Foley Hoag Congratulates Second Class of New England Clean Energy Council's Fellowship Program
Boston, MA - May 21, 2009
Lawyers in the Energy Technology & Renewables practice at Foley Hoag LLP congratulate participants in the second class of the New England Clean Energy Council’s Fellowship Program. The program, launched in 2008, is designed to boost the cleantech industry in Massachusetts by retraining entrepreneurs experienced in other high-growth industries to lead the numerous cleantech companies in the region.
The goal of the program is to introduce executives to the unique factors that define energy startups, from technological hurdles to the regulatory environment to community siting. Potentially bolstered by opportunities arising from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this year’s class can expect to take leadership positions in a sector full of activity.
Nick D’Arbeloff, President of the Council, Peter Rothstein, Executive-in-Residence at Flagship Ventures and Andrew Friendly, Principal at Advanced Technology Ventures, currently co-chair the initiative. Last year the program offered twelve entrepreneurs a four-month series of classroom sessions, laboratory visits, and collaborative projects with a faculty roster comprised of leaders in business, government and academia. As a result of its success and the participant feedback, the 2009 program has been significantly enhanced and the size of the class has doubled.
This year the class totals 25 individuals drawn from a range of industries including medical technology, computer security, software and wireless technology and also from venture capital and consulting firms. The class draws from outside the New England region and from positions other than CEO.
Peter Vandermeulen, founder of BlueShift Technologies of Andover, Massachusetts, noted, “The Clean Energy Council has assembled a top-flight program for us and we are fortunate to have been chosen for such a unique opportunity, the first in the country as far as I know. Entering a new sector well into one’s career can involve a steep learning curve, but the Council has generously offered the time, resources and skills of noted venture capitalists, lawyers, academics and other thought leaders in the clean energy space to help us navigate this next phase of our careers. We’re all looking forward to getting a running start in creating new ventures in the clean energy space.”
Foley Hoag was a sponsor of the pilot program along with a number of other industry leaders. Partner Peter Rosenblum, Foley Hoag’s representative, noted “Last year’s program was a great success and as a result, we saw several entrepreneurs emerge and flourish. Bolstered by opportunities presented by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we see 2009 as a year ripe with opportunity for this skilled class of cleantech entrepreneurs.”
For more information on The New England Clean Energy Council, please visit www.cleanenergycouncil.org.
About Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP is a leading national law firm in the areas of dispute resolution, intellectual property, and corporate transactions for emerging, middle-market, and large-cap companies. With a deep understanding of clients’ strategic priorities, operational imperatives, and marketplace realities, the firm helps companies in the life sciences, high technology, energy technology, financial services and manufacturing sectors gain competitive advantage. 225 lawyers located in Boston, Washington, and the Emerging Enterprise Center in Waltham, Massachusetts join with a network of Lex Mundi law firms to provide global support for clients’ largest challenges and opportunities. For more information visit www.foleyhoag.com.
CATEGORIES
Energy Technology and Renewables, Energy and Regulated Industries, Venture Capital & Emerging Companies, Business, Environmental Corporate Responsibility, Environmental Compliance