Robert A. Gilpin
Chief Executive Officer

Bob is a founding member of Power Holdings, and conceived and implemented the strategy and plan for the Blissville coal-to-SNG facility in Jefferson County, Illinois. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the gas and electric industry. Previously, he held executive positions at Nicor and Exelon and led several successful start-ups in merchant energy. Bob also worked extensively with ChevronTexaco (now GE Gasification) on incorporating their technology into a large gasification proposal in the Chicago area. He holds a BS in Economics from the University of Missouri, and an MBA in Entrepreneurialism from DePaul University Graduate College of Business.

Stephen B. Shaw
Chief Financial Officer
Steve is a founding member of Power Holdings, and is the architect of its financial structure and strategy. He is an energy industry executive with over 20 years’ experience in finance, accounting, strategic planning, and human resources. Previously, Steve founded enStratalytics LLC, a consulting firm that advises energy clients in strategy and corporate performance. He has also held executive positions at ANR Pipeline Company and Michigan Consolidated Gas Company/MCN, and has consulted to the energy industry as a Principal at CSC Planmetrics. Steve holds both an MA in Economics from Wayne State University and an MBA in Finance from Eastern Michigan University. He also has a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Albion College.

Joseph N. Darguzas
Vice President - Engineering
Joe has expertise in coal gasification, gas pipeline, and power generation facilities . Joe has over 35 years’ experience in energy project, in design, construction, and operation. He leads all efforts on technical and engineering matters, including research, construction planning, and environmental permitting. Previously, Joe worked on another coal technology start-up, and as a consulting engineer with Sargent and Lundy in a wide range of roles and capacities. He holds a BS in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, and has taken several advanced courses in engineering and management from IIT.

Robert J. DeSisto
Consulting Engineer
Bob has over 30 years’ industrial experience, primarily in manufacturing operations. Bob has spent the past nine years in power production and development. Bob was an original member of Power Holdings and was instrumental in the initial development of the present facility and bringing together the optimal technologies for the project. He also led strategic planning and development with Packaging Corporation of America at one of their operating facilities, and developed, installed, and started a single-source natural gas pipeline that resulted in cost savings of $6 million dollars a year. Bob also worked extensively with ChevronTexaco (now GE Gasification) on incorporating their technology into a large gasification proposal in the Chicago area. He has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and an MBA in Management from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.