About Us

Guiding Principles

The Coalition was established to ensure Ohio’s presence both regionally and nationally in current fuel cell and hydrogen discussions and will work to:

  • Build upon existing industry and academic strengths of research and development, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials technologies, components, and services to advance the integration of a coordinated, robust fuel cell infrastructure and supply chain.

  • Promote public awareness about the positive role fuel cell and hydrogen technology can play as an efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible source of energy in a wide variety of applications

  • Expand networking and information sharing opportunities that lead to greater alliances and understanding of the economic opportunities available to Ohio organizations.

  • Support networking between the fuel cell and hydrogen industry supply chain, technology developers, hydrogen producers, and hydrogen users to increase economic opportunities for Ohio organizations.

  • Encourage federal funding that will leverage state resources in the development of fuel cell technology and the locating of commercial development, manufacturing assets, and job creation in Ohio.

The Team

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Pat Valente

Executive Director

Pat is a leading proponent of Ohio's fuel cell industry and was appointed Executive Director of the OFCHC in 2008. This appointment represents the OFCHC Board of Directors' commitment to maximizing Ohio's industry leadership, fostering active participation in collaborative opportunities, and increasing awareness of Ohio's industry cluster through advocacy and marketing outreach.

Valente’s career has included serving as Deputy Director and Assistant Deputy for the Ohio Department of Development’s Technology and Economic Development Divisions.  Valente is one of the key architects of the nationally recognized Third Frontier Program and has been the leading advocate for the development of Ohio’s fuel cell and hydrogen industry.  He also has played an instrumental role in the success of the Entrepreneurial Signature Program (ESP) to foster collaboration and change for regional economic and development entities. Valente received his B.S. degree in History and Geography from Kent State University.

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Linda Buckosh

Assistant Executive Director

Linda is passionate about her role in assisting the Coalition in promoting the valuable resources that Ohio has to offer in becoming a global leader in fuel cell and hydrogen technology and manufacturing.

Possessing a lengthy background in engineering for the electrical utility industry and office management, skills in business, project development, and corporate & community relations enable her to serve the Coalition well and promote its mission. She is a graduate of Ohio University, summa cum laude, in Technical and Applied Studies and active in promoting education, regional opportunities, and community organizations.

Board of Directors

OFCHC is a 501(c)(6) organization incorporated in Elyria, Ohio. 

We are co-located in Elyria with Lorain County Community College and we are governed by our Board of Directors.

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Scott Swartz,
Chairman

CTO & Co-Founder
Nexceris

Matter

Paul Matter, Vice Chairman

President & Founder
pH Matter, LLC

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Rodger McKain, Treasurer

CEO, Alchemity
Former Interim CEO, LG Fuel Cell Systems, Inc.

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Alex Chapman

President
Ridge Creek Global

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Andrew Thomas

Executive In Residence
Levin Energy Policy Center
Cleveland State University

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Eric Walli

Assistant Vice President & Division Manager of Regional Planning, Leading Strategy & Sustainability
Honda of North America

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Ian Jakupca

Fuel Cell Technology Lead
NASA Glenn Research Center  

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Jerrold Hutton

Managing Member
Evergreen Transportation Fuels

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Kirt Conrad

Executive Director & CEO
Stark Area Regional Transit Authority

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Mike McKay

Executive Director
Ohio Third Frontier, Office of Technology Investments

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Rashid Farahati

Director, Corporate Competence
Center Americas, CCC-A, Schaeffler

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Tim Terrill

Vice President of Sales
Plug Power

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Yanhai Du

Professor, Director of Sustainability/Fuel Cell Laboratory
College of Aeronautics & Engineering
Kent State University

Committees

The OFCHC carries much of its work through volunteer Committees.  This allows us to: 

  1. Leverage the expertise and interests of our Members.

  2. Get the best ideas and create plans for implementation.

  3. Engage our Members in their particular areas of interest.

  4. Achieve our common objectives together.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR - SCOTT SWARTZ, NEXCERIS

Charter

Act on the Board's behalf and report all such actions to the Board; provide direction to the Executive Director and to all Committees on behalf of, and in accordance with any special instructions of the Board, and reviewing and overseeing the overall activities of the Corporation.

FUNDING AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE
CHAIR - PAT VALENTE (OHIO FUEL CELL AND HYDROGEN COALITION)

Charter

Explore potential viability of partnership and funding opportunities within the scope of the OFCHC mission.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
CHAIRS - ANDREW THOMAS, (CSU) STATE

Charter

Educate legislators and advocate for support of fuel cell industry

MARKETING COMMITTEE

Charter

Increase public, state, national, and international awareness of Ohio fuel cell activities.