About Us
All-RETI Energized
Throughout the Region
The NSF RETI Engine is rooted in a region that has powered the nation for more than a century and is now uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of the U.S. energy system evolution. Spanning West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, the region combines legacy energy assets, globally significant heavy industry, and world-class research institutions with communities actively seeking economic diversification and workforce renewal.
The Regional Investment
While the challenge of reliable and secure energy is one affecting the nation at large, it is most pressingly felt in the RETI region. RETI’s 78 county region is one of the nation’s largest net exporters of energy (second highest) and energy-intensive products, such as steel and chemicals (top 5 steel producer and largest producer of coke). This above average energy and industrial capacity is also reflected in our regional workforce. In West Virginia alone, 12.6% of the workforce participates in the energy sector, more than double that of the national average, and in West Virginia and western PA, over 150,000 workers participate in heavy manufacturing industries, which are deeply reliant on a strong energy network.
Facing Regional and National Challenges
As energy disruptions become a larger threat due to aging infrastructure, a brittle grid system, and the onboarding of datacenters, our region’s industrial base is vulnerable. RETI is designed to address this challenge, leveraging the convergence of energy dominance, industrial capacity, and expansive R&D resources, creating a rare opportunity to translate innovation into real-world solutions. The RETI consortium represents the physical, intellectual, industrial, and workforce assets necessary to create a successful model of energy resilience that can be scaled to meet national need.
Meet the Team
Dr. Erienne Olesh
CEO
The team is lead by CEO Dr. Erienne Olesh, supported by an Advisory Board, Legal Counsel, Marketing and Project Management, alongside a Governance Board.
Members include:
Reed McManigle
Chief Commercialization Officer
Dr. Sam Taylor
Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Liz Vitullo
Chief Workforce Officer
Dr. Michelle Taylor
Chief Engagement Officer
Dr. Valerie Karplus
Director of Policy, Co-PI
Rob Cunningham
Director of Grid Innovation, Co-PI
Matt Harbaugh
Director of Capital, Co-PI
The Power of Partnership
This region has a demonstrated culture of collaboration. RETI brings together West Virginia University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University — three of the nation’s leading research universities — alongside 60+ industry, workforce, philanthropy, state government, and community partners. From leading utilities to major manufacturers, RETI’s partners span the full energy and industrial supply chain.
Together, we are not just conducting research. We are building the companies, training the workers, and deploying the technologies that will secure America’s energy future and revitalize American manufacturing for generations to come.
Solving America’s energy security challenge requires more than a single institution. It requires an ecosystem. And we are RETI to do it.
