Management

Novus Energy’s management group is led by President and CEO, Joseph Burke. In concert with its highly qualified Board of Advisors and Board of Governors, Novus Energy has the scientific knowledge, applied experience, professional skills and strategic relationships to make a significant impact in the burgeoning renewable biofuels industry.

Joseph Burke – CEO & President

Joe Burke has over 24 years experience in project engineering, operations, general management and quality control. Armed with his B.S. in electrical engineering, he began his career at Raytheon Company supporting US Government defense projects. In 1988, he moved to G&K Services which today is a $1 billion international image and textile company. During 18 years, he advanced from Corporate Engineer to Vice President of Operations & Engineering; this role included creating operational strategies for over 50 processing sites, with more than 5000 production employees. Clients included Ford Motor Company, Cargill and the largest semi-conductor manufacturer in the world. He assisted in new product development, including BioSmart and ProSura in the highly regulated food processing market. Responsibilities also included the design, engineering, construction and start-up of new and remodeled plants. Mr. Burke has demonstrated his ability to lead teams organized around actionable strategies. This leadership capability will play a key role in effecting Novus Energy’s sustained growth.

Surya Pidaparti – Senior NBC™ Project Manager

Surya Pidaparti is an industry expert in wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion with over 24 years of experience designing and building over 100 industrial and municipal waste projects. Surya was with Siemens Water Technologies as Director of Industrial Projects where he managed the industrial and large municipal integrated projects business. Surya’s experience includes several projects in the areas of system planning, design and troubleshooting as a project manager and practice principal. His prior projects include waste-to-energy plants, wastewater reclamation plants and agricultural residue treatment plants. Surya has authored several technology patents and publications. He is a member of several Technical Practice Committees of the Water Environment Federation. Surya has a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from Iowa State University.

Ann Lagorio – Senior Manager, Marketing & Finance

Ann Lagorio comes to us with 10 years of marketing experience. Ann’s experience includes operations management, marketing and finance as well as project management and customer service with Fingerhut Corporation, Marshall Fields and Effective Learning Systems. Ann received her BSB degree from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management, with a Marketing emphasis.