Our Team
Mr. Hall, a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a certified professional geologist, has an extensive background in business development, environmental engineering, and the integration of pipeline services. Bill also has more than two decades of experience in commercializing the results of translational research projects.
In the position of Executive Director, Bill is leading the Center’s efforts in establishing a collaborative that will energize a wide range of partners from academia, business, regulatory agencies, and potential investors to support technological developments that will benefit the Marcellus and Utica shale formations in Pennsylvania. A particular emphasis will be placed on new expanded uses for natural gas.
John has been involved in start-up and small companies for over 30 years. He has been founder, co-founder or partner in four business ventures and has served as a consultant for 50+ businesses. In the leadership role of the Transformation group John directs a team of 9 seasoned professional individuals experienced in marketing, finance, human resources and market research.
Currently John and his team work directly with 50 Ben Franklin investment companies and as many as 50 more potential companies in the Transformation Business Services Network in 32 counties in Central Pennsylvania. The team engaged early and often in the Pre-revenue stage and will remain thru significant growth stages.
Mr. Siggins, a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, spent the last 12 years as a liaison between industry and Penn State researchers as Associate Director of the Industrial Research Office at the university. He has extensive experience in tech transfer and forming teams to develop translational research projects. Prior to joining SGICC and Penn State, Mr. Siggins spent 15 years in industry, primarily engaged in environmental consulting, waste management, and energy related fields.
In the position of Assistant Director to the Center, Mr. Siggins will focus on identifying promising nascent technologies coming out of academia and early stage companies focused in the shale gas industry. He will be looking for those innovations that are environmentally sound, and through commercialization, increase employment opportunities for the citizens of the Commonwealth. The SGICC looks to work closely with industry partners as well as governmental agencies to establish innovation and commercialization opportunities.
Brian, a native of Altoona, is one of the staff people dedicated to Ben Franklin’s energy programs and the AEDP funding. He manages the Translational Research in Energy Support Program—a program designed to support and commercialize energy and clean technology in research institutions—which disburses $750,000 per year to researchers. He also manages the Virtual Energy Incubator, a virtual organization designed to help start-up and growing energy and clean technology ventures. In addition, Brian helps with due diligence and research related to new companies and applicants for AEDP funding. Brian graduated from the Jerome Fisher Management and Technology program at the University of Pennsylvania, earning simultaneous bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering from the engineering school and management from the Wharton School. After graduation, he worked for AMP, Inc. in Harrisburg, PA. In 1994, he left AMP to return to Altoona and start Horseshoe Wire and Cable, Inc. a company manufacturing cable assemblies and wire harnesses for industrial and commercial applications. In 2002, he joined Ben Franklin as the Field Office Director for the Southern Alleghenies.
Michael J. ChmelaProject Director, Market Research
Transformation Business Services Network Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center (SGICC) Michael is responsible for market research for the SGICC. Michael is a degreed Engineer with wide range of business background, and history of growing small companies. He has program management in product development, new business development, production management, manufacturing engineering in a variety of industries. He has also implemented value analysis and strategic planning programs. Uday Turaga, PhD, MBAADI Analytics, LLC
Associate Energy industry professional with 11 years experience in management consulting, Fortune 500, and startup companies. Analytics-driven skills in opportunity scouting, market assessment, technology analysis, and strategy development. Proven business development and operational execution capabilities. Award winning technology expertise in oil, gas, biofuels, and refining. Effective team leader and communicator. Strategic Planning, Project Management, Business Development, Investment Analysis, Operational Improvement, Change Management, Regulatory Analysis, Team Leadership. |
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Ben Franklin Technology Partners Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center
Ben Franklin Technology Partners Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center - All Rights Reserved 2010 
