Team
Carson Westerfield
Founder & CEO
Carson oversees the direction and performance of Wes Car Solar, LLC. Before founding Wes Car Solar, Carson lived in Taipei and was the Manager of New Markets for GSSG Solar, a leading global solar-only investment fund manager. While in Taiwan, Carson was responsible for originating new investment opportunities, execution of the transaction, development of the asset, and its sales process – along with day-to-day management of the team. Prior to Taiwan, Carson was the Project Manager for GSSG’s US market portfolio where he completed development, oversaw construction, and the sale of multiple tranches of assets.
Before GSSG, Carson was a traveling foreman for Titan Renewables (since acquired by RNWBL) servicing commercial and utility-scale projects throughout the US. He previously installed commercial and residential rooftop systems in Oregon and Arizona.
Carson has performed diligence on over 2 GW of utility-scale solar projects in Taiwan and the US, and physically constructed and serviced another 200 MW. Earlier in his career Carson taught 7th grade. Carson holds a B.S. in International Studies from Spring Hill College and earned his M.A. in International Security from the University of Arizona.
Jason Stevens
Advisory Board Member
Jason Stevens is a solar industry professional who has worked in the sector since 2001. He started with BP Solar in a project sales and product development capacity before joining SunEdison in 2006. There he led Engineering / Procurement / Construction (EPC) domestic operations in over 10 states as well as international operations in Canada and Spain, installing over 350MW in rooftop and ground mounted systems.
He then co-founded GSSG Solar in 2013 where he led project operations including asset assessment, design, construction and operation for the core investment and asset management operations. This included over 500MW of utility scale projects in the United States, Japan and Taiwan.
He currently maintains a Senior Advisor role at GSSG Solar. Jason received an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, and a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Texas, Austin.
Karen C. McConnell
Advisory Board Member
Karen C. McConnell recently retired following a 42 year career as a corporate lawyer, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, joint ventures and governance. She was previously a partner at Ballard Spahr LLP, where she served on the firm’s Board and as Chair of the M&A and Private Equity practice groups. During her career, Karen was widely recognized as one of America’s leading dealmakers, having closed well over 400 transactions representing both buyers and sellers. Karen earned top-tier recognition from several national outlets, including Chambers USA (Band One, 2003–2024, and Senior Statesperson 2025), The Legal 500, and The Best Lawyers in America each year since 2003 – including multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors in corporate, M&A, and securities law.
Karen holds a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame Law School where she served as Note Editor of the Law Review. She is deeply involved in community service. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, and previously served ten years as member of the Board of Trustees of the Barrow Neurological Foundation. She also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children in Maricopa County.
Steve Pritulsky
Advisory Board Member
Steve Pritulsky is a real estate economist and accomplished developer with decades of executive leadership experience. He is the retired President and CEO of New Leaf Communities and Watt Communities of Arizona, a Phoenix-based land development and homebuilding firm. For a decade Steve lead corporate strategy and directed land acquisition and product development activities totaling over $100M for the company.
With over 30 years in development, Steve has directed the analysis, acquisition, and execution of residential projects across the Southwest. He held senior roles with Communities Southwest, Pulte/Del Webb, and Newland Communities, overseeing major master planned communities such as Anthem, Fireside at Desert Ridge, and Westwing Mountain. His portfolio spans more than 7,000 acres and 17,000 residential lots. He also has 15 years of experience in real estate economics consulting and has served as an expert witness in litigation and bankruptcy matters.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from Northern Arizona University, has lectured at NAU, and mentored students in the Master of Real Estate Development program at Arizona State University. A recognized thought leader, Steve has served on numerous real estate and economic forecast panels. He was recently named incoming President of the Arizona Economic Roundtable for 2025–26.
Ron Butler
Advisory Board Member
Ron Butler is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of senior leadership and public accounting experience. He recently retired as Arizona Managing Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY), where he led the firm’s Arizona practice for 16 years, overseeing a team of more than 600 professionals. He also served as EY’s U.S. Mining & Metals Leader, where he led national strategy, client and business growth, and strategic positioning.
He brings deep expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and corporate governance. His industry experience spans energy, mining and metals, technology, and consumer products. A veteran of boardrooms and audit committees, Ron has guided organizations and their CEOs through a range of complex tasks, including IPOs, M&A, enterprise risk, cybersecurity initiatives, and sustainability reporting.
Ron has received numerous honors for his leadership and community contributions, including “Man of the Year” by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber, “Most Admired Leader” by Phoenix Business Journal, and “Most Influential Leader – Accounting” by Arizona Business Magazine. He was named the 2024 Eller College Outstanding Alumnus and received the 2015 Alumni Service Award from the University of Arizona. Ron holds a B.S. in Accountancy from the University of Arizona, and is a member of several state and regional accounting organizations – in addition to the prestigious World 50 Group, Latino Corporate Directors Association, and NACD. Ron serves on several executive boards including the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Education Forward Arizona. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors at Pinnacle West Capital Corporation / Arizona Public Service (NYSE: PNW), where he chairs the audit committee.