OUR TEAM
HDC has built a powerful and accomplished key team to get the job done.
John Bradley
PRESIDENT AND CEO
John Bradley is a seasoned executive with broad experience in both traditional utilities work and alternative energy and sustainability. John is a highly accomplished project, operations, facilities, and sustainability expert providing strategies and results in large capex project management and co-generation operations. John’s experience is across nuclear, chemical, utility, higher education, aviation, and energy services sectors.
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Education
• New York University: MS Global Affairs - Energy & Environmental Policy
• University of Delaware: MBA Finance
• SUNY Maritime College: BE Nuclear Engineering
Derek Smith
MEMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Derek Smith is a dynamic entrepreneur and leader in the construction, real estate development and renewable energy sectors. He successfully leads all facets of business operations including business development, public /private financing & development partnerships and governmental affairs. In addition, Derek is a leading light in the community with a focus on work force development, affordable housing and STEM education.
Founder and Managing Member: Marinship Development Interest LLC. 1992 to Present.
Education
• Stanford University: MS Civil Engineering
• University of California: BS Mechanical Engineering
Zac Everson, CPA
CFO ADVISORY SERVICES
Zak has 15 years of public accounting experience focused on public and private clients primarily in the following industries: technology, telecommunications, restaurants, oil and gas, professional services, manufacturing, retail and distribution. He regularly works with private equity sponsored companies on both pre-acquisition and post-acquisition accounting matters and specializes in accounting for business
combinations.
Education
• Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and finance, West Texas A&M University
Paul Vranesic
INCOMING COO
Project Director for the Houston Waterworks Team (HWT is a joint venture of Jacobs Engineering Group and CDM Constructors) managing the $1.8B progressive design build Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP) Expansion Project in Houston, TX. It is the largest $ PDB drinking water treatment plant project in the nation.
Education
• University of Toronto: BASc Bachelor of Applied Science, Civil Engineering
Michael Thornton
CHIEF ENGINEER
Mike is a Principal with 37 years of diverse experience in mechanical engineering for central utility mechanical systems, equipment, and piping systems. He is highly experienced and practiced in the design and operation of mechanical equipment and systems associated with steam driven turbo machinery, power generation and central plant facilities. As a Project Manager, he is responsible for mechanical design, from conceptual to detailed design, as well as providing start-up support on projects for utility and industrial central plants.
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Education
• Northeastern University: BS Mechanical Engineering
Rockard J Delgadillo
LEGAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT; MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF ADVISORS
Rockard "Rocky" Delgadillo has more than 30 years of experience in litigation, economic development transactions, and government law and public policy.
Rocky served an eight-year tenure, the term limit, as the City of Los Angeles City Attorney. As the city's chief lawyer and chief criminal prosecutor, he led more than 550 attorneys who comprise the second largest municipal law firm in the nation. Rocky was the first Latino to win citywide office in more than 100 years when he was elected in 2001. Running unopposed, he was re-elected in 2005 to a second four-year term. Prior to his election as Los Angeles City Attorney, Rocky was the Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles for Economic Development, where he attracted new jobs to emerging neighborhoods. He created an efficient neighborhood-friendly approach to business development through the creation of the LA Business Team and, in four years, helped bring in billions in private investment to the city.
Education
• Columbia University School of Law: JD Juris Doctor
• Harvard University: AB Bachelor of Arts
Ken Cowan
VICE PRESIDENT DEVELOPMENT
Ken partners with current and potential customers at the highest levels within the organization, building long term customer partnerships understanding and meeting the needs of our clients through innovation and collaboration. Providing meaningful solutions that meet the complex needs of our clients. In this role, Ken collaborates with multiple stakeholders both internal and external – executive team, legal, finance, marketing, operations, sales and engineering.
Education
• Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and finance, West Texas A&M University
Carolyn Kissane
MEMBER OF THE HDC BOARD OF ADVISORS
Dr. Kissane currently serves as Associate Dean and Clinical Professor: Center for Global Affairs at New York University (NYU). Full time; 2005 to Present.
Founding Director: NYU SPS Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab. A multidisciplinary platform for research and innovation on global energy and environmental challenges.
Dr. Kissane is a leading educator and researcher in energy, environment, and geopolitics. She was awarded the esteemed NYU Excellence in Teaching Award in 2007, the SCPS Award for Teaching Excellence in 2009, and nominated for the NYU-wide. Distinguished Teaching Aware in 2008, 2009, 2016, and 2021.
She was named Breaking Energy’s Top Ten New York Women in Energy and Top Ten Energy Communicator in 2013.
Education
• Columbia University Ph.D, Comparative Education and Political Science 1997 – 2001
• Denison University Bachelor of Arts (BA), Double Major: Political Science and Economics – Minor: International Relations 1988 - 1991
