Michael Benson is a consultant who leverages an award-winning 30-year career in public service, including innovations that simultaneously improve service and lower costs. His primary focus is switching away from fossil fuel-powered tools, equipment and vehicles to electric and developing the infrastructure (microgrids) to support that transition. Benson served as a volunteer and career firefighter, paramedic and fire officer, with his last 11 years as the fire chief for the Copley Township Fire Department in Summit County, OH. He has a professional certificate in energy innovation and emerging technologies from Stanford University, a master's degree in public administration from Anna Maria College, and a bachelor's degree and an associate degree in fire and safety engineering technology and fire science from the University of Cincinnati. Benson is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and is an instructor for the University of Akron, with a current focus on chief officer training and mentoring. He is a board member for Green Energy Ohio and Drive Electric Northeast Ohio and a member of the Critical Services Microgrid Group in Asheville, NC.