Management
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
David W. Brown
Obsidian’s founder and Senior Principal, David Brown, brings a long history in tax law and finance as well as over 15 years as a ground-breaking renewable energy developer. Mr. Brown draws on a long career solving problems and navigating complex structures in a variety of industries. After his career in tax law, Mr. Brown co-founded the successful Obsidian group of companies, each with a focus on resolving difficult and complex problems in tax, finance, bankruptcy, forest products and energy. David sits on the board of Community Renewable Energy Association, is a long-standing member of Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition, Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association, the Bioenergy Deployment Consortium, and the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance and is widely regarded as an expert in renewable energy policy, tax credit finance and clean fuels development in the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Brown holds a Doctor of Law –Business from the University of Oregon Law School (80) and a B.Sc. from the Charles H. Lundquist School of Business (77).
Office: 503-542-8866
Executive Vice President
John Cable
John Cable, is a clean economy entrepreneur and a partner in Obsidian Renewables. As Executive Vice President, John holds responsibility for business development, strategic joint venture formation and project financing on behalf of Obsidian’s renewable and clean fuels projects. Prior to joining Obsidian, Mr. Cable worked for two decades as an investment banker and an investor of institutional capital in privately held companies and projects. His transaction experience spans private equity backed acquisitions, debt and equity capital raises, joint venture and project financings, and growth equity investments. John is a member of the Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition of and is focused on hydrogen and other e-fuels project development in the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Cable holds an MBA from the Tuck Graduate School of Business at Dartmouth College (04) and a BA from Stanford University (99).
Office: 646-918-0067
Vice President, Renewable Energy Development
Laurie Hutchinson
As Vice President of Renewable Project Development at Obsidian, Laurie works on all aspects of project development –from site selection and landowner relations, to the coordination of permitting and related studies, interconnection with transmission and coordination with engineering, procurement and construction contractors. Additionally, Laurie overseas Obsidian’s existing solar plant operation and maintenance and is an important liaison with local communities. Laurie has been working in the solar industry since 2007. Prior to Obsidian, she worked in solar electric design, construction management and technical sales. Laurie served on the board of the Oregon Solar + Storage Industries Associations (OSSIA) from 2012 through 2018.
Office: 503-488-6153
Michelle Slater
Michelle has a unique combination of business and legal experience, negotiation, and interpersonal translation. Her legal experience ranges from complex commercial and regulated transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and renewable energy development. An attorney for over 25 years, she is also an experienced grant writer, project lead, and business advisor. She brings these experiences and skills to Obsidian, providing legal, business, and project management support. Michelle received her law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College.
Work: 503-245-8800
Development Manager, Low Carbon Fuels
Matt Kirsch
Matt Kirsch is a clean fuels project developer at Obsidian Renewables, supporting solar and hydrogen project formation around the Pacific Northwest. Previously, he spent 7 years working on chemical process automation projects for the variety of clients in the manufacturing, utility, and technology development sectors. Matt has served as Vice Chair of the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance’s Washington Policy Subcommittee, on the Associate Boards of the nonprofits Oregon Environmental Council and Green Empowerment, and is certified in energy procurement (CEP) by the Association of Energy Engineers. Matt graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S.(Chemical Engineering).
Office: 503-245-5800
Senior Analyst, Low Carbon Fuels & Renewable Energy Development
Kirk Moore
Kirk Moore recently joined Obsidian Renewables after working for 10 years at Obsidian Finance Group, LLC. Kirk works on project development, focusing on financial modeling, contracting, project diligence and land use issues. While at Obsidian Finance he managed a portfolio of subprime bonds, served as Principal Agent to the United States Small Business Administration as Receiver for multiple investment funds, liquidated portfolios of real estate and helped manage complex litigation. Prior to joining Obsidian, Kirk practiced law with Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C. focusing on commercial finance, commercial litigation and labor and employment matters. Kirk received his J.D. from the University of Oregon in 2004 and his B.S. in business economics from Willamette University in 1997.
Office: 503-488-6151
P.E. C.W.R.E.Senior Consultant, Government and Community liaison
Shannon Souza
Shannon is an Oregon professional engineer and water right examiner supporting strategic growth, responsible development, and sustainable living since 1999. Her practice has included Low Impact Development, habitat restoration, public water supply planning and expansion, industrial waste minimization, net-zero design and energy resilience through local generation and storage. Her current focus is on the responsible and rapid integration of decarbonized fuels into the PNW constructed environment. Co-founder of Oregon Coast Energy Alliance Network (OCEAN) –author of Oregon’s state offshore wind planning goal. As Policy Director for Pacific Ocean Energy Trust (POET) she introduced OSW and advocated for integration of renewable hydrogen into OPUC policy and regional energy planning. She served for four years as Oregon Solar + Storage Industry Association’s (OSSIA) Policy Chair, and representative of the Professional Engineers of Oregon on Gov. Brown’s Resilience Mitigation Advisory Council. Oregon’s 2019 Engineer of the Year, she holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University.
Office Manager
Karyn Moscoe
Karyn Moscoe is the Office Manager at Obsidian Renewables and has supported all Obsidian companies since 2005. Karyn manages several areas of the company including Payroll, Benefits, Bookkeeping/financials, Purchasing and an extensive range of support. Prior to her work at Obsidian, Karyn worked in administration and procurement within the financial, high-tech, electronics, IT, medical, tax and retail industries. With Karyn’s diverse background she manages the Obsidian office including accounting, HR, purchasing, travel arrangements, and IT matters.
Office: 503-245-8800