CTP Energy Efficiency Professionals

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.

Ken has worked in the Pulp and Paper Industry for over 50 years in various technical, manufacturing, engineering and consulting positions. The last 20 years have focused on energy conservation and waste heat recovery. He has designed and implemented hundreds of high return energy projects in Pulp and Paper Mills in North America, South America, Europe and Russia. He has presented more than 15 articles and technical presentations at Conferences organized by TAPPI, NCASI, Forest Product Society, DOE, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Water Pollution Control. He received the Chairman and CEO Coin for outstanding service and MacGyver Award for project returns from International Paper. 

Ken has a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL and a M.S. degree in Engineering from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. 

Wisconsin Pulp and Paper Mill – 2017 Audit Report identified 6 businesses high return projects with total steam savings of 130,000 lb/hr during summer and 160,000 lb/hr during winter. Estimated combined project cost of $4.7 million with annual steam savings of $4.3 million. Total projects under consideration to shutdown existing boiler.

Arkansas Pulp and Paper Mill – 2019 Audit Report identified 3 businesses high return projects with an annual average total steam savings of 81,000 lb/hr and a 1,600 gpm reduction in water use. 

Wisconsin Pulp and Paper Mill – 2021 Audit Report identified 3 businesses high return projects with an annual average total steam savings of 26,000 lb/hr. 

Wisconsin Pulp and Paper Mill – 2021, evaluating reverse osmosis trial using new technology membranes to determine total mill energy impact of full scale system integrated within existing mill evaporator system.

Michigan Pulp and Paper Mill – 2023, identified 8 businesses projects with annual steam savings of 105,000 lb/hr. Mill is implementing projects in phases. 

Washington Pulp and Paper Mill – 2024, identified a two phase project to eliminate steam heating of water and stock in bleach plant. Approved projects scheduled for startup by end of 4th quarter of 2024.

Jeff has over 35 years of pulp and paper industry experience, the last 14 years as Power & Recovery Superintendent at the Wausau Paper, Mosinee, WI Mill.  As superintendent, he was responsible for managing the safe, reliable and efficient operation of four boilers, including one Kraft recovery boiler, two steam turbine generators, hydro-electric plant, re-causticizing, and utilities.  Jeff has identified, scoped, and implemented energy and cost savings projects.  He has conducted trials of innovative boiler fuel sources, and has extensive experience in project management, operator training, and process troubleshooting. 

Jeff holds a Pulp and Paper Industry Certificate from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and is a Certified Energy Manager (C.E.M.).  Jeff has participated in many professional training and energy efficiency seminars. 

Jeff's responsibilities at CleanTech Partners: Conducting pulp, paper, ethanol and utilities process energy audits. Identification, development and deployment of energy efficiency projects, managing Best Practice Financing; along with identification, due diligence, and deployment of industry-specific emerging technologies. 

Jeff has presented technical papers at Lake States TAPPI and TAPPICON.

Areas of Specialization: Flow Measurement (using strap-on flowmeter); Pumping Systems; Boilers; Steam Turbines; Combustion Turbines; Combined Heat and Power (CHP); Air Compressors and Air Dryers; Evaporation Systems; Hydro Generation; Kraft Pulping; Paper Machine Dryer Drainage Systems; Paper Machine Fresh/Warm Water Systems; Fuel Ethanol 

Jeff holds a Pulp and Paper Industry Certificate from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Certified Energy Manager (C.E.M.) certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy.  Jeff has participated in many professional training and energy efficiency seminars. 

Jeff's responsibilities at CleanTech Partners: Development and deployment of energy efficiency projects, managing Best Practice Financing; along with identification, due diligence, and deployment of industry-specific emerging technologies. 

Jeff conducts and contributes to pulp, paper, ethanol, and utilities process energy audits.

