Mission Statement
Connecting industry, government, and capital to accelerate clean energy deployment
SESI’s mission is to provide and foster connections among businesses, industry leaders, and financial partners in pursuit of shared goals in alternative, low-carbon, clean energy. With a specialization in transportation fuels, SESI has a proven track record of cultivating strong partnerships with clients. We strive to meet their needs by connecting them with educational, financial, and promotional opportunities that contribute to a sustainable future. As we pursue our mission, we also emphasize the importance of a meaningful and positive work environment for our dynamic team.
About Sustainable Energy Strategies Inc. (SESI)
Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. was founded in 1997 as a contractor in the alternative fuels industry, with an initial focus on biodiesel, ethanol (E85), and propane as transportation fuels. We also possess extensive experience with electric and hybrid, natural gas, and high-efficiency vehicle technologies. Our range of services includes project management, grant writing, infrastructure development, and government/industry liaison. With 30 years of experience, our staff can assist you in accessing federal, state, and non-profit funds.
SESI’s Corperate Leadership
Jill Hamilton, President
Jill Hamilton founded Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. (SESI) in 1997. For more than two decades, she has provided strategic leadership in fundraising, public awareness, project development, and industry coordination within the alternative fuels and clean energy sectors. As President of SESI, Mrs. Hamilton specializes in leveraging private and public funding sources to support infrastructure development, managing federal grant programs, and delivering business planning, technical analysis, and project management services for clients.
Mrs. Hamilton earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Education from Principia College, graduating with honors, after attending the University of Missouri. She began her career as an environmental specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy and later held leadership roles with the American Biofuels Association/Terra Plex, Inc., and Information Resources, Inc.’s Alternative Fuels Division.
Her work includes market research, fleet and equipment assessments, stakeholder coordination, and public outreach initiatives to advance the adoption of alternative fuel transportation technologies. She has authored numerous industry articles and presentations and provides media, event, and marketing strategy support to clients nationwide. Under her leadership, SESI has collaborated with organizations including Clean Fuels Alliance America and Foundation, Maryland Grain Producers, Renewable Fuels Association, Propane Education & Research Council, Clean Vehicle Education Foundation, regional Clean Cities coalitions, and federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy.
Burl Haigwood,
Director, Business Innovation & Strategic Partnerships
Burl Haigwood is a biofuels subject matter expert on the alternative fuels infrastructure team at Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. (SESI). For over 30 years, SESI’s team has collaborated with national, state, and local stakeholders by providing project management, grant writing, infrastructure development, and government/industry liaison services. The SESI team has assisted Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits in securing over $2 billion in grants to support the development of higher biofuel blend refueling infrastructure and other sustainable energy projects.
Haigwood continues to support national and state initiatives to adopt low-carbon fuel standards for gasoline and diesel. He actively supports the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, Clean Fuels Alliance of America, and Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation.
As an author, Haigwood has co-written Gasolinegate (2023), Homegrown Defense: Biofuels & National Security, and several editions of The Fuel Ethanol Fact Book. His work includes numerous industry reports and articles during his tenure as Vice President of Operations at Information Resources, Inc. As the Director of Program and Client Development at the Clean Fuels Development Coalition, Haigwood created and coordinated public education campaigns and events such as the Safer Gasoline Campaign, Environmental Inaugural Ball, and the Flex Fuel Vehicle Club of America. Mr. Haigwood studied Business Administration at Salisbury University and has attended, presented, managed, or has been an exhibitor at 100+ trade conferences.
Lynn Miller,
Project Manager, Senior Analyst
Lynn Miller is a project manager, senior analyst, and grant writer at Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. Drawing on her background in the natural sciences, she has worked on and off for more than 26 years in positions related to resource management, environmental sustainability, and public outreach and training. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the SESI team in the areas of grant management and business development. She has a keen eye for detail and ensures that projects stay on task and comply with Federal requirements. She also provides grant development assistance for SESI by working with clients to ensure successful project coordination and completion throughout the grant proposal process,which includes grant writing, compliance with federal reporting requirements and providing a link between clients and other grant partners. Prior to SESI, Ms. Miller worked overseas where she was involved in project management, training activities, and public outreach in a variety of capacities. Her earliest professional work was with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during which time she participated in planning for the visitor center and visitor program at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge Center in Laurel, Maryland.
D. Jed Black,
Communications Director, Grant Research & Support, IT Manager
Jed Black serves as Communications Director and Grant Research & Support Specialist at Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. (SESI), where he supports the firm’s work in alternative fuels, infrastructure development, and energy transition initiatives. His responsibilities include researching federal and state funding opportunities, assisting in the preparation of grant applications and technical materials, and supporting project planning and stakeholder coordination across a range of clean transportation and energy infrastructure projects.
Mr. Black also leads SESI’s media and digital initiatives, including website development, graphic design, and social media strategy, as well as providing internal IT support to maintain the firm’s operational systems. His work contributes to the development of industry-facing materials, public outreach efforts, and strategic communications supporting client projects and organizational initiatives.
He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2025 with a degree in Communication, with a focus on strategic communication and public engagement. His professional interests include clean transportation technologies, infrastructure funding strategy, and the evolving intersection of energy policy, industry development, and public communication.
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