He brings more than 20 years experience in renewable energy to his new position, including administrative positions with Lakeland Department of Electric and Water Utilities, The Energy Authority in Jacksonville, Turbec Americas, and Georgia Transmission Corp.

He has worked closely with FSEC on many programs and activities over the years, especially during his 12 years with Lakeland Electric as director of their Engineering and Operations Group and manager of Wholesale and Renewable Energy Businesses. Among his programs there were setting up a utility-sponsored solar water heating program and his leadership of Lakeland Electric¿s development with FSEC of the super-efficient home that began the national Zero Energy Home effort.

His work has given him extensive experience in the utility industry and in the field of distributed power systems, with a specialty in energy marketing, financing and business planning.

He received a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree and a Master of Science degree from Auburn and an M.B.A. from Florida Southern. Bob began his new job at FSEC on January 12.

The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research center in the country. Current research activities include solar water and pool heating, solar electric and distributed generation systems, energy-efficient buildings, alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel, fuel cells and other energy areas. For more information about the center, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu or call the FSEC Public Affairs Office at (321) 638-1015.