President
Richard Kiy was appointed as President & CEO of the Institute of the Americas on August 3, 2020.  Kiy was formerly General Partner with Alumbra Advisors, a consulting firm with clients in the U.S, Mexico and Central America.  Prior to that, Kiy served for nearly 14 years as President & CEO of the International Community Foundation (ICF) where he expanded the foundation’s grantmaking throughout Mexico and 11 other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. While at ICF, Kiy served as Chairman and a founding board member of the US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership.
Previous to his work at ICF, Kiy spent two years with PriceSmart, Inc. as Senior Vice President, Business Development expanding its business reach into 6 countries of Central America and the Caribbean. Earlier on, he was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Technical Director at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) in Washington, D.C. as well as the Acting Environmental Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
Kiy’s other private sector experience includes having served as Vice President for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)’s Mexican subsidiary, expanding the company’s environmental technology solutions and services business in Mexico following NAFTA’s passage. Later, he helped SAIC secure a multi-year $1.2 billion contract leading to a joint venture company with Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) where he was Director of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Information Systems.
Kiy is a graduate of Stanford (A.B. Economics, 1984) and Harvard’s JFK School of Government (MPA, 1986). Kiy is co-author of the book Environmental Management along North America’s Borders. He serves on the Binational Advisory Board of the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Richard Kiy was appointed as President & CEO of the Institute of the Americas on August 3, 2020.  Kiy was formerly General Partner with Alumbra Advisors, a consulting firm with clients in the U.S, Mexico and Central America.  Prior to that, Kiy served for nearly 14 years as President & CEO of the International Community Foundation (ICF) where he expanded the foundation’s grantmaking throughout Mexico and 11 other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. While at ICF, Kiy served as Chairman and a founding board member of the US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership.
Previous to his work at ICF, Kiy spent two years with PriceSmart, Inc. as Senior Vice President, Business Development expanding its business reach into 6 countries of Central America and the Caribbean. Earlier on, he was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Technical Director at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) in Washington, D.C. as well as the Acting Environmental Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
Kiy’s other private sector experience includes having served as Vice President for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)’s Mexican subsidiary, expanding the company’s environmental technology solutions and services business in Mexico following NAFTA’s passage. Later, he helped SAIC secure a multi-year $1.2 billion contract leading to a joint venture company with Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) where he was Director of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Information Systems.
Kiy is a graduate of Stanford (A.B. Economics, 1984) and Harvard’s JFK School of Government (MPA, 1986). Kiy is co-author of the book Environmental Management along North America’s Borders. He serves on the Binational Advisory Board of the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Staff
Jeremy M. Martin is Vice President, Energy & Sustainability at the Institute of the Americas, an inter-American public policy think-tank located at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). The Institute of the Americas Energy & Sustainability Program works to foster a deeper understanding of the most critical energy issues facing the Western Hemisphere. Jeremy spends his time delving into the geopolitics of energy and closely following energy industry trends and policy issues across the Americas, and is a frequent commentator and writer on Latin American and energy issues. Jeremy has testified before the US Congress on energy issues in Latin America, teaches a graduate course in Latin American Energy Policy at UCSD and the University of San Diego (USD) and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Inter-American Dialogue’s Energy Advisor newsletter. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Diplomacy Council and is a member of the host committee for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation San Diego Chapter annual Bet on Cures event. Thanks to his upbringing, he is a diehard Red Sox fan, Civil War buff, and news junkie. Jeremy graduated with honors in History from The Citadel in Charleston, SC and a Masters in International Affairs/International Development from the American University in Washington, DC. He has yet to achieve his lifelong dream of being a Stand-Up Comic.
Jeremy M. Martin is Vice President, Energy & Sustainability at the Institute of the Americas, an inter-American public policy think-tank located at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). The Institute of the Americas Energy & Sustainability Program works to foster a deeper understanding of the most critical energy issues facing the Western Hemisphere. Jeremy spends his time delving into the geopolitics of energy and closely following energy industry trends and policy issues across the Americas, and is a frequent commentator and writer on Latin American and energy issues. Jeremy has testified before the US Congress on energy issues in Latin America, teaches a graduate course in Latin American Energy Policy at UCSD and the University of San Diego (USD) and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Inter-American Dialogue’s Energy Advisor newsletter. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Diplomacy Council and is a member of the host committee for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation San Diego Chapter annual Bet on Cures event. Thanks to his upbringing, he is a diehard Red Sox fan, Civil War buff, and news junkie. Jeremy graduated with honors in History from The Citadel in Charleston, SC and a Masters in International Affairs/International Development from the American University in Washington, DC. He has yet to achieve his lifelong dream of being a Stand-Up Comic.
