Home Staff
Friday, September 10, 2010
Consulting Staff Print E-mail

Senior Consultants

Michael Beck

Jonathan McClelland

William Klun

Randy Ruschak

Brian Westerhaus

Dr. Kamal Golabi


Patrick Baiocco

Jim Letzelter

Marty Jacobsen


Roger Campbell

Alexander L. Huhmann

Dr. Carl Liggio

Barbara Kates-Garnick

Phillip S. Teumim

Frank Radigan


Energy Analysts & Support


Betsy McDonald

Leneve Ong

Calvin Sung



Michael Haimson

Jamil Khan










Michael Beck

Mike established MJ Beck Consulting in 2006 as a vehicle to provide specialized service to the energy industry, specifically in the power and environmental areas. He has been involved in energy consulting for over 20 years and has consulted for a variety of organizations on a broad range of topics including generation and transmission operations, strategic planning, asset valuation, knowledge and risk management, environmental strategy, and competitive analysis. An attentive leader with a proven, results-driven record of business development, project management, and problem solving, he uses excellent communications and interpersonal skills to work with clients to deliver measurable, distinctive results. Prior to forming MJ Beck Consulting, Mike held senior positions at Hagler Bailly (formerly Theodore Barry & Associates) and PA Consulting. He holds a BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Drexel University, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of New Jersey.

Back to top.

Jonathan McClelland

Jonathan brings nine years experience in consulting to the utilities sector and further strengthens MJ Beck’s capabilities in environmental and renewable energy issues. Prior to joining MJ Beck he worked in London with Power Capital, a financial advisory firm focused on Renewable Power industry. In this capacity, Jonathan specialized in quantifying the impact of various national, regional and international renewable energy policies on power asset valuation. In North America, Jonathan worked in Washington DC as part of the Global Gas Group of PFC Energy where he analyzed the natural gas operations and strategies of major international and national oil companies. Jonathan began his career in the energy practice of PA Consulting group where he delivered operational, benchmarking and strategy assignments for utilities in Australia and North America.Jonathan holds a Masters in International Relations & Economics from the Johns Hopkins University where he focused on International Energy Policy. Additionally, he holds Bachelor degrees in Economics and Commerce from the University of Queensland, Australia.

Back to top.

Jim Letzelter

A recognized leader in management consulting to the energy industry, Jim has over 15 years of consulting and management experience. He specializes in power market and risk analysis, generation portfolio optimization, asset valuation and strategic planning. He is frequently sought to speak at high profile industry forums and is well published in top industry and general business periodicals. He has led a variety of regulatory and restructuring proceedings, and has supported numerous successful merger, acquisition and development initiatives. Jim brings an energetic, visionary, and motivational mind set to the organizations he serves. He has previously held positions as Managing Director of Platts Research & Consulting, President of GenerSys Consulting and Principal of Hagler Bailly (PA Consulting). Jim holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and an MBA from the State University of New York at Albany.

Back to top.

Alexander L. Huhmann

Alex has over thirty four years experience in the power industry with strong credentials and a solid record of achievement in the technical and financial aspects of evaluating and deploying power generation and emissions control technologies, creating cost-effective generation strategies, and negotiating clean air initiatives. He also has an extensive engineering and economic background in optimizing existing generating technology and integrating new technologies into a company's business strategy. He has published numerous papers in several technical journals and holds a patent for NOx control technology for coal fired utility boilers. Alex worked for Westinghouse early in his career and then for Public Service Electric & Gas, and its subsidiary, PSEG - Power, with responsibilities for Environmental Engineering and Advanced Generation Technologies. Alex holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the City College of New York, an MBA from Rutgers University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of New Jersey. He holds a Gold Seal Stationary Engineers License as well as a Wastewater Plant Operators License for the state of New Jersey.

Back to top.

Dr. Kamal Golabi

As Science Advisor to MJB, Dr. Golabi specializes in designing optimization models and solution methods for large-scale, complex, multi-objective decision problems. During the last twenty-five years, the focus of his work has been on the design and development of planning, optimization and risk management systems for infrastructure and energy networks. He has also contributed to the theory and application of stochastic dynamic systems, probabilistic inventory theory, multi-objective optimization models, and economic models for energy and natural resources. Dr. Golabi is President and Chief Scientist of Optima, Inc, and has served as consultant and advisor to numerous international and national organizations, foreign governments, state agencies, research institutes and corporations. He has won the Franz Edelman Prize, awarded by the the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, and has been published widely. Dr. Golabi received a BS in Process Engineering from the Abadan Institute of Technology, Iran, an MS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in Management Science/Operations Research from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Back to top.

