Meet the Freedom Energy Leadership Team
Gus Fromuth
President, Managing Director, Founder
Gus Fromuth
Gus Fromuth holds a distinguished record of achievement in the energy field and is widely recognized as a pioneer in the industry. Over the course of his more than 30-year career, he founded four successful companies while driving energy market initiatives and staying true to his business philosophy of advocating for the client, adding value, and delivering best-in-class client service. He continues to work tirelessly to ensure that consumers and businesses alike have access to low cost and innovative energy options.
Prior to offering a diverse portfolio of energy advisory services at Freedom Energy, the company initially specialized exclusively in direct enrollment of clients into New England’s bulk power market providing them power at wholesale prices. Gus devised the innovative, cost-saving concept of direct end-user access to grid power in ISO-NE, defining and establishing the ground rules for direct market access by end user participants. On average, this Direct-to-Grid service saves clients 10-15% against retail electricity rates and continues to be a practical option for some power consumers today.
Gus has a long history of community service. In 2010, he was elected to ISO New England’s Consumer Liaison Group Coordinating Committee where he has been serving for over ten years. Previously, he was an officer of the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) and a founding member of the End User Sector serving as Vice Chair for four years. He has also served on the ISO-NE Board Member Nomination Committee, an honor rendered for his extensive expertise in the New England electricity markets. In addition, he was nominated to serve on the National Energy Marketers Association (NEM) Executive Committee and has served as a Board Member for the Manchester Airport Authority, Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (U.S. Dept Commerce), and Manchester Police Athletic League. He is an active member of the Association of Energy Engineers, Manchester Rotary, and the NH Business and Industry Association.
Gus Fromuth is a graduate of George Washington University with a BA degree in Economics and International Affairs. He also completed advanced degree work in International Public Policy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Bart Fromuth
Chief Executive Officer
Bart Fromuth
Bart Fromuth joined Freedom Energy Logistics in 2008 and serves as Chief Executive Officer. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations and is instrumental in keeping a pulse in the industry, and in developing and expanding Freedom’s offerings in support of our clients.
Bart’s experience as an Energy Attorney has played to Freedom client’s advantage in terms of stronger, client-focused contracts from energy suppliers and resisting attempts by several suppliers over the years to pass-through invalid contract increases. Bart maintains direct responsibility for supplier relationships and uses his legal expertise to work through the complexities of interpreting and negotiating contracts on behalf of the company’s clients. In 2019, he earned a Business Excellence award for his commitment to advocating for clients.
Bart was involved in the early stage of key policies throughout the New England Region including residential choice, Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)and net metering and continues to champion evolution within the industry. His vision, focus and leadership have empowered Freedom Energy to adopt sustainable practices for our clients, including embracing a wide range of renewable energy options and virtual power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Bart has served two terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives for the Hillsborough-7 district (Bedford) where he was an active member of the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee and the Transparency Website Oversight Committee. Bart was named to the national list of Emerging GOPs by GOPAC, is an active Advisory Board Member for the Children’s Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire and is on the Board of Directors for the Granite Institute. He also serves as a Board Member for the NH Clean Energy Council and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.
Bart Fromuth earned a BA degree in History from Bates College and continued his education at Northeastern University School of Law earning his JD degree.
Kurt Chapman
Chief Operating Officer
Kurt Chapman
Kurt Chapman is Freedom Energy’s Chief Operating Officer. Kurt is responsible for business strategy and driving the integration and alignment between revenue-related functions, including marketing, sales, recruiting, operations, and revenue management. He is passionate about problem solving, individual coaching, and mentorship.
Prior to joining the company in 2012, Kurt was an Operations Manager for Adenus Solutions Group in the wastewater industry. In this role, he established and developed client and engineer relationships through sales, marketing, and project management of dozens of wastewater projects, contributing millions in revenue to the business.
Kurt is the Freedom Representative for the Board of Advisors at Stay Work Play NH, working with the state to help retain local students to work in New Hampshire after graduating from school, and Kurt is also involved in a local nonprofit, Field of Dreams in Salem, NH. He also serves on the Board for Field of Dreams in Salem, NH.
Kurt Chapman is a graduate of Bates College with a BS degree and earned his MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Northeastern University. Kurt is also a graduate of the Leadership Greater Manchester’s Class of 2018.
Janice Johnston
Controller
Janice Johnston
Janice Johnston joined Freedom Energy in October of 2011 as the company’s Financial Controller. Janice is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations for the business including the production of periodic financial reports, budgets, maintenance of a suitable system of accounting records, and managing the external financial audit process.