Tom has over 40 years of paper industry experience, having worked with Neenah Paper, Whiting Paper, Gilbert Paper (Mead) and Fox River Paper in locations including Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Ohio. He has served as Environmental Manager, Technical Director, Manufacturing Manager, Mill Manager and CEO at various companies. He has extensive experience in operations budgeting and management and technical expertise in stock prep and specialty papermaking. colorant addition, measurement and control, fine paper converting processes, environmental controls for air, water and solid waste and the overall operation of non-integrated paper mills. Tom has been responsible for several stock prep system re-designs, five complete paper machine rebuilds, and two converting facility rebuilds, including a greenfield converting and warehousing complex. He has additional technical expertise in stock prep systems, security paper production and the use of high lightfast pigments.  With Focus on Energy, Tom has become the corrugating expert within the CTP Pulp & Paper team.

Tom has presented at TAPPI and other professional organizations. on such diverse subjects as Alkaline Papermaking Conversions and Wastewater Management Techniques to Fine Paper Converting Processes and Specialty Paper Production for the Coffee Industry. 

Tom holds a B.S. degree in Water Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan. Certified Energy Manager (C.E.M.) is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy. Tom has presented at numerous TAPPI and other professional organizations He holds a patent on a "Method for Making Paper from Post-Industrial Packaging Material" which allows used burlap bags from the specialty coffee industry to be diverted from the landfill and used to produce fine paper products. 

Tom's responsibilities at CTP include serving as a Focus on Energy Advisor, and deployment of cost-effective industrial energy efficiency Best Practices, for the Wisconsin pulp and paper industry. The position coordinates CTP Pulp and Paper Technical Resources and assists customers with the deployment of new Best Practices and Emerging Technologies. Tom has been with Focus on Energy since 2018 and is a member of the Lake States TAPPI Board of Directors and coordinates the annual LS TAPPI Energy Forum.

Jeff holds a Pulp and Paper Industry Certificate from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and is a Certified Energy Manager (C.E.M.).  Jeff has participated in many professional training and energy efficiency seminars. 

Jeff's responsibilities at CleanTech Partners: Conducting pulp, paper, ethanol and utilities process energy audits. Identification, development and deployment of energy efficiency projects, managing Best Practice Financing; along with identification, due diligence, and deployment of industry-specific emerging technologies. 

Jeff has presented technical papers at Lake States TAPPI and TAPPICON.

Areas of Specialization: Flow Measurement (using strap-on flowmeter); Pumping Systems; Boilers; Steam Turbines; Combustion Turbines; Combined Heat and Power (CHP); Air Compressors and Air Dryers; Evaporation Systems; Hydro Generation; Kraft Pulping; Paper Machine Dryer Drainage Systems; Paper Machine Fresh/Warm Water Systems; Fuel Ethanol 

Jeff holds a Pulp and Paper Industry Certificate from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Certified Energy Manager (C.E.M.) certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy.  Jeff has participated in many professional training and energy efficiency seminars. 

Jeff's responsibilities at CleanTech Partners: Development and deployment of energy efficiency projects, managing Best Practice Financing; along with identification, due diligence, and deployment of industry-specific emerging technologies. 

Jeff conducts and contributes to pulp, paper, ethanol, and utilities process energy audits.

Jeff's experience includes 36 years working within the cast metals industry. His experience includes foundry processing operations such as melting, heat treatment and welding. During his foundry career he also managed a plant engineering department that installed/modified/designed foundry equipment and facilities. He also managed environmental compliance and is versed in regulatory matters. Jeff has led energy efficiency efforts and acted as an energy manager. Compressed air, lighting, submetering, equipment utilization and resource allocation were some of the energy efficiency projects undertaken.

Jeff has a B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He also has a B. S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University.

Jeff responsibilities at CTP include: Identification, due diligence, and deployment of Emerging Technologies, and he serves as co-chair of the Energy Efficiency Committee within the Wisconsin Cast Metal Association and manages it.

Tim boasts over three decades of invaluable expertise, spanning across various domains such as energy efficiency finance, technology and business due diligence, product development and commercialization, strategic marketing, and strategic alliances. With a robust background in private sector business management, Tim has navigated both large multinational corporations and innovative startups with finesse.

