Alan Cordova

Strategist and Finance Specialist for Energy and Technology Ventures

Location: Greater Seattle Area
Industry: Renewables & Environment

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Alan Cordova's Overview

Past

Finance Manager at NorthLight Power, LLC
Financial Analyst at Alta Capital Corporation
Finance Consultant at (Freelance) (Self-employed)

Strategy & Communications Consultant at (Freelance) (Self-employed)
Finance Consultant at Garden Solar, LLC
Strategy Intern at Bluewater Wind
"Planet Money" Writer at National Public Radio
Researcher & Writer at Columbia CaseWorks
Banking Consultation Team Leader at Columbia Social Enterprise Program
Marketing Consultant at Columbia Small Business Consulting Program
Researcher at B Lab
Venture Capital Consultant at Columbia Social Enterprise Program
Organizational Design Consultant at Space Futures
Observatory Teaching Assistant at Williams College
Independent Political Science Researcher at Williams College
Foreign Bureau Intern at Newsweek
Research Associate at Council on Hemispheric Affairs
Alpine Ski Instructor at Mohan Skiing and Boarding

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Education

Columbia University - Columbia Business School
Williams College

Recommendations

3 people have recommended Alan

Connections

500+ connections

Websites

Personal Website

Columbia MBA with strategy, business development, and finance experience in infrastructure and technology sectors. Developed valuation and structuring models for renewable energy projects, business plans for online media startups, and evaluation tools for intellectual property managers. Skilled researcher, analyst, communicator, and team leader seeking to drive growth and innovation in emerging industries and geographies.

Specialties

Strategy formulation, market research, financial analysis, business development, investment presentation, writing/editing, policy evaluation

Columbia University - Columbia Business School

MBA, Finance, Management

2007 – 2008

- Advanced coursework in private equity, high-yield fixed-income securities, venture capital, entrepreneurial finance, team leadership.
- Led five-member team in planning an official study tour for 24 students, faculty and staff to Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

Williams College

B.A., Political Science (International Relations) & Astronomy

2002 – 2006

Finance Manager

NorthLight Power, LLC

Renewables & Environment industry

March 2011 – September 2011 (7 months) Greater Seattle Area

• Refined structuring models for existing projects based on new cost & timing estimates.
• Built valuation pro formas for due diligence on prospective projects.
• Worked with senior managers to streamline expense reporting & budgeting procedures.

Financial Analyst

Alta Capital Corporation

November 2010 – March 2011 (5 months) Greater Seattle Area

Alan served as lead buy-side analyst for a private equity-led (world top twenty firm) management buyout of a major renewable energy firm. He built from scratch a risk-weighted discounted cash flow model that incorporated data from twenty projects and mapped out the sensitivity of return to changes in costs as well as exit multiples. The model included:
- A toggle between production and investment tax credits.
- A tab in which an investor could change the probability of success for intermediate exploration, permitting and construction stages.
- Independent cost and capital structures for each project
The model provided significant flexibility to changes in cost and timing assumptions and enabled Alan to rapidly adapt to new requirements and respond to inquiries. The private equity firm approved the valuation model but has elected to delay execution of the transaction.

Finance Consultant

(Freelance) (Self-employed)

Self-Employed; Myself Only; Research industry

May 2008 – November 2010 (2 years 7 months) Greater New York City Area

Built financial models to forecast growth and articulate the value of firms seeking capital.
- Used discounted cash flow, First Chicago and comparables valuation methods.
- Advised CEOs on strategies to mitigate cash constraints and financial risk.
Reviewed Bloomberg LP’s development of a socially responsible financial data service.
Assessed the viability of intellectual property commercialization grant applicants.
- Forecasted the size, growth & fragmentation of specialized technology markets.

Strategy & Communications Consultant

(Freelance) (Self-employed)

Self-Employed; Myself Only; Research industry

March 2008 – November 2010 (2 years 9 months) Greater New York City Area

Advised entrepreneurs on the preparation of business plans, financial statements and investor presentations. Provided guidance on developing value propositions and orienting business objectives towards building competitive advantage.
Conducted market research to support pro forma revenue and profitability projections.

Finance Consultant

Garden Solar, LLC

Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Renewables & Environment industry

December 2009 – March 2010 (4 months) Greater New York City Area

Adapted discounted cash flow model for prospective utility-scale solar energy projects.
Developed investment dashboard to highlight the projects’ sensitivity to volatility in economic, financial and technological variables.

