Guzman Energy Announces Mark Vanderhelm Hired as Chief Operating Officer

August 25, 2021 at 10:21 AM EDT

Fortune 100 business and energy corporate leader to join fast-growing mobilizer for energy transition

Guzman Energy, a wholesale power provider based in Colorado, has announced that Mark Vanderhelm will be joining the organization as chief operating officer.

Vanderhelm joins Guzman Energy from Walmart where he most recently served as a vice president for energy and facilities management. For Walmart Energy, Vanderhelm led competitive and regulated supply, regulatory, energy resilience, renewables, EV charging, and innovation, demonstration, and deployment of technologies impacting cost and carbon footprint. As such, he oversaw Walmart’s U.S. commitment to Zero Emissions by 2040 and Zero Waste by 2025. For Walmart Facilities Maintenance, Vanderhelm led the revitalization of the team with a new business model and sufficient resources to create enhanced cost-efficient store service that leverages asset digitization, IoT, and advanced analytics to drive long-term value.

Prior to joining Walmart, Vanderhelm managed generation and renewables development for Exelon Generation. In this role, Mark led the team responsible for developing new generation projects including gas, solar, biomass, storage and hydro, as well as investing in new electricity-based technologies throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Mark’s strong business acumen and track record translating energy strategy into game-changing outcomes makes him an ideal addition to the Guzman Energy senior leadership team,” said Christopher Miller, president of Guzman Energy. “As our business continues to grow, Mark will play a critical role in leading operations delivering customer value through more cost-efficient and cleaner energy programs.”

Vanderhelm brings 20 years of experience in conventional and renewable electricity markets and projects, technology, and related talent management to his senior role at Guzman Energy. As a technical and business strategist, Vanderhelm brings considerable expertise in building new business functions, delivering complex construction projects, investing in new technologies, and establishing joint ventures.

“I am honored to join the highly successful Guzman Energy team and lean into their mission of creating reliable power at reliable prices,” said Vanderhelm.

Vanderhelm holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from University of Texas. He went on to earn a M.S. and Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he co-directed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations’ Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives.

About Guzman Energy

Guzman Energy is a wholesale power provider dedicated to communities in search of affordable and reliable energy. We partner with cooperatives, municipalities, companies and tribes across North America to customize energy portfolios that make economic and environmental sense for today and tomorrow. Together, we are lighting the way forward. Learn more at guzmanenergy.com.