Brian Despard

Senior Project Manager | Resource Planning and Market Assessments | Houston

About Brian

As a senior project manager on the resource planning and market assessment team, Brian uses his 30-plus years of experience in electric power markets to help 1898 & Co. clients assess changing energy markets and plan accordingly.

Brian graduated from George Mason University in Virginia with a degree in economics and a minor in decision sciences, then quickly put those skills to use, initially as a consultant and then for a large Southeastern utility company. He moved through the ranks at a national independent power producer, ultimately becoming a commercial operations executive. More than halfway through his career, he returned to consulting. He’s spent his entire career helping utilities with power supply portfolio optimization, integrated resource planning, commercial strategies, risk management and a host of other challenges.

These days, he focuses primarily on resource planning and market assessments from the firm’s Houston office.

How Brian helps his clients
Brian strives to make his clients’ lives easier. After 30-plus years in the business, he knows that the little things really add up. Clients hire 1898 & Co. for the firm’s experience and know-how — that’s a given — so Brian works to add value by always going above and beyond, anticipating their needs and listening. Always listening.

What motivates Brian 
Brian loves learning and knowing he’s coming to work every day to face client challenges with intelligent, engaged people. He enjoys learning about new technologies and new aspects of electricity markets — and all of that keeps Brian motivated even when days are stressful.

A little bit about Brian
Brian and his wife have six children, and while they’re “somewhat grown,” they still keep him busy. Fun fact: Brian and his sons have a band room in their house packed with guitars, drums and a bass, where they love hiding out. He and his wife also enjoy traveling. Luckily for them, they have children living in London and Spain, so they travel to see them and branch out to other countries from there.



Specialties

Infrastructure Modernization

Capital Asset Planning

Strategic Asset Management