MANAGEMENT TEAM
Joel Ewanick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Ewanick is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at FirstElement Fuel, Inc. where he is responsible for implementing the vision of FirstElement Fuel, including corporate strategy and product planning. He brings vast experience and skills in marketing, improving the customer experience, growing markets, and managing customer incentive programs. Previously, Joel served as General Motors’ Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Marketing at Hyundai Motors America. At Hyundai, Joel was critical to the auto’s market growth. He’s most recognized for a relentless drive, willingness to make bold changes that benefit the brand, and for the ability to forge mutual trust and respect between company and consumer.
Dr. Brown is Chief Operations Officer and a Principal at FirstElement Fuel, Inc. His responsibilities include technology oversight, project management, and business planning, including growing FirstElement Fuel's network of hydrogen stations. Previously Dr. Brown led a sustainable transportation research group at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and also managed the operation of the UC Irvine hydrogen station and the Orange County Sanitation District hydrogen station. Dr. Brown helped lead the effort to develop the 68 hydrogen station plan for California, which was referenced in the California Fuel Cell Partnerships’ Roadmap document. As a hydrogen thought-leader, he’s authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles on hydrogen infrastructure and alternative transportation and has spoken at scores of invited lectures. Prior to his time at UCI, Dr. Brown worked with automotive fuel system testing at General Motors for 6 years.
Dr. Tim Brown, Chief Operations Officer and Principal
Dr. Shane Stephens, Chief Development Officer and Principal
Dr. Stephens is Chief Development Officer and a Principal at FirstElement Fuel, Inc. where he is in charge of investments, business development, government/policy issues, and overall growth of the company. Prior to that he conducted groundbreaking hydrogen infrastructure research at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and led government relations and program development efforts for the National Fuel Cell Research Center. Dr. Stephens also interned at the Obama White House where he helped design and coordinate policy related to energy and disaster readiness for local communities. As a scientist and thought leader in the clean energy space Dr. Stephens has authored more than a half-dozen peer-reviewed scientific articles and won awards for his work on fuel cells and how they integrate into the broader energy ecosystem including a fellowship from the Newkirk Center for Science and Society and a Public Impact Fellowship from UC Irvine.