About Soltherm

DID YOU KNOW?
Colleges spend $3 billion annually on energy.

SolTherm Team

Scott Clark

Chief Strategy Officer

"We pride ourselves on consistently raising the bar in providing innovative solutions for the clean energy economy."

As Chief Strategy Officer, Scott Clark directs corporate strategy and global strategic partnerships. His creative leadership and strong industry background secure SolTherm’s place as a leader in clean energy.

Prior to SolTherm, Scott served as Executive Vice President of a national energy company, where he managed the world’s largest solar thermal heating and cooling installation, according to the International Energy Agency.

Previously, Scott founded and served as CEO of Appalachian Energy, where he led the company to national prominence resulting in a profitable acquisition by a large West Coast company.

Gov. Beverly Perdue recently appointed Scott to serve on the North Carolina Economic Development Workforce Board, where he consults with executives across the state to assure a coherent and comprehensive workforce development system.

Scott graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and lives in Charlotte, NC.

Tom Ryan

Chief Operating Officer

"It's very fulfilling to help clients reduce their operating cost, utilize clean, renewable energy, and bring local jobs to their communities."

As COO, Tom Ryan oversees design, development and long-term asset management for SolTherm. Tom's background in commercial contracting, construction and operations management, and organizational design and development brings diverse expertise to SolTherm.

Tom gained solar thermal and photovoltaic design and development experience while leading construction for a national energy company, where among his accomplishments was overseeing construction of the world's largest solar thermal heating and cooling facility.

Previously, Tom served as President of MHS Construction, a construction company based in Asheville, NC. Tom has a Business Management degree from North Central College and is also a licensed NC real estate broker.

NABCEP® Certified Solar Thermal Installer
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

Drew Kitt

VP Business Development

“I am personally committed to advance the use of renewable energy systems. SolTherm provides me with the resources to have the greatest impact.”

Drew Kitt has 15 years of career experience in small business management, marketing and operations in the retail, aerospace and renewable energy industries. He earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of North Carolina – Asheville with honors. Currently he serves on the leadership group of the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute and has his Solar PV NABCEP certification. He is passionate about his current position in business development, marketing and promoting the use of renewable energy systems. Originally from Long Island, NY, he has also lived in Portland, OR; Prescott, AZ; and Burlington, VT, and is happy to have settled down in Asheville, NC, where he has lived for the last 10 years with his wife, Jesse, and now with their two young children, Sergio and Valencia. He enjoys playing golf, playing the bass and playing in the great outdoors.

Ryan Holmes

Cheif Executive Officer, Ambling University Development Group

An entrepreneur and business owner for over 20 years, Holmes is responsible for spearheading the company’s growth nationwide and providing strategic, executive and developmental oversight.
Under his leadership, Ambling has grown and diversified its product and service offering. Originally focused on for-rent product development, Ambling is now an all-inclusive developer, manager and builder of numerous product types in a variety of markets.
Prior to Ambling, Holmes founded the property management firm, Sunbelt Holding Management Company where he spearheaded all growth, business development and daily operations. This organization later evolved into Ambling Management Company and was recently listed as number 42 in Multifamily Executive magazine’s “Top 50” ranking.Holmes earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate from Georgia Southern University. and is a Georgia Registered Real Estate Appraiser and holds active broker licenses in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Holmes also serves as chairman on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Greg Hunter

Cheif Financial Officer, Ambling University Development Group

Greg Hunter is responsible for the accounting, finance, asset management and information technology for the Company. In this position, Hunter works closely with his colleagues to develop business strategies that support the overall mission, goals and objectives of the company, while providing overall financial leadership and direction. He is responsible for ensuring that proper financial controls are in place to maximize opportunities while minimizing risk to the company.
Before joining Ambling Companies, Hunter was with Hunt Construction Company, Inc., where he served in various financial positions and was ultimately promoted to assistant controller. Hunter also served as the company’s accounts payable manager and purchasing agent.
Hunter graduated from Valdosta State University and is also a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

David Mertens

Solar Design Manager

“As the most abundant energy source on Earth, isn’t it time humanity learned to harness the sun just as nature does already? SolTherm is passionately focused on providing clients with custom solar systems to utilize this free energy.”

As the technical advisor to the SolTherm team, David Mertens serves as the Solar Design Manager. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, he worked primarily in cryogenic piping design and industrial construction. With SolTherm, he now works in sustainable energy to partner with clients in reducing their environmental impact through designing economic solar solutions. As self-proclaimed environmentalists, David, his wife and daughters are excited to be in Asheville and fulfilling their appetite for a wide array of outdoor activities. Who knew a tiger could be so green!

Sean Gallagher

Associate Energy Analyst

“Renewable energy is a cornerstone of today’s economy. At SolTherm I am able to combine my market enthusiasm with sustainable business practices. It provides me a strong platform to begin my professional career and make an environmental difference.”

Sean Gallagher joined SolTherm in the fall of 2010 as an Associate Energy Analyst. He looks to combine his business and environmental education to assist SolTherm in their expansion of the renewable energy market.
Sean recently graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with duel degrees in environmental studies and business administration. He is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and came to Asheville five years ago. His interest in solar energy began in school and through his work at the Student Environmental Center at UNC-Asheville. Sean looks to expand his market knowledge and become a valuable asset for SolTherm’s future.
He enjoys an active lifestyle and typically spends his weekends working out, mountain biking and catching up with friends.