Fermi appoints Larry Kellerman to board of directors – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Dallas, Texas – Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and largest shareholder of Fermi America, nominated Larry Kellerman for a seat on the company’s board of directors on May 1.[1][2] Kellerman, who serves as Fermi’s Chief Power Officer, accepted the nomination pending board approval.[1] The move underscores the company’s emphasis on power expertise amid its massive AI infrastructure push.
Key Figure in Fermi’s Power Strategy
Neugebauer praised Kellerman’s pivotal role in shaping Fermi’s ambitions. Kellerman architected the company’s 17-gigawatt powered data center campus in Amarillo, Texas, recognized as the largest private energy grid in America.[1][2] This project, known as Project Matador, positions Fermi to deliver behind-the-meter power to leading AI firms at scale.[3]
The nomination highlights Kellerman’s deep involvement from the project’s inception. He worked closely with Neugebauer to transform conceptual plans into operational reality. “When I came up with the idea of Project Matador, I knew that Larry Kellerman was the one person I needed to convert a really great idea into a really great reality,” Neugebauer stated.[1] Kellerman’s acceptance reflects his commitment to the enterprise.
Kellerman’s Extensive Industry Background
Kellerman brings over four decades of experience in the power sector and finance. He co-founded and serves as managing partner of Twenty First Century Utilities. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, El Paso Corporation, and I Squared Capital.[1][2]
His expertise spans power generation, infrastructure development, and strategic financing – critical areas for Fermi’s growth. Kellerman expressed honor at the nomination. “I appreciate everything that Toby has manifested in Fermi and know that no other human could have created the enterprise and its many thoughtfully interconnected elements as quickly, as effectively, and in as value-accretive a manner,” he said.[1] This blend of operational know-how and vision makes him a strong candidate for board oversight.
Fermi America’s AI Power Play
Fermi America, listed on NASDAQ and LSE under FRMI, focuses on next-generation private electric grids for AI data centers.[1][4] The company aims to provide gigawatt-scale, redundant power far faster than traditional grid expansions allow. Project Matador exemplifies this strategy, with 17 gigawatts of capacity and 18 million square feet of AI-ready infrastructure.[5]
Located in the Texas Panhandle, the campus integrates natural gas, solar, and future nuclear elements to meet surging AI compute demands.[6] Fermi’s HyperGrid campus promises delivery in months, not years, giving it an edge in the competitive AI energy race.[3] Neugebauer emphasized Kellerman’s unmatched knowledge of powering data centers as key to sustaining this momentum.
Key Project Highlights:
- 17 GW capacity – largest private grid in U.S.
- Amarillo, Texas location
- Behind-the-meter power for AI hyperscalers
- Combines gas, solar, nuclear for redundancy
Strategic Implications for Governance
The nomination strengthens Fermi’s board with internal power leadership at a critical juncture. As AI energy needs escalate, companies like Fermi face pressure to secure reliable, scalable supply. Kellerman’s elevation, if approved, would align executive strategy more tightly with infrastructure execution.[7]
Investors view such moves as signals of governance maturity. Fermi’s rapid development – from vision in early 2025 to operational scale – relies on experts like Kellerman. The board’s decision will shape how the company navigates regulatory, financial, and technical hurdles ahead.
This development reinforces Fermi America’s position in the AI power frontier.