Ms. White has been an integral member of the staff of the Institute of the Americas having served in a number of capacities; Community Program Director, Board Secretary, Director Special Projects and Development, Innovation Program Director (Biotech, Health and Science), and now as Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives while continuing as Board Secretary to the Institute’s international Board of Directors. In her time with the Institute, she has organized and implemented a plethora of events and programs including small, private gatherings and board meetings throughout the hemisphere, seminars, workshops, and large-scale events such as fundraising events, Institute anniversary events, and black-tie award galas for current and former Latin American heads of state. She organized a series of events bringing Latin American entrepreneurs and innovation intermediaries, to learn about San Diego’s innovation ecosystem; design thinking; tech transfer; and, other key elements for a successful innovation ecosystem. Currently, she is a member of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I &E) Program team seeking partnerships with various entities to launch new activities and expand existing ones. Her primary focus is on biotech, health, and science programming for a range of audiences, private sector leaders, academia, journalists, and entrepreneurs in the form of visiting delegation missions, workshops, seminars, and customized programming.
Ms. White has been an integral member of the staff of the Institute of the Americas having served in a number of capacities; Community Program Director, Board Secretary, Director Special Projects and Development, Innovation Program Director (Biotech, Health and Science), and now as Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives while continuing as Board Secretary to the Institute’s international Board of Directors. In her time with the Institute, she has organized and implemented a plethora of events and programs including small, private gatherings and board meetings throughout the hemisphere, seminars, workshops, and large-scale events such as fundraising events, Institute anniversary events, and black-tie award galas for current and former Latin American heads of state. She organized a series of events bringing Latin American entrepreneurs and innovation intermediaries, to learn about San Diego’s innovation ecosystem; design thinking; tech transfer; and, other key elements for a successful innovation ecosystem. Currently, she is a member of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I &E) Program team seeking partnerships with various entities to launch new activities and expand existing ones. Her primary focus is on biotech, health, and science programming for a range of audiences, private sector leaders, academia, journalists, and entrepreneurs in the form of visiting delegation missions, workshops, seminars, and customized programming.
Cecilia Aguillon is the Director of the Energy Transition Initiative at the Institute of the Americas, an impartial and independent non-profit organization promoting dialogue and collaboration across the Western Hemisphere to foster sound public policies and to advance sustainable inclusive economic growth and prosperity. She enables public-private dialogues to develop sustainable renewable energy markets. Cecilia worked at Kyocera Solar, Inc. in California on Business Development and Government Relations for 18 years. She worked with policy makers on designing solar energy programs and renewable portfolio standards for implementation across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. She developed these initiatives in cooperation with several trade associations throughout the United States. She served on the board of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA) and participated in the design and implementation of the California Solar Initiative. She is currently on the board of the Climate Action Campaign working to implement sustainable energy programs for San Diego, California.
Cecilia Aguillon is the Director of the Energy Transition Initiative at the Institute of the Americas, an impartial and independent non-profit organization promoting dialogue and collaboration across the Western Hemisphere to foster sound public policies and to advance sustainable inclusive economic growth and prosperity. She enables public-private dialogues to develop sustainable renewable energy markets. Cecilia worked at Kyocera Solar, Inc. in California on Business Development and Government Relations for 18 years. She worked with policy makers on designing solar energy programs and renewable portfolio standards for implementation across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. She developed these initiatives in cooperation with several trade associations throughout the United States. She served on the board of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA) and participated in the design and implementation of the California Solar Initiative. She is currently on the board of the Climate Action Campaign working to implement sustainable energy programs for San Diego, California.
Nora Livesay is currently the Director of Finance for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Ms. Livesay graduated Magna Cum Laude from Radford University, Radford, Virginia, with a BS degree in business, emphasis accounting. She has over 30 years of work experience for three not for profit organizations and has been responsible for the proper allocation and accounting of restricted donor, foundation and grant funds, along with the required financial reporting for government grant awards. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, movies, and sporting events.
Nora Livesay is currently the Director of Finance for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Ms. Livesay graduated Magna Cum Laude from Radford University, Radford, Virginia, with a BS degree in business, emphasis accounting. She has over 30 years of work experience for three not for profit organizations and has been responsible for the proper allocation and accounting of restricted donor, foundation and grant funds, along with the required financial reporting for government grant awards. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, movies, and sporting events.
Rita Oliveira is a Program Associate for the Energy and Sustainability Program. She is also the Office and HR Manager as well as Assistant to the President. Rita holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics from Universidade CatĂłlica Portuguesa in Portugal and MBA from National University, in San Diego. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked as a collector at Chase Home Finance in San Diego and as an Assistant Manager for F. Abecassis in Portugal.
Rita Oliveira is a Program Associate for the Energy and Sustainability Program. She is also the Office and HR Manager as well as Assistant to the President. Rita holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics from Universidade CatĂłlica Portuguesa in Portugal and MBA from National University, in San Diego. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked as a collector at Chase Home Finance in San Diego and as an Assistant Manager for F. Abecassis in Portugal.
Rebecca (Becky) Hernandez serves as the Assistant Director of the STEAM Program for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Becky graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (formerly the University of Texas – Pan American), Edinburg, Texas, with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In addition, she spent her last two years as an undergraduate working on a research project involving a brain parasite that manipulates its fish host behavior. Ultimately, this undergraduate research project culminated in her first publication, in the Journal of Parasitology.
