NEWS

Nov. 4, energy, sustainability, and operations expert and Louisiana Tech University Mechanical Engineering alumnus Sam Geiger (‘93) will give a talk to students, faculty, and staff about his experiences in the U.S. Navy and private industry.

Geiger has spent his career building and leading award-winning teams and has been the Vice President of Renewable Natural Gas at OPAL Fuels and Fortistar Capital since 2018. Prior to joining the power industry giant, he spent nearly 30 years in the Navy as Commanding Officer of the USS Toledo and USS San Juan and Director of Training for the Naval Submarine School.

As a former submarine Commanding Officer, Geiger has expertise in energy operations, sustainability strategy, renewable fuels and technologies, and private equity environments and a demonstrated track record in improving bottom-line performance through leadership, process and data analysis, problem solving, technology, and risk management.

Geiger has served in many operations roles across several renewable energy business units. His responsibilities include completing profit and loss statements for power plant and gas production operations and advising and consulting for the company’s construction unit. He was handpicked to lead the integration and growth of the company’s Renewable Natural Gas business unit, its newest and most profitable unit in the last 20 years, culminating in its IPO in July 2022.

In the Navy, he commanded two nuclear-powered attack submarines, completed two tours of duty with the Special Operations Task Force in Iraq, completed the Army Airborne Course, and served as a senior instructor of the tactics and leadership course for every submarine Commanding Officer in the Navy, and Provost of the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. During that time, he earned the Legion of Merit as the top submarine Commanding Officer in the Atlantic Fleet and the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq.

“The foundation for my career was built at Louisiana Tech by an outstanding faculty and support staff, and it’s an honor to return to the campus and share what has been built on that foundation,” Geiger said. “The energy industry is undergoing a massive transformation. The way we power our homes, vehicles, and businesses will be radically changed in the next two decades and the engineering, business, and public policy students today will be discovering, innovating, and financing that transformation. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to spark interest and generate discussion.”

“Sam’s accomplishments highlight what is possible with an Engineering and Science degree from Louisiana Tech University,” Dr. Hisham Hegab, Dean of the College of Engineering and Science, said. “I’m pleased our students will be able to learn about his experiences and emerging opportunities in the energy job sector.”

In addition to earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana Tech, Geiger earned an MS in Engineering from MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.

The talk, “Leadership and Learning – from Nuclear Power to Cow Manure,” will be from 11 a.m. until noon in the Integrated Engineering and Science Building AEP Foundation Auditorium (IESB 108).

For more information, contact Devin Ferguson, Executive Director of Development, at devin@latechalumni.org or 318.497.7737.