Sustainable Island Nations and Oceans
William Rolston
Energy And Sustainability Consultant
New City, New York,NY
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Managing Director
Energy Island
05.2018 - Current
- Developed, analyzed and led teams for new and repowered renewable power-generation projects
- Business development manager responsible for renewable energy project applications, request for proposals/tenders and power purchase agreements with electric utilities, private industry and governments
- Energy consultant and contract administrator for multiple successful utility-scale renewable energy projects including energy storage systems and microgrid capabilities.
- Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Championed process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide growth objectives, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Senior Officer
United Nations Office for Project Services - Global Green Growth Institute – Pacific Region
10.2020 - 09.2023
- Developed, analyzed and coordinated initiatives in the Pacific Region with a focus on renewable energy, infrastructure/energy resiliency, transportation and energy policy/regulatory sectors
- Led, organized and participated with multi-cultural international teams (Government of Australia and New Zealand) in delivery of the National Energy Plan - Tonga Energy Road Map (TERMPLUS) 2021-2035, Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) 2021-2050 presented for COP26 and the 2020 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
- Planned and implemented program activities in green growth, sustainable project development, capacity building and specialized knowledge development under biannual/annual program plans
- Delivered sector analysis and policy development with a particular focus on renewable energy, infrastructure resiliency, energy efficiency, transportation, water systems, rural electrification and gender-equality
- With in-depth technical and financial expertise as well as private and public sector experience provided a wide range of successful results to the Pacific Region with a focus on the Kingdom of Tonga
- Managed teams with multiple technical assistance contracts to implement country-specific, innovative and integrated solutions.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by understanding client needs, providing tailored solutions, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout all stages of the project lifecycle.
- Spearheaded organizational change initiatives, effectively managing resistance and ensuring smooth transitions.
- Nurtured key partnerships with external stakeholders to facilitate collaboration on projects or initiatives that added value to both organizations.
- Evaluated risks associated with potential investments, recommending viable options aligned with corporate goals.
- Advised executive leadership on business strategy development by providing insightful analysis of industry trends, competitive landscape assessments, and risk mitigation recommendations.
- Led cross-functional teams to complete high-impact projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
Energy Coordinator
County of Hawai‘i – Island of Hawai‘i
07.2009 - 05.2018
- Led, researched, analyzed, budgeted, designed, implemented and managed a portfolio of innovative projects in renewable power-generation, sustainable transportation and energy efficiency
- Lead regulatory representative in proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission for the State of Hawaii and Island of Hawai‘i citizens
- Lead delegate for State and County Government on advancing renewable energy legislation and initiatives
- Lead international representative for collaborations with Japan, Philippines and South Korea on energy programs
- Disaster Management/Civil Defense key personnel on energy supply and energy security for the State and County of Hawaii
- Chaired Board of Directors/Committees for State and County Governments
- Facilitated rural electric utility achievement of 54% renewable power generation on the Island of Hawai‘i
- Created and implemented a government roadmap to 100% cost-effective renewable electricity and sustainable transportation
- Federal (DOE) Award Winner – LED Street Lamp Project, U.S
- National Mayor’s Award Winner – Lālāmilo Wind Farm and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Silver Certification (USGBC) for West Hawaii Civic Center photovoltaic array, storage battery and first electric vehicle fleet.
- Increased efficiency by streamlining coordination processes and implementing new organizational systems.
- Managed budgets skillfully by tracking expenses diligently and allocating resources appropriately based on priority needs.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts, coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires effectively.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
- Developed comprehensive reports for senior management, enabling informed decision-making based on data-driven insights.
- Negotiated contracts successfully with vendors securing favorable terms while upholding high-quality standards.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through resource allocation optimization, leading to significant budget reductions.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
Renewable Projects Administrator
State of Hawaii – Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA)
01.2007 - 07.2009
- Facilitated and administered renewable projects on aggressive timelines including photovoltaic, solar-thermal, algae-to-biofuel, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) projects
- Developed NELHA-design for renewable energy research campus and micro-grid master plan
- Co-authored NELHA-portion of Federal Master Plan for Kona International Airport for first net-zero Airport facility
- Ambassador for international and state officials on advanced renewable energy innovations, policies, issues and solutions
- Led and managed NELHA team for 100+ high-impact energy conferences and events.
- Supervised administrative support staff members, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development.