After graduating, she worked as a high school Pre-AP chemistry teacher at IDEA College Preparatory in Mission, Texas. Given her interest in STEM, she served as a mentor for students participating in the science fair competition and participated in both the annual STEM event hosted by her campus as well as the one hosted by her undergraduate institution.
Later, her passion for marine biology (and parasites) led her to Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD, where she first worked as a Laboratory Technician and subsequently received her M.S. in Marine Biology. There, she focused on examining how California Killifish used their behavior as a defense against parasites.
Rebecca (Becky) Hernandez serves as the Assistant Director of the STEAM Program for the Institute of the Americas, a not for profit organization located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
Becky graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (formerly the University of Texas – Pan American), Edinburg, Texas, with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In addition, she spent her last two years as an undergraduate working on a research project involving a brain parasite that manipulates its fish host behavior. Ultimately, this undergraduate research project culminated in her first publication, in the Journal of Parasitology.
After graduating, she worked as a high school Pre-AP chemistry teacher at IDEA College Preparatory in Mission, Texas. Given her interest in STEM, she served as a mentor for students participating in the science fair competition and participated in both the annual STEM event hosted by her campus as well as the one hosted by her undergraduate institution.
Later, her passion for marine biology (and parasites) led her to Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD, where she first worked as a Laboratory Technician and subsequently received her M.S. in Marine Biology. There, she focused on examining how California Killifish used their behavior as a defense against parasites.
Francesca Carrillo-DĂaz graduated from the University of San Diego (USD) in 2017 with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Spanish with a minor in Latin American studies. Upon graduating, she worked for the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education (JI), a nonprofit on the USD campus. During her time at JI she helped coordinate various STEAM camps and events for elementary school children.
In 2019, Francesca joined the Institute of the Americas (IOA) as a STEAM Program Associate. She has helped organize various in person and virtual events for local and Latin American students such as the annual residential summer Science Camp and nonresidential day camps called STEAM Labs. She has also worked with the STEAM Team to coordinate professional development workshops for Latin American STEAM teachers at the IOA headquarters in La Jolla, California, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and most recently through virtual platforms. In 2021, Francesca also plans to help IOA re-engage with the broader San Diego/Tijuana community by restart their arts & culture program.
Francesca Carrillo-DĂaz graduated from the University of San Diego (USD) in 2017 with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Spanish with a minor in Latin American studies. Upon graduating, she worked for the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education (JI), a nonprofit on the USD campus. During her time at JI she helped coordinate various STEAM camps and events for elementary school children.
In 2019, Francesca joined the Institute of the Americas (IOA) as a STEAM Program Associate. She has helped organize various in person and virtual events for local and Latin American students such as the annual residential summer Science Camp and nonresidential day camps called STEAM Labs. She has also worked with the STEAM Team to coordinate professional development workshops for Latin American STEAM teachers at the IOA headquarters in La Jolla, California, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and most recently through virtual platforms. In 2021, Francesca also plans to help IOA re-engage with the broader San Diego/Tijuana community by restart their arts & culture program.
Prior to his current position at the Institute, Carlos did freelance work as Web Developer, Graphic Designer and Multimedia consultant. He also worked for JVC Electronics and for the marketing department at The LandAmerica Financial Group the third largest title insurance group in the US, where he worked as Junior Web Developer and Graphic Artist. A native of Spain, Carlos moved to San Diego, California in 1999. In 2001 he graduated as Web Designer at the North Media Center. From 2001-2004 he attended San Diego City College at the Graphic and Multimedia Design Department.
Prior to his current position at the Institute, Carlos did freelance work as Web Developer, Graphic Designer and Multimedia consultant. He also worked for JVC Electronics and for the marketing department at The LandAmerica Financial Group the third largest title insurance group in the US, where he worked as Junior Web Developer and Graphic Artist. A native of Spain, Carlos moved to San Diego, California in 1999. In 2001 he graduated as Web Designer at the North Media Center. From 2001-2004 he attended San Diego City College at the Graphic and Multimedia Design Department.
Diana RodrĂguez has been Energy & Sustainability Program Associate for over nine years. Diana also is the Institute’s Facilities Manager. Prior to joining the Institute, Diana worked assisting the DCM at the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, D.C., for seven years. She holds a BA on International Trade from Los Libertadores University in Colombia.
Diana RodrĂguez has been Energy & Sustainability Program Associate for over nine years. Diana also is the Institute’s Facilities Manager. Prior to joining the Institute, Diana worked assisting the DCM at the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, D.C., for seven years. She holds a BA on International Trade from Los Libertadores University in Colombia.
Fellows
Leonardo Beltran was Deputy Secretary for Planning and Energy Transition en the Administration of President Peña Nieto (2012-2018). As part of his responsibilities he was appointed non-executive director of CFE and Pemex. He was the Chief Planning Officer and the Chief Technology Officer in the Mexican Energy Sector. He studied a Master´s in Public Administration in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School, a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, and studied Law in the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México.
In 2005, Mr. Beltran joined Secretaria de Energia (SENER) as Director for International Negotiations, participating in high level meetings of the Energy Working Group of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Mechanism (APEC), the International Energy Agency, the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, and in bilateral and multilateral negotiations with the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, India, New Zealand, Spain, and United States of America.
