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
undefinedCertification
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
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