The Clean Energy Fellowship is the first program of its kind. The 2009 session took place from May through July, 2009. The 2009 session expanded on the inaugural session in both size and scope of the Fellowship class, increasing from 12 to 25 participants to include both founding CEO's and senior executives with startup experience. Additionally, through the generous sponsorship of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the 2009 Fellowship session was open to participants from New York, and throughout the New England region.
The Selection Criteria: CEO
• Proven leader with 5-10 years prior executive leadership (preferably President or CEO) in the Technology or business community, founder or Co-founder recommended but not required
• Experience managing to a successful exit (IPO or trade sale) is a plus
• Solid strategic and financial planning experience required; must be capable of helping an early stage company make the right trade-offs in either seeking future financing or growing organically
• Proven verifiable success in leading a technology organization in a resource-limited and time sensitive environment
• Strong go-to-market skills with an emphasis on sales, marketing, partnerships, and M&A/exit planning
• Solid experience raising a minimum of $3 million in capital for previous ventures
• Proven ability to embrace/manage new technology on a short learning curve
• A true “cross-functional” general manager with broad business experience, who understands how all aspects of the corporation come together
• Previous experience in Clean Energy is not required, although an interest in and passion for clean energy is a must
The Selection Criteria: Senior Executive
• A well-rounded functional business leader with at least 15 years of business experience
• Startup or early-stage venture experience is preferred
• Must have a high risk tolerance for early stage ventures and the ability to work in an environment with limited resources and support
• Previous experience as a functional leader of a department is strongly preferred (i.e. VP of Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, etc.)
• Proven ability to embrace/manage new technology on a short learning curve
• Strong go-to-market skills
• Management style that is customer-facing, detail oriented and hands on (i.e. someone not afraid to be "in the trenches")
• Previous experience in Clean Energy is not required, although an interest in and passion for clean energy is a must
In all cases, candidates committed 20+ hours a week to the program for 3+ months. Classes were held in the Boston area.
Please email fellowship@cleanenergycouncil.org with any questions.