Mike Nicklas
FAIA, President
Michael Nicklas graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Architecture and has been the President of Innovative Design, www.innovativedesign.net , since the firm was established in 1977.
Mr. Nicklas, while a founding member and later Chair of North Carolina Solar Energy Association, twice Chair of American Solar Energy Society and President of International Solar Energy Society, led many of these societies’ most significant efforts – from solar tax credits in the NC Legislature to having language supportive of energy-efficiency and solar energy included within the United Nations Earth Summit’s Agenda 21. To promote solar energy, Nicklas has met with the Heads-of-State of eight countries. He has presented or organized over 350 lectures and conferences attended by 75,000 people in 27 countries and 32 states to promote sustainable development.
Mr. Nicklas’ extensive knowledge of solar and architectural design has led him to become a valued resource in these areas. He has been appointed to the United Nations Development Programme Advisory Committee, NC Energy Policy Council, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Advisory Board, NC Solar Center Chair, US Office of Technology Assessment Renewable Energy Advisory Board, AIA Committee on the Environment Steering Committee, NC Governor’s Task Force on Solar Law, NC Department of Public Instruction Solar Advisory Committee, AIA’s representative on ASHRAE’s Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools and lead a United Nations Earth Summit Delegation promoting solar energy.
Innovative Design is responsible for over 4,750 energy-efficient, environmentally sound solar buildings, saving the equivalent of 130 megawatts of peak electricity and total energy savings in excess of $196 million.
Bill Mann
Bill Mann is senior vice president of products and marketing at Centrify, where he is responsible for product strategy and marketing.
Prior to Centrify, Mann held various management and product management positions across the software security spectrum at Computer Associates Technologies, as well as senior executive positions at Volera, Novell, Juston and Worldtalk. Mr. Mann has also played a lead role in M&A activities, spearheading multiple acquisitions, product introductions and funding drives.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Computer Science from Aston University in England.
Dave Hollister
President & CEO Sundance Power Systems
Dave brings over 27 years experience to the Koolbridge Solar Board of Advisor’s position in solar, environmental sciences and other sustainable design – most notably in solar systems design. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Biology from Fort Lewis College. Dave served as the National Action Coordinator for Greenpeace for 9-years and was instrumental in the development and execution of their Direct Action campaign strategy. He has served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Appalachian State University’s Appropriate Technology Program. Since 1995 Dave, along with his wife, Sierra, have been building Sundance Power into one of the most trusted renewable energy service companies in the Southeastern United States. He is a renowned speaker at regional conferences and has been a prime mover in raising energy consciousness among policy makers and the general public.
Sundance Power Systems, Inc. has been in business for over 20 years and is committed to participating in the healing of the planet and creating a sustainable quality of life for humanity through the introduction of renewable energy into society at large. The Company provides a full-range of solutions that includes – Renewable Energy for the Home, Commercial and Large Scale Energy Projects, PVC Panels and Systems, Solar Hot Water Thermal Systems, Radiant Floor Heating, Wind Power, Micro Hydroelectric, Service and Maintenance Programs.
Bob Kingery
Bob co-founded Southern Energy Management in 2001 with his wife Maria, where he served as President for 15 years. With 27 years of experience, contacts and expertise in sustainable energy, Bob is an industry veteran who understands what drives long-term success in this rapidly growing and constantly evolving field.
Prior to founding SEM, Bob was part of the founding team of Burt’s Bees (“BBI”) in North Carolina. As director of manufacturing, Bob was instrumental in sustaining BBI’s exponential growth from a $1 million niche business into a $60 million world-class natural cosmetics manufacturing company. Before leaving the company in 2001 to pursue his own business interests (SEM), Bob was responsible for the profitability of BBI’s manufacturing unit, led a team of 175 people, and played an integral role in all aspects of the company’s operations over eight years.
Prior to his work at BBI, Bob got his initial start in the solar energy industry while working as an installer and designer for Solar Consultants, and later as a designer and fabricator for Astron Energy between 1989 and 1994.
Bob is an NCSU graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and a focus on solar energy. As a multi-term board member of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association and founding member of the DOC Home Builders Association’s Green Building Initiative program, he is a key member of the sustainable energy community in North Carolina and the Southeast.
John P. Donoghue
After an extensive international career in the aerospace industry abroad, John has returned to Wilmington, NC to apply his passion for alternative energy in the solar industry. In 2007 he established Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC providing solar solutions for residential and commercial clients from the initial design to final installation.
John obtained his MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Bridgeport and Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University. Throughout his professional training and education, he has obtained multiple certifications related to renewable energy systems and is a North Carolina Licensed General Contractor. John is one of the few people in the United States to have achieved triple NABCEP® Certification in Solar PV, Solar Thermal and Solar PV Technical Sales.
As one of the most qualified solar specialist in the state, John regularly interacts with local and national organizations giving lectures and providing information and consultation with respect to the solar industry in Southeastern North Carolina in an effort to promote and increase educational awareness of renewable energy technologies.
Michael Ramsey
Over 30 years experience in product development and manufacturing, with expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis and optimization using finite element analysis (FEA), design for manufacturing (DFM), rapid prototyping, parts fabrication, and injection molding.
Over 25 years the medical device industry with working knowledge of compliance regulations, design controls, validation, and failure analysis. Held technical and project leadership roles for multiple medical device product development programs, and $1M+ automated manufacturing systems.
Have three issued patents and multiple active patent applications. BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and an MBA from Appalachian State University.
