About us

Creating renewable energy with small-scale hydropower.
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We build, own, operate and manage small-scale hydropower works using legacy dams and canals throughout New England and the U.S.

To accomplish this at the highest professional level, NEHC has assembled a leadership team from industry, government affairs, and technology entrepreneurship. With a mix of skills and experience derived from the energy sector and other businesses, we are devoted to the notion that a sound foundation in knowledge, a visionary approach to what is possible, and a relentless work ethic will lead our success.

New England Hydropower Team

Our targeted experience drives our ability to execute low-impact generating systems.
Michael C. Kerr
Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Michael has guided NEHC through its founding. Having envisioned what could be done with the small-scale hydro opportunity, he leveraged his experience with venture-backed technology companies for the cleantech, software and industrial product markets. His extensive research into low-impact hydro in the UK has demonstrated its application to the New England region. Michael spent his early career with Shell Oil in London. He has since worked in Europe, the U.S. and Latin America for United Technologies Corporation, Wang Global and Getronics. He has served in many capacities ranging from divisional CFO to President to these and other smaller enterprises. Michael holds a B.A. in Business from Thames Valley University (London) and is a Chartered Management Accountant (CGMA).

H. Christian Conover
Chief Marketing Officer

Chris oversees communications, public affairs and brand for the company. He is the primary relationship interface between NEHC and all constituents and is responsible for the company’s position in the marketplace. He has served in energy, aerospace, information systems, medical device, and insurance industries in senior positions at the New York Power Authority, United Technologies Corporation, LEXIS/NEXIS, Philips Medical Systems, and Travelers. He has degrees from the University of Denver and University College, Dublin, Ireland.

Carol Wasserman
Principal, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs

Carol leads primary environmental science and regulatory planning, permitting and compliance at NEHC. She was formerly senior counsel and special projects coordinator for the U.S. EPA, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. She holds an M.P.A. from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, an M.S. from Northeastern, a J.D. from New England Law, and a B.S. from the SUNY Stony Brook.

Roger Hutton
Chief Hydro Designer and Sales Engineer

Roger, a graduate Mechanical Engineer, oversees the development of the engineering, design, and implementation programs. He qualifies market opportunities for their technical and commercial viability and advises on potential ecological issues. He co-founded Potential Energy Projects, a UK pioneer in the use of Archimedes Screw Turbines (AST) for small-scale hydropower.

Jeffrey N. Mobed
US Director of Engineering and Program Management

Jeff, a Mechanical Engineer, oversees US engineering and program management for NEHC’s contractors. He has extensive experience in food and beverage manufacturing, steam plant engineering, design of large industrial systems, and medical device and information system implementations in hospitals. Jeff was an active duty Naval Flight Officer before entering the Navy Reserve and was a war planner specializing in North Korea and the far east. He was the Navy's representative to the Multi-National Force in Iraq before retiring with the rank of Captain. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He holds FINRA series 7 and series 66 certifications.

Mike Taetzsch
CFO

Mike Taetzsch has over 30 years of experience across finance and operations. His business career began in manufacturing and new program financial leadership roles, providing financial support to several of major new product initiatives for a Fortune 50 firm and held business unit finance director roles. In operations, Mike managed business carveout teams, new acquisition integrations, product commercialization, manufacturing, supplier and customer relationships, and supply chain functions. His focus is on ensuring that functional goals are aligned with the success of the total organization. Mike resides in the Adirondack Mountains and is an avid swimmer and hiker. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wheaton College (IL) and an MBA from the Stern School at NYU.

Patrick Wendt
Project manager and Environmental compliance Specialist

Patrick is project manager for new site development. In addition, he focuses on fish and environmental studies and compliance for all NEHC projects. He supports site operations at NEHC's Hanover Pond site. Prior to NEHC, he worked as a field research assistant for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries Division. Patrick is a Sustainable Energy Graduate from Eastern Connecticut State University. 

Ben Lenz
Sr. Environmental Permitting Manger

Ben has twenty years of experience in the hydroelectric industry specializing in regulatory compliance. He manages all aspects of hydro permitting including areas of natural resources, public safety, and shoreline use. His accomplishments include securing new licenses for existing hydro projects, constructing fish passage facilities, and maintaining fleet wide compliance of dozens of generation facilities. His breadth of experience offers essential insight to securing required approvals to successfully permit hydroelectric projects. He holds an M.S. in Natural Resources Management.

JOHN BAHOUTH
Human Resources Leader

John supports NEHC’s culture and people. His background includes leadership roles at innovative renewable energy companies, such as Apex Clean Energy and Noble Environmental Power, as well as at global Fortune 100 companies, including ABB and United Technologies. John earned a BA from Syracuse University, an MBA from the University of New Haven, and is a graduate of The Executive Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School. Most recently, he completed an MS in Energy and Environmental Management from UConn.

Glendon Barnes
Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Glendon focuses on federal and state permitting, legal and environmental research and report drafting necessary to license, construct and operate small hydropower projects. She has acted as field lead, researcher and an assistant to project managers, working with private companies, municipalities and state agencies. She holds an MBA from Endicott College, a joint JD/MSEL from Vermont Law School, a BA from Boston University and is a licensed attorney in the state of Vermont and Washington DC.

Nathaniel Devoe
Senior Engineering Program Manager

Nate is a program manager for NEHC and is responsible for working with stakeholders and project teams to ensure successful delivery of projects. He was formerly a project engineer for a large consulting firm and has extensive experience in the design and construction of development projects. Nate holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New Hampshire.

Curtis Mclellan
Project Management Associate

Curtis supports project development, management and planning for evolving sites. In addition, he conducts in-depth historical and technical research for new site selection. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus in manufacturing, automation and engineering design from the University of Maine, Orono.

James Malcom
GIS and Regulatory Specialist

Jimmy is the chief ArcGIS researcher for sites identification and evaluation. He also conducts regulatory research for our permitting team as well as providing interface with constituent groups. Jimmy attended the University of Connecticut System and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Sustainable Energy and Environmental Earth Sciences. He holds Master’s in Geography and Global Sustainability and a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems.

Alexandra Fink
Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Specialist

Alex supports the drafting and development of license applications submitted to FERC. In addition, she conducts environment background research on selected sites to determine the need for additional environmental studies. Alex holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environment Studies from Eckerd College and a Master’s in Environmental Conservation from UMASS Amherst. She is a diver and diving instructor with Advanced Open Water SCUBA certification and has worked on several underwater environmental projects in Southern waters.

Alex Garcia
Market Research Specialist

Alex researches the viability of market geographies and project sites. He supports the selection of sites based on GIS and other available research. Alex holds a BS in Geographic Science with concentrations in GIS and Environmental Conservation and Sustainability from James Madison University in Virginia.

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