Cyclone BioEnergy LLC is managed locally by a uniquely qualified team of professionals who are actively involved in the business and its operations. Feel free to contact any one of us with your questions about Cyclone or bioenergy in general.
Maria Garza Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer
Jill Warren, Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Jon Hruska, Chief Operating Officer
John R. Pitts, Jr., Vice President for Research and Market Development
Maria Garza Brown, President and CEO
 Maria Garza Brown, a principled and successful businesswoman, founded Cyclone BioEnergy in 2007 after more than 19 years working in the business, legal, government and community arenas. As a wife, mother, concerned citizen and proud American, Maria decided to take an active role in seeking to be part of the solution to America’s energy and environmental challenges. Her strong work ethic, coupled with her business approach of providing the highest level of customer service has contributed to Maria’s success as an entrepreneur.
As a strong advocate for children and educational opportunities she currently sits on the Advisory Board for the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium and in 2007 was appointed by Round Rock ISD's Superintendent Dr. Jesus Chavez to serve on the district's Boundary Committee. In 2008 she was appointed to serve on the Rock ISD's Champions committee.
Maria served as a founder of the Imagine International Academy of Williamson County – a proposed charter school in Williamson County which was granted a charter status from the State Board Of Education.
Maria’s civic service has included leadership roles on the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Executive Women’s Golf Association, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and E3 Alliance. She and her husband Roger live with their 2 children in Round Rock, TX.
Jon Hruska, Chief Operations Officer
 Jon Hruska is a Project Manager for a computer firm in Austin, Texas. Prior to coming to Austin, Jon spent 10 years at a logistics transportation company based in Louisville, Kentucky. As a Regional Manager, he was responsible for managing the operating ratios, equipment purchase and maintenance, and careers of over 95 personnel and managers at 15 locations within the continental U.S.
Jon started his career in the U.S. Marine Corp as a Communication's Officer, serving time in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, California.
Jon is a native of Waterloo, Iowa and a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in History. |
Jill Warren, Executive Vice President and General Counsel
 Ms. Warren is an attorney, public affairs consultant and entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas. She is also a Principal in The Patriot Group, a Texas-based public affairs firm operating nationally and internationally to help clients achieve principled objectives relating to free enterprise, liberty and peace.
As government affairs consultant and attorney, Ms. Warren specializes in strategic planning, public policy advocacy, coalition building and strategic communications. She also has served as counsel to Bracewell & Giuliani’s government affairs practice; served as policy director and special assistant attorney general for former Texas Attorney General now U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); and, practiced commercial litigation and appellate law defending mass tort claims and commercial transactions.
Ms. Warren is also the co-founder, CEO and President of Jupiter Power Company, LP, an electric power marketer. And, she serves as a Director of the Texas Lyceum Association.
Ms. Warren is a native of Huntsville, Texas and a graduate of The University of Texas McCombs School of Business and The University of Texas School of Law.
John R. Pitts, Jr., Vice President for Research and Market Development
 John R Pitts, Jr develops industrial and utility solar generation systems across North America and regularly advises companies seeking to do business in the renewable energy markets in Texas. He is also a frequent speaker on renewable energy issues in Texas and North America.
John began his career on the political campaign trail in Texas and in Washington, DC, with roles in grassroots, fundraising, and management for a number of campaigns, including campaigns for current Texas Governor Rick Perry and current Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. John formed Pitts Consulting Group in 2003, and spent the next six years advocating on behalf of companies and trade associations before the Texas Legislature. His primary focus during this time was on public policy affecting renewable energy markets. John counted several early-stage companies as clients, typically serving in a business development role. These clients were in a variety of industries, including solar, biofuels, biomass power, self-service and mobile technologies, and health care IT.
John has lived the majority of his life in Austin, Texas, where his mother's family settled down in the 1860's, and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife are active in numerous civic groups and are the proud parents of twin children. |