Strategy Intern

Bluewater Wind

Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Renewables & Environment industry

May 2009 – September 2009 (5 months) Greater New York City Area

Advised executives on financial structures for potential projects totaling 470 megawatts.
Managed key sections of the company’s responses to official requests for information.
- Forecasted the macroeconomic and employment impact of potential projects.
- Evaluated the competitive landscape, supply chain constraints and new technologies.
- Monitored new state and federal policy regulations and incentive programs.

"Planet Money" Writer

National Public Radio

Nonprofit; 501-1000 employees; Broadcast Media industry

November 2008 – March 2009 (5 months) Greater New York City Area

Authored stories and conduct background research for the blog and podcast: http://www.npr.org/money
Analyzed new government interventions (TARP, ARRA) and regulations (SF-157).
Authored stories and created graphics explaining key concepts in finance and economics.

Researcher & Writer

Columbia CaseWorks

May 2008 – December 2008 (8 months) Greater New York City Area

Developed studies of the challenges facing corporations for use in the MBA curriculum.
Created data sets from corporate documents, market returns and economic information.

Banking Consultation Team Leader

Columbia Social Enterprise Program

Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry

January 2008 – May 2008 (5 months) Greater New York City Area

Led five-member team in providing strategy and operational consulting to a microfinance bank in Central Asia.
Advised senior leadership on portfolio management, client relations, HR practices and IT.

Marketing Consultant

Columbia Small Business Consulting Program

Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry

September 2007 – December 2007 (4 months) Greater New York City Area

Advised a leading niche social network on reaching new audiences and reducing churn.

Researcher

B Lab

Nonprofit; 11-50 employees; Civic & Social Organization industry

May 2007 – August 2007 (4 months) Greater New York City Area

Researched environmental and labor standards for a nonprofit that would certify socially responsible small businesses.
Authored guidelines for evaluation and recommendations for businesses to improve their level of social responsibility.

Venture Capital Consultant

Columbia Social Enterprise Program

Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry

January 2007 – May 2007 (5 months) Greater New York City Area

Recommended a new client engagement model to a Nicaraguan venture capital fund.

Organizational Design Consultant

Space Futures

September 2006 – December 2006 (4 months) San Francisco Bay Area

Worked with three-person team to draft business plan for space policy institute.
Identified best practices in existing government policy and research centers.

Observatory Teaching Assistant

Williams College

Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Higher Education industry

September 2003 – May 2006 (2 years 9 months) Pittsfield, Massachusetts Area

Supervised introductory students' observing projects.
Operated 0.6-meter telescope and cameras.

Independent Political Science Researcher

Williams College

Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Higher Education industry

May 2005 – August 2005 (4 months) Kyrgyzstan

Authored honors thesis on American democracy promotion in the Central Asia.
Interviewed over 150 government officials, civil society leaders and businesspeople in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Mongolia.

Foreign Bureau Intern

Newsweek

Public Company; 201-500 employees; WPO; Publishing industry

June 2004 – August 2004 (3 months) Mexico City Area, Mexico

Writing short and feature-length news articles, managing the affairs of the bureau, conducting interviews, gathering local news, editing stories. Published works can be accessed via <http://newsweek.alancordova.com>
Managed the bureau in the chief's absence.

Research Associate

Council on Hemispheric Affairs

June 2003 – August 2003 (3 months) Washington D.C. Metro Area

Wrote stories for COHA's scholarly newsletter "Washington Report on the Hemisphere," press releases, op-ed articles. Writings can be found at http://coha.alancordova.com.
Evaluated the impact of economic trends and political developments in Latin America.
Edited the Washington Report on the Hemisphere, COHA’s scholarly journal.

Alpine Ski Instructor

Mohan Skiing and Boarding

Nonprofit; 51-200 employees; Sports industry

October 1997 – April 2002 (4 years 7 months) Greater Seattle Area

Taught beginning and intermediate alpine skiing to children of ages 5-15.
Received Alpine Level 1 certification from the Professional Ski Instructors of America in 2002.

