WARREN, OHIO – September 3, 2020 BRITE Energy Innovators is expanding its team on the heels of increased demand for services from energy tech startups from Ohio and beyond. To meet this need and accent the expertise of its team, BRITE hired Venture for America Fellow Cole Simon.
“Our incubator and professional services teams have increasing demands and we currently are facing a backlog of startups waiting to be onboarded. The addition of Cole will help us serve more clients who, ultimately, are increasing economic mobility. The entire BRITE team embodies a passion for bridging innovation and economic impact, and Cole fits in so well with that.” added Jeff Rockwood, VP of Tech Acceleratio
Simon hails from Baltimore, Maryland where he grew up in an engineer-turned-entrepreneur family. His background working with technology startups will make him a valuable asset to the BRITE team. “I’m thrilled to deepen BRITE’s impact and work with incredible innovators solving some of the world’s most critical problems. I’m excited to apply my business-building experience in the energy sector to empower founders and fuel regional growth.”
Prior to his role at BRITE, Cole graduated cum laude from Colorado College where he studied economics and environmental issues. He worked with a tech accelerator and incubator in Colorado Springs where he fell in love with startups and became passionate about environmental justice. He has also done consulting work for a municipal utility company, marketing for a cybersecurity firm, and worked in college admissions.
Venture for America (VFA) Fellowships are designed to immerse recent college graduates in the entrepreneurial environment. VFA, based in New York City, puts applicants through a rigorous application process after which they select recent college graduates whom they believe will add value to a startup. VFA supplies these talented individuals to a network of national and campus-based partners with open positions at startups and other ventures for the benefit of small businesses.
President & CEO of BRITE, Rick Stockburger noted that Simon’s recruitment aligns with the organization’s goal of attracting talent to the area. “One hire at a time, we’ve made a commitment to keeping and attracting talented young people to the Mahoning Valley. Cole is one of the best and brightest the country has to offer, and we are excited that he chose to be a part of our future.”
Connect with and congratulate Simon and BRITE Energy Innovators on LinkedIn.
