BOARD MEMBERS
FPH2 is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors with diverse expertise in renewable energy, engineering, labor, and environmental advocacy.
Our governance structure ensures that FPH2 operates with transparency, integrity, and a focus on delivering long-term value to the public. Learn more about our leadership and guiding principles.
R. Rex Parris
Chairman
City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris is an exceptional, innovative leader. With a strong sense of dedication to public service, he tirelessly works towards enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Lancaster, transforming the City into a beacon of progress, sustainability, and prosperity.
Newell Ruggles
Vice Chairman
Newell W. Ruggles has been a Council Member for the City of Industry, California, since 2015. In this role, he focuses on legislative decisions and initiatives that drive economic growth and support the community. He also serves as a Board Member for the Successor Agency to the Industry Urban-Development Agency, contributing to redevelopment efforts that ensure the city’s continued progress. Ruggles remains dedicated to public service and fostering opportunities for the City of Industry’s residents and businesses.
Aura Vasquez
Board Member
Aura Vasquez is an environmental and social justice advocate known for her work with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2017, she became the youngest and first immigrant to serve on the Board of Commissioners.
Tanya Peacock
Board Member
Tanya Peacock is a distinguished leader at EcoEngineers, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy solutions. With over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector, Tanya has been instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that drive decarbonization and foster innovation in clean energy projects. Her expertise in regulatory compliance, carbon management, and sustainability initiatives has positioned her as a key figure in shaping the future of eco-friendly energy practices.
Jack Brouwer
Board Member
Dr. Jack Brouwer is a prominent figure at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), holding multiple leadership roles. He serves as the Director of the Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) and the National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC). Additionally, he is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a joint appointment in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Robert Hertzberg
Board Member
Robert Hertzberg served as the Speaker of the California State Assembly and Majority Leader of the State Senate, where he brokered major legislative deals, including the largest water agreements, plastic recycling initiatives, and education construction bonds. His environmental work earned him recognition as one of “50 People Who Could Save the Planet” by The Guardian (UK) and the World Bank’s “Lighting Africa” award for a project in Rwanda. He also won the “Wind Made Award” from the United Nations for his UK company that combined solar and wind energy technologies, and was named a "Top 100 Low Carbon Pioneer" by CNBC Business. Hertzberg’s efforts have been widely recognized for his innovation in advancing clean energy and addressing climate change.
Ernesto Medrano
Board Member
Ernesto Medrano is the Executive Secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, representing over 160,000 skilled workers across 48 unions. Since joining the labor movement in 1984 with the United Farm Workers and later serving roles with the AFL-CIO, IAMAW, and Teamsters Local 952, Medrano has led efforts to secure Project Labor and Community Workforce Agreements that prioritize local, disadvantaged, and veteran workers. Elected Executive Secretary in 2023 and re-elected in 2024, he’s been instrumental in organizing labor agreements across Southern California, from LA Metro to Disneyland, and advancing pro-labor ballot measures like Measure A, US, and AC. A Marine Corps Reserve veteran and UC Riverside graduate, Medrano’s leadership has helped transform Orange County into a hub of union activism, earning him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.
INTERNAL TEAM
Jason Caudle
CEO
Jason Caudle has been instrumental in positioning Lancaster as a leader in renewable energy. As City Manager, he helped Lancaster achieve its goal of becoming a net-zero city in 2019. Today, Lancaster is a pioneer in renewable hydrogen deployment, committed to becoming the nation’s first hydrogen city through innovative public and private partnerships.
Lorraine Paskett
COO
Lorraine Paskett is a seasoned executive with deep expertise in the energy and water sectors, having held leadership roles in both government and corporate organizations. She has served on the boards of the Metropolitan Water District, the High-Speed Rail Commission, and Clean Energy Fuels, and currently leads Cambridge LCF Group, an energy and climate advisory firm. Her recent work includes overseeing clean hydrogen infrastructure projects on the West Coast for Air Products & Chemicals. Previously, she held executive positions at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, where she led sustainability initiatives, major infrastructure projects, and regulatory compliance. Paskett has also played key roles at First Solar and PG&E, driving market development, mergers, and regulatory strategies. Across her career, she has provided strategic direction for clean energy, water innovation, and large-scale infrastructure investments.
Alexus Merino
Managing Director
Alexus Merino serves as Managing Director of the First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2), where she leads strategy, partnerships, and program development. Prior to FPH2, Alexus held senior leadership roles with the City of Lancaster, leading citywide initiatives across clean energy, infrastructure, communications, and public-private partnerships. Alexus’s background spans energy systems, public governance, and design-driven problem solving. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from California State University, Northridge and a master’s degree in Integrated Design, Business & Technology from the University of Southern California.
Ashley Wegner
Project Manager
Ashley joined the team with a strong background in project management, having honed her skills in the geotechnical engineering industry after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She brings a fresh perspective to our team with her knack for detail and her passion for solving complex projects. Her commitment to sustainability and determination to advance green hydrogen technology and clean energy solutions make her an invaluable asset to FPH2.
Adrienne Howard
Project Manager
Adrienne is passionate about process efficiency, organization, and building strong connections with clients, teammates, and the community. In her previous roles with the City of Lancaster, she supported Housing and Economic Development, contributing to initiatives that drive community growth and sustainability. Before joining the local government sector, Adrienne worked in the finance industry, specializing in operations and quality. Her diverse experience equips her with the skills to streamline processes and enhance collaboration within the FPH2 team.
External Team
Chris Willson
Strategic Advisor - Business Development and Transportation Expansion
Chris Willson is a visionary entrepreneur and strategic advisor committed to advancing hydrogen energy adoption. With over a decade of experience founding and leading startups, he brings a dynamic, real-world approach to preparing industries to adopt and support the emerging hydrogen economy. In his role with First Public Hydrogen Authority, Chris supports business development efforts focused on building strategic partnerships to expand the transportation of hydrogen energy across the country. Drawing on his entrepreneurial background, he is helping position First Public Hydrogen as a catalyst for the growth of the hydrogen economy. Chris continues to actively lead his other ventures while contributing his leadership and vision to this critical mission for the next generation of energy.
MEMBERS
Join the movement to advance renewable hydrogen and become a key part of FPH2’s mission. Membership offers access to exclusive updates, partnership opportunities, and the ability to shape the future of clean energy.
Benefits of Membership:
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Engage in strategic discussions and decisions.
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Collaborate with like-minded stakeholders.
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Gain insights into groundbreaking hydrogen initiatives.
How to Join:
Becoming a member is easy. Contact us at hydrogen@fph2.org. We look forward to welcoming you to our growing network of innovators and leaders.