Briggs White

About Briggs White

As an award-winning Innovation Executive with the Department of Energy, I have delivered clean energy, cutting-edge R&D, economic growth, community development, and technology leadership across a wide range of industries.I have launched critical economic revitalization programs from scratch, spearheading $54 billion in federal award selections and encouraging $315 billion in private sector investment in data centers, power generation, and manufacturing as part of the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization.I have also led large-scale R&D programs, directing a $50 million DOE research budget including high-performance computing, AI, water/air cooling for power and data centers, high-performance materials, and commercialization. My technical leadership includes serving as a Subject Matter Expert in high-performance computing, AI, water treatment/cooling, and materials development, focusing on innovation, commercialization, advanced manufacturing, tech-to-market, decarbonization, and sustainability programs.I have served in several Chief of Staff roles for the Department of Energy, managing a portfolio of 750 R&D projects totaling $7.7 billion. In that role, I identified key program improvements, introducing the 1st NETL Annual Laboratory Plan outlining our mission, core competencies, strategic goals, technology achievements, and site-wide infrastructure investments. I also introduced project management standards to drive innovation aligned with industry best practices.Throughout my career, I have cultivated trust with internal and external stakeholders including White House officials, congressional offices, government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, leading philanthropic groups, and financial institutions including Alcoa, DE Shaw Renewables, Heinz Endowments, and the NY Federal Reserve Bank.I also consistently grow my technical skills and business acumen with a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from top-ranked University of Florida and completing the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University, Carnegie Science Communication Fellowship, the Executive Leadership Program at the USDA Graduate School, and a PMP certification.

Experience

1. Senior Advisor

   Prosperamerica

   Aug 2025 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   Provide consulting services including advice on stakeholder engagement, energy communities, clean energy investment, data and metrics, and strategic partnerships.

Education

• Harvard Kennedy School

  Certificate of Completion, Senior Executive Fellows

• University of Florida

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Materials Science

  2002 — 2007

• The University of Sheffield

  Materials Science and Engineering

  2000 — 2001

• University of Rome Tor Vergata

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Materials Science and Engineering

  2005 — 2006

• Alfred University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Materials Science

  1998 — 2002