Don Nissanka

Chief Executive Officer / Fund Director

Don Nissanka, Chief Executive Officer and Fund Director, has over 30 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur, with a global vision for strategic growth in technology, renewable energy, and environmentally focused investing. Don is one of the pioneers and driving forces in introducing advanced battery technologies in the US, credited for building one of the very first fully automated lithium battery manufacturing plants. Don’s career involves an array of technology development and commercialization programs, ranging from fully electrifying a commercially manufactured automotive power system, to working in the aerospace and defense industry developing energy systems for commercial and military platforms. His career started at Gates Energy, working his way to an executive role at Hawker Energy, where he successfully launched a lucrative portfolio of energy-related products extending to commercial aviation, defense aircraft, tactical vehicles, and amphibious applications, including leading the upgrades to the prestigious nuclear submarine fleet of the US Navy. Hawker subsequently merged with several industrial power systems companies to list on the NYSE as EnerSys Inc., after which Don decided to branch off as a private entrepreneur. In 2004, Don founded and spearheaded a +$1 billion capitalization for lithium battery manufacturing operation with Kokam, forming a joint venture with the Dow Chemical Company. Under Don’s leadership as CEO, the company secured federal and state funding to position as a strategic manufacturer under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program initiated by the US Department of Energy. In 2010, Don formed one of the first grid-level energy storage companies that later acquired CODA Energy to become the largest self-generated incentive program (SGIP) participant in the State of California. In partnership with Neighborhood Power as a strategic financier, Don entered the solar energy market as a prominent player in the commercial and industrial solar power business, forming the foundation behind the operating verticals within Elite’s ESG-focused portfolio today. Don holds a master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri and currently serves on several boards, including the board of trustees at MRI Global, the managing body of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).