Michael Shepard, a cofounder of the company, is responsible for the company’s overall strategic direction. He speaks frequently at industry events and has published more than 100 papers and books on topics such as reinvention of the utility business model, ultra-efficient drivepower and lighting systems, innovative financing schemes for energy conservation, and profitable strategies for companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Michael serves on the advisory board for Avista Utilities’ energy-efficiency program and the judging panel for Platts’ Global Energy Awards. He also chairs the board of the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition, an international development organization focused on innovative energy and resource solutions for developing economies. Prior to cofounding E Source, Michael directed the energy program at Rocky Mountain Institute and worked at the Electric Power Research Institute and the New Mexico Solar Energy Association. He holds a BS with distinction in natural resource conservation from Cornell University and a master’s in energy and resources from the University of California at Berkeley.