In 2010, Mr. Beltran was appointed Director-General for Information and Energy Studies at SENER, where he took part in the National System of Science and Technology and collaborated in the Technology and Science Research Information System of the National Science and Technology Council, as well as the Special Program on Science and Technology. He also coordinated the interdepartmental working group on Carbon Capture, Use and Storage, and the working group to develop the Sustainable Building Mexican Voluntary Standard.
Leonardo Beltran has been a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. He was part of the International Affairs division of the campaign and transition team of President Enrique Peña Nieto.
Leonardo Beltran has been part of the World Economic Forum´s Council of the Future of Electricity (2014-2016), and the Council of the Future of Energy (2016-2018). Currently he is a member of the Advisory Council of the Partnering to Accelerate Sustainable Energy Innovation Project. Since 2017 is a member of the Administrative Board of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), and in 2018 he joined the Board of Fundacion por Mexico. He is also a consultant to the World Bank.
Leonardo Beltran was Deputy Secretary for Planning and Energy Transition en the Administration of President Peña Nieto (2012-2018). As part of his responsibilities he was appointed non-executive director of CFE and Pemex. He was the Chief Planning Officer and the Chief Technology Officer in the Mexican Energy Sector. He studied a Master´s in Public Administration in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School, a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, and studied Law in the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México.
In 2005, Mr. Beltran joined Secretaria de Energia (SENER) as Director for International Negotiations, participating in high level meetings of the Energy Working Group of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Mechanism (APEC), the International Energy Agency, the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, and in bilateral and multilateral negotiations with the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, India, New Zealand, Spain, and United States of America.
In 2010, Mr. Beltran was appointed Director-General for Information and Energy Studies at SENER, where he took part in the National System of Science and Technology and collaborated in the Technology and Science Research Information System of the National Science and Technology Council, as well as the Special Program on Science and Technology. He also coordinated the interdepartmental working group on Carbon Capture, Use and Storage, and the working group to develop the Sustainable Building Mexican Voluntary Standard.
Leonardo Beltran has been a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. He was part of the International Affairs division of the campaign and transition team of President Enrique Peña Nieto.
Leonardo Beltran has been part of the World Economic Forum´s Council of the Future of Electricity (2014-2016), and the Council of the Future of Energy (2016-2018). Currently he is a member of the Advisory Council of the Partnering to Accelerate Sustainable Energy Innovation Project. Since 2017 is a member of the Administrative Board of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), and in 2018 he joined the Board of Fundacion por Mexico. He is also a consultant to the World Bank.
Andres Chambouleyron is non-resident fellow at the Institute of the Americas. He has worked extensively in the private sector as an economist and consultant for public utilities (electricity, natural gas, water and sanitation, and telecommunications) and other regulated and non-regulated businesses. His work involves economic analysis, pricing and rate setting, valuation, business advisory, regulatory design and analysis mostly in the energy sector.
In the public sector, Dr. Chambouleyron has been economic advisor to Argentina’s Secretary of Communications (2000), where he helped design and implement the country’s new regulatory framework (i.e., interconnection, spectrum management, universal service, and licensing regimes); and advisor to Argentina’s Minister of Economy (2001) on regulatory and energy issues.
Before joining the Institute of the Americas Dr. Chambouleyron was Chairman of the Board of Argentina’s National Electricity Regulator (ENRE, 2018-2020) that regulates rates and quality of service for two electricity distribution companies in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area (six million users), one 500 KV electricity transmission company (fifteen million users), and seven 132 KV regional transmission companies. He has also been Undersecretary of Tariff Policy at Argentina’s Ministry of Energy and Mining (2015-2017), where he designed and implemented a subsidy reduction program to both electricity generation and natural gas production and a social tariff regime for low-income families.
Dr. Chambouleyron has provided written or oral testimony as an expert in more than twenty arbitration cases in sectors ranging from electricity generation, transmission and distribution, natural gas production, transportation and distribution, to water and sanitation services, telecommunications and satellite services. He has provided consulting services to both private companies and regulatory authorities throughout Latin America on regulatory issues such as interconnection rates and tariffs for both fixed and mobile telecommunication operators, X factors, and tariff calculation for price-cap regimes in telecoms; natural gas distribution companies and electricity and natural gas distribution and transportation companies.
Dr. Chambouleyron holds MA (1992) and PhD (1995) degrees in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin and his research on pricing and regulatory issues has been published in several professional journals. He has collaborated in writing two chapters in two books related to the economics of crime and price and quality discrimination practices by unregulated monopolies. He has taught courses in microeconomics, industrial organization, and regulation at both undergraduate and graduate levels in local universities.
Andres Chambouleyron is non-resident fellow at the Institute of the Americas. He has worked extensively in the private sector as an economist and consultant for public utilities (electricity, natural gas, water and sanitation, and telecommunications) and other regulated and non-regulated businesses. His work involves economic analysis, pricing and rate setting, valuation, business advisory, regulatory design and analysis mostly in the energy sector.