- Organized workflow and delegated tasks effectively to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Assisted in the development of strategic plans aligned with organizational goals by providing valuable input during planning sessions.
- Networked with industry professionals to exchange best practice knowledge and stay abreast of latest developments.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
Energy Research and Trading
Private Equity Firms
09.2002 - 11.2006
- Research analyst and trader of $500 million private equity portfolio for institutions & high-net-worth investors
- Portfolio Manager with highest-return record on energy sector investments including emerging energy technologies, oil & gas companies and commodities
- Supervised, mentored and trained research analysts; leading teams in evaluating investment potential of renewable technology sector, energy innovations and energy companies.
- Evaluated existing processes and proposed improvements for enhanced productivity and performance outcomes.
- Assessed competitor offerings through thorough benchmarking studies, guiding future innovation initiatives.
- Optimized research techniques, resulting in more accurate and reliable data collection.
- Presented research findings to stakeholders, effectively communicating complex information in an accessible manner.
- Oversaw the execution of multiple R&D projects simultaneously while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the department.
- Managed $500 million portfolio of High-Yield Bonds and Securities.
- Conducted risk assessments for research where applicable.
Analyst and Investment Advisor
Janus Capital And Janus Mutual Funds
01.1999 - 07.2002
- Accounts Advisor to over 200 investment representatives on complex and tax-deferred accounts for aggressive growth and high-yield funds
- Retirement accounts representative team lead for Janus Investment Advisor Division; facilitating #1 position in mutual fund industry for fastest growth in managed assets 1999-2001.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction rates through detailed analysis of customer feedback data and subsequent improvements in service offerings.
- Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication of complex findings through visualizations and reports.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Recommended process improvements to continually identify, analyze and fix constraints and challenges.
- Identified and resolved problems through root cause analysis and research.
- Collaborated with a team of financial professionals to develop comprehensive wealth management strategies for high net-worth clients.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, resulting in increased trust and long-term business growth.
- Navigated complex regulatory requirements while maintaining strict compliance with industry standards and ethical guidelines.
- Managed team of [Number] analysts focused on [Area of expertise].
- Recommended specific investments to help clients meet financial goals.
- Educated clients on financial topics and best practices.
Power Generation Engineer and Strategy/ Competitor Analyst
Siemens – Westinghouse Power Generation
01.1985 - 09.1997
- Independent Power Producer business development and strategy lead for emerging energy markets
- Strategy and Competitor Analyst for over 100 competing power-generation businesses
- Marketing and technical support for renewable, fossil, nuclear and Supercollider projects
- Power-generation equipment and services representative for Europe, Africa and Mid-East.
- Presented technical findings to stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of project status and goals.
- Coordinated cross-functional efforts to successfully implement new technologies into existing systems.
- Achieved successful project outcomes by maintaining accurate documentation and meeting strict deadlines.
- Developed positive working relationships with stakeholders to effectively coordinate work activities.
- Analyzed and interpreted data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
- Conducted research to identify and evaluate new technologies and concepts.
Education
MBA - Finance And Economics
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne 05.2001 -
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
Pennsylvania State University
State College, PennsylvaniaPassed CFA Level I Exam - Investments And Securities
CFA Institute
Charlotteville, Virginia USA 05.2001 -
Skills
Team Collaboration
Project Management
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic Planning
Client Relationships
Business Development
Staff Management, Mentoring and Training
Recruitment Strategies
Certification
PADI Dive Master
Interests
Physical Fitness and Nutrition
Timeline
Senior Officer
United Nations Office for Project Services - Global Green Growth Institute – Pacific Region
10.2020 - 09.2023
Managing Director
Energy Island
05.2018 - Current
Energy Coordinator
County of Hawai‘i – Island of Hawai‘i
07.2009 - 05.2018
Renewable Projects Administrator
State of Hawaii – Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA)
01.2007 - 07.2009
Energy Research and Trading
Private Equity Firms
09.2002 - 11.2006
MBA - Finance And Economics
Florida Institute of Technology
05.2001 -
Passed CFA Level I Exam - Investments And Securities
CFA Institute
05.2001 -
Analyst and Investment Advisor
Janus Capital And Janus Mutual Funds
01.1999 - 07.2002
PADI Dive Master
11-1996
Power Generation Engineer and Strategy/ Competitor Analyst
Siemens – Westinghouse Power Generation
01.1985 - 09.1997
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
Pennsylvania State University