CEO Rick Stockburger Departs; Jing Lyon Named Interim CEO
June 11, 2025 (Warren, OH) — Today, BRITE Energy Innovators, the Midwest’s leading
energy-tech incubator, announced a planned leadership transition as CEO Rick Stockburger
prepares to step into a prominent national role in the energy sector. Under Stockburger’s nearly
eight-year tenure as BRITE’s first CEO, the organization has become a powerhouse for energy
innovation, and its momentum remains stronger than ever. Jing Lyon, BRITE’s current
managing director, will serve as interim CEO while the board conducts a national search for a
permanent leader.
“Rick has been at the heart of BRITE since its early days. His leadership has guided the
organization’s momentum, and we are grateful for his commitment to our mission. We are
excited for him to enter a new chapter and continue to make an impact in building an advanced
energy economy,” said Michael Stacey, BRITE board chair and managing director at KPMG US.
“Jing has worked alongside Rick for several years, showcasing her proven leadership that will
guide us through this transition and search for a new CEO.”
Under Stockburger’s leadership, BRITE has become a powerhouse for energy innovation,
helping its portfolio companies raise over $200 million in capital in 2024 alone. Since its
founding in 2010, BRITE has supported more than 650 energy-tech startups, catalyzing over
2,100 jobs and raising more than half a billion dollars in third-party investment while working
with BRITE.
“Leading BRITE has been such a privilege,” said Stockburger. “Together with our incredible
team and trailblazing startups, we’ve built a place where proud Midwestern grit meets
innovation. The future of energy is being written here in the heartland, and I’m excited to watch
BRITE’s next era unfold.”
Lyon, a Case Western Reserve-trained chemical engineer and early team member at battery
technology startup Stratum Energy, joined BRITE in 2022. Under her leadership, BRITE’s
startup programs have tripled in scale, including the launch and rapid growth of its flagship CXO
Program, which embeds fractional executives into startup teams.
“I’m honored to build on Rick’s legacy,” said Lyon. “BRITE’s success stems from our Midwest
foothold and national reach. We’ll continue connecting startups to investors, corporations, and
federal resources, proving innovation thrives between the coasts.”
Stockburger will remain at BRITE in an advisory capacity through June 30 to ensure a smooth
transition, with Lyon fully assuming leadership on July 1 while the CEO search is underway. To
learn more about BRITE and its mission to accelerate the advanced energy economy, visit
www.brite.org.
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ABOUT BRITE:
BRITE Energy Innovators is accelerating the advanced energy economy. Founded as a
501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2010 to serve Northeast Ohio, BRITE has since expanded its footprint to
serve advanced energy technology startups across the state. In 2024 alone, BRITE companies
generated $270 million in economic output, created over 1,600 jobs, and contributed $30M in
federal taxes and $13M in State and Local taxes. To date, BRITE has supported over 650
advanced energy companies, helping create 2,100+ jobs and attracting over half a billion dollars
in third-party investment
