AbouT Mike
Mike Powers leads CoolPath Inc., driving a mission to restore soil health, ecosystems while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovative, nature-based solutions. Over the past three years, he and his partners, with the support of their main strategic partner Agromin, have guided the development of a large-scale rangeland restoration project based primarily on the application of high-quality compost coupled with other regenerative practices.
Climate Innovation & Impact
Leads large-scale ecological restoration initiatives
Focus on compost-based soil carbon sequestration
Develops high-quality, nature-based carbon credits
Builds partnerships for scalable climate solutions
Public Sector Leadership
Before founding CoolPath, Mike served 11 years as County Executive Officer for Ventura County, concluding a 30-year public service career. Assembled a strong leadership team and together they oversaw and supported all major county functions including public safety, health and social services. Also oversaw and supported waste management, agriculture and sustainability programs.
- Managed $2.5B budget and ~10,000 employees
- Oversaw 25 departments across 500+ locations
- Directed budget finance, HR, IT, economic development, and legislation
- Achieved AAA bond ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s
Sustainability & Strategic Projects
- Led development of County’s first Economic Vitality Plan and Climate Action Plan
- Oversaw and supported large projects including a new hospital wing, new clinics, an updated General Plan
- Along with the Board and team, supported critical IT investments to enhance access to County services through digital platforms which resulted in the County being recognized as nation’s top Digital County twice.
Crisis Leadership & Innovation
Helped guide the County through wildfires, a mass shooting, and the pandemic
Oversaw implementation of a $400M+ health plan and Electronic Health Record system
Strengthened public safety, health, and social service delivery
Healthcare Leadership
As Director of the Health Care Agency:
- Managed an $800M department with 3,000+ employees
- Oversaw two hospitals and 80+ community health centers
- Supported development of a regional trauma system
- Helped establish the region’s only pediatric cancer program and pediatric intensive care unit
Legal & Educational Background
Mike is a licensed attorney who formerly practiced in the areas of business and transaction advice, litigation and environmental and employment law. He earned his BA in Business/Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and went on to receive his law degree from Loyola Law School.