Board of Directors

Board of directors

The expertise we provide is sourced from within and beyond our office walls.

Michael Shoys

Former Senior Vice President and COO, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

Chairman, Technology Investment Fund Board

Mr. Shoys retired as an executive officer at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), a state-wide membership organization of manufacturers, service companies, local chambers of commerce, and trade associations. With 3800 members, WMC promotes a competitive business environment in Wisconsin. Mr. Shoys has developed policy and strategy recommendations for the organization, having had 21 years of experience there. He managed internal operations including, finance, human resources, international business activities, and information technology, and managed the WMC for-profit subsidiary. Mr. Shoys formerly worked as the Executive Vice President and COO at the Wisconsin Hospital Association where he had responsibility for hospital environmental compliance. and negotiated healthcare-related environmental regulations with state agencies. He holds the following licenses: Registered Professional Engineer (Wisconsin), and Life, Health, Property & Casualty Insurance (Wisconsin). He received an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Executive Program, and a BS in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

TIM Boldt

Tom Boldt is CEO of Boldt Group Inc. Tom represents the fourth generation of his 129-year-old family company, which is based in Appleton, WI. He is one of Wisconsin’s first supporters of green construction and is known for his commitment to sustainable building and continuous improvement in the design, engineering, and construction industries. . He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and also studied at L’Universite de Paris and L’Institut Catholique de Paris.

The Boldt Group is recognized around the world for sustainable construction. In his more than 40 years with the company, he has held many varied executive positions. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, which brings together business, government, and citizen groups to improve the state’s environment, economy, and quality of life. He currently serves on the board of the Nature Conservancy-WI Chapter, Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation, Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the University of Wisconsin- Madison Engineering Department Industrial Advisory Board among others. He has been inducted into the Wisconsin Safety Hall of Fame and was named Constructor of the Year by the American Institute of Constructors.

Masood Akhtar, Ph.D

President and Founder

Key Expertise: An energy entrepreneur with over 30 years of research, development, commercialization, marketing, technology transfer, investment, and management experience in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

FULL BIO
Masood Akhtar, Ph.D., is a powerhouse in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. With over 35 years of experience spanning research, development, commercialization, marketing, technology transfer, investment and management, Masood has left an indelible mark on the industry. As the President and Founder of CleanTech Partners (CTP), Masood has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at accelerating the adoption of energy-technologies by providing capital and other assistance critical for deployment.

One of Masood's notable achievements was securing a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of Energy and Wisconsin, signaling a commitment to energy efficiency in the state's industrial sector. Masood also recruited the first 13 industry CEOs (9 from Wisconsin) who signed the DOE's Save Energy Now Leader's Pledge (now Better Building, Better Plants) to reduce energy intensity by 25% in 10 years (currently over 300 Leaders nationwide), secured near $200 million recovery money from DOE to deploy "shovel" ready industrial energy efficiency and sustainability projects, and was instrumental in getting Wisconsin Bipartisan Paper Caucus established where elected officials of both parties and various industry leaders serve to revitalize pulp and paper industry in Wisconsin (#1 in the country) - a Proactive approach than a Reactive Approach.

Masood's influence extends beyond business, as evidenced by his involvement in policy and advisory roles. On request of the U.S. Congress, Masood has also testified before a committee on energy related issues. Masood also served as the Chair of the Forest Research Advisory Committee that advises the USDA Agricultural Secretary on funding and policy issues. The U.S. Representative Mark Pocan also appointed Masood on his "Higher Education" Commitee. Masood has credibility and strong working relationships with the DOE, USDA , the White House, and elected officials. Masood was appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin on a committee to help write "Grow Wisconsin plan", and on another committee that advised the Midwest Governors on "creating jobs in the new energy economy". Masood proposed an organized an "Energy Efficiency and Sustainability" meeting at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission with various industry leaders from energy-intensive industries, presidents of trade associations, and various state secretaries with focus on industry needs and how various state agencies can work together to help them achieve their energy efficiency and sustainability goals. The Governor of Wisconsin also appointed Masood on Governor's Task Force on Student Debt, as one of his commissioners to help establish a public private Green Fund, and on the Governor's Council on Workforce Investment. His credibility and relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies and elected officials, have been instrumental in driving positive change in the energy sector.

Masood's relentless dedication to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including recognition from government agencies and industry organizations such as the USDA Honor Award for Environmental Protection from the USDA Secretary in Washington, D.C for developing energy saving technologies; Federal Laboratory Consortium Award; U.S. Forest Service Chief's Awards for Excellence in Technology Transfer; and Wisconsin Small Business Innovation Award for Outstanding Achievements. Masood was also elected as a Fellow by the International Academy of Wood Science, UK.

With a Ph.D. in Botany and a background in post-doctoral research at the Ohio State University, and his extensive publication record and patented technologies attest to his expertise and innovation. Masood was one of the 50 Indian students (out of 60,000) who was awarded the Government of India Fellowship for Higher Studies Abroad.

Masood's responsibilities at CTP include managing all CTP activities, including contracts; providing strategic guidance; serving as a liaison between CTP and state and federal agencies; helping leverage resources with other state, federal, and private resources; helping arrange meetings with industry leaders; and serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors of CTP.