Leadership

Meet Our Leadership Team

At Vireo Energy, our leadership team is dedicated to advancing the transition to sustainable energy. With decades of collective experience in renewable energy development, finance, and policy, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that create lasting value for our clients and communities.

Our Team

Founder & Managing Director

Larry Thrall

Senior Partner - Biofuels - Data Center Development

Kris Thabit

Senior Partner - Energy Systems - Micro Grids - Custom Power Solutions

Edric Guise

Senior Partner - Data Center Development

Gordon Dickson

Project Development & Real Estate

Clifford C. Cheng

Advisory Board Member - Africa Non Profit Managing Partner

Monty Minchin

Partner with Vireo Energy

Our leadership team is dedicated to helping you achieve your clean energy goals. Contact us today to discuss your next renewable energy project.

Larry Thrall

Founder & Managing Director

Larry Thrall is the founder and Managing Director of Vireo Energy, a renewable energy financial services firm. With over 25 years of experience in capital placement, project finance, venture capital, and power purchase agreements, Larry has played a significant role in advancing solar energy and clean energy technologies. His work includes securing first-time project finance for groundbreaking technologies like concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) and LED lighting.

Larry’s background in banking and consulting has shaped his deep understanding of energy management and finance. Before founding Vireo, Larry built a successful consulting firm that serviced high-profile clients, including the Department of Defense, Chevron, and Schneider Electric. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from the University of Southern California and resides in Malibu, CA with his family.

Kris Thabit

Chief Operating Officer

Kris Thabit brings over 20 years of experience in real estate, business operations, and startups. As COO of Vireo Energy, Kris leverages his extensive background in business development to evaluate and create successful renewable energy projects. His career includes founding American Airports Corporation, which became the largest airport management company in the U.S., and serving as VP at American Golf Corporation.

Kris’s expertise in entitlements, construction, capital raising, and government relations makes him a key asset in Vireo’s operations. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Harvard University.

Edric Guise

Senior Advisor

Edric Guise is a recognized expert in alternative energy, public/private finance, and environmental policy. With experience in transportation, land use planning, and the Clean Air Acts, Edric plays a pivotal role in advising Vireo Energy on regulatory issues and technology applications. He has worked closely with local governments, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations to influence clean energy and air quality policies.

Edric’s in-depth understanding of clean energy and environmental regulations strengthens Vireo’s ability to navigate complex legislative and political landscapes.

Gordon Dickson

Senior Business Development Executive

With over 25 years of experience in clean technology commercialization, real estate finance, and environmental law, Gordon Dickson brings a multi-faceted perspective to Vireo Energy. His background as a CEO, business development executive, and attorney enhances Vireo’s ability to pursue cutting-edge energy efficiency and renewable power projects. Gordon founded and financed CDE Resources, a clean tech startup, and has worked with large clients, including major utilities throughout his career.

Gordon holds a law degree from Georgetown University and has litigated cases in environmental compliance and renewable energy disputes.

Clifford C. Cheng

Project Development & Real Estate Executive

Clifford Cheng has over 23 years of experience in project management, real estate development, and asset management. His expertise in structuring and developing large-scale solar projects for commercial applications allows him to bridge the gap between real estate development and renewable energy. Before joining Vireo Energy, Clifford held senior positions at Grubb & Ellis, Washington Mutual Bank, and American Savings Bank.

Clifford holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley.

Monty Minchin

Advisory Board Member

Monty Minchin’s career spans over two decades in promotions, marketing, and education. With a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University, Monty has worked as an educator and advisor, helping to shape educational initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. His philanthropic involvement includes founding two premiere high schools and advising on solar energy initiatives in Africa.