We know what it takes
Our collective experience developing a diverse portfolio of conventional and clean energy projects makes
Monarch Energy uniquely capable of bringing powered land datacenter projects to life.
We know what it takes.
Our collective experience across renewable, conventional, landfill gas, and other energy projects is what makes Monarch uniquely capable of executing.
Our team
We are a team of infrastructure experts, energy veterans, and land development professionals committed to accelerating America’s leadership in
artificial intelligence and energy independence. Our backgrounds span power trading, utility-scale energy development,
real estate entitlement, and large-scale project execution.
At our core, we are builders—focused on delivering powered land for the next generation of datacenters that will fuel the AI revolution.
We understand that winning the AI race requires not just advanced chips and models, but the physical infrastructure—land, power,
water, and permits—that makes it all possible.
We operate with speed, precision, and a deep understanding of the power markets and grid systems that underpin the future.
Our team knows what it takes to transform raw land into high-capacity, ready-to-build sites tailored for the hyperscale and AI datacenter industry.
This is more than real estate—it’s the foundation of America’s digital future.
Our team
We are a team of infrastructure experts, energy veterans, and land development professionals committed to accelerating America’s leadership in artificial intelligence and energy independence. Our backgrounds span power trading, utility-scale energy development, real estate entitlement, and large-scale project execution.
At our core, we are builders—focused on delivering powered land for the next generation of datacenters that will fuel the AI revolution. We understand that winning the AI race requires not just advanced chips and models, but the physical infrastructure—land, power, water, and permits—that makes it all possible.
We operate with speed, precision, and a deep understanding of the power markets and grid systems that underpin the future. Our team knows what it takes to transform raw land into high-capacity, ready-to-build sites tailored for the hyperscale and AI datacenter industry.
This is more than real estate—it’s the foundation of America’s digital future.
Ben Alingh
Co-Founder CEO
Location: San Diego, CA
Ben Alingh is the CEO and co-founder of Monarch Energy. Previously, Ben worked at some of the largest energy companies in the world (Enel Green Power, Orsted, Coronal-Panasonic) with roles in engineering, project development, corporate development/M&A, and power marketing. Ben has most enjoyed creating value from untouched land and partnering with local communities to bring projects to life. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from SMU in Dallas, TX and lives and works in San Diego, CA.
Charles Koontz
COO
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Charles Koontz is the COO and co-founder of Monarch Energy. Previously, Charles has worked at some of the largest deregulated energy companies in the world (Orsted, AEP, Integrys, Coronal-Panasonic) with roles in engineering, strategy, analytics, structuring, and project development. Charles has most enjoyed commercializing new market structures and disruptive technologies ranging from demand response to battery energy storage. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University in Houston, TX and lives and works in Santa Cruz, CA.
Meet the Leadership:
Ben Alingh
CEO, Co-Founder
Location: San Diego, CA
Ben Alingh is the CEO and co-founder of Monarch Energy. Previously, Ben worked at some of the largest energy companies in the world (Enel Green Power, Orsted, Coronal-Panasonic) with roles in engineering, project development, corporate development/M&A, and power marketing. Ben has most enjoyed creating value from untouched land and partnering with local communities to bring projects to life. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from SMU in Dallas, TX and lives and works in San Diego, CA.
Charles Koontz
COO, Co-Founder
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Charles Koontz is the COO and co-founder of Monarch Energy. Previously, Charles has worked at some of the largest deregulated energy companies in the world (Orsted, AEP, Integrys, Coronal-Panasonic) with roles in engineering, strategy, analytics, structuring, and project development. Charles has most enjoyed commercializing new market structures and disruptive technologies ranging from demand response to battery energy storage. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University in Houston, TX and lives and works in Santa Cruz, CA.
Ted Calvin
VP, Engineering & Procurement
Location: Austin, TX
Ted focuses on selection of appropriate technology and third-party engineering resources, as well as managing interconnection to electric utilities. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University in Houston, TX, and lives in Austin, Texas.
Joan Heredia
VP, Permitting & Water
Location: San Diego, CA
Joan Heredia brings over 25 years of experience throughout the US obtaining regulatory approvals, permits and land use entitlements for large industrial and energy facilities and as a lead developer for renewable energy projects. She has previously worked at an air pollution control agency, environmental consulting firms and Fortune 500 companies (URS Corporation, Sempra Energy and Consolidated Edison Clean Energy Business). She has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California Santa Barbara and an Environmental/Civil Masters from California Poly San Luis Obispo.
Kevin Boudreaux
Head of Power Supply
Location: Houston, TX
With over 20 years in the energy sector, Kevin excels in multi-market operations, from new market entry to complex settlements. He leads the power procurement division at Monarch Energy, focusing on large-scale power procurement, hedging, and optimization strategies. Previously, he managed the Sustainability Division at Priority Power Management, helping clients cut their carbon footprint through onsite solar, battery storage, and integration of new and existing energy sources. Kevin also worked at Shell Energy North America and Calpine Energy Services on thermal power development and energy transactions. He holds a business graduate degree and served in the U.S. Navy with a Top-Secret clearance.
Mike Morrow
VP, Development
Location: Birmingham, AL
Mike Morrow is VP of Development at Monarch Energy. Prior to joining, Mike spent 18 years in power generation with experience in every generation type across the full lifecycle of a project while working at Southern Power and Orsted. Mike enjoys finding new ways to solve old problems and has helped navigate large organizations through new challenges by leveraging a win-win approach to deal-making. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and works and lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife and 3 kids.
Lara Pollitt
VP, Permitting & Environmental
Location: Phoenix, AZ
With extensive experience in environmental permitting and regulatory strategy, Lara leads permitting and environmental at Monarch Energy, enabling the development of large-scale powered land projects. She specializes in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, aligning stakeholders, and advancing projects from site selection through development and execution.
Previously, Lara established and led permitting and environmental teams supporting hyperscale data center development and site selection at Amazon and Microsoft. Prior to Microsoft, she led environmental planning and permitting efforts at CH2M and Jacobs for complex infrastructure projects.
Lara holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Iowa.
Be part of the change
JOIN THE TEAM
We’re always looking to connect with individuals who are passionate about building the next generation of America’s critical energy infrastructure.
field service specialist
We operate across the nation, driving the future of green hydrogen and decarbonization. We’re always looking to connect with individuals who are passionate…
Be part of the change.
join the team
We’re always looking to connect with individuals who are passionate about building the next generation of America’s critical energy infrastructure.
field service specialist
We operate across the nation, driving the future of green hydrogen and decarbonization. We’re always looking to connect with individuals who are passionate…