The Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI) Names Rick Stockburger as Inaugural CEO

Proven leader in technology commercialization and cross-sector collaboration to lead independent nonprofit supporting U.S. energy security and prosperity

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI) today announced the appointment of Rick Stockburger as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. A nationally respected champion of energy entrepreneurship and community-driven innovation, Stockburger brings a proven record of building regional ecosystems, scaling technology commercialization, and driving mission-aligned impact. As CEO, Stockburger will lead FESI to support the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure the security and prosperity of the United States by addressing energy and environmental challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

"Rick's appointment signals not just the start of his leadership, but the momentum of FESI as a credible, catalytic force in energy innovation," said Miranda Ballentine, Chair of the FESI Board of Directors. "His ability to unite stakeholders, attract investment, and deliver results makes him the right leader to bring our mission to life."

Prior to joining FESI, Stockburger served as President and CEO of BRITE Energy Innovators, where he helped grow the organization's budget and programming tenfold, supported more than 200 entrepreneurs, and helped generate over $250 million in economic impact across the Midwest. Under his leadership, BRITE's philanthropic funding grew from $400,000 to more than $5,000,000. A U.S. Army veteran and native of Ohio's Mahoning Valley, Stockburger has a proven ability to create and implement strategies with diverse stakeholders, inspiring philanthropists, startups, and public-sector leaders alike to fund and act on a shared vision. His career spans economic development, venture support, and bipartisan coalition-building focused on advancing energy security and prosperity from the ground up.

"We need a commercialization system that works for every community and every technology," said Stockburger. "FESI is here to help close the gap between great energy ideas and lasting impact. I'm honored to serve as its first CEO and ready to get to work."

FESI's Role in Energy Innovation

FESI, by design, can go beyond DOE's abilities and limitations to act nimbly and flexibly at both regional and national levels. Through its unique authority and capabilities, FESI can help DOE accelerate the development and commercialization of critical energy technologies, foster public-private partnerships, and provide additional resources to partners and communities across the country supporting solutions-driven research and innovation that strengthens America's energy and national security goals.

"Today's announcement marks a new chapter in how the Department will deliver breakthrough technologies to market," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "Rick's proven leadership and background will help advance the Department's efforts to move emerging technologies into real world energy deployment—strengthening American science, innovation, and energy leadership. With him in place, FESI will be a valuable partner in expanding private-sector collaboration and delivering on President Trump's agenda to unleash American energy and innovation."

Since launching operations earlier this year, FESI has already begun delivering measurable impact. In May, it co-hosted the Spring 2025 EPIC Pitch Competition, ensuring that the national-stage competition could be held in person, bridging a critical gap and enabling direct collaboration between the public and private sectors. As an example of how the organization can foster American leadership in energy innovation, FESI will also invest in each of the top three prize-winning companies to support their continued growth and help transition critical technologies to the market. It also announced a commitment to invest in DOE's Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity (RMUC) program, which safeguards the electric grid by providing rural and municipal utilities with tools, training, and funding to counter evolving cyber threats. FESI's investment will provide technical assistance to resource-constrained community-based utilities — crucial to powering rural America's homes, farms, and businesses — enabling access to critical funding needed to protect our nation's energy security.

Since its formation, FESI has generated significant fundraising momentum. Last year, the organization raised over $5.5 million, with an additional $6 million in commitments and invited proposals—more than doubling the initial investment appropriated by Congress in 2024. Building on that early success, FESI has also secured a $5 million grant from Builders Vision, along with a commitment that Builders Vision will provide matching funds up to $5 million as FESI continues its fundraising momentum.

The CEO announcement follows FESI's most recent board meeting, held July 23, 2025 in Chicago, where leadership aligned on strategic priorities and previewed upcoming initiatives. Stockburger will now embark on a national listening tour to engage funders, innovators, and partners across the energy ecosystem.

"Rick's decorated service to our country while in the U.S. Army, combined with his leadership in technology entrepreneurship in the private sector, makes him an outstanding choice to be FESI's first CEO." said Anthony Pugliese, DOE Chief Commercialization Officer and Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC). "Together, we will strengthen America's ability to move breakthrough research into real-world impact."

About the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI): 

The Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI) was authorized by Congress in 2022 through the CHIPS and Science Act and incorporated in 2024. FESI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. FESI supports the Department of Energy (DOE) in carrying out its mission to ensure the security and prosperity of the United States by addressing energy and environmental challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. FESI advances collaboration with energy researchers, institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to accelerate the commercialization of energy technologies.

As the thirteenth Congressionally-authorized private foundation to support the mission of a Federal Agency, FESI builds on a well-proven model demonstrated over decades by the foundations that support the NIH, CDC, CIA, and other agencies that protect and serve the American people. The DOE worked with Congress to build FESI's framework under DOE Secretaries Dan Brouillette (2019–2021), Jennifer Granholm (2021–2024), and Chris Wright (2025–present). Bipartisan co-sponsors in the House and Senate wrote the Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act of 2021 (S.1359 and H.R.4863), and FESI was authorized as part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Learn more at fesi.org.

Media Contact:
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SOURCE Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI)