At CFO (Boardroom Media) we track over 1,000,000 startups and over 5,000,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top Illinois based CFO’ operating in the Energy space. If you think a CFO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on [email protected].
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.

RD Ahlers
Chief Financial Officer of ampCNG
RD Ahlers is the Chief Financial Officer at ampCNG.
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About ampCNG: ampCNG is engaged in the transition to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel in the commercial trucking industry.

Jonathan Thayer
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Exelon Corporation
Jonathan (Jack) W. Thayer joined Exelon Corporation in January 2012 and serves as senior executive vice president and chief financial officer. As the chief financial officer, he is responsible for overseeing the execution of all financial activities including the capital investment process, cost optimization, financial reporting, planning, audit and tax. Additionally, in his role, Thayer leads the treasury function in developing and implementing financing plans as well as the investor relations department.
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About Exelon Corporation: Exelon Corporation is a utility services holding company that provides services for energy generation businesses in the United States.
Gretchen Cannon
Chief Financial Officer of NanoGraf Corporation
Gretchen Cannon is the Chief Financial Officer at NanoGraf.
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About NanoGraf Corporation: NanoGraf Corporation is a battery development company researched ways to improve battery life and charging time.

Brian Steenhard
Chief Financial Officer of Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings
Mr. Steenhard began his career as an audit associate with the largest international accounting firm in the world. While working in public accounting, Mr. Steenhard gained valuable experience in completing mergers and acquisitions, divestures, and initial public offerings for Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Steenhard’s clients operated in various industries including energy trading, public gas and electric utilities, transportation, manufacturing, and non-for-profits.
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About : Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc. is a leading producer of ethanol and related by-products.
Mark W. Marinko
SVP & CFO of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation
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About Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States.
Mark W. Marinko
SVP & CFO of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation
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About Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States.

Stephanie Kushner
EVP & CFO of Broadwind Energy
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About Broadwind Energy: Their recently completed Recapitalization represents a major milestone in our overall plan to produce profitable growth for our investors.
Adam Haldorson
CFO of G-Ride
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About G-Ride: G-Ride is a eco-conscious ride share company that only has green vehicles and plants a tree w/ every ride