Randy Ruschak

Randy has over 25 years of experience within the utility and energy fields in capacities ranging from a direct employee to management consultant to executive recruiter. He began his career with the New York Power Authority where he was the Resident Civil Engineer and Assistant Mechanical Engineer managing the preventive maintenance system, As-Built drawings, Outage Planning & Scheduling process and physical plant integrity. Following graduation from business school, Randy worked with the firm of Theodore Barry & Associates [now PA Consulting]. Consulting with both electric and gas utilities, he counseled functions in fossil and nuclear generation and various areas for gas. He then worked with Richard Metzler & Associates [RM&A] as Partner in the practices of pre-audit preparation, prudence/litigation support and nuclear operations management systems. Randy managed the largest project undertaken by RM&A - a regulatory strategy project for rate-base inclusion of a nuclear power plant. RM&A went public in the mid-90's and is now known as Navigant Consulting. He has considerable experience in the areas of power production, operations and management systems, outage planning & control as well as environmental compliance, human resources and executive management information systems. Randy holds a BS in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. and an MBA in finance and management of organizations from Columbia University in New York.

Back to top.

William Klun

Bill is an energy finance specialist with over 15 years of experience in energy-related banking, financial advisory and financial risk management. He is an expert in energy finance, including "cutting edge" experience in renewable energy. He has worked with private equity firms and hedge funds identifying, evaluating and structuring energy-related investment opportunities and financings. He has evaluated, structured and closed transactions in alternative fuels, renewable energy and energy technology. Prior to this position, Bill was Vice President and Co-Head of DZ Bank's energy corporate finance group, where he managed $3 billion+ in complex financings for the electric power, oil and gas and refining sectors. In addition, Mr. Klun was the senior bank representative in several high profile restructurings, including Enron, Williams Companies, PG&E NEG and Mirant. Prior to DZ Bank, Mr. Klun was a Principal with PA Consulting, and was a Director at Louis Dreyfus Corporation and the Duke Energy/Louis Dreyfus joint venture, where he structured derivative transactions and financial risk management strategies for the energy industry and corporate energy consumers. Bill has an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School, an MA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS Cum Laude from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He has contributed several articles to Institutional Investor on energy finance subjects and authored Market Risk in Electric Generation Finance in Energy Convergence: The Beginning of the Multi-Commodity Market, (Wiley Finance, pub.).

Back to top.

Marty Jacobsen

Marty is a senior business and consulting professional with a proven track record for delivering sustainable results for clients. He has extensive performance improvement experience covering a broad range of service areas, including strategy formation, enterprise transformation, operational reinvention and technology enablement. Marty has delivered projects for leading electric and gas utilities companies including, Nicor Gas, Xcel Energy/CapX 2020, PPL, Florida Power & Light, Rochester Gas & Electric, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Com Ed, AEP, Cinergy, Piedmont NG, and PECO Energy.

Back to top.

Brian Westerhaus

Brian is an experienced Program Manager with skills ranging from commercial services management, execution supply chain transformation initiatives, capital project delivery, and cost reduction initiatives. For the past 6 years, Brian has held various leadership roles in delivering major capital projects in the energy sector including major Transmission Line construction and Power Plant rehabilitation projects.

Back to top.

Roger Campbell

Roger Campbell is a proven leader in the energy industry with 35 years of service at both the corporate officer level as well as an industry consultant. Roger's expertise includes corporate finance; fuel supply and transportation; generation planning; strategic planning; demand side management; mergers and acquisition; auditing and productivity improvement. He has testified as an expert witness on numerous subjects before various regulatory authorities. Roger brings the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization from the board of directors through the various ranks of management. He has a proven track record of successful results ranging from starting new companies to managing large organizations. Roger has been COO for Express Marine Inc. a national marine transportation company; CFO for Delmarva Power & Light Company; Senior VP for ICF Kaiser and Managing Director for Theodore Barry & Associates. Roger holds a BSBA degree from Bucknell University and an MBA from Penn State.

Back to top.

