PRESENTERS BIOGRAPHIES
Listed alphabetically by first name
Ben Williams
Ariel Corporation
Specialist – Process Sales and Market Development
Presentation: “An Introduction to Ariel Corporation and Our Commitment to Hydrogen Mobility”
Ben Williams is the Process Compressor Sales and Market Development Specialist for Ariel Corporation, located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, USA. Ben has worked with hydrogen compression for more than 35 years, primarily in the refinery and petrochemical industries. He is looking forward to introducing Ariel Corporation and discussing the commitment Ariel is making to the hydrogen fueling market.
• Veteran of the United States Navy Submarine Force.
• Graduate of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School
• San Jacinto College, Pasadena, TX
• Member of the American Petroleum Institute’s Subcommittee on Mechanical Equipment (SOME)
David Perzynski
American Honda Motor Company
Hydrogen Business Development Lead
Presentation: "Honda's Hydrogen Business Strategy"
David Perzynski, Assistant Manager in Honda's Hydrogen Solutions Business, brings a wealth of knowledge and genuine passion for sustainable energy solutions to the upcoming Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium. A graduate of The Ohio State University, David is dedicated to driving positive change and resiliency within the clean energy sector.
With a solid foundation in business operations and a deep commitment to advancing carbon neutrality, David has contributed to innovative microgrid projects and nurtured partnerships. Their presentation will offer insights into Honda's strategic vision for hydrogen, highlighting the company's role in advancing the overall Hydrogen ecosystem through the manufacturing of next-generation fuel cell technology. The discussion will emphasize collaboration and collective dedication as crucial components of Honda's journey towards a carbon-neutral future.
Jing Lyon
BRITE Energy Innovators
Programs Director
Presentation: "Bringing Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers to Market: Beyond Research and Development"
Jing works with energy innovation by creating a community that offers services and support that helps accelerate commercialization of new technologies. She has experience launching several hard tech energy startups then spent time in corporate consulting around process and continuous improvement. Jing earned her BS in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University and also holds a MBA from Keller School of Management.
Joshua W. Davis
Dominion Energy
Contracting Services Supervisor
Presentation: "Hydrogen: The Next Frontier of Clean Energy"
Joshua W. Davis is a seasoned professional with a strong background in gas design supervision, chemical process engineering, and leadership in the energy sector. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Lake Erie College, Joshua brings a well-rounded skill set to his work.
Throughout his career, Joshua has successfully managed complex projects and played key roles in initiatives like the hydrogen blending pilot project, Hydrogen Heights, at Dominion Energy Ohio. The hydrogen facilities have been equipped to blend 5% hydrogen into a methane distribution system in a closed loop training facility. He has also been actively involved in leadership positions, currently the Contracting Services Supervisor where he oversees all of Dominion Energy Ohio’s pipeline and auxiliary contractor operations.
Passionate about promoting diversity and excellence, Joshua is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Joshua also sits on two boards; board trustee for Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) and American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) where he is the Vice President of the Northeast Ohio Chapter.
With a commitment to sustainable energy and a dedication to his field, Joshua Davis is poised to continue contributing meaningfully to the energy industry.
Kirt Conrad
Stark Area Regional Transit Authority
CEO and Executive Director
Presentation: "Hydrogen - The Key to Decarbonization"
Kirt Conrad is a senior executive in Public Transit with expertise in alternative energy and public policy. During his career, he has increased ridership over 30%, revenues by 20%, and secured over $50 million in competitive grants.
Since 2009, Kirt has been the CEO of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) in Canton, Ohio. SARTA operates 100+ buses with 200+ employees. Last year nearly 2.6 million passenger trips were transported by over 30 fixed and demand routes. SARTA, under Conrad’s leadership, has replaced much of its bus fleet with CNG and now deploy 15 fuel cell buses, the largest fleet in the US outside of California.
Currently, Kirt serves on the board of Ohio Transit Risk Pool (OTRP), the Ohio Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Coalition, and CALSTART’s fuel cell infrastructure advisory board for public transit. Kirt is also involved with the CTE/FTA’s Procurement Risk Reduction for Zero Emission Vehicles Committee, is a member of American Public Transportation Association’s Zero Emission Bus Specification Committee and is the past president of Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA).
Mark Henning
Research Supervisor
Midwest Hydrogen Center of Excellence and the Energy Policy Center
Levin College of Public Affairs, Cleveland State University
Presentation: "Regulation and economics of CO2 injection and storage; IRA tax credits for hydrogen refueling infrastructure"
Mark Henning is Research Supervisor for the Energy Policy Center at Cleveland State University, a role he also performs on behalf of the Midwest Hydrogen Center of Excellence, a regional initiative for the advancement of hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions vehicles in Midwestern public transit. His research focuses on the hydrogen economy, microgrids, energy storage, sustainable transportation, and climate-related financial risk. His current projects include research on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration, JobsOhio, and Cuyahoga County’s Department of Sustainability. He holds a BA in Economics, a Master of Public Administration, and an MS in Statistics, all from Cleveland State University.
Micah Casteel, Ph.D.
Idaho National Laboratory
Senior Research Mechanical Design Engineer
Hydrogen and Thermal Systems Group
Energy and Environment Science & Technology
Presentation: "High Temperature Electrolysis at Idaho National Lab - Fundamentals and Future"
Micah Casteel is a Senior Research Mechanical Design Engineer and Group Lead of the Hydrogen and Thermal Systems Group of INL’s Energy and Environmental Science & Technology Directorate. Micah has worked in hydrogen and energy conversion for the past 15 years with a focus on high temperature electrochemical systems. This included nearly 10 years in commercial fuel cell and electrolysis system design, build, and demonstration prior to arriving at INL. Since arriving at INL 2 years ago, he’s worked as a technical lead on high temperature electrolysis technology projects including the Bloom Energy 100kW Electrolysis and FCE 250 kW Electrolysis system demonstrations, hydrogen post processing system development, developing and operating several INL HTE test platform facilities, and materials degradation testing for the DOE H2New program.
- Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- B.S. Mechanical and Materials Joining Engineering, LeTourneau University
Michael Diamond
Van Ness Feldman LLP
Partner and advisor for Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition
Presentation: "Interstate transportation of H2 and CO2; IRA production tax credits, IRS Rule 45V"
Michael Diamond represents natural gas pipeline companies and electric utilities before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and federal courts of appeals. Michael provides comprehensive FERC regulatory advice and counsel to natural gas pipeline companies on rate and tariff matters under the Natural Gas Act, as well as pipeline certificate and abandonment proceedings. He also assists pipeline clients with compliance, complaints, enforcement and rulemaking proceedings before FERC and with litigation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Michael also is advising the Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition regarding issues related to the development of interstate hydrogen pipelines, including the federal regulation of hydrogen transportation.
Rashid Farahati, Ph.D.
Schaeffler USA
Director Corporate Competence Center Americas
Presentation: "Schaeffler's Hydrogen Strategy Development"
Rashid Farahati, a distinguished leader in Engineering Solutions with a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, has been a driving force at Schaeffler USA since 2001. His passion for sustainable engineering solutions has made him a vital contributor to the organization's success. Rashid combines academic excellence with practical expertise and innovation, with a particular focus on Li-ion battery technology, fuel cells, and green hydrogen.
As the head of the Schaeffler Competence Center of Americas, he plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between Schaeffler and academic institutions and industry partners. His leadership underscores the importance of collective dedication in advancing Schaeffler's vision for a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.