Neil Petchers
President and chief executive officer for NORESCO

Class Of: 1995

Campus: Old Westbury
Major: Master of Science

From NYIT Magazine, Fall 2009:

Accomplishments
“Some that come to mind are publishing my book (Combined Heating, Cooling & Power Handbook: Technologies & Applications—An Integrated Approach to Energy Resource Optimization), performing my first major energy audit at the United Nations headquarters, and being part of generating more than $2 billion in lifecycle energy savings, conserving some 20 billion kilowatts of electricity and 100 trillion BTUs of fuel.” Neil also had a hand in influencing national energy legislation and policy.

Best Part of My Job
“I like that my kids think I do good things for the world.”

The Race to Be Green
“I think our world is so behind where we should be, and that there is far more talk than action and far more action than wise action. I hear a big clock ticking in my head all the time, knowing there is so much to do, so many obstacles to overcome, and so little time.”

Favorite NYIT Memory
“I still fondly remember my first day. At the time, NYIT was one of the few universities offering master’s programs in energy management. I liked how the school blended science with business.”

Definition of Success
“Living an honorable life—that means being a credit to my family, being useful to the world and the folks around me, and raising children who will lead healthy, happy, and productive lives.

Favorite Movie
“Everything from Young Frankenstein to Seven Samurai to Gladiator, not to mention all the great movies I enjoyed with my kids.”

Favorite Food
Neil enjoys checking out local cuisine, no matter where he is. But if all else fails: pizza.

Last Book Read
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Energizing Home Life
Neil enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, who is a filmmaker, dancer, and philosopher, have two sons.