Patrick Baiocco

Patrick Baiocco brings experience and focus on the development, structuring, and financing of energy and infrastructure investments. Mr. Baiocco recently served on the management teams of BQ Energy and Process Energy Solutions where he directed project finance modeling of a 750MW portfolio of commercial wind projects located across the NYISO, MISO and SPP grids. BQ Energy’s “Steel Winds” was honored with Power Engineering magazine’s 2007 Project of the Year award and was featured on the NBC Nightly News and History Channel. Of note, in addition to advising private equity investors, development teams, and corporations, Mr. Baiocco has significant experience managing government sponsored projects and led BQ Energy’s feasibility analysis of a proposed wind-farm installation at the Fresh Kills land-fill. Patrick received an MA in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Back to top.

Phillip S. Teumim


Mr. Teumim is a management and regulatory consultant specializing in the regulated utility industries, with 38 years experience as a consultant and regulator.  He has provided technical and policy analysis and advice for state agencies, utilities, local government entities, law firms, and other industry participants. Until 2002, he was a senior director for the New York State Department of Public Service and the Public Service Commission (PSC).  In that role, he had primary responsibility for policy development, ratemaking, operational and safety matters affecting the regulated natural gas, electric and water industries in New York State.  He was also a senior advisor to the Commission and managed a staff as large as 150 employees, primarily engineers and analysts.  Before becoming Director at the PSC in 1992, he was a Managing Associate and Executive Consultant with the management consulting firms of Theodore Barry & Associates and Resource Management International, respectively.  Prior to his consulting work he held various engineering and analyst positions with the New York PSC. Mr. Teumim has broad experience in the regulated utility industry arena, including the electricity, gas, steam, water and telecommunications businesses.  His experience includes policy development, planning, ratemaking and cost of service, customer service, and management and operational auditing. He has testified on numerous occasions before state public utility commissions, at state legislative committee hearings, and before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and has been a frequent speaker and guest instructor on energy and water matters. Mr. Teumim holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, both from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

Back to top.

Barbara Kates-Garnick


Dr. Kates-Garnick is a leader in the energy and environmental fields with a broad career that has included serving as a corporate officer in KeySpan, a Fortune 500 utility, establishing a start up venture as a successful energy supplier, appointment as a Massachusetts public utility commissioner and as a management consultant on engagements dealing with critical public policy issues relating to energy and the environment. Based on her breadth of her experience, Dr. Kates-Garnick has expertise in strategic decision making in complex organizations, both from a regulatory and corporate perspective, the cost/benefit of implementing environmental mandates, how organizations respond to change, and the adaption of emerging technologies, most recently in clean tech and renewable energy. She is currently applying her expertise to urban sustainability issues as they relate to global infrastructure.

As Vice President of Corporate Affairs at KeySpan, Dr. Kates-Garnick directed the government and media relations, crisis communications and operations support in New England and community outreach corporate wide. She has been a strategic decision maker on public policy issues at the city, state and federal level on issues ranging from energy siting, energy markets, green house gases, energy efficiency, alternative energy investments, hazardous waste, and has resolved complex operational problems that have a public sector component. Known for building partnerships with both the public and private sector, Dr. Kates-Garnick created the KeySpan “College to Career Program “which has become a model program for retaining minority university students in Boston area corporations and for helping businesses identify opportunities to enhance diversity. As a path breaker in the implementation of energy deregulation, Dr. Kates-Garnick lead the New England office of one of the nation’s most successful competitive energy suppliers where she designed the strategy leading to the sale of the first deregulated electricity in the nation. She has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Power Subcommittee and numerous state legislatures and regulatory bodies. As a Public Utility Commissioner in Massachusetts, Dr. Kates-Garnick facilitated the adaption of the early energy efficiency programs that propelled Massachusetts into a leadership role in the design and implementation of those programs and addressed environmental issues related to generation and hazardous waste cleanup. In her consulting practice, Dr. Kates-Garnick provides strategic advice on a wide range of economic and regulatory issues faced by the energy, environmental and telecommunications industries as they confront change and transformation.

Back to top.

