Our Team

brings together a dynamic group of designers, engineers and innovators. ITC and our Strategic Partners possess some of the greatest minds in the Environmental Technologies Arena with decades of experience in thermal recycling, air pollution control, waste heat recovery, water treatment, agriculture and soil science.

Mike Ballantine, President and CEO

Frank Reed, Chief Technology Officer

William Petrich, Chief Chemist

Greg Brooks, Executive Vice President

Tim O'Connor, Director of Distribution in the Pacific Rim

Michael Wittman, Vice President of Biochar Development and Biochar Distributor

Tom Grissom, Vice President of Marketing

Dani Thornton, Director of Public Relations

Danielle Zepess, Manager of Product and Portfolio Development

Carolynn Willey, Vice President of Operations

Michelle Torsen, Director of Corporate Communications

Dan Milbourn, Manager of Fabrication

With an extensive background in Executive Management, Capital Formation, Fundraising, Permitting, Regulatory/Utility/Infrastructure considerations and Intellectual Property Protection, Ballantine brings 20 years of experience in Environmental Technologies, including Thermal Conversion (Pyrolysis), Steel Drum Recycling, Air Pollution Control Equipment, Industrial/Agricultural Water Treatment, Carbon (CO2) Sequestration and Activated Carbon Production.

A graduate of California State University-Fullerton in Corporate Finance, Ballantine, along with Frank Reed, is a co-founder of Energy Associates International LLC, and was issued US Patent # 6,758,150 on July 6, 2004, for the Thermal Recovery Unit (TRU).

As President and CEO of R&R Technologies Inc, Reed has 40 years of experience in the industries of Thermal Conversion (Pyrolysis), 55-gallon Steel Drum Recycling Furnaces, Air Pollution Control Equipment, Waste Heat Boilers and Co-generation.

A UCLA graduate in Industrial Design and Engineering, Reed is a co-founder of Energy Associates International LLC, a Nevada LLC, which holds all intellectual rights for the Thermal Recovery Unit (TRU).  Reed also published documentation on Air Pollution Management, is a recognized expert on Drum Reconditioning Furnaces and Waste Heat Recovery, and with Mike Ballantine, was issued US Patent # 6,758,150 on July 6, 2004, for the TRU.

William Petrich is a formulating chemist and consultant to the paint, ink, coatings, metal working, electroplating, rubber and plastic industries. He is an industry expert in Activated Carbon and Carbon Black.  Currently, his work involves harvesting of carbon and carbon-black raw materials from tires and other rubber goods. Petrich has expertise in energy management from recovered materials through the use of thermal conversion, gasification and chemical interdiction.

Petrich also brings 40 years experience in technical sales, chemical engineering, laboratory, analytical, thermal conversion, permitting, regulatory and product development to ITC.  He developed the waste classification system for Federal EPA.  With a Masters in Chemistry, as well as studies in High Polymer Chemistry and Chemistry of Hazardous Materials, he taught at the University of Illinois, Joliet Junior College, Southern Suburban College and Northwestern University.

Formerly of Brooks Development, an Oregon-based company specializing in drainage and energy-efficient water delivery systems, Brooks provides ITC with 40 years of experience in Farming, Ranching, Riparian Restoration, Mechanical Contracting, Energy Efficiency, Soil Science and Agricultural Ventures.

With a degree in Agricultural Business, Brooks is considered an expert in the areas of Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Crops, Forestry Management, Water Rights, Soil Amendments, Livestock, Fisheries and Composting.  Brooks also developed ITC's Carbon Sequestration and Sustainable Economy Models.

Tim O’Connor is ITC’s Director of Distribution and Technology Transfer for the TRU in Australia and the Pacific Rim. Tim has a 35 year career at the top tier of wholesale diamond industry. O’Conner is a Producer and Director of the first PBS series emphasizing nutritional cooking and a healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle, televised nationally. He established Hawaii’s largest chain of health food stores and is a consultant to companies ranging from health care, underwater salvage, technology and chiropractic practices. His focus includes Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategies, Product Development, Packaging and Advertising.

Michael Wittman is CEO and founder of The Blue Sky Enterprise and Third Planet Energy Inc. (a Biofuel Company). Blue Sky is ITC’s distributor of Biochar in California. Wittman brings over 30 years of experience in Alternative Energy and Environmental Activisms for various national organizations. Michael was a Volunteer Organizer of the first Earth Day in New York City. He is an entrepreneur, manufacturer, marketing specialist and event producer. His involvement in the beauty industry for over thirty years has been instrumental in building such firms as Jhirmack, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Tweezerman and Metropolis Technology.

With an extensive background in film and video, Grissom brings 15 years experience of new product marketing and development for Nike’s Brand Design Media and Trek Bikes to ITC.  As a two time Emmy Award winner, Grissom has traveled throughout the world, crafting stories for National Geographic, NBC Olympics, and Warren Miller Ski Films. As a graduate of University of Southern California, Grissom's interest in renewable technologies brings him to ITC.

With a 20-year career in print and film, Thornton brings experience as Production Coordinator, Location Scout, Model and Make-up Artist.  She is the founder of Thornton Productions, an Oregon Based Production Company.  Her clients include: LL Bean, Adidas, Nike, Trek, Timberland, REI, Bass Pro, Subaru, George Foreman, Inn of the Seventh Mountain and Golf in the Kingdom. 

Daneielle Zepess brings thirteen years experience in multiple engineering disciplines, including architectural, plumbing, fire protection, and infrastructure. Her impressive projects include: Sea World Orlando, Walt Disney World, Fairfield Resorts, Windmark Beach Resort, Busch Gardens, University of Central Florida, and University Medical Center (Multiple Campuses) in Lebanon, TN. She achieved her Bachelor of Science for Mechanical Engineering from University of Central Florida and a BA - Foreign Languages (French and Italian) from University of Central Florida.

Carolynn Willey has 20 years experience in project management and program development. She is an experienced general manager of corporate operations, vendor relations and office protocol. Willey’s background also includes Human Resources development, marketing and branding strategy execution and creation and is a successful system creator for operation policies procedures.

Michelle Torson brings 10 years experience in marketing communications, event/tradeshow management and media relations for manufacturing and construction to the ITC team. Michelle also has 7 years progressive experience in healthcare education specializing in coordination, instruction, training and technical writing. Michelle is a co-developer of ITC’s Urban Agricultural Model.

Toreson has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from University of Colorado.

Dan Millbourn has 50 years experienced in welding, fabrication, manufacturing and assembly and holds 25 Certifications for all types of welding procedures and materials. Dan started in 1960, and was personally mentored by the Head Welding Instructor for the University of Sante Fe, New Mexico and the Chief Inspector for the State. Dan welds and fabricates specialty components for the Thermal Recovery Unit (TRU) for Frank Reed and Mike Ballantine in Las Vegas. Millbourn’s other projects include work for Intel, State of Louisiana, Miami Inspiration Consolidated Mining Co and high-end residences and Casinos in Las Vegas.