Team
Executive Team
GERALD R. FORSYTHE – Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Gerald R. Forsythe is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Indeck Energy Services, Inc. A highly accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, he has spent more than six decades building and leading successful enterprises, with distinction in the power and energy industry.
Mr. Forsythe began his career with Indeck Power Equipment Company in 1963. Under his leadership, the company developed one of the industry’s first mobile steam systems and grew to become a leading distributor of industrial firetube and watertube boilers throughout the United States.
In 1975, Mr. Forsythe expanded his interests by acquiring Indeck, further establishing his presence in the power-generation industry. Over the years, the Indeck organization grew its capabilities and reputation within the industrial boiler, steam, and power-generation markets.
Recognizing the opportunities created by the emerging independent power industry, Mr. Forsythe founded Indeck Energy Services in 1985. The company went on to own and operate gas-fired cogeneration facilities and develop steam and energy projects throughout the United States.
Mr. Forsythe’s leadership and entrepreneurial success earned national recognition. In 1993, Inc. Magazine ranked Indeck Energy as the second-fastest-growing privately held company in the United States. That same year, Cogeneration Magazine named Mr. Forsythe its “Man of the Year,” recognizing his leadership, vision, and accomplishments within the energy industry.
Throughout his career, Mr. Forsythe has demonstrated an exceptional ability to recognize opportunities, build successful organizations and expand into new ventures. His business interests have extended beyond the energy industry and reflect the entrepreneurial spirit, determination and long-term vision that have characterized his career.
Beyond his business interests, Mr. Forsythe has maintained a lifelong connection to farming near his hometown of Marshall, Illinois. His family’s farming heritage dates back to the early 1800s, when his great-grandfather settled on the original 180-acre family farm. That connection to agriculture and rural America remains an important part of his lifetoday.
Mr. Forsythe’s commitment to family and community is also reflected in his philanthropy. A dedicated benefactor, his generosity demonstrates a deep commitment to his family, community and country. His philanthropic efforts have supported charitable organizations and initiatives that have strengthened the communities with which he has been associated.
Despite his many professional accomplishments, Mr. Forsythe considers his greatest achievement to be his four daughters. Each serve alongside him on the boards of his companies, continuing a family tradition of leadership, commitment and entrepreneurship. More than 60 years after beginning his entrepreneurial career, Gerald R. Forsythe continues to exemplify the vision, perseverance and determination of an American entrepreneur. His accomplishments in business and the energy industry span generations, but the legacy he values most is the foundation he has created for his family and future generations.
Michael D. Stein – Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Stein is responsible for managing the company’s finances and the oversight of financial reporting. Mike has over 25 years of experience in the power generation and retail energy industries, with detailed knowledge in technical accounting, tax, project finance, financial planning and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, budgeting, and financial modeling. Mike holds a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) and a BS in Accounting, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Brian S. Coninx – VP, Business Development
Mr. Coninx is responsible for leading the company’s business development efforts for renewable and conventional power generation projects across the United States. He has over 20 years of diversified experience in real estate with a focus on energy facility preliminary engineering and permitting, sustainable land development, project financing, construction oversight, and market analysis. Brian is passionate about working together with all stakeholders to create successful development opportunities. Mr. Coninx has a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Marquette University and an MBA from DePaul University.
Ken Brenner – Director, Project Management
Mr. Brenner is responsible for managing the engineering and construction of renewable and thermal power generation projects for the company. With over 15 years of experience in business development, project management, construction oversight, and plant operations, Ken provides technical and commercial support across the full lifecycle of Indeck’s power generation portfolio. Ken has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Energy Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
THOMAS L. KRYSIAK – ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGER
Mr. Krysiak is responsible for all environmental activities at Indeck operating facilities and new projects. He is also responsible for all health & safety compliance activities at the Indeck operating facilities. He has more than 35 years of operating, maintenance and compliance experience in the power and energy industry. Mr. Krysiak spent 8-years active duty in the U.S. Navy, Nuclear Power program as a plant operator and radiological controls supervisor.
ROSE V. HARMS – DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES
Ms. Harms leads the company–wide human resources function and has over 25 years of experience in a variety of public, non-profit, private, and startup companies. Her current focus is to seamlessly assist in establishing productive business relationships, organizational compliance, risk management, and complete employee life cycle support. Rose defines her approach as someone who has dedicated her career as an employee advocate, while simultaneously supporting the organization’s goals and growth. To complement her degree in Human Resources Management and Workplace Mediation, Rose has achieved her PHR and SHRM-CP professional accreditations.