Curtis J. Donaldson - Founder and CEO
Mr. Donaldson spent over 10 years with Conoco in various capacities ending his career in 1992 as the Coordinator of Alternative Fuel Marketing. In his last role, he was responsible for determining Conoco's plan for marketing propane as a transportation fuel from its retail gasoline stations throughout the USA. After leaving Conoco, he started his own company, Clean Fueling Technologies. CleanFUEL USA was initiated in 1999 to begin networking alternative fuels stations and currently links stations in Phoenix, Denver, L.A., central California and Texas.
Mr. Donaldson just completed a six-year stint on the Propane Education and Research Council and serving two year’s as the Chairman and Board member of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition. The Department of Energy's Clean Cities Group also recently awarded him the Alternative Fuel "Hero" Award and last year the DOE named his company Alternative Fuel Exporter of the Year.
After graduating from Texas A&M University with a B.B.A. in Management in 1981, Donaldson was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army and served eight years in National Guard units in Texas in the Field Artillery ending his career as a Captain and Battery Commander. He enjoys spending time with his four children and considers family and basketball as his hobbies.
Oliver G. "Rick" Richard – Chairman
Mr. Richard was Chairman, President and CEO of Columbia Energy Group until its acquisition on November 1, 2000. Richard served this $6 billion Fortune 500 company since joining Columbia Energy Group's predecessor, The Columbia Gas System Inc., in April 1995. Previously, Richard served as Chairman, CEO and President of New Jersey Resources; as President and CEO of Northern Natural Gas Pipeline; and as Vice President and General Counsel of Tennagasco.
Richard was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the United States Senate to The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as a Commissioner in 1982. He served until 1985. He received the FERC Chairman's Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal from the U.S. Secretary of Energy for his efforts. Before joining FERC, he served as legislative assistant for energy issues to U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnston (D-La) in Washington, D.C. from 1978-1981.
Richard is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and on the Board of Visitors of the Manship School of Mass Communications, both at Louisiana State University. He is a member of the Board of Advisors of the Riverstone Group Energy fund of the Caryle Group Washington, D.C. and Haddington Ventures in Houston, Texas. Richard is currently treasurer of Coastal Plains Conservancy. He has served as a member of the National Petroleum Council, an advisory body to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chairman of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, and on the Boards of Directors of the American Gas Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Richard earned a B.A. in Journalism from Louisiana State University, a Master of Law Taxation from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctorate in Law from Louisiana State University.
W. Henry Harmon
Dr. Harmon has been a part of the Appalachian exploration industry for 30 years, leading one of the most skilled teams of professionals in an effort to expand and develop the boundaries of the eastern producing Basins. He now serves as President and CEO of Triana Energy, Highlands Drilling and Mudarra Services. Harmon founded Triana Energy in 2000 and also served as President and CEO of Union Drilling, Inc. from 2000 to 2003. He had previously worked within the Columbia Energy Group for 22 years, where he served as President and CEO of several of its non-regulated energy subsidiaries, including Columbia Natural Resources. Under his leadership, Columbia Natural Resources grew from a valuation of approximately $300 million to its ultimate sale in November 2005 for nearly $3.2 billion.
Harmon holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from West Virginia University Institute of Technology, a Master of Science Degree in Management from The American College and a Ph.D. in Economics from The Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. He also has earned the professional credentials of Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant. In 2006 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Charleston, and had previously been recognized by the West Virginia Institute of Technology as its Outstanding Alumni of the Year. He served for six years on the board of directors of the 5th District Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, where he filled the role of chair of the Audit Committee and the Bank Operations Committee. He also currently serves as trustee for The University of Charleston and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
Robert "Bob" Myers
Since 1990 Bob has been an independent consultant in the propane industry after 25 years of senior management with the largest—at the time—U.S. propane marketer. The consultancy included more than 3 years as Technical Director of the World LP Gas Association in Paris where he directed a variety of projects that enhanced propane’s awareness among international policy makers. These developmental projects involved the United Nations’ Development Program, the UN’s Educational Program, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. While in Paris he directed several research studies that validated the environmental benefits of propane as an engine fuel.
He founded the LP Gas Clean Fuels Coalition, a lobbying group, which was instrumental in securing a role for propane in major US alternative fuels legislation. Currently, he advises legislators, regulatory agencies, and propane advocacy groups on strategy and policy at the state, national and international levels.
He is a founding member of the Propane Education and Research Council’s (PERC) Research and Development Advisory Committee and PERC’s Engine Fuel (Autogas) Advisory Committee. These committees are the prime instruments that direct propane research in the US.
Bob holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Economics and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Bob resides in Boulder, Colorado.