Leadership
Andrew Smith
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Smith is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Smart Sustainable Energy (SSE), where he is responsible for defining the company’s long-term vision and leading its strategic growth. He founded SSE with the mission of developing advanced energy infrastructure that converts municipal solid waste into reliable baseload electricity and other sustainable products, helping communities address both energy security and environmental challenges.
As Chief Executive Officer, Andrew oversees corporate strategy, capital formation, investor relations, strategic partnerships, government affairs, and business development. He has assembled an experienced executive leadership team spanning finance, engineering, legal, operations, and commercial development to execute the company’s growth strategy and advance its infrastructure projects.
Andrew’s leadership is centered on building long-term value through innovation, disciplined execution, and strategic collaboration with utilities, municipalities, industrial partners, and financial institutions. His focus is on delivering infrastructure projects that support economic development, create high-quality jobs, strengthen domestic energy resilience, and provide sustainable solutions for future generations.
Under his leadership, SSE is focused on becoming a leading developer of next-generation energy infrastructure by combining advanced technology with responsible business practices, operational excellence, and a commitment to long-term stakeholder value.
Andrew believes that lasting companies are built through integrity, vision, and execution, with a commitment to creating meaningful economic and environmental impact for the communities they serve.
“I’m not motivated by dollars — fixing Earth comes first. Dollars follow naturally when you solve problems that matter to humanity.”
Kevin Hinton
Chief Operating Officer
Kevin Hinton serves as Chief Operating Officer of Smart Sustainable Energy (SSE), where he is responsible for leading the company's operations, executing strategic initiatives, and ensuring the successful development and delivery of SSE's flagship projects. With a strong focus on operational excellence, project execution, and organizational performance, Kevin works across the business to align resources, optimize processes, and drive sustainable growth.
As COO, Kevin oversees the implementation of corporate strategy, manages cross-functional operations, and fosters collaboration among project teams, partners, and stakeholders. His leadership is instrumental in advancing SSE's mission to deliver innovative, sustainable energy solutions that create long-term value for communities, customers, and investors.
Kevin is committed to building high-performing teams, maintaining operational integrity, and delivering projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule while supporting the company's vision of accelerating the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
James Killen
Chief Information Security Officer
& Chief Information Officer
James Killen serves as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Information Officer for Smart Sustainable Energy (SSE), leading the company’s cybersecurity strategy, information security programs, protection of critical technology infrastructure, as well as internal and external communication.
James brings extensive experience managing sensitive information, supporting mission-critical systems, and leading complex operations within highly regulated environments. His background includes working with the U.S. Department of Defense, Air Force Global Strike Command, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other government organizations where security, risk management, operational resilience, and disciplined information handling were essential.
James is responsible for strengthening SSE’s cybersecurity framework, overseeing security policies and controls, supporting technology risk management, helping ensure the reliability and protection of the systems that support SSE’s energy operations and corporate infrastructure, and managing the internal and external communication environment at SSE.
James’s leadership and experience in secure environments provide SSE with the strategic oversight needed to build a resilient, security-focused organization as the company expands its renewable energy platform.
Todd Jaynes
Chief Financial Officer
Todd Jaynes serves as Chief Financial Officer of Smart Sustainable Energy (SSE), where he leads the company’s financial strategy, capital planning, accounting, treasury, financial reporting, budgeting, and corporate governance. He works closely with the executive leadership team to support SSE’s growth and the execution of its long-term business objectives.
As CFO, Todd oversees financial operations, internal controls, financial forecasting, risk management, and relationships with investors, lenders, auditors, and other financial partners. He also plays a key role in evaluating strategic opportunities, supporting project financing initiatives, and ensuring the company maintains a disciplined and transparent financial framework.
Todd partners with the executive team to develop scalable financial systems and processes that support SSE’s commercialization efforts and infrastructure development. His focus on financial discipline, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation helps position the company for sustainable growth.
As SSE continues to expand, Todd is committed to maintaining strong financial stewardship while supporting the company’s mission to develop innovative, utility-scale energy infrastructure that delivers lasting value to shareholders, customers, and the communities it serves.