meet the team

Erica Simmons

​Erica Simmons brings over 25 years of experience in Industry 4.0 technologies that are redefining the energy landscape, including additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Prior to this, Erica held strategic positions at Siemens AG, where she not only spearheaded global strategy and business development for the company's Digital Factory sector but also filed crucial patent applications that have shaped the industry. Earlier corporate roles allowed her to build relationships across multiple global markets, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Erica holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and has received numerous awards recognizing her significant contributions to the energy, technology, and engineering sectors.

TrudiHable

​Trudi Hable's three-decade career is a testament to her prowess in operational leadership and information technology. Most recently, at Schneider Electronics, she carved out groundbreaking sustainability initiatives in collaboration with Amazon AWS. These included pioneering microgrid solutions, driving supplier decarbonization efforts, and crafting a Sustainability Power Digital Twin—a real-time analytics tool for sustainable energy metrics. Prior to Schneider, Trudi was instrumental in building a consulting organization with tailored, marketable offerings and led new business sectors for Siemens AG post-acquisition. Trudi held earlier roles at GM and EDS.  Trudi holds an MBA from Central Michigan University and a bachelor's degree from Oakland University, completed while working full-time, underscoring her commitment to professional growth.

EdPenkala

Ed Penkala has over 30+ years working in numerous capacities with clients and funders on asset based lease/finance solutions, structured project finance, refinance and re-capitalization. Client Industries include: renewable energy, traditional energy, automotive, steel making, call center/help desk, communications, pharmaceutical, food/beverage, electronics, and government.