As the former President and CEO of OpGen, Inc., a pioneering biotechnology firm in Madison, WI, Tim demonstrated his visionary leadership and strategic prowess in steering early-stage initiatives. Before his tenure at OpGen, Tim served as a trusted management consultant in California, collaborating closely with startup and high-growth technology ventures. His consultancy involved crafting business plans, orchestrating strategic initiatives such as technology licensing and joint ventures, conducting market analyses, and spearheading product development strategies.

Prior to embracing the entrepreneurial realm, Tim made significant contributions at S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. in Racine, Wisconsin, holding pivotal roles in product development, technology acquisition, business expansion, and strategic marketing. His strategic acumen and innovative mindset led to the successful commercialization of groundbreaking products, generating multi-billion-dollar global revenue streams.

Tim's academic credentials include M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University, complemented by a B.A. in Chemistry from Carthage College. Additionally, he has enriched his knowledge by attending the Venture Capital Institute.

At CTP, Tim's responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of activities, including technology sourcing, evaluation, due diligence, project development, and deployment. With his multifaceted expertise and strategic vision, Tim plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth at CTP.

Mike has over 34 years of Operations, Engineering and Project Management experience. He was the Director of Operations at Kaukauna Utilities for 18 years. Kaukauna Utilities operates 19 low head hydro units at seven dams, five of which are located at USACE dams, and two gas turbines. He was responsible for Generation, Major Project Construction, Licensing, FERC and Wisconsin DNR Regulations and Compliance. The Electric and Water Distribution Systems. Substations. Metering. The Operations Center (manned 24/7). He was the Project Manager for the 7.0 MW Badger Hydro Project. For Coal generating plants, some projects were major precipitator rebuilds, coal conveyor rebuilds and new construction, fossil and hydro plant outage work, and ECO 10, a coal reclamation project in Alabama. On-site Project Management responsibilities included engineering, contractors, and personnel. He also Managed Major Generation Station Outages, the construction of GE Frame 7 Gas Turbines and a project where 6200 lineal feet of wooden penstock was replaced with spiral weld metal pipe. He has been very active in various organizations and conferences, presenting papers, participating in panel discussions, and chairing sessions at PowerGen International, HydroVision, NHA, Clean Currents, and the Midwest Hydro Users Group. He was a member of numerous Committees within NHA, Midwest Hydro Users Group, and HydroVision, and has also held numerous officer positions at The Midwest Hydro Users Group, including President. 

He also currently works Part Time for Mead & Hunt as a Client/Project Manager, supporting the Water Resource Group, with Special Projects, Regulatory Compliance, Relicensing, and Marketing. 

Mike is a 1983 graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Construction Administration.

Doug has 33 years of experience identifying, developing, and implementing energy efficiency opportunities. His former career duties include serving as a facility energy manager, a utility industrial account manager, an international energy efficiency consultant, and developing market transforming industrial programs for motors, compressed air, fans, pumps and boilers.

Doug holds a B.S.M.E degree from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville.

Doug's key responsibilities at CTP include technology identification, due diligence, and conducting demonstrations of emerging technologies. He identifies and assists company implementation of proven energy efficiency technologies that are new or best practices in Wisconsin; and provides industry-specific technical assistance and "Subject Matter Expertise."

With over 31 years of experience in the paper industry, Gary has an extensive background working with ND Paper Biron Mill and Billerud (Verso) Wisconsin Rapids Mill. Throughout his career, he has held several pivotal roles including Operations Excellence Director, Production Line Manager, and Technical Services Manager, among others.

Gary has been responsible for implementing continuous improvement systems and sharing best practices, product development and quality systems optimization, facilitating kaizen events and executing multiple paper machine rebuilds, upgrading capital projects and process controls, leading energy reduction projects and managing department budgets, and developing young leadership and mentoring engineering professionals. His technical expertise, combined with his experience in project management, operations leadership, and process controls, enables him to devise and implement practical and effective solutions. Gary is adept at working across all levels of an organization, ensuring successful identification and implementation of solutions.

He holds a B.S. Degree in Paper Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

At CTP, Gary responsibilities include deploying energy efficiency best practices, assisting clients with project implementation, and justifying energy projects.