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Thomas Mills
Cleantech Company President/Founder
Professional Background
Thomas Mills is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur known for his strategic vision in the fields of energy, technology, and sustainability. He currently heads PaceControls, a distinguished provider of innovative edge and cloud smart grid solutions that optimize energy consumption and efficiency for a significant portion of the heating and cooling systems globally. Serving a client base that includes leading publicly traded property managers and some of North America's largest electric and gas utilities, PaceControls is reshaping the future of how energy is managed. With a commitment to sustainability, the company also engages in active licensing and joint development collaborations with major global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), setting new standards for energy solutions.
Additionally, Thomas is the co-founder of Elysian Holdings, a pioneering company dedicated to developing compostable container technologies. Elysian Holdings is a member of the Bethesda Green accelerator, a program championing environmentally sustainable initiatives.
Prior to his ventures in the private sector, Thomas served his country as a Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate and later as a submarine nuclear engineering officer for four years. His rigorous engineering background paved the way for his transition into business, where he pursued an MBA at The Wharton School, further augmenting his expertise with a Doctoral program in Finance, Logistics, and Project Management at The George Washington University - School of Business.
Over his 20 years in the electric and gas industries, Thomas has amassed a wealth of experience in corporate finance, product development, and strategic partnerships. He has a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in the U.S. energy market, making him a key contributor in promoting advancements in grid operations and efficiency.
Education and Achievements
Thomas Mills holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Princeton University, where he honed his analytical and problem-solving skills critical to his later roles in the energy sector. Understanding the importance of comprehensive education in business, he pursued an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, widely recognized as one of the top business schools in the world. Further demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning, Thomas is currently engaged in a Doctoral program at The George Washington University, focusing on Finance, Logistics, and Project Management.
As a testament to his leadership and innovation in the cleantech sector, Thomas was selected as a Cleantech Fellow for a competitive CEO program funded by an esteemed partnership between the Citi Foundation and the SJF Institute. This program is geared toward fostering ecological business models. He has also served as an entrepreneur mentor for the Hitachi Foundation’s esteemed Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program on two occasions, showcasing his dedication to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Moreover, Thomas is actively involved with Investors Circle and Social Venture Circle, organizations that promote sustainable and socially responsible investments aimed at fostering an economy that values environmental wellness. He is passionate about creating a positive impact through his work and believes in leveraging technology to drive social and environmental change.
Achievements
- Leadership at PaceControls: Under Thomas’s leadership, the company has developed cutting-edge solutions that not only address energy efficiency but also align with environmental sustainability objectives, thus contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.
- Innovator in Compostable Technology: As co-founder of Elysian Holdings, Thomas is at the forefront of creating environmentally-friendly packaging solutions, addressing a significant environmental challenge confronting businesses today.
- Military Service: His tenure as a Navy Nuclear Engineering Officer exemplifies his dedication, discipline, and technical expertise—qualities that serve him well in his current ventures.
- Distinctive Educational Background: By attaining advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, Thomas has positioned himself as both a thought leader and a practitioner in finance and technology.
- Mentorship in Entrepreneurship: Through participation in mentorship programs, Thomas is not only empowering others but also reinforcing his own commitment to innovative thinking and sustainable practices in business.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Thomas is deeply committed to community service and volunteer work, showing that his leadership extends beyond the corporate realm. He balances his professional responsibilities with cherished family time and personal interests such as running, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to life that prioritizes health, family, and community engagement.
