Bio
Mike Twardy is the Business Development Lead for the Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In this role he primarily focuses on stakeholder engagement, identifies and researches potential industrial partners, federal sponsors, and other collaborators to support ESTD research priorities, including community outreach efforts. Mike is currently supporting several strategic initiatives including: the Appalachian Carbon Forum, Smoky Mountains Mobility Conference, the Southeast Decarbonization Workshop and Initiative, ORNL Net-Zero Campus, ORNL Net-Zero Vision, and other efforts focused on the equitable energy transition and decarbonization in the Southeast and Appalachia.
Prior to joining ORNL, Mike worked for Shelton Group as an Account Director where he led the development and execution of sustainability and ESG communications strategies and reports for Fortune 500 corporations, NGOs and utilities. Mike also has 15 years of experience producing a wide variety of television programming, including science and technology themed shows, for networks such as Discovery, The History Channel, SyFy, HGTV and TruTV as well as content for several companies based in East Tennessee.
In addition to his work at ORNL, Mike also serves on the Board of Directors for the Foothills Land Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the lands and environments of the Southern Appalachian region and promoting the character of the land for the benefit of the general public, now and in the future.