In addition, she established a comprehensive set of controls that are designed to mitigate risk and ensure that reported results comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Prior to joining Freedom, Janice worked in a wide range of industries including state and local government, nonprofits, education, manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality.
Janice Johnston is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a BS degree in Accounting & Finance.
Howard Plante
Vice President of Procurement
Howard Plante
Howard Plante joined Freedom Energy Logistics in 2008 to assist and further develop the concept of direct end user access to the ISO-NE bulk power pool. In his current role as Vice President of Procurement for Freedom, he provides oversight and direct support of the commodity market. He is an advocate for clients, supporting their requirements and advancing Freedom Energy Logistics’ enterprise efforts on their behalf
Howard originates and oversees research and data mining that supports the company’s strategic plan. He leads the team in designing product cost estimates, structuring, and valuing the hedges that back client contracts. He is also responsible for technical analysis of specific client load requirements and pricing. Howard analyzes all aspects of electricity supply requirements for clients including capacity obligations and pricing structures. He manages the wholesale pricing desk including review and monitoring of current and forward market conditions and works in tandem with the retail pricing desk.
Prior to joining Freedom, Howard’s distinguished career in the energy industry includes consulting for environmental and energy engineering businesses and assisting companies with regulatory compliance, particularly air permitting, to meet State and Federal regulations for ambient air quality standards. He began his career in Research and Development at Nashua Corporation in New Hampshire and later transitioned to Facilities Management as a Project Engineer. Howard’s expertise in environmental and energy engineering is invaluable to our clients and the Freedom Energy team.
Howard Plante earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Carol Anne Watts
Director of Energy Sales
Carol Anne Watts
Carol Anne Watts joined Freedom as Director of Energy Sales in June of 2019 and now serves as the Senior Director of Sales & Sales Operations. Carol Anne is responsible for recruiting, training, and managing Senior Energy Advisors, Energy Advisors, and Business Development Managers. Her role includes coordinating monthly pipeline review meetings, providing ongoing support for the team, and participating in regular Risk Management meetings and high-level strategy discussions. She continues to develop and identify new areas of growth opportunities for the business while managing, assisting and mentoring the current sales team.
Carol Anne serves a wide range of clients throughout the region. She has extensive industry knowledge, and along with her previous management experience from holding positions as Sales and Branch Manager at other energy management companies, her expertise is grounded in building relationships, coaching, sales strategy, and solution selling.
Prior to joining Freedom, Carol Anne worked for Patriot Energy Group and Calpine Energy Solutions.
Carol Anne Watts is a graduate of Saint Anselm College where she earned a BA degree in English.
Ashlynn Callery
Human Resources
Ashlynn Callery
As the leader of Human Resources, Ashlynn Callery is responsible for cultivating company culture through recruiting, employee relations, policy, and benefit administration. As Freedom’s people person Ashlynn’s goal is to nurture a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the Freedom Family to grow and succeed. Ashlynn is a member of both the Society for Human Resource Management and New England Women in Energy and the Environment organizations.
Prior to joining Freedom, Ashlynn was the Practice Administrator for a multifacility medical practice. She worked closely with physicians and employees to optimize the patient care experience and create a safe and inclusive environment for all employees.
Ashlynn has years of experience working for a private company that provided the opportunity for her to wear many hats and work in various parts of the business including contracting and billing, finance, marketing, IT, where she was able to discover her passion for human resources.
Ashlynn Callery is in the process of completing her BA degree in Human Resource Management at Southern New Hampshire University.
Brian White
Municipal Program Director
Brian White
As Municipal Program Director, Brian White is responsible for advising and assisting communities throughout the Northeast in optimizing their energy spend and achieving their sustainability goals. Working to achieve city and town’s energy requirements and renewable objectives, Brian builds on current relationships and establishes new ones throughout the municipal community.
Prior to joining Freedom, Brian worked for Ameresco, an energy services company. He supported municipalities, universities, k-12 schools, hospitals, and C&I businesses, working to reduce their energy spend.
Brian has extensive experience in the energy field. His expertise includes electric and gas purchasing, energy management, problem solving, and relationship building. Brian is passionate about his career path in earning a living while helping people save money.
Brian White is a graduate of Worcester State University where he earned a BS degree in Business Administration.
Dan Cwalinski
Director of Contracts and Pricing
Dan Cwalinski
As Director of Contracts and Pricing, Dan Cwalinski is responsible for collaborating with the sales team and clients, and negotiating Supplier agreements, pricing, and contracting operations, and initiatives. He is a member of Freedom’s Risk Management Committee and handles all aspects of Freedom Energy’s extensive supplier network. He is also a key member of Freedom’s Municipal Business team and is actively involved in advising and supporting communities.
