Robert J. Foxen is a distinguished engineer, executive, and entrepreneur whose career has spanned more than three decades at the nexus of energy development, environmental consulting, and public policy. Driven by a vision to create reliable and sustainable energy systems, Bob has cultivated a legacy of leadership through innovation, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His work has advanced energy technologies, mitigated environmental impacts and provided measurable impact across both the public and private sectors.
Mr. Foxen’s professional journey began with a firm foundation in environmental engineering, following his graduation from Villanova University and completion of a Master of Engineering at Manhattan College. His early technical acumen and natural leadership potential earned him a prominent role at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., where he shaped national wastewater treatment policies. During his tenure, he chaired the Congressionally mandated Advanced Wastewater Treatment Task Force, directly influencing over $6 billion in grant funding and securing the EPA Bronze Medal for saving taxpayers over $2 billion.
From this federal platform, Bob transitioned seamlessly into the private sector, co-founding ERM-New England, Inc., a premier environmental consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies. As CEO and Board member, ERMNE evolved into one of the most profitable and respected firms in its class, renowned for providing cutting-edge solutions in hazardous waste remediation, compliance auditing, and industrial wastewater treatment. During Bob’s tenure, the ERM Group was listed in Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing companies in the US for five consecutive years, one of only two companies in the US to achieve this growth record. Bob’s strategic oversight and operational rigor were instrumental in scaling ERMNE to over 40 employees with $6 million in annual revenue, culminating in a successful sale to 3i Group, Europe’s leading private equity firm, in 2001.
Building on this momentum, Mr. Foxen launched Global Common, LLC in 2002, a venture that would become a driving force in American energy infrastructure. As founder and CEO, he led the development, financing, and commissioning of more than $300 million in energy projects, including a 54 MW fossil fueled gas turbine power plant, a wood pellet plant that exports to the EU, two biomass-fired power plants in California, and anaerobic digesters and renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities. Each project not only demonstrated his engineering proficiency but also reflected his commitment to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.
Among Bob’s most impactful contributions are six renewable natural gas (RNG) projects across New York State that convert dairy manure into energy—an elegant marriage of environmental stewardship and technological ingenuity. These facilities represent a new frontier in circular energy systems, producing renewable fuel while mitigating methane emissions from agricultural waste. His work in this domain underscores a recurring theme in his career: aligning environmental responsibility with economic viability. Bob currently serves on the Management Committees for these RNG companies, and is actively in the process of developing similar new projects.
Mr. Foxen’s strategic dexterity is also evident in his microgrid initiatives, including feasibility studies and design oversight for communities such as Freeport, Southampton, Port Jefferson, and Greenport, New York. These projects, funded by NYSERDA, exemplify Bob’s ability to navigate the intricate intersections of engineering, policy, and stakeholder engagement. They also reflect his foresight in preparing municipal energy systems for a decentralized, renewable future.
His technical leadership is matched by his business acumen. With a strong grasp of project finance, regulatory negotiation, and power purchase agreement structuring, Bob has consistently delivered complex projects on time and within budget. His ability to build high-performing, cross-functional teams and secure stakeholder alignment has been pivotal in overcoming development hurdles and achieving operational success.
Internationally, Mr. Foxen has engaged with partners in Brazil and Denmark, broadening his perspective and enriching his capacity to apply global best practices to local challenges. Though rooted in the U.S. market, his approach is cosmopolitan—he understands how to tailor energy solutions to diverse cultural and regulatory environments, fostering innovation through cross-border collaboration.
Outside of his professional achievements, Bob is a dedicated family man and avid athlete, with a passion for golf, skiing, running, and swimming. (He previously completed nine NY City Marathons.) These pursuits mirror his professional ethos: endurance, precision, and a love for challenges. He has also served on the Environmental Advisory Board and is a Director of the Central Property Association for the Village of Garden City, New York, exemplifying his commitment to community service and grassroots impact.
Robert J. Foxen’s journey is one of vision turned into impact. With a rare combination of engineering excellence, strategic insight, and moral integrity, he continues to influence the evolution of sustainable infrastructure in ways that will endure for generations. Whether advising start-ups, guiding municipalities, or leading cross-sector partnerships, Bob remains steadfast in his mission to build a cleaner, smarter energy future.
Character:
Bob exemplifies integrity and perseverance, consistently applying his expertise to projects that enhance public good and environmental health. His personal and professional life reflect a deep commitment to ethical leadership and sustainable progress.
Knowledge:
With degrees from Villanova, Manhattan College, and completion of the Owner/President Management program at Harvard Business School, Bob’s technical and business knowledge is both deep and multidisciplinary. He applies this expertise to solve complex energy challenges with clarity and creativity. He is a registered professional engineer, and received a Certified Energy Manager certificate.
Strategic:
Mr. Foxen has demonstrated a career-long ability to anticipate industry shifts and guide organizations through growth, acquisition, and transformation. His leadership in microgrids and renewable energy projects highlights his ability to operationalize visionary concepts into profitable realities.
Communication:
A seasoned public speaker at energy conferences and an effective negotiator, Bob translates complex ideas into actionable strategies. His collaborative style fosters alignment across diverse teams, regulatory bodies, and investment partners.