In the public sector, Dr. Chambouleyron has been economic advisor to Argentina’s Secretary of Communications (2000), where he helped design and implement the country’s new regulatory framework (i.e., interconnection, spectrum management, universal service, and licensing regimes); and advisor to Argentina’s Minister of Economy (2001) on regulatory and energy issues.
Before joining the Institute of the Americas Dr. Chambouleyron was Chairman of the Board of Argentina’s National Electricity Regulator (ENRE, 2018-2020) that regulates rates and quality of service for two electricity distribution companies in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area (six million users), one 500 KV electricity transmission company (fifteen million users), and seven 132 KV regional transmission companies. He has also been Undersecretary of Tariff Policy at Argentina’s Ministry of Energy and Mining (2015-2017), where he designed and implemented a subsidy reduction program to both electricity generation and natural gas production and a social tariff regime for low-income families.
Dr. Chambouleyron has provided written or oral testimony as an expert in more than twenty arbitration cases in sectors ranging from electricity generation, transmission and distribution, natural gas production, transportation and distribution, to water and sanitation services, telecommunications and satellite services. He has provided consulting services to both private companies and regulatory authorities throughout Latin America on regulatory issues such as interconnection rates and tariffs for both fixed and mobile telecommunication operators, X factors, and tariff calculation for price-cap regimes in telecoms; natural gas distribution companies and electricity and natural gas distribution and transportation companies.
Dr. Chambouleyron holds MA (1992) and PhD (1995) degrees in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin and his research on pricing and regulatory issues has been published in several professional journals. He has collaborated in writing two chapters in two books related to the economics of crime and price and quality discrimination practices by unregulated monopolies. He has taught courses in microeconomics, industrial organization, and regulation at both undergraduate and graduate levels in local universities.
Nelson Narciso Filho holds graduate degrees in Industrial Administration and Economic Engineering from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and an undergraduate degree in Mechanic Engineering from Souza Marques University. He has held multiple senior executive positions at Exploration and Production (E&P) companies and service providers in the oil and gas industry, such as HRT Africa, Halliburton, ABB, Vetco Gray and Hughes WKM. He has accumulated over 35 years of solid experience and extensive knowledge of management and business development in E&P, as well as start-up operations in Brazil, Angola and Namibia. In addition, he was Director of the Brazilian regulatory agency for oil, natural gas, and biofuels (ANP) from 2006 to 2010, when developed a broad vision of the sector’s regulation, having participated in numerous international forums where he was responsible for introducing the Brazilian market dynamics and promoting investment in the country. During his term, he led the creation of the Local Content Coordinating Body, led the Gas Flaring Reduction program, Improvement of Production Fiscal Metering program, Bidding Rounds and Integrated System for products movement.
Nelson Narciso Filho holds graduate degrees in Industrial Administration and Economic Engineering from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and an undergraduate degree in Mechanic Engineering from Souza Marques University. He has held multiple senior executive positions at Exploration and Production (E&P) companies and service providers in the oil and gas industry, such as HRT Africa, Halliburton, ABB, Vetco Gray and Hughes WKM. He has accumulated over 35 years of solid experience and extensive knowledge of management and business development in E&P, as well as start-up operations in Brazil, Angola and Namibia. In addition, he was Director of the Brazilian regulatory agency for oil, natural gas, and biofuels (ANP) from 2006 to 2010, when developed a broad vision of the sector’s regulation, having participated in numerous international forums where he was responsible for introducing the Brazilian market dynamics and promoting investment in the country. During his term, he led the creation of the Local Content Coordinating Body, led the Gas Flaring Reduction program, Improvement of Production Fiscal Metering program, Bidding Rounds and Integrated System for products movement.
Ex President of ANCAP (Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland), Uruguay • After more than 20 years international experience at Royal Dutch Shell, Marta left her position as President of the Shell companies in Mexico to join the energy industry in her native Uruguay • Chemical Engineer graduated from the University of Buenos Aires • MA in Strategic Financial Management at Kingston University, UK, executive education programs at IMD in Lausanne and Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She has accepted an invitation to the upcoming Georgetown Leadership Seminar 2019 at the Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service
Ex President of ANCAP (Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland), Uruguay • After more than 20 years international experience at Royal Dutch Shell, Marta left her position as President of the Shell companies in Mexico to join the energy industry in her native Uruguay • Chemical Engineer graduated from the University of Buenos Aires • MA in Strategic Financial Management at Kingston University, UK, executive education programs at IMD in Lausanne and Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She has accepted an invitation to the upcoming Georgetown Leadership Seminar 2019 at the Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service
Francisco Xavier Salazar Diez de Sollano is a partner at Gadex, Enix and Trust Mexico. Gadex is a consulting firm specialized in the natural gas market in Mexico, Enix is devoted to energy regulation while Trust Mexico analyses socio political risks for infrastructure projects in the country.
Francisco is also the Coordinator of the International Confederation of Regulators (ICER).
In 2016, he was appointed as the first “Institute of the Americas Regional Energy Integration Non-Resident Fellow” and as executive fellow at the School of Public Policy of the University of Calgary.
