SPEAKERS

James Ledbetter
Inc. Editor

James Ledbetter is the editor of Inc.  He was previously the Opinion Editor of Reuters. He was the founding editor of Slate's financial site The Big Money, deputy managing editor of CNN Money, and has published five books.
 

Shalini Ramanathan
VP Origination, RES Americas

Shalini Ramanathan is VP Origination for RES Americas, a leading developer and constructor of wind and solar projects. Ms. Ramanathan has closed 1,400 MW worth of deals with more than $2.5B in total transaction value. She has negotiated PPAs with Google and Microsoft and with many utilities, including Xcel Energy and Wolverine Electric Coop. Prior to joining RES Americas, Ms. Ramanathan was based in Nairobi, Kenya and worked on renewable energy projects across East and Southern Africa for the British company CAMCO. She also worked for the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from Yale University and a BA from UT Austin. @UnGranola

Charlie Hemmeline
Executive Director, Texas Solar Power Association

Charlie Hemmeline is the Executive Director of the Texas Solar Power Association.  A native Texan, he returned to Austin after more than 8 years with the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, DC leading innovative programs for solar and energy efficiency.  Serving originally under President George W. Bush and later President Obama, Charlie led wide-ranging efforts to break down the barriers to mainstream solar and reduce the soft costs of implementation.  Charlie holds a master’s degree in Public Service & Administration and a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from Texas A&M University.

Ed Ireland
Executive Director, Barnett Shale Energy Education Council

Ed Ireland became the founding Executive Director of the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council in 2007, an organization that provides energy education in the Barnett Shale region of North Texas. He is also Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Energy, Economics and Finance and serves on the Board of Directors of the TCU Energy Institute where he was a co-founder of the Metroplex Natural Gas Vehicle Consortium.  His 40-year oil and gas career includes serving as CEO of a natural gas pipeline and marketing company and CFO of an oil and gas exploration company. As an industry expert, he acts as spokesperson for the Barnett Shale, as well as being a community and media representative. He earned his PhD. in Economics from Texas Tech University, did post-doctoral studies at the University of Chicago and acted as Head of the Economics Department at Clemson University before entering the energy industry.

Bud Weinstein
Associate Director, Maquire Energy Institute, SMU

Bernard Weinstein is Associate Director of the Maguire Energy Institute and an Adjunct Professor of Business Economics in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. From 1989 to 2009 he was Director of the Center for Economic Development and Research at the University of North Texas, where he is now an Emeritus Professor of Applied Economics. He has taught at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the State University of New York, the University of Texas at Dallas, and the University of North Texas. He has been a research associate with the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C. and the Gray Institute in Beaumont, Texas. He has worked for several U.S. government agencies including the President's Commission on School Finance, the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Trade Commission.

AGENDA

5:30-6:30 PM
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Take this opportunity to make lasting connections and expand your network with local-area entrepreneurs and businss leaders over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. 
6:30-7:30 PM
PANEL DEBATE
During this lively debate, local business leaders will discuss the importance of energy to American businesses and provide valuable insight on how the future of energy will impact the economy as a whole.
7:30-8:30 PM
CLOSING NETWORKING RECEPTION
Spend your remaining time at the networking event by conversing with your peers and local business leaders. Grab a bite, enjoy a drink, and continue to make lasting connections and share your thoughts on evening's discussion during this fun and casual soiree.