head of Business Development. Under his leadership, TWE blossomed from 2 GW to over 5 GW of operating renewable projects. Earlier in his career, Sanjay played a key role in launching and growing Edison Mission Energy’s (EME) wind energy business as their Managing Director of Business Development. Over the course of 10 years, EME was successful in developing, owning, and operating 2.2 GW of wind energy products. Sanjay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from Elphinstone College, and an MBA in Finance from Northeastern University.

Nathan

Nathan Franzen

Vice President, Project Delivery

Nathan Franzen is the Vice President of Project Delivery for National Grid Renewables. Nathan leads the company’s multi-gigawatt U.S. development portfolio of utility scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects. Nathan has more than 20 years of energy experience and has overseen the development of over 15GW of renewable energy projects, including over 2GW of operating assets. Over the past two decades, Nathan has led the execution of over $1B in vendor supply agreements and project purchase and sale agreements. At National Grid Renewables, Nathan currently leads a team of project development professionals, including real estate, permitting, and resource assessment. Throughout his career, he has also led teams specializing in engineering, procurement, and construction disciplines.

Nathan has a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He lives with his wife Melisa and their two sons in Edina, MN.

Joe Ibrahim

Joe Ibrahim

Vice President, Construction

Joe Ibrahim is Vice President of Construction for National Grid Renewables. He joined the company formally known as Geronimo Energy in 2014. Prior to his time with National Grid Renewables, Joe received his bachelor’s degree in building science and management from the University of Minnesota. Joe has spent time working for Lifetime Fitness, as a national home builder with Centex Homes, and has proudly served his country as a respected U.S. Marine Corp Veteran. Joe came to National Grid Renewables with over a decade of experience in his field resulting in a well-rounded understanding of engineering, project management, and construction needs from start to finish. In his time with the company, he has elevated his understanding of the entirety of requirements for utility scale wind, solar, and storage projects. In addition to his technical expertise, he has been a crucial component in building a strategic team to execute tactical project goals while staying true to National Grid Renewable’s farmer-founded and community-focused culture.

Melissa Schmit

Melissa Schmit

Vice President, Project Development

Melissa Schmit is the Vice President of Project Development for National Grid Renewables. Melissa has 17 years of experience in energy and infrastructure development/permitting and regulatory compliance. Previously at National Grid Renewables, Melissa led the permitting team and oversaw all aspects of regulatory compliance, including environmental risk and mitigation for siting – as well as land use and environmental permitting. Melissa currently leads the project development, including interconnection, GIS, permitting, and real estate teams.
 
Melissa has a Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies/Geography from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Gemma Smith

Gemma Smith

Vice President, Field Operations

Gemma Smith is the Vice President of Field Operations at National Grid Renewables. Gemma develops, manages and continually improves the EHS and Training programs to support the company’s target of zero injuries to the team and its contractors and leads the company’s strategy and reporting for environmental, social and governance (ESG). Prior to joining National Grid Renewables, Gemma lead the EHS and Training department at Pattern Energy Group, where she created and managed the EHS & Training Program. Gemma currently serves as the Chair of the American Clean Power EHS Standards Committee which is working on developing ANSI standards on EHS practices in the clean energy industry. Gemma holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University.

 
Lindsay Smith

Lindsay Smith

Vice President, External Affairs & Communications

Lindsay T. Smith has been with National Grid Renewables for over a decade. Lindsay began her career with National Grid Renewables as an associate and has since grown her career to now serve as Vice President of External Affairs & Communications. In her current role, she strategically directs and oversees the Marketing & Communications, State Regulatory and Legislative Policy, and Community Engagement departments. Lindsay initiated and grew the company’s Marketing and Communications and Community Engagement departments from inception, playing a pivotal role in bringing the company’s community focused value set and brand to life. Her oversight responsibilities include all aspects of internal and external communications, corporate and project brand creation and management, state regulatory and legislative policy, local community engagement, and high-impact charitable programs, all with the goal to elevate the company’s corporate presence.
 
Lindsay’s background includes significant roles at Genus Technologies, as well as the performing arts sector, in areas such as sales, marketing, and management. Her extensive experience spans corporate and community-focused marketing strategies, with a proven track record in brand management, media relations, and content creation.
 
