BRAWLEY — California Ethanol + Power, LLC (CE+P) announced Thursday that Poornima Sharma, President & Founder of GreenBridge LLC, and Bruce Schechinger, seasoned entrepreneur and executive with 40+ years in the chemical industry, have joined the company as strategic advisors for the Sugar Valley Energy project. The appointments come as the project advances its financing strategy to support commercialization and scaling.
Sharma brings unparalleled expertise in guiding refining & petrochemical projects through various stages of execution. As former Vice President of Operations for Americas & Europe at Technip Energies, she oversaw projects valued up to $350 million and led a technology-driven, global business as Managing Director in Houston Through GreenBridge LLC, her cleantech consultancy, Sharma has become a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and investors navigating the critical commercialization phase.
At Sugar Valley Energy, Sharma focuses on investor engagement and capital raise strategy, working to strengthen the company’s risk mitigation plans, cap-ex approach, and EPC arrangements while leveraging her extensive industry network to identify partnership opportunities.
“Poornima’s track record executing industrial projects and her credibility with her experience and expertise, make her an invaluable partner as we engage with capital sources,” said Dave Rubenstein, President and CEO of California Ethanol + Power. “Her strategic input on investor narratives, risk mitigation, EPC strategy, and industry relationships will be instrumental to our success.”
Schechinger brings a complementary set of skills honed over decades of building and scaling industrial businesses. He acquired and grew a Salt Lake City chemical company from a modest operation into a $75+ million international enterprise with operations spanning the UAE, Europe, Asia, Brazil, Canada, Iceland, India, and Africa. A recognized industry leader, Schechinger served as Chairman of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution and continues to own and operate a chemicals storage and distribution business in Idaho.
“Bruce’s experience in commercial development, capital formation, and fundraising strategy is exactly what we need at this critical juncture,” Rubenstein said. “We are confident he will help us identify and secure the capital necessary to help move the project forward.”
Schechinger’s advisory scope includes strategic guidance on growth initiatives, investor engagement, commercial development, and financing strategy. Beyond Sugar Valley Energy, Schechinger serves as advisor and investor in several ventures, including Ventura Aerospace, and holds board and ownership positions at Ventura National Bank & Trust.