During 2015-2017, he was Chair of the Mexican Chapter of the World Energy Council (WEC). In 2017 he became a member of COMEXI, the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations
From 2005 to 2015, he served as Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) time during which he was an active promoter of energy reform in Mexico. During 2011-2015 he chaired the Ibero-American Energy Regulators Association (ARIAE).
Prior to being a regulator, he was a congressman for two terms. In Congress he served as a Chairman of the Energy Committee at the Chamber of Deputies.
At the beginning of his professional career, he also was involved in the Chemical Sector.
Mr. Salazar holds an MSc in Public Financial Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, and Diploma studies in Law and Economics from other universities.
He has taught courses on Public Finance and Monetary Economics at local universities in San Luis Potosi and written on the use of economic instruments in environmental public policy, as well as on energy policy and regulation. Mr. Salazar has also participated as member of editorial boards from major newspapers and business magazines in Mexico.
Francisco Xavier Salazar Diez de Sollano is a partner at Gadex, Enix and Trust Mexico. Gadex is a consulting firm specialized in the natural gas market in Mexico, Enix is devoted to energy regulation while Trust Mexico analyses socio political risks for infrastructure projects in the country.
Francisco is also the Coordinator of the International Confederation of Regulators (ICER).
In 2016, he was appointed as the first “Institute of the Americas Regional Energy Integration Non-Resident Fellow” and as executive fellow at the School of Public Policy of the University of Calgary.
During 2015-2017, he was Chair of the Mexican Chapter of the World Energy Council (WEC). In 2017 he became a member of COMEXI, the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations
From 2005 to 2015, he served as Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) time during which he was an active promoter of energy reform in Mexico. During 2011-2015 he chaired the Ibero-American Energy Regulators Association (ARIAE).
Prior to being a regulator, he was a congressman for two terms. In Congress he served as a Chairman of the Energy Committee at the Chamber of Deputies.
At the beginning of his professional career, he also was involved in the Chemical Sector.
Mr. Salazar holds an MSc in Public Financial Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, and Diploma studies in Law and Economics from other universities.
He has taught courses on Public Finance and Monetary Economics at local universities in San Luis Potosi and written on the use of economic instruments in environmental public policy, as well as on energy policy and regulation. Mr. Salazar has also participated as member of editorial boards from major newspapers and business magazines in Mexico.
Chris is an advocate for better energy solutions than the ones we have used so far!
Chris is well known across the energy sector, particularly for laying a framework for co-investment between public and private sector energy companies, whilst explaining the different elements of project, contract and country risk. He has a track record of helping governments and regulators to optimise private and co-investment.
His focus as a non-resident fellow at the Institute includes low carbon and zero carbon policies and energy technologies, particularly geothermal and hydrogen, being implemented across the globe, especially in Latin America, Europe/UK and Australasia.
Chris is author of the widely read ‘Energy Matters’ op-ed that tackles big energy issues using real-life personal experiences, extensive research and verification. Chris contributes to numerous media articles and research pieces, and is frequently quoted on energy and climate issues by both the energy press and mainstream media. His articles reflect his passion for the energy sector and how to achieve better outcomes. He has published extensively over five decades.
Chris also has experience acquired on Boards of companies, advisory boards, and business chambers, including the Board of Directors of the Institute of Americas from 2014 through 2021. He has a doctorate in geoscience from the University of Reading and has researched lake systems and their economic importance for over 40 years. His contributions to energy and education have been recognised by the UK Government with both an MBE and CBE, and also the Aztec Eagle from the Mexican Government – the first foreigner in the energy sector to receive this.
Chris is an advocate for better energy solutions than the ones we have used so far!
Chris is well known across the energy sector, particularly for laying a framework for co-investment between public and private sector energy companies, whilst explaining the different elements of project, contract and country risk. He has a track record of helping governments and regulators to optimise private and co-investment.
His focus as a non-resident fellow at the Institute includes low carbon and zero carbon policies and energy technologies, particularly geothermal and hydrogen, being implemented across the globe, especially in Latin America, Europe/UK and Australasia.
Chris is author of the widely read ‘Energy Matters’ op-ed that tackles big energy issues using real-life personal experiences, extensive research and verification. Chris contributes to numerous media articles and research pieces, and is frequently quoted on energy and climate issues by both the energy press and mainstream media. His articles reflect his passion for the energy sector and how to achieve better outcomes. He has published extensively over five decades.
Chris also has experience acquired on Boards of companies, advisory boards, and business chambers, including the Board of Directors of the Institute of Americas from 2014 through 2021. He has a doctorate in geoscience from the University of Reading and has researched lake systems and their economic importance for over 40 years. His contributions to energy and education have been recognised by the UK Government with both an MBE and CBE, and also the Aztec Eagle from the Mexican Government – the first foreigner in the energy sector to receive this.
