Gia Schneider

Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Gia Schneider is a co-founder and the CEO of Natel Energy. Gia holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from MIT and has 17 years of experience in the energy industry. While in the utility practice at Accenture, she provided strategic and tactical solutions to several major energy companies and has significant experience in energy-related strategy development and deal valuation. After Accenture, she worked at Constellation Energy on optimizing generation asset value. Gia left Constellation in 2004 to help start the energy trading desk at Credit Suisse; and in 2005, she started the carbon emissions trading desk at Credit Suisse, growing it to a profitable business in its first year.

Gia is passionate about finding economically viable solutions to mitigate climate change, foster sustainable development and produce inexpensive renewable energy. In her spare time, she can be found surfing, kiting, cooking, dancing and gardening with friends and family.

Abe Schneider

Founder, President and Chief Technology Officer

Abe is co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Natel. He is named on multiple linear hydroEngine patents, and brings 13 years of experience to bear on Natel’s engineering activities. In addition to broader program management, Abe also directly contributes on a wide range of technical areas, including product specification, system architecture, computational fluid dynamics, structural design and analysis, and manufacturing supply chain development.

Abe earned undergraduate and masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and gained experience with large firms like The Timken Company and innovative startups such as Makani Power, now part of Alphabet (Google X). At Timken, he worked as a Senior Engineer in Advanced Product Development, developing innovative gear reducers, hybrid vehicle drivetrains, and micro-scale energy harvesting systems to power intelligent bearings. At Makani, he managed a group of engineers broadly responsible for their aero-mechanical systems. Additionally, Abe has provided independent consulting services on two small hydropower refurbishment projects in the Northeast US.

In his spare time, Abe enjoys the outdoors, particularly surfing and kitesurfing, climbing, and flyfishing, with his wife and friends.

Dave Sheldon

Chief Financial Officer

Dave manages finance and administration functions for Natel. He has 25 years experience in finance and operations for both public and privately held technology and energy companies, with extensive experience with growing businesses from $10 to $200 million in revenue. As CFO for emerging companies, he has managed finance, administration, IT, legal and corporate development activities, raised funds from a variety of sources, and established a foreign subsidiary to support manufacturing and back office functions. He managed strategic partnerships and international sales through distributors for 40 countries. Earlier, Dave held progressively responsible finance, corporate development and general management positions for publicly reporting energy and technology companies including Gulf Oil Corporation, Eastern Gas and Fuel Associates, Triad Systems and Epicor (formerly Activant).

Dave received his BS in Economics from MIT, an MBA from Stanford, and began his career in the San Francisco office of KPMG. Dave was awarded a patent for a system that optimizes supply chains with predictive models combining demographic and demand data.

Adam Atkinson-Lewis

VP of Product

Adam manages Natel’s commercial products. His work bridges the gap between Natel’s product development team and the market, with a focus on market assessment, bankability, pricing, and new product strategy for Natel’s hydroelectric products. Adam transitioned from leading Natel’s international business to commercial products in early 2017 after over three years of experience of working with Natel’s customers and partners in several different countries around the world, bringing additional customer insight into Natel’s product development process.

Adam holds a Masters in Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management, a Masters in Engineering Management from the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Spanish from Colby College. He brings 5 years of experience in federal climate policy strategy and geotechnical engineering to Natel.

Adam is passionate about working to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change; enjoying the outdoors on skis, wheels, and on foot; and experiencing new places and cultures around the world. Adam is a Truman Security Fellow and a StartingBloc Fellow.

Alex Conn

Testing and Mechanical Technician

Alex is a testing and mechanical technician at Natel. He spends his time fabricating and assembling hydroEngine machinery, as well as running and maintaining Natel’s various hydraulic and fatigue testing equipment. He has experience operating both manual and CNC machine tools, welding, and repairing electronic components. Prior to Natel, Alex worked as a bicycle mechanic.

In his free time Alex enjoys building and flying quadcopters, watching documentary films, reading nonfiction books, and mountain biking.

Andy Baumgartner

Archivist & Graphic Designer

Andy is an Archivist and Graphic Designer at Natel. Currently he splits his time between photographically documenting the construction of the hydroEngine, and designing graphics for web and print. He also assists in web development and GIS.

Andy received a BA in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, but has also worked as a graphic designer, photographer, and video editor.

While not at Natel Andy enjoys working on personal projects which combine his interest in photography, art, and computer science. He also enjoys watching and listening to audio-books, podcasts, YouTube videos and films.

Anita Tirapelle

Manager, Multimedia

Anita is responsible for coordinating the multimedia effort at Natel, and works as a web and graphic designer for the company. She develops design concepts for a variety of communications in both print and digital formats, including technical and promotional brochures and the company website.

She holds an AA degree in Graphic Design from FIDM – Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising – with a focus on UI/UX design and branding. Before starting her career as a designer, Anita received her BA in Arts at the Università degli Studi di Padova, and a MA in Philology at the Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris III, and worked as a writer and a communication professional in Italy and France.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and little son Leo, cooking and eating good food, and perusing design blogs.

