MassCEC Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Directors

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors: Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Dr. Grace Wang, Ed O’Sullivan, and Sven Karlsson. Together they bring deep expertise in workforce development, innovation-driven entrepreneurship, higher education, venture capital, and economic growth—key pillars of the state’s strategy to lead in climatetech and clean energy.

“I’m excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to the MassCEC Board,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who serves as Chair of the Board. “Massachusetts’ energy future depends on innovation, collaboration, and a skilled workforce. This group brings the experience and vision we need to accelerate that progress.”

“MassCEC’s strength lies in the diversity and depth of its leadership and expertise,” said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “Secretary Eric Paley, Dr. Grace Wang, Ed O’Sullivan, and Sven Karlsson each bring a unique perspective—from scaling startups to advancing education—that will help shape the next chapter of Massachusetts’ clean energy and climatetech growth. I look forward to working with them to drive equitable economic development and innovation across the state.”

Eric Paley, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), brings more than 25 years of experience building and investing in innovative companies that fuel economic growth. Before entering public service, Paley co-founded and led Founder Collective, one of the nation’s top-performing seed-stage venture funds, and earlier founded Brontes Technologies, a hard-tech startup commercializing MIT 3D imaging research. His experience advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across sectors will help guide MassCEC’s role in scaling the state’s climatetech ecosystem.

“Massachusetts is home to some of the most innovative entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors tackling the climate crisis from every angle,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “MassCEC’s leadership and investments are central to our state’s success in building a world-class climatetech ecosystem. I’m honored to join this board and help expand the opportunities that clean energy innovation creates for our communities, workforce, and economy.”

Dr. Grace Wang, President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is a national leader in research, STEM education, and technology commercialization. She previously held senior positions at the National Science Foundation, IBM, SUNY, and Ohio State University. Dr. Wang serves on multiple national and state advisory boards, including the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, and the Massachusetts High Technology Council. Her appointment reinforces MassCEC’s commitment to linking academic research with real-world impact.

“I’m honored to join the MassCEC Board at this transformative moment for Massachusetts,” said Dr. Grace Wang, President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. “WPI’s pioneering work in sustainability and climate technology—from battery and fuel cells, critical materials recovery and regeneration, to sustainable manufacturing and advanced materials—demonstrates how research and innovation can drive the next generation of solutions. Leveraging our innovation ecosystem, MassCEC will accelerate technology translation, create new economic opportunities, and ensure Massachusetts continues to lead globally in building a sustainable future.”

Ed O’Sullivan serves as the Executive Director of the MassHire North Shore Workforce Board, where he leads initiatives connecting employers, educators, and jobseekers, to strengthen regional talent pipelines in sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and construction trades. With two decades of experience in workforce development and nonprofit leadership, O’Sullivan’s background aligns closely with MassCEC’s mission to expand equitable access to clean energy and climatetech careers throughout Massachusetts.

"I am deeply honored to join the MassCEC Board of Directors and contribute to its critical work with clean energy and climatetech solutions impacting our labor force and companies here in Massachusetts,” said Ed O’Sullivan. “By training a diverse and skilled workforce in clean energy occupations, MassCEC is ensuring that residents will have access to occupational skills training and a pipeline of jobs that pay fantastic wages with good benefits, and ultimately contribute to the economy of the Commonwealth and support the continued development of clean energy companies.” 

Sven Karlsson, CFA, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur and venture investor with experience spanning climatetech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. A former senior manager on MassCEC’s investments team, Karlsson went on to co-found several companies including Stellular Bio and Previvor Edge, where he currently serves as COO. His perspective on scaling early-stage ventures will strengthen MassCEC’s efforts to drive innovation and commercialize emerging technologies.

“MassCEC plays a vital role in translating Massachusetts’ innovation into climate impact,” said Sven Karlsson. “Having seen the power of its work firsthand, I’m honored to return and, through public service, bring an entrepreneurial lens to a remarkable board helping to shape the Commonwealth’s clean energy vision.”

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, increase affordability, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded nearly $800 million in programs and investments and attracted more than $2.8 billion in private and public funds.

###