Rene Roger Tissot is an economist, MBA and a CPA with deep experience in international energy policy and geopolitics. Roger started his career at the Canadian Energy Research InsĆźtute (CERI), where he led the Institute’s international research, particularly in Latin America. He also worked as international government relations for a large Canadian oil company with largely focused on Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. Later at Washington based consultancy he advised energy corporaĆźons on LaĆźn America’s energy policy issues. More recently, Roger led program at Kapsarc, a Saudi energy economic think-tank research on policy evaluation and design on in-country value addition and local content in the oil sector. His research focused on East Africa, parĆźcularly Uganda and Mozambique. Since completing his assignment in Saudi Arabia, Roger has advised different organizations and recently completed a study for the Sultanate of Oman on the In-Country Value-added and local content policies. Roger is also engaged in work on a PhD in Global Studies at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan).
Rene Roger Tissot is an economist, MBA and a CPA with deep experience in international energy policy and geopolitics. Roger started his career at the Canadian Energy Research InsĆźtute (CERI), where he led the Institute’s international research, particularly in Latin America. He also worked as international government relations for a large Canadian oil company with largely focused on Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. Later at Washington based consultancy he advised energy corporaĆźons on LaĆźn America’s energy policy issues. More recently, Roger led program at Kapsarc, a Saudi energy economic think-tank research on policy evaluation and design on in-country value addition and local content in the oil sector. His research focused on East Africa, parĆźcularly Uganda and Mozambique. Since completing his assignment in Saudi Arabia, Roger has advised different organizations and recently completed a study for the Sultanate of Oman on the In-Country Value-added and local content policies. Roger is also engaged in work on a PhD in Global Studies at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan).
Practitioner in Residence
Jesus Ernesto Grijalva has been a student of U.S.-Latin American legal and political interactions for over 30 years. A U.C.S.D graduate with a B.A. in Political Science and with a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, his entire professional career has been focused on U.S.-Latin America business interactions.
The Law Offices of J. Ernesto Grijalva served clients with U.S.-Mexico cross-border business transactions and litigation. In the early 1990’s he became the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s principal spokesperson on NAFTA and International trade issues. In the mid-1990’s he joined the Chamber as VP Legal/International Trade.
In 1998, Ernie was invited to join PriceSmart, Inc., a progeny of Price-Costco. As Sr. VP Legal Affairs Latin America/Caribbean and Chief FCPA Compliance Officer, he was charged with shepherding the legal aspects of PriceSmart’s expansion throughout Central America and then supervising legal matters throughout the Latin America/Caribbean region.  In his 20 years with PriceSmart, it grew from operations in 1 country to 13, about 300 employees to 9,000 and about $60 million in annual revenues to over $3 billion. He personally trained thousands of employees on a variety of legal compliance related matters. He served as the Legal Representative of over 30 corporations, serving as President of over 20 PriceSmart subsidiaries and as Secretary or General Manager of a dozen more. He was regularly responsible for subsidiaries corporate/government relations.  His work led to being recognized as a GC Powerlist – The Legal 500 – Most Influential Corporate Counsel in Central America. He is also rated Pre-eminent attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and a certified a Corporate Ethics and Compliance Professional – International.
Jesus Ernesto Grijalva has been a student of U.S.-Latin American legal and political interactions for over 30 years. A U.C.S.D graduate with a B.A. in Political Science and with a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, his entire professional career has been focused on U.S.-Latin America business interactions.
The Law Offices of J. Ernesto Grijalva served clients with U.S.-Mexico cross-border business transactions and litigation. In the early 1990’s he became the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s principal spokesperson on NAFTA and International trade issues. In the mid-1990’s he joined the Chamber as VP Legal/International Trade.
In 1998, Ernie was invited to join PriceSmart, Inc., a progeny of Price-Costco. As Sr. VP Legal Affairs Latin America/Caribbean and Chief FCPA Compliance Officer, he was charged with shepherding the legal aspects of PriceSmart’s expansion throughout Central America and then supervising legal matters throughout the Latin America/Caribbean region.  In his 20 years with PriceSmart, it grew from operations in 1 country to 13, about 300 employees to 9,000 and about $60 million in annual revenues to over $3 billion. He personally trained thousands of employees on a variety of legal compliance related matters. He served as the Legal Representative of over 30 corporations, serving as President of over 20 PriceSmart subsidiaries and as Secretary or General Manager of a dozen more. He was regularly responsible for subsidiaries corporate/government relations.  His work led to being recognized as a GC Powerlist – The Legal 500 – Most Influential Corporate Counsel in Central America. He is also rated Pre-eminent attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and a certified a Corporate Ethics and Compliance Professional – International.
Advisor
Clark is a native of Illinois, and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana with a B.S. in Marketing. After military service in New York, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and WĂĽrzburg, Germany, he began his professional career in San Diego as an advertising account executive. Among his clients at the time were the San Diego Padres, Caliente Racecourse and various real estate developments.
With a partner, he moved north and founded a Los Angeles-based magazine company to publish airline in-flight and hotel in-room magazines. Clark was Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of all the publications. When he left that company—East/West Network—ten years later, more than 60 percent of all commercial flights in the United States carried the company’s magazines. These included such carriers as Continental, Delta, Eastern, Pan American and United. Hotels included Westin, Holiday Inn, and InterContinental. Following publishing ventures included serving as President/Publisher of San Francisco Magazine, the city magazine for the Bay Area, and Publisher of The Executive, a business magazine that profiled Los Angeles and Orange County companies through the eyes of those companies’ chief executive officers. Clark was also Director of Magazine Development at Freedom Communications in Irvine, and interim publisher of both World Trade and Latin Trade magazines, based in Irvine and Miami, respectively.