Ben Ward

Commercial Associate

At Natel Ben works on the Commercial team in project development and customer support. After several years of service in the US Navy, Ben graduated from Johnson & Wales University. He also holds a solar installation NABCEP certification. Previously Ben focused on the build out and launch of critically acclaimed Bay Area restaurants, emphasizing the use of renewables and sustainable practices.

Dana Nguyen

Office Manager

Dana is Natel’s office manager. Prior to Natel, Dana worked in finance for a healthcare management consulting firm. Dana received her BA in International Relations from San Francisco State University. She is interested in learning about the development of social, healthcare and environmental policies.

Eric Thompson

VP Sales and Marketing

Eric currently heads up Sales and Marketing for Natel Energy developing and implementing the support strategy for customers and strategic partners. He also works directly to help with Natel Energy customer project development. Eric has 25 years of experience in the deployment of innovative renewable energy technologies and in building energy projects. Previously he was Co-Founder/VP Business Development at Nordic Windpower, a manufacturer of megawatt-scale wind turbines for the distributed energy market. By teaming with customers on project development, he signed over $30M in the product rollout phase of the company. Before that, Eric helped companies deploy new technology in wind, solar, energy efficiency and energy software including leading energy companies like QBotix, Itron, Green Mountain Energy, Fenway System and Environmental Defense Fund. In addition to the US, he has worked in China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Eric has a B.S in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Cornell and completed an Asia Foundation Fellowship Program on Indonesia electric utility resource planning.

Eric and his wife Cynthia have two young children, so that recreation and relaxation center around the garden, soccer practice, gymnastics class, family camping and active family involvement in community and the public schools.

Erick Davidson

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Erick received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Master’s degree from the University ofat Berkeley. Prior to joining Natel, he worked as the lead mechanical engineer at two new-technology start-ups where he was responsible for product conceptualization and design, machining and fabrication of prototypes, design and construction of assembly and testing machinery, and testing and troubleshooting of all prototypes and new machines. He contributed several key ideas for both the design and production of the products resulting in nine issued patents and one pending application. He has a strong background in the mechanical design, processing, and behavior of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and advanced composites with an emphasis on design for fatigue. He also has extensive prototyping experience including CAM and the use of various CNC machines.

Erick spends most of his free time either climbing rocks or flying airplanes. Flying to climbing destinations is the best of both worlds. He also likes to travel and tries to go to new places that are off the beaten path.

Jason Currie

Mechatronics Engineer

Jason works as a mechatronics engineer at Natel. He brings a range of experience in combining advanced control systems with fluid mechanics including work on a unique hydrokinetic turbine at HydroRun Technologies, and the modeling and control of a hydrodynamically actuated robot with UNB and Defence Research and Development Canada. Jason obtained a B.A.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, and a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick.

Jason hails from a small town on Vancouver Island and enjoys many outdoor activities including bicycling, swimming, hiking and camping.

Jessica Andrews

Project Development

Jessica is focused on developing a portfolio of projects using Natel’s hydroEngines in the Western U.S., primarily in partnership with irrigation districts. In addition, she is driving the early development of Natel’s first Restoration Hydro Pilot project, working with NGO’s, resource agencies, national labs, and the environmental sustainability community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Oregon.

As a Captain when she is not in the office, you can find her exploring oceans and waterways on sailboats, or any water related activity. She is passionate about sharing her respect of water, and helping others understand the importance of conservation and conscious living.

Jin Zhao

Civil/Environmental Engineer

Jin works as an Civil/Environmental Engineer. Jin graduated from UC Berkeley with a M.S. degree in environmental engineering this summer. He holds a B.S. degree in civil engineering from University of Michigan, and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University.

Joanna Noble

Mechanical Engineer

Joanna is a mechanical engineer at Natel, interested in machine design and manufacturing. She has designed and fabricated a variety of tools used for hydroEngine assembly and component testing.

Joanna has an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley. Before joining Natel, she worked on structural design and fabrication at Makani Power, an airborne wind turbine company. She has also researched 3D ultrasound techniques, repaired hospital equipment in Tanzania, and explored the use of 3D printed tools for injection molding.

Outside of work, Joanna enjoys reading novels, listening to public radio podcasts, and climbing.

Katie McKinstry

Engineering Project Manager

Katie is Natel’s Engineering Project Manager. She serves as the technical lead for development and new product introduction programs. She integrates engineering innovations into manufacturing processes and leads manufacturing growth. She works closely with sales and engineering to set production goals and develop operational systems. Katie earned her undergraduate degree in Engineering and History from Yale University and her Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of , Berkeley. Prior to joining Natel, she was a Program Manager in New Product Introduction at Tesla Motors.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband Marc and daughter Mabel. She is an avid runner and an active community volunteer, particularly in youth science education. Before earning her graduate degree, she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Vermont.

