Team
Brett Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of Altru Institute. He has a long history of innovating in the communications field building a range of media and publishing both print and electronic including conferences, directories. Experience in Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Healthcare. He founded the Altru Institute's to address complex global challenges through collaboration. The institute organized the Altru Climate Project and the Hydrogen Consortium to apply the Altru model of collaboration addresses the global climate and energy challenge. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard.
Asya Polat leads the research efforts for the Altru Climate Project, leading initiatives dedicated to developing climate tech solutions for energy transition. Her role involves conducting in-depth analyses of market trends, sustainable energy technologies, and policies. Collaborating closely with the CEO, Asya streamlines executive tasks and enhances organizational efficiency. She plays a pivotal role in organizing and coordinating Altru Institute's events during Climate Week and Davos WEF conferences remotely, showcasing a strong commitment to advancing global climate solutions.
Theresa Hohgrawe is a seasoned Business Development Associate with over a decade of experience supporting founders and CEOs across various industries, including banking. With a degree in Finance and Accounting Management from Northeastern University in Boston, she is passionate about environmental sustainability and driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact. Theresa combines her expertise in business development and executive support to foster growth and innovation in the organizations she serves.
Advisors
Paul Ellis joined Altru during New York Climate Week, bringing his expertise as a nationally recognized expert on sustainable investing. As the host of the popular Sustainable Finance Podcast, listened to in over 58 countries, Paul engages with leaders in low-carbon economy transition, climate technology, impact investing, AI integration, and ESG analytics platforms. With a background in financial planning and consulting for RIAs, Paul is a regular speaker and moderator at conferences like The Wall Street Green Summit. He holds a JD from Tulane Law School and a BA from Tulane University,and is actively involved in local climate initiatives in New Paltz, NY
Joseph Lufkin brings decades of expertise as a serial entrepreneur and advisor specializing in financial structuring across diverse sectors. With extensive experience in international finance and institutional investments, he advises businesses, governments, and financial institutions on projects ranging from infrastructure and telecommunications to energy and conservation. Currently serving as Group Managing Director at Jexium Ltd., Joseph offers strategic guidance and financial solutions to corporates, multilaterals, and private funds, driving impactful investments and sustainable development initiatives worldwide having completed transactions in over 23 countries.
Justin Milberg has managed a hydrogen economy public equity investment strategy since the beginning of 2021 and has outperformed a benchmark composite of five hydrogen ETFs in every quarter since those ETFs were established. His financial services careers spans more than 25 years primarily at Lazard and Merrill Lynch and, before turning his focus to hydrogen, he most recently managed a $350 million listed REIT mutual fund at Resource America.
James Tu, CFA, joined Altru during Climate Week, adding over 25 years of investment expertise to the cause. He is the Founder & Managing Partner of Fusion Park LLC, a climate tech investment firm. James also serves as CEO of Delta Energy Partners, specializing in Net-Zero-as-a-Service projects. As a trusted advisor and board member for Vitality IO, Infintium, and Growlity, he shapes impactful climate initiatives, contributing significantly to sustainable finance and energy technologies. Recognized as an "EY Entrepreneur of the Year," James champions innovation in climate solutions.
Dale Ramlakhan is the Head of Development for the Caribbean arm of the French hydrogen pioneering company HDF Energy. An energy system and industrial solution creator, bringing decades of energy expertise to the power, gas and renewable energy sectors space and leads the groundbreaking NewGen Hydrogen project in Trinidad and Tobago, the first of its kind hydrogen facility in the region. His expertise in the energy sector is also utilized by both government and private sector bodies in which he serves as the Chairman of the Decarbonization Taskforce of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago where he regularly mentors newcomers to the renewable energy global arena. Dale is a graduate of University of the West Indies and holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.