Clark was the Founding Executive Director of the San Diego/Tijuana Smart Border Coalition. The Coalition is the leading bi-national organization working to ease border wait times between California and Baja California. It is the only regional organization with board members equally from both San Diego and Tijuana. The Coalition also helps promote the San Diego-Tijuana Region for investment and is an advocacy group for bi-national border efficiency issues in Mexico City and Washington.
Clark was also the Founding Director of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Mexico Business Center and led the organization for 11 years. Before joining the SDRCC, he was Director for the Californias of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, based in Los Angeles. The United States-Mexico Chamber is headquartered in Washington, D. C. He also helped lead public policy trips to Washington and Mexico City.
Clark was the Coordinator for the Tri-lateral North American Competitiveness and Innovation Conferences held annually in San Diego 2010-2013 under the auspices of the United States Department of Commerce and its Canada and Mexico counterparts.
He has been on the Board of Directors of Mainly Mozart/Promotora de Bellas Artes, South County Economic Development Council, and the German American Foundation where he was the binational chair. He was an International Friendship Commissioner for the City of Chula Vista and has served on the Advisory Boards of San Diego Citizen’s Diplomacy Council, XLNC1 Classical Radio, LEAD San Diego and Tijuana Innovadora.
He has been a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Community Foundation serving the people of Baja California Sur and Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center as well as having served as the U.S. California Regional Team Leader for FUMEC’s BIMI (Border Intelligent Manufacturing Initiative). He has been a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
He continues as an Honorary Board Member of the San Diego/Tijuana Smart Border Coalition. He was inducted into the Tijuana Paseo de la Fama in 2015. Clark has been honored by the Congress of the United States, California State Senate, the State of Baja California, the Consulates General of Canada, Mexico and the United States, Tijuana Economic Development Corporation, and the Mayors of San Diego and Tijuana for his service to the region. Clark currently works on projects between San Diego/Tijuana and the Bajio Region of Mexico.
Clark is a native of Illinois, and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana with a B.S. in Marketing. After military service in New York, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and WĂĽrzburg, Germany, he began his professional career in San Diego as an advertising account executive. Among his clients at the time were the San Diego Padres, Caliente Racecourse and various real estate developments.
With a partner, he moved north and founded a Los Angeles-based magazine company to publish airline in-flight and hotel in-room magazines. Clark was Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of all the publications. When he left that company—East/West Network—ten years later, more than 60 percent of all commercial flights in the United States carried the company’s magazines. These included such carriers as Continental, Delta, Eastern, Pan American and United. Hotels included Westin, Holiday Inn, and InterContinental. Following publishing ventures included serving as President/Publisher of San Francisco Magazine, the city magazine for the Bay Area, and Publisher of The Executive, a business magazine that profiled Los Angeles and Orange County companies through the eyes of those companies’ chief executive officers. Clark was also Director of Magazine Development at Freedom Communications in Irvine, and interim publisher of both World Trade and Latin Trade magazines, based in Irvine and Miami, respectively.
Clark was the Founding Executive Director of the San Diego/Tijuana Smart Border Coalition. The Coalition is the leading bi-national organization working to ease border wait times between California and Baja California. It is the only regional organization with board members equally from both San Diego and Tijuana. The Coalition also helps promote the San Diego-Tijuana Region for investment and is an advocacy group for bi-national border efficiency issues in Mexico City and Washington.
Clark was also the Founding Director of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Mexico Business Center and led the organization for 11 years. Before joining the SDRCC, he was Director for the Californias of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, based in Los Angeles. The United States-Mexico Chamber is headquartered in Washington, D. C. He also helped lead public policy trips to Washington and Mexico City.
Clark was the Coordinator for the Tri-lateral North American Competitiveness and Innovation Conferences held annually in San Diego 2010-2013 under the auspices of the United States Department of Commerce and its Canada and Mexico counterparts.
He has been on the Board of Directors of Mainly Mozart/Promotora de Bellas Artes, South County Economic Development Council, and the German American Foundation where he was the binational chair. He was an International Friendship Commissioner for the City of Chula Vista and has served on the Advisory Boards of San Diego Citizen’s Diplomacy Council, XLNC1 Classical Radio, LEAD San Diego and Tijuana Innovadora.
He has been a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Community Foundation serving the people of Baja California Sur and Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center as well as having served as the U.S. California Regional Team Leader for FUMEC’s BIMI (Border Intelligent Manufacturing Initiative). He has been a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
He continues as an Honorary Board Member of the San Diego/Tijuana Smart Border Coalition. He was inducted into the Tijuana Paseo de la Fama in 2015. Clark has been honored by the Congress of the United States, California State Senate, the State of Baja California, the Consulates General of Canada, Mexico and the United States, Tijuana Economic Development Corporation, and the Mayors of San Diego and Tijuana for his service to the region. Clark currently works on projects between San Diego/Tijuana and the Bajio Region of Mexico.