Departmental Honors

Williams College Department of Political Science
- June 2006
Thesis: “Democracy in Central Asia: The Challenge to American Institutionalism”
Muhammad Kenyatta ’66 Community Service Prize

Williams College
- June 2006
Robert G. Wilmers, Jr. ’90 Fellowship

Williams College
- June 2005
Conducted fieldwork in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Mongolia for undergraduate honors thesis in political science.
Charles W. Hufford Memorial Fellowship

Williams College
- June 2005
Conducted fieldwork in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Mongolia for undergraduate honors thesis in political science.
Robert L. Gaudino Fellowship for Winter Study

Williams College
- January 2005
- Conducted independent research on the impact of multicultural policies on the city’s Muslim community
- Authored an original report describing the impact of the city’s history.
Councilmember of the Year

Williams College Lehman Community Service Council
- May 2005
George J. Mead Fellowship

Williams College
- June 2004
Interned with Newsweek in Mexico City.
Dean's List

Columbia Business School
- May 2008
Erwin S. Wolfson Scholarship

Columbia Business School
- January 2008

Volunteer Experience
- Trail Crew Volunteer & Assistant Crew Leader
  
  Washington Trails Association
  - Environment
  July 1998 – March 2002 (3 years 9 months)
  
  Built, maintained and repaired hiking trails in western Washington.
- Member of the Sustainable Business Committee
  
  Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York
  - Environment
  July 2008 – July 2009 (1 year 1 month)
  
  Organized the "Making Green from Green" series of educational events - led planning & execution of renewable energy panel and co-led international business forum.
- Cleantech SIG of the Tri-State Chapter
  
  TiE
  - Environment
  September 2008 – July 2009 (11 months)
  
  Assisted with the development and planning of educational and networking events focused on sustainable business and investment.
- Consultant
  
  ACCION USA
  - Economic Empowerment
  September 2009 – December 2009 (4 months)
  
  Evaluated leasing and factored loan products for domestic microfinance organization.
- Member of the New York Area Alumni Council
  
  International House
  - Arts and Culture
  July 2009 – July 2010 (1 year 1 month)
  
  Supported ongoing educational and career programs of International House - New York.
Volunteer Interests
- Causes I care about:
  - Economic Empowerment
  - Education
  - Environment
  - Poverty Alleviation
- Organizations I support:
  - Columbia University
  - Columbia Business School
  - Columbia Business School Club of New York CBSAC/NY
  - Williams College
  - Seattle Public Library
  - Washington Trails Association

Lehman Community Service Council

President
- September 2003 to June 2006
- Oversaw the expansion of numerous student service projects.
- Built connections with experiential education and academic offices.
- Led service-related first-year orientation groups through the “Where Am I” program.
Peer Advisors
- September 2007 to May 2008
Advised incoming cluster on the norms, structures, traditions and opportunities of Columbia Business School.
Hermes Society
- September 2007 to May 2008
Advised prospective students on academics and student life at Columbia Business School.
Bottom Line

Cluster Correspondent
- January 2007 to May 2008
Cluster Z '08 Leadership Team
- January 2007 to May 2008
Columbia Entrepreneurs' Organization
- January 2007 to May 2008
Social Enterprise Club
- January 2007 to May 2008
Management Consulting Association
- January 2007 to May 2008
Private Equity & Venture Capital Club
- January 2007 to May 2008
Follies
- January 2007 to May 2007
I-Prep
- January 2007 to May 2008
International Development Club
- January 2007 to May 2008
Small Business Consulting Program
- January 2007 to May 2008
Latin America Business Association
- January 2007 to May 2008
Rotaract Club

President
- September 2002 to June 2003
Williams College Jazz Ensemble

Third Chair Trumpet
- September 2003 to June 2004
EphVote

Co-Founder
- September 2004 to November 2004
Launched & managed campus-wide voter registration drive.
Political Science Department Liaison Committee

Elected Student Representative
- September 2004 to June 2005
Student Global AIDS Campaign
- September 2002 to May 2006
Gargoyle Society
- September 2004 to June 2006
Student honors society.

GMAT
- July 2006
- Score: 740
Verbal: 47
Quantitative: 44
Analytical Writing: 6.0
Total: 740
SAT
- March 2001
- Score: 1520
Verbal: 800
Math: 720
AP Chemistry
- May 2001
- Score: 4
AP US History
- May 2001
- Score: 5
AP Calculus BC
- May 2002
- Score: 5
AP Biology
- May 2002
- Score: 5

Political Standoff Likely in Mexico’s Legislative and Gubernatorial Elections on Sunday: Mexico at a Crossroads of Democracy
- Council on Hemispheric Affairs
- July 5, 2003
Authors: Alan Cordova

