Dave Belote is the Vice President for Federal Business at Apex Clean Energy where he leads the company’s efforts to deliver clean, renewable power to federal customers and promote renewable energy solutions on military bases, public lands, and the outer continental shelf. Prior to joining Apex, Dave was the first Executive Director of the Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse at the Pentagon, where he built a “one-stop shop” for industry to work with federal, state, and local government agencies to ensure that utility-scale renewable energy and transmission projects were compatible with military operations and installations. A retired Air Force colonel and F-16 pilot, Dave commanded a squadron, a group, and a wing as well as earning two Bronze Stars during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has served as installation commander for Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, and the 2.9-million-acre Nevada Test and Training Range. He actively supports the American Council on Renewable Energy, the Association of Defense Communities, Environmental Entrepreneurs, and the Truman Project for National Security and Operation Free which is a nationwide coalition of veterans and national security experts who advocate for securing America with clean energy. He is also a five-time Jeopardy! champion.