Staff report

BRITE Energy Innovators, a nationwide energy-tech business based in Warren, announced Thursday the appointment of Jade Davis as its new chief executive officer.

In its news release, BRITE called Davis one of Ohio’s leading public affairs and energy executives.

Davis delivers nearly two decades of experience in guiding corporations, nonprofits and civic institutions through regulatory and policy environments. The Cleveland native is the co-owner of Thornton Buckeye Group, a firm specializing in public affairs and government relations. He has served in executive roles at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity and the Port of Cleveland. He is an alumnus of the College of Wooster and the Harvard Business School.

BRITE’s board chair Michael Stacey said a comprehensive search process took place before choosing Davis.

“Jade’s proven track record gives him an unmatched ability to bridge policy and entrepreneurship, and his forward-thinking, progressive leadership style will be instrumental in unlocking capital and creating the environment our startups need to thrive,” he said.

“We are confident that under Jade’s guidance, BRITE will continue to accelerate the advanced energy economy and solidify the Midwest as a national leader in innovation.”

Davis takes over for interim CEO Jing Lyon, who served in BRITE’s leadership role since early June. She was selected to replace BRITE’s first CEO, Rick Stockburger.

The Valley native left as part of a planned leadership transition. In late July, he was named the inaugural CEO of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation in Washington, D.C.

“My career has been focused on the intersection of energy, innovation, and policy, and I see a great opportunity to establish the Midwest as the national launchpad for advanced energy technology and create jobs right here at home,” Davis said. “As I look forward to BRITE’s future, our focus will be set on identifying opportunities at the forefront of new energy innovation and efficiency that have promising growth potential within our national energy landscape.”

BRITE said its mission is rooted in accelerating the advanced energy economy by helping startups commercialize innovative technologies that make energy cleaner, more reliable and more affordable.

To date, BRITE has supported over 650 advanced energy companies, helping these companies secure over a billion dollars in third-party investment and create over 2,100 jobs.