CEO and Founder Mike Powers has spent the last few years leading and developing the CoolPath project, a rangeland ecological restoration project in California. This carbon farming project is an initiative of Agromin, which has grown to become the largest producer of compost in California. The project is based on large-scale application of high-quality compost, along with other regenerative practices, financed by verified, high-integrity nature-based carbon credits. He and his partners have helped guide the pioneering project to submission for initial registration as “Under Validation” with Verra, one of the world’s leading voluntary carbon registries. Powers is passionate about fulfilling the mission of CoolPath and Agromin to achieve ecological restoration while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a sustainable business model and strong partnerships.

Prior to his work with CoolPath, Powers served as County Executive Officer for 11 years, capping off a 30-year career of service with the County of Ventura. He managed a budget of $2.5 billion and nearly 10,000 employees across 25 departments. He provided oversight and support for all major county functions, including budget, finance, legislation, human resources, labor relations, economic development, and information technology. During his tenure, he and his team helped increase the County’s long-term bond ratings to AAA with both S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Ratings, the highest level possible.

Powers’ leadership focused on providing measurable quality public service in the areas of public safety, health, environmental, and social services. He also oversaw the planning, waste management, and agriculture departments and led the development of the Sustainability Office.

Prior to his role as CEO, Powers served as Director of the Health Care Agency, where he worked with and supported multiple health departments, including two hospitals and more than 80 community-based health centers. He also helped develop a countywide trauma system and the region’s only pediatric cancer program.

Powers worked as a lawyer in private practice for three years before joining the County Counsel’s Office, where he practiced for another five years. His focus areas included business litigation, environmental law, and employment law. He received a BA in Business/Economics from University of California, Los Angeles and a law degree from Loyola Law School. He lives in Ventura with his wife, Erin, and their two sons, Charlie and Zack.

CEO and Founder Mike Powers has spent the last few years leading and developing the CoolPath team and rangeland ecological restoration project in the California County of Ventura.  The project is based on large-scale compost application along with other regenerative practices, financed by verified, high-integrity nature-based carbon credits.   He and his team and partners have helped guide the pioneering project to submission for initial registration as “Under Development” with VERRA, one of the world’s leading voluntary carbon registries.  Mr. Powers is passionate about fulfilling the mission of CoolPath to achieve ecological restoration while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a sustainable business model and strong partnerships.   

Mr. Powers’ leadership focuses on providing measurable quality public service in the areas of public safety, health, environmental and social services.  In Ventura County, he further oversaw the planning, waste management, and agriculture departments and lead the development of the Sustainability Office.   

His role entails large scale project management including supporting the development of the County’s first Climate Action Plan, first Economic Vitality Plan, as well as numerous large sustainability projects.   Additional complex projects included the finance and construction of a new hospital and establishment of an over $400 million health plan and Electronic Health Record.  Due to these and other investments, the County was twice recognized as the top Digital County in the nation.  He helped guide and support the County through several crises including the impacts of large fires, a mass shooting and the pandemic.