Mission
The mission of the Colorado Hydrogen Network is to provide a platform and voice for hydrogen in Colorado. We represent the leading companies and organizations that are advancing innovative, clean, safe, and reliable energy technologies. We provide a consistent industry voice to regulators and policymakers and advocate for their support. Our educational efforts promote the environmental and economic benefits of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies.
About
The Colorado Hydrogen Network is a non-profit, membership-based hydrogen advocacy organization. Its primary goal is to promote the environmental and economic benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology, especially for transportation.
Partnership with CCIA
The Colorado Hydrogen Network (CHN) is formed under the parent organization The Colorado Cleantech Industries Association (CCIA) coloradocleantech.com.
Meetings
Meetings take place monthly on the Third Tuesday of the month, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM Mountain Time. Currently, the meetings are on-line only.
Officers
Director of Operations
Brian DeBruine is one of the two Co-Directors of the Colorado Hydrogen Network and serves the organization full time. He is a Systems Engineer, retired after 36 years with Honeywell Aerospace where he led engineering teams and numerous new business pursuits. Brian has a Bachelors of Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Colorado. In addition to his passion to bring fuel cell EV’s to Colorado and the rest of the US, he’s an expert mogul skier and dabbles in composing classical music for orchestra.
Director of Strategy and Partnerships
Frans Westenbrink is one of the Co-Directors of the Colorado Hydrogen Network. He retired as VP and General manager of Woodward Inc, Ft. Collins after 29 years. Frans started his engineering career in Europe, coming to the US in 1999. He has depth of knowledge with large engines, microgrids, energy storage and non-carbon fuels. Frans currently leads his own business, Two Degrees Consultancy, providing strategy development and execution related to the Energy Transition.
Communications Director
Charlotte Hamilton is the Communications Director of the Colorado Hydrogen Network. She received her undergraduate degree in English from Wellesley College and her Masters of Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and works full time as the supervisor of an outpatient mental health program.
CCIA Executive Director
Laura Hickernell is the Executive Director of CCIA and also serves as an officer of CHN. Laura provides CCIA support to CHN and acts as liaison between the two organizations.
Technology Officer
Dr. Bryan Willson is a co-organizer of the Colorado Hydrogen Network. He is a professor of mechanical engineering at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and the Executive Director of the Energy Institute at Colorado State University, and the Bryan Willson Presidential Chair.