Balloting results will provide an important evaluation of the effectiveness of the National Action Party’s (PAN) political and economic reforms and, indirectly, President Fox’s record and his reputation among the electorate.
Pan-Mayanism and the New Guatemala
- Washington Report on the Hemisphere
- August 1, 2003
Authors: Alan Cordova
The Global Fund For Indigenous Peoples
- Washington Report on the Hemisphere
- August 2003
Authors: Alan Cordova
Worst Lady?
- Newsweek International
- July 19, 2004
Authors: Alan Cordova, Scott Johnson

(note: article by Scott Johnson "with Alan Cordova in Mexico City")

Soft music and idle chatter fill the air in the small but classy restaurant in an upscale Mexico City neighborhood. Suddenly, the music stops and the room falls silent. A policeman appears, bugle in hand. Blasting a painfully atonal fanfare, he announces the arrival of the First Lady of Mexico. As the audience breaks into applause, a petite, sharply dressed woman enters the room... he-e-e-e-e-r-e's Marta!
Comics: A Mayor Takes On 'Dark Forces'
- Newsweek International
- August 2, 2004
Authors: Alan Cordova

For months, Mexico City Mayor and 2006 presidential hopeful Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has complained about his opponents' dirty tactics, suggesting that the right is conspiring against him. Now his worst fears are appearing in comic-book form. "The Dark Forces Against Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador," published and distributed free of charge to 2.2 million Mexico City doorsteps, has Lopez Obrador's critics up in arms.
Mexico: Hizzoner's Hard Way
- Newsweek International
- August 30, 2004
Authors: Alan Cordova, Joseph Contreras

Former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani is receiving a familiar reception in Mexico City. Local officials have begun to implement recommendations submitted by his security firm last year to combat crime in the Mexican capital.
Back Slaps and Business: U.S.-style lobbying is catching on in Mexico's Congress
- Newsweek International
- September 27, 2004
Authors: Alan Cordova, Joseph Contreras

When the Mexican congress is in session, Gustavo Almaraz Montano and his colleagues spend many hours roaming the corridors of the imposing Legislative Palace in downtown Mexico City. Almaraz spent three years in Congress as a senator representing the state of Baja California Norte in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but he's got a different reason these days for slapping backs in his former stomping ground.
Loving the liberal arts: Why a broad knowledge base is more important than ever
- Current Magazine
- July 2006
Authors: Alan Cordova

We need the liberal arts—now more than ever. While studying Márquez, Mozart, and Picasso might seem irrelevant to would-be MDs or MBAs, exposure to a wide range of ideas and disciplines provides an unparalleled foundation for addressing the challenges of the 21st century. In a world where career changes are frequent and creative thinking is crucial, the flexibility and resourcefulness that remain the hallmarks of a liberal arts education are essential.
Difficulties encountered by Muslims in Granada, Spain
- Annual Conference of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy
- May 6, 2006
Authors: Alan Cordova

In January 2005, I conducted a political ethnography in the city, investigating the historical influences on the local civic identity, the relation between different ethnic groups and Muslims' relationship with the Spanish state vis-à-vis the national government's lack of a concrete multicultural policy.
Democratization in Central Asia: The Failure of American Institutionalism
- Middle East and Central Asia Politics, Economics and Society Conference
- September 6, 2006
Authors: Alan Cordova

Global democracy promotion has the potential to transform political systems throughout the developing world. A phenomenon of the past half-century that has intensified in the past decade, it has become a central element in American foreign policy. However, while democratization has defined the principles supported by global organizations such as the United Nations and changed the ways in which states are conceived by policymakers, has this sweeping force had any impact on the commonplace people that its supporters seek to empower?
Democratization in Central Asia: The Failure of American Institutionalism
- Annual Conference of the Midwest Political Science Association
- April 12, 2007
Authors: Alan Cordova

Global democracy promotion has the potential to transform political systems throughout the developing world. A phenomenon of the past half-century that has intensified in the past decade, it has become a central element in American foreign policy. However, while democratization has defined the principles supported by global organizations such as the United Nations and changed the ways in which states are conceived by policymakers, has this sweeping force had any impact on the commonplace people that its supporters seek to empower?

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English
(Native or bilingual proficiency)
Spanish
(Professional working proficiency)
Arabic
(Elementary proficiency)

Websites:

Personal Website

Interests:

Game theory, backpacking, Spanish literature, jazz trumpet, languages, alpine skiing, conditional cash transfers, Cuban son, information asymmetries, flamenco, principal-agent problems, distance running

Groups and Associations: