BioFuels Journal

CH2M HILL Hires Three Managers for Its Renewable Energy Team

Austin, TX—CH2M HILL, a global full-service engineering, procurement, construction, and operations firm, has bolstered its renewable energy offerings with three new hires in its Austin, TX, office.

John Hoffner

John Hoffner, P.E., joins CH2M HILL as a renewable energy project manager and senior client services manager.

He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in design, engineering, and management of solar, wind and biomass projects, and he's active in local and state policy development and renewable energy education and training.

Hoffner's career accomplishments include overseeing the design of 130 solar electric photovoltaic (PV) systems ranging from small residential to commercial-scale plants, implementing Austin's initial solar energy program, and negotiating the purchase-power agreement for a 10 megawatt landfill gas power plant and Texax' first utility-scale wind farm.

He received his master's degree in engineering science from Trinity University and his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Tufts University. “This is an incredible time of growth for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, and I am glad that CH2M HILL continues to build its strength in providing emerging technologies and project support services to consumers and the industry at large,” says Hoffner.

Jay Jackson

Jaya Jackson will be managing designs for large solar PV and other renewable energy projects.

She has more than a decade of experience in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Most recently, Jackson was with Austin Energy where she was responsible for overseeing design and construction of solar photovoltaic projects as part of Austin's Green Builder program.

She holds a master's degree in environmental science from Baylor University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech.

She is active with the Society of Women Engineers, Texas Solar Energy Society and American Solar Energy Society.

Kurt Lyell

Kurt Lyell will be managing solar and bio energy projects for CH2M HILL.

He has extensive experience with solar energy and biodiesel projects, as well as a decade of experience managing equipment installations in the semiconductor industry.

Lyell works with clients to help them meet return on investment metrics and capitalize on financial incentives for renewable energy installations.

Before joining CH2M HILL, Lyell was a consultant with Meridian Energy Systems, a leading solar integrator in Texas.

He is a co-founder of Austin Biofuels and helped put Austin on the map as the nation’s leading city for biodiesel access in 2006 with 33 retail sites.

He received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. CH2M HILL, a Denver, CO-based renewable energy services company, offers program management, project development, project planning and design, and project delivery.

"Our clients are asking for more sustainable solutions in response to their increasing challenges around energy, and CH2M HILL is working in all its markets worldwide to provide these solutions," says Todd Bartholf, CH2M HILL's renewable energy market segment director.

"Our main asset is having highly skilled and qualified team members like John, Jaya and Kurt to set the framework for informed client decisions and implementation in this area," Bartholf said. "We look forward to continuing to expand our staff of experts and related services as we move through these exciting times for renewable energy." For more information, call 720-286-2246.