Carl Liggio


Dr. Liggio has a bachelors, masters and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University and a Masters in Systems Analysis and Economics for Public Decision Making from the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering also from The Johns Hopkins University. He previously worked for Orion Power Holdings as a pricing and operations strategist, performing quantitative analysis, asset optimization and commercialization. Orion was purchased by Reliant Energy where he was briefly a market analyst. He left Reliant to start Meissa Consulting LLC, a consulting company specializing in operations management consulting. In 2006 he joined US Power Generating Company where he was the Director of Commercial Strategy and Alternative Energy Programs. At the time USPowerGen had no energy management infrastructure in place. Dr. Liggio was instrumental in building the asset management desk and its business processes. At USPowerGen he was an asset manager for the New York City portfolio, and later supported the asset management desk, analyzing operations, developing and validating bidding and commercial strategies, and developing tools to manage the commercial operations.

Back to top.

Frank W. Radigan

Frank W. Radigan has expert knowledgeable in electric, water, gas and steam industries and has provided expert testimony in each of these areas on approximately 80 occasions.  For 16 years, Mr. Radigan was an Engineer with the New York State Public Service Commission.  While at the Commission, Mr. Radigan’s responsibilities included resource planning, modeling and forecasting forward price curves for the wholesale market, and the analysis of rates and tariffs, rate design and performing embedded and marginal cost of service studies as well as depreciation studies.  Before leaving the Commission, Mr. Radigan was responsible for directing all engineering staff during major proceedings including those relating to rates, integrated resource planning and environmental impact studies.  

As a consultant, Mr. Radigan has provided research, technical evaluation, due diligence, reporting and expert witness testimony on electric, water, gas and steam utilities.  He has performed analysis of rate adequacy, rate unbundling, and cost of service studies, rate design, rate structure and multi-year rate agreements.  He has provided expertise in electric supply planning, economics, depreciation, regulation, wholesale supply and industry restructuring issues.

Back to top.


Energy Analysts & Support


Betsy K. McDonald

Prior to joining M.J. Beck, Betsy functioned as the Director of Environmental Programs and In-House Counsel for EcoMedia, LLC, handling general corporate governance issues for the company, as well as creating public-private partnerships, dedicating corporate dollars towards environmental/energy projects and initiatives in municipalities throughout the country. Formerly the Policy Director and Legal Advisor for New York/New Jersey Baykeeper, a conservation and advocacy organization and part of the Waterkeeper Alliance, Betsy worked on environmental litigation, policy and regulatory issues throughout New York and New Jersey.  Prior to Baykeeper, Betsy worked as a Legal/Compliance Assistant at Nomura Securities International, Inc., introducing her to legal, compliance and regulatory issues facing the finance sector. Betsy received a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a JD from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, with an environmental law emphasis.

Back to top

Calvin Sung

Calvin Sung graduated from Princeton University in 2009 with a BA in Chemistry. He completed a thesis in catalyst design for in-vitro water splitting, and brings a familiarity with renewable technologies and finance to the analysis and prediction of nationwide renewable energy supply and demand. Calvin has worked at Genentech, Merrill Lynch, and Bloomberg in past internships. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Back to top.

Leneve Ong

Leneve received a BS from the University of California, Berkeley in 2009 in Environmental Engineering Science, where she minored in City & Regional Planning and Mechanical Engineering. She is LEED-accredited and has a certificate from the UCB Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. Additionally, she spent a semester abroad at the National University of Singapore. She can read in Spanish and is conversational in Cantonese. Her interest in sustainable systems led her to work with renewable energy, air quality research, energy modeling, and ecological footprint modeling prior to MJ Beck.

Back to top.

Michael Haimson

Prior to MJ Beck, Michael worked in sales & marketing, as well as information technology. He developed an interest in energy policy while working on the Obama for America campaign in 2008. He has joined the company as an analyst with a portfolio focused on business development and technical/qualitative analysis. He is also co-leading the development of the Urban Energy Policy Institute and will serve as its first chief information officer. Michael is currently a student at New York University, pursuing a BA in Politics in the Class of 2012.

Back to top.

Jamil Khan

Prior to MJ Beck, Jamil worked as staff accountant at Hertzbach & Co., where he gained valuable skills in financial analysis. Jamil previously worked at Columbia University and was able to publish his research on polymers and nanotechnology in an academic journal. He is currently working to develop the Urban Energy Policy Institute, focusing on economic and technology research while coordinating marketing efforts for the organization. Jamil obtained a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering with a minor in entrepreneurship & management and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in environmental management and economics, both from the Johns Hopkins University. His interest include the energy technology, economics and policy.