Erik G. Birkerts

Erik oversees LanzaJet’s growth strategy and operational execution as it rapidly scales both domestically and internationally. He has spent his professional career in high-growth, complex operating environments. 

Prior to LanzaJet, Erik was the CEO of Evergreen Climate Innovations. Evergreen, a Chicago-based venture catalyst formerly known as Clean Energy Trust, finds, funds and grows companies commercializing clean technologies. Under his leadership, Evergreen invested in 43 companies, supported the portfolio in raising over $500 million in follow-on funding and stewarded 5 successful investment outcomes through acquisitions.

Erik has also been on the senior management teams for two IPOs of venture capital backed companies. 

Erik currently serves on the Board of Directors for Milbank Manufacturing and Chairs the Audit Committee. Milbank is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of electrical metering equipment, components and EV charging infrastructure. He also served as an independent Board Director for Metrus Energy, the pioneering ​“Energy Efficiency As A Service” financier, helping guide the company through its acquisition by Energy Capital Partners in 2023.

Erik began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, working on large cross-border financial transactions. 

Erik earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He has a BA with honors in Economics and International Relations from Tufts University, where he was a member of the NCAA soccer team for four years.