BATON ROUGE – Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), the LSU-led statewide effort with more than 50 public and private partners, has named directors for key strategic areas:

• Ashwith Chilvery, use-inspired research and development
• Lacy McManus, workforce development
• Stephen Loy, technology commercialization
• Girard Melancon, strategic partnerships

FUEL is the recipient of a historic NSF Engines grant that will provide up to $160 million to support Louisiana’s energy industry, create jobs and develop the energy workforce. 

“We’re excited about adding these incredible trailblazers. This dream team will drive FUEL’s vision to lead the global energy transition,” FUEL Executive Director Michael Mazzola said. 

Chilvery is the assistant vice president of research and sponsored programs at Xavier University of Louisiana. He brings experience in leading research consortia to drive innovative, industry-focused research at higher education institutions. He joins FUEL as the interim director of use-inspired R&D.

Loy, the former executive director of Nexus Louisiana Technology Park, will use his background coaching early-stage companies through their entrepreneurial journey by moving technologies into the market quicker.

McManus led the $75 million H2theFuture program, a public-private coalition of 25 organizations accelerating decarbonization initiatives in the Louisiana industrial sectors with the most difficult paths to lowering carbon emissions. She will leverage her experience in leading workforce programs to cultivate a diverse, skilled energy transition workforce.

Melancon is the president and founder of workforce development/community benefits firm Durango Works Corps, a member of the United States Department of Energy Workforce Advisory Board, and the former vice chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College. He will use his background in community outreach, advocacy, and workforce development to advance equity and sustainability in Louisiana’s energy sector. 

FUEL is funded by the largest and most competitive grant in NSF history and $67.5 million from the state through Louisiana Economic Development. The funding will be spread over 10 years.

“Innovative technologies for the energy future will require higher education to drive industry-focused research, quickly moving discoveries into the marketplace, and a highly skilled, adaptable and inclusive professional workforce who can meet the evolving needs of employers,” said Robert Twilley, LSU vice president of research and economic development. “FUEL’s leadership team are outstanding talent to drive that mission.” 

The new directors complete FUEL’s executive search. The organization hired Mazzola in July after a global search. 

FUEL partners include the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources; the Louisiana Board of Regents; Louisiana’s higher education institutions; the Baton Rouge Area Chamber; Greater New Orleans, Inc.; Shell; ExxonMobil; and Baker Hughes. For a complete list of partners and information about FUEL, visit the LSU Media Center or the FUEL website.

About FUEL (Future Use of Energy in Louisiana) 

FUEL is a statewide effort led by LSU with more than 50 public and private partners, supported by a $160 million National Science Foundation grant – the largest and most competitive award in NSF history -- and $67.5 million in state funding. FUEL will work to solve emerging challenges in areas like carbon capture, transport and storage; hydrogen; use of carbon dioxide to produce low-carbon fuels and essential carbon-based products; water use and management; sustainable manufacturing; and policy development.

For more, go to FUEL.