Lindsay completed the Leadership U for Humanity Development Program in 2022, earned her MBA in Business from the University at Albany, graduating Cum Laude in 2010, and holds a BA in French and a BS in Theatre from Skidmore College, where she graduated Cum Laude with Honors in 2004.
Ben Wilson

Ben Wilson

Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer and Interim President, National Grid Ventures

Ben joined National Grid plc in November 2021 as Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer and in February 2023 was also appointed Interim President, National Grid Ventures. National Grid Ventures is the competitive division of National Grid plc. It has a diverse portfolio of flexible, low carbon and renewable energy businesses across the UK, Europe and US including sub-sea electricity interconnectors, liquefied natural gas, battery storage, and gas, wind and solar power.

Previously, Ben was the Chief Executive Officer of Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, one of the largest utility infrastructure businesses in Australia, active in every mainland state and throughout storage, midstream, transmission, distribution and metering. Prior to AGIG, he was the Director of Strategy & Regulation and Chief Financial Officer of UK Power Networks, one of the largest electricity distribution businesses in the UK with 8 million customers. Before moving into industry, Ben spent 15 years as an energy and utilities investment banker, working mostly in Europe and Asia. Ben holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University.

Ben has more than 25 years’ experience in the energy sector and has wide international experience, with focus areas including strategy, regulation, external affairs, stakeholder engagement, M&A, innovation and sustainability. Ben has a particular interest in the energy transition and the role of hydrogen. He also has wide general management experience from his time as a CEO.

Mitchell Carroll

Mitchell Carroll

General Counsel, National Grid Ventures

Mitch is responsible for legal, risk management and compliance matters across all US-based business units of National Grid Ventures, the competitive business unit of National Grid, and National Grid Partners, the business unit responsible for corporate venture capital investment and innovation development in the energy technology sector. As General Counsel, he leads a team that provides counsel on all transaction, finance, corporate governance, compliance, project development, investment and technology matters.

Mitch is a business executive who holds a variety of positions on numerous boards and investment committees associated with National Grid. Prior to joining National Grid, he was a partner in the Energy & Project Finance Group at Morgan Lewis & Bockius. Mitch has also held senior legal positions at Calpine and Vitol. Mitch has more than 25 years of experience representing developers, investors, sponsors, financial institutions and other asset owners in all aspects of development, project finance, M&A and restructuring of energy and infrastructure projects.

Julie Taylor

Julie Taylor

Chief Finance Officer for National Grid Ventures

Julie Taylor is Chief Finance Officer for National Grid Ventures, the competitive division of National Grid. (https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-ventures) Prior to joining National Grid in 2018, she had a thirty year career in the public sector, qualifying as an accountant in the NHS in the early nineties and undertaking a number of senior roles in hospitals and primary care, prior to moving to central government in 2001.  In central government she held a variety of roles, including Director roles in the Prison Service, Border Force and the Ministry of Justice, where she was change leader as well as a leader of finance and other functions.  Her last roles in government were as Director General for Transformation in the Home Office and Director General Corporate Services in the Ministry of Defense. She is passionate about the potential for organizations to grow and develop through well-managed change.

Guy van Nieuwenhove

Guy van Nieuwenhove

SVP - Director of Portfolio Management & Business Development, National Grid Ventures

Guy van Nieuwenhove is the SVP – Director of Portfolio Management & Business Development at National Grid Ventures and is part of the National Grid Ventures executive team. Guy has 20 years’ experience across the energy industry, previously working internationally at Shell Plc and Centrica Plc with expertise in strategy, operations, business development and M&A. Guy is also an Industrial Engineer, holds a Masters in Oil & Gas economics.

At NGV, Guy leads the Portfolio Management and Business Development teams to manage new investments and risks across NGV’s portfolio, spanning UK and US geographies with the purpose of enabling a clean, affordable and resilient energy transition.

Current focus includes leading the CCUS and Hydrogen development of National Grid Venture’s interests in the U.K. which is playing a fundamental role in decarbonising manufacturing and power sectors as well as generating thousands of new jobs in the largest industrial cluster in the region.  In the US, Guy is also leading a wider National Grid Plc effort to support development of the North East Hydrogen Hub working with partners across the full value chain to develop a broader hydrogen economy.

Guy’s experience is broad in the energy value chain, including developing, managing large downstream fuels businesses, and serving multi-million customers in utilities and services businesses (energy, home services, renewables, energy efficiency, insurance and Smart/IoT platforms).

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