Mr. Hart, the founder and executive director of Sierra Energy, has a wealth of experience in the industrial sector, having spent over 30 years starting and running companies. In addition to leading Sierra Energy, he also serves as the President of Sierra Railroad. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field of renewable fuels, receiving recognition as an “Environmental Hero” by the US Environmental Protection Agency and as a “Champion of Change” by the White House. He was named an Edmund Hilary Fellow for the nation of New Zealand. His railroad was the first in the US to operate using 100% biodiesel. Before starting Sierra Energy and Sierra Railroad, Hart worked as a management consultant to various organizations such as FMC, NASA (Mars Mission), TRW, Boeing, McDonnell Douglas and General Motors. He is an alumnus of UC Davis, Stanford Advanced Management Program and Singularity University.
Executive Team
Scott Kraynak is the President and CEO of Sierra Energy where is leading the commercial deployment of a circular FastOx® gasification technology that diverts waste from landfills, transforming it into high value renewable fuels and chemicals. He has over 30 years experience in project development / execution, engineering and supply chain with Dow Chemical, Kellogg Brown & Root, Owens Corning, Aker Solutions, Husky Technologies and OMNI Conversion Technologies. Scott specializes in commercial innovation to create high ROI project solutions. He has extensive experience building and leading global supply chain organizations and a strong track record in process technology standardization and cost reduction. Scott has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from Rice University.
Mr. Nilsson has extensive intellectual property, corporate governance, and corporate finance experience. Prior to joining Sierra in 2004, Mr. Nilsson worked for various law firms and companies including Thelen Reid & Priest LLP, Gartenberg, Jaffe, Gelfand & Stein LLP, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, and NASA. He earned two B.A. degrees from the University of California, Davis, and his law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he was an editor of the Santa Clara Law Review and received the American Jurisprudence Award. Mr. Nilsson also completed studies in comparative law at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
Mr. Vergnani joined the Sierra Energy team in 2015, where he has played a key role in the design, installation, commissioning, and operation of the company’s demonstration facility at Fort Hunter Liggett. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wyoming and brings a strong background in process engineering, control, and automation to the team. Before joining Sierra Energy, Mr. Vergnani managed multiple technology R&D projects for CHA Corporation, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation and operational excellence. His commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions makes him an invaluable asset to the Sierra Energy team. When he’s not at work, Paul enjoys spending quality time with his wife, exploring new places, and engaging in outdoor activities. Their shared love for adventure fuels their weekends, whether it’s hiking, traveling, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Greg Lutz brings a wealth of financial acumen to his role as Chief Financial Officer of Sierra Railroad Company, where he plays a pivotal part in advancing the company’s strategic goals. His diverse experience includes tenures at leading organizations such as Ernst & Young LLP, Intel Corp and Teledyne Technologies, demonstrating a strong foundation in financial management and executive leadership. Before joining the Sierra Team, Greg spent seven years as the CFO of Ramos Oil Company where he was instrumental in driving substantial growth and ultimately facilitating the company’s acquisition by a Fortune 50 Oil Company in 2024. Subsequently, Greg was recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as a 2024 C-Suite Award Honoree. Greg holds an MBA from California State University, Chico. When not at work, Greg enjoys spending time with his family, cycling and playing pickleball.
Erik is a dedicated professional with over 22 years of service as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). A proud alumnus of UC Davis, he holds a Master’s degree from CSU Chico and began his distinguished career with the US Department of Justice. Erik has worked in several key locations, including Sacramento, Stockton, and Fresno, and concluded his service at the Northern Bay County Satellite office, overseeing a region from Marin County to the Oregon border. His expertise lies in developing and implementing robust security measures, fostering strong relationships with law enforcement agencies, and ensuring the safety of facilities and assets. Erik remains committed to community safety and public service. When he’s not at work, Erik enjoys exploring the outdoors, whether it’s fishing, hiking in Tahoe, or indulging in wine tasting. He also loves going on adventures with his two golden retrievers, making the most of his time off.
Marcus McCarthy is a seasoned Human Resources and Organizational Management professional with over 25 years of experience across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, automotive, and hospitality. He specializes in process improvement, risk management, and organizational development. Holding an MBA from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), he is certified in SHRM-SCP, SPHR, GPHR, and PHRca. In his free time, Mr. McCarthy enjoys playing the piano, mountain biking, and spending quality moments with his family.
Advisors
Nicole Woolsey Biggart
ADVISORY BOARD CHAIRWOMAN
Dr. Biggart is a Professor Emerita of Management and Sociology at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Biggart served as the dean of the UC Davis Graduate School of Management from July 2003 to June 2009. She received her Ph.D from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an expert in organizational theory and management of innovation and has written many books, reports and articles. Dr. Biggart has studied a variety of sectors, organizations and markets around the world.
Bill Davis
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Under Mr. Davis’ leadership, Ze-gen successfully raised $35 million through three equity rounds, demonstrated its proprietary technology, and recruited a world-class management team and advisory board. Prior to founding Ze-gen, Mr. Davis’ career in business has included launching numerous companies: Database Marketing Corporation in 1986, Holland Mark in 1997, and Cambridge Brand Analytics in 2003. Mr. Davis serves on the President’s Council for CERES, and an advisory panel to Clinton Global Initiative.
Christine Gulbranson
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Named a “Top ‘Forty Under 40’ of Business Leaders in Silicon Valley,” Dr. Gulbranson earned five degrees, including an MBA, from the University of California, Davis. She began her career as Director of Research Collaborations in the University of California’s Office of the President. Combining her science and business background, Dr. Gulbranson spent two years as a partner at Global Catalyst Partners, a Bay Area venture capital firm that specializes in the high-tech sector. She has launched two nanotechnology firms and a consulting practice.
Jim Wunderman
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Wunderman serves as the President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, a public policy organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to this, he held key positions in both the private and public sectors, which included Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Providian Financial Corporation and Chief of Staff to San Francisco Mayor Frank M. Jordan. Wunderman also serves on the board of California Pacific Medical Center, Bridge Housing Corporation, and the Advisory Board of the Partnership for America’s Economic Success.
Laura Dodd
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Ms. Dodd previously served as the Vice President of Operations and led the successful effort to acquire funding that opened the gates for the Fort Hunter Liggett project. Ms. Dodd specializes in building strong teams and clear strategic plans. She now applies these skills in software development at Atlassian, a company reinventing the way teams collaborate. Ms. Dodd received a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and has career background in environmental engineering, permitting, construction, and planning.
Michael C. Child
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Child serves as a Managing Director for TA Associates, Inc., a private equity investment firm, where he is co-head of the Menlo Park office Technology Group, focused on investments in technology and technology based services. Prior to joining TA Associates, he was a Product Manager for ROLM Corporation, worked with Boston Consulting Group in strategic planning and was a Production Engineer for Hewlett-Packard. He received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Davis and earned his MBA from Stanford University.
The path to zero waste.