Prior to joining Freedom, Dan was instrumental in building a national commodity brokerage business. He served as the first pricing manager for the brokerage supporting business clients with customized commodity contracts and energy services. As the business grew, Dan transitioned his focus and specialized in serving large natural gas and electricity clients.
Dan is well-versed in the deregulated energy markets and has extensive experience analyzing and understanding utility data, interpreting, and negotiating contracts, and consulting on energy strategy. He is a valuable problem solver and enjoys all aspects of meeting a new challenge by implementing practical solutions driven by data, and that are in line with client goals and objectives.
Dan Cwalinski is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics with a BS degree in Business Administration.
Thomas Carter
Director of Business Development & Public Relations
Thomas Carter
Thomas Carter joined Freedom in May of 2016 and is Director of Business Development and Public Relations. Thomas is responsible for establishing relationships with the local business community along with building partnerships and relationships with associations. His community involvement has been instrumental in developing Freedom Energy’s partnerships in the industry. In addition, Thomas is a key contributor for recruiting employees, marketing Freedom’s offerings, and participating in events and trade shows.
Thomas is an Energy Advisor for a diverse group of regional clients. He specializes in energy strategies specific to industries including non-profits, hospitality, manufacturing and municipalities. He is also a key member of Freedom’s Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) team.
Prior to joining Freedom, Thomas founded an antiques mall and local arts gallery which he sold in 2007. He then applied his experience and appreciation for small business to his marketing and communications consulting practice. In 2013 he embraced his passion for working with local communities and advising businesses, and embarked on the energy industry.
Thomas is an advocate of community service. Outside of work, he leads a project called the Blueprint Collective, a quarterly collaborative that resources and supports Manchester’s faith-based initiatives and ministries. This collective group of non-profits serve the homeless and addiction communities around the City of Manchester.
Thomas also serves as Regional Outreach Coordinator for the Good Samaritan Network, and as a Board Member of the Manchester Food Collaborative, The Palace Theatre, and The Currier Museum of Art.
Sean Devine
Director of Natural Gas Sales
Sean Devine
Sean Devine is Director of Natural Gas Sales and is responsible for developing specialized procurement and load management strategies for clients. Leveraging his market expertise and specialized industry knowledge, clients achieve their short- and long-term energy procurement goals. Sean’s consultative and data driven approach allows for a partnership with his clients that has client service at its core.
Prior to joining Freedom, Sean was in the insurance and financial services industry. With an investment background, Sean is well-suited to address the risks associated with buying commodities. He is an expert in dual-fuel switching strategies and he manages the Natural Gas Consulting service offerings at Freedom. Clients rely on Sean’s expertise to help make informed procurement decisions year after year, and he specializes in creating long term professional relationships with his clients. His primary focus is on industrial and commercial clients, and providing tailored gas procurement strategies to support their requirements.
Sean is involved in the community and enjoys giving back through a variety of organizations including: Special Olympics of NH, NH Adaptive Ski Programs, Turtle Ridge Foundation, MDA of NH, and the US Disabled Golf Association.
Sean Devine is a graduate of Sothern New Hampshire University with a BS degree in Business.
Jack Martell
Renewable Program Manager
Jack Martell
Jack Martell joined Freedom Energy Logistics in 2017 as an energy advisor. Utilizing his background and expertise in renewables, and embracing his commitment to sustainability, he has been instrumental in developing Freedom’s clean energy offerings for clients and establishing Freedom Energy as a leader in cost effective sustainability and renewable energy solutions.
In his current role as the leader of Freedom’s Renewable Program, Jack oversees a full suite of renewable energy and efficiency products and services, including the Community College System of New Hampshire’s energy procurement strategy. He oversaw Freedom’s entry into the community solar markets in Maine and Massachusetts and continues to assist Freedom’s clients gain understanding and access into both programs. He also maintains partnerships with many of the region’s largest renewable energy development and management firms.
His expertise includes power purchase agreement (PPA) negotiation, virtual and on-site net energy billing, community solar, and energy efficiency solutions.
Jack actively assists clients with identifying renewable energy options that achieve their budgetary and sustainability goals and helps eliminate the barriers that many clients face in accessing renewable energy options.
He is involved in sustainability initiatives and clean energy organizations including Clean Energy New Hampshire and New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility.
Jack Martell is a graduate of Bates College with a BA degree in Environmental Studies.
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