Kevin Lowe

Mechatronics Engineer

Kevin works as a Mechatronics Engineer on the control and health monitoring platform for Natel’s hydroEngines. He brings a range of experience developing software for industrial systems. He led development of a thermal imaging inspection product at ClearVision Technologies and developed hydraulic controls at the eatART laboratory in Vancouver, BC. Kevin has joined Natel after his most recent work on microgrid project development on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Kevin holds a BASc from the University of British Columbia.

Kimberly Chambliss

AP Assistant

At Natel Kimberly works part-time as an Accounts Payable Assistant. Her past experience includes over 15 years working as a bookkeeper, office manager, and executive assistant for travel companies, a custom crush winery and law firms. She is slowly getting back into the work-force after being home with her two amazing boys for the past six years.

Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her husband and kiddos at the beach, participating in Spartan Races, and learning new ways to feed her family unprocessed foods.

Meghan Harwood

Government Affairs & Communications

Meghan drives Natel’s government affairs, policy and regulatory outreach, and supports the communications needs of the business development team. She is particularly interested in policy that promotes renewable energy deployment, supports decarbonization of energy supply and supports sustainable watersheds. Meghan received a BA in Government and International Studies from Colby College.

Outside of work, Meghan is passionate about environmental education and takes every chance to enjoy the outdoors. She enjoys skiing, hiking, listening to podcasts, live music, and good food!

Michael Spolum

Bhutan Country Manager

Michael leads Natel Energy’s expanding programmatic efforts in the Kingdom of Bhutan in partnership with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), Bhutan’s sovereign holding company. The companies are collaborating to develop a portfolio of EcoSmartHydro projects in Bhutan and a turbine manufacturing facility to serve both domestic as well as regional markets.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from St. Olaf College and a Master’s Degree in International Development Policy from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. Michael brings 10 years of experience as an independent consultant and project developer in geographies spanning mainland Southeast Asia on issues and projects related to rural electrification, community development, sustainable natural resource management and the water-energy-agriculture nexus.

Michael is passionate about people and the limitless potential of every human being to contribute to the creation of a more just, equitable and compassionate world. A Colorado native, he enjoys slow-cooked food, star-filled skies, deep breaths of crisp mountain air and long hikes with his wife and family.

Peder Aune

Mechanical Engineer

Peder provides prototyping support to Natel’s engineers, fabricating components for a variety of product development projects. He has several years of machining experience, including the programming and operation of CNC mills and lathes. Prior to becoming a machinist, Peder worked as a teacher for over 15 years, teaching mathematics at a high school in Oakland and at an international school in Guatemala.

Peder holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University.

When he’s not at work, he enjoys exploring Oakland on bicycle, fixing his VW bus, and spending time with his wife, Lupe, and their two children.

Ryan McKinley

Developer, watershedOS

Ryan designs and develops the watershedOS software platform for ecoSmartHydro development. Prior to working at Natel, Ryan founded Voyager Search, a tool for finding and using complex geospatial data. Ryan was also a founder and developer of Instructables.com. He received a BS in computer science from the University of , San Diego, and an MS from MIT.

Rodrigo Linares

Manufacturing Engineer

Rodrigo holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad Simon Bolivar and a master’s in Manufacturing from MIT. He has a broad set of previous experiences in industries ranging from oil and gas to electronics manufacturing to medical devices. He specializes in design for manufacturing and assembly and development of stochastic models for systems design.

Within the company Rodrigo help build cost models for different hydropower technologies, has designed and constructed several test benches for key system components and has built numerical models for assembly and manufacturing. At Natel, Rodrigo’s main role has been the development of the drive-axle system; structure and power take-off systems, and the tolerance stack up management for the system.

Rodrigo also enjoys bread baking, beer brewing, mountaineering and doing statistical analyses on traffic and political elections.

Sean Hennessee

Mechanical Engineer

Sean works at Natel as a mechanical engineer. He is interested in developing advanced turbines for distributed energy production, learning from his colleagues, and sharing his experience with energy, controls and hardware testing. He worked with Professor Chris Edwards at Stanford University teaching energy systems while earning B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering.

In his free time he enjoys finding new books to read, exploring new ideas, hiking, playing soccer and flying helicopters.

Taylor Stein

Logistics & Operations

Taylor works on logistics and operations at Natel. Taylor has spent the last 15+ years working with startups and interactive agencies including: support and development on a distance learning platform for University of Phoenix, energy trading platform sales engineer in Texas, and early team member of kite power generator Makani. Taylor holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of San Francisco.

When not working, Taylor can be found racing sailboats, kiteboarding, surfing, snow sporting, and hiking

Tristan Nillo

Technician

Tristan works as a Technician, building scale model testing equipment and maintaining the component fatigue testers. He also works in machine assembly, and designs and fabricates custom shipping fixtures for hydroEngine components. Before working at Natel, Tristan worked in the field of water desalination for over 20 years. There, he worked at two startups, doing a variety of work from machining to field service.