About

Rodney Wiltshire was born and raised in South Troy. During his early days, he lived in the Troy Hill Apartments on Thompson St. As a young boy, he played little league for South Troy and was a patrol leader in Boy Scout Troop 502, a position that helped him develop leadership skills. During this time, Wiltshire also developed a love for the outdoors.

Later, he and his sister became paper carriers for the Troy Record. He also worked as a lifeguard and pool supervisor at the South End Pool.

Education

Rodney attended School 16, Doyle Middle School, and Troy High School, each a public school in his local community. He worked on the school newspaper as a Troy High School student. He was very involved in music and acted in the high school musical each Spring.

Additionally, Rodney lettered on the Troy High School football and track teams, where he competed as a running back and jumper, respectively. Upon graduating high school, Rodney enrolled in Cornell University, where he studied and majored in Electrical Engineering and earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

Wiltshire enjoyed a successful student tenure at Cornell, where he excelled in several areas, including music, theatre, athletics, and academics. He gained valuable skills and experience as an undergraduate, many of which he would utilize throughout his career. Rodney's academic career also put him in a great position to solve problems, work as part of a team, and persevere through some of the most challenging situations.

As a Division 1 Cornell athlete, Rodney Wiltshire lettered in both Football and Track and Field. Additionally, he made many lifelong friends from his fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu during his tenure, many of whom he is still in touch with.

Following graduation, Rodney started working for an engineering company in New York.

Career

After some time as a software engineer, he decided to concentrate on power systems electrical engineering,

l engineering. Since then, he has enjoyed a successful career in engineering, working for some of the biggest companies in the world. He has also been involved in various startups and has been a part of several innovative ventures.

At one point, Rodney worked for the U.S. Navy in the Nuclear program and N.Y. Independent System Operator in the Electricity markets and the State's electrical grid. He also enjoyed a brief stint within the air travel industry, where he did airline optimization for route efficiencies.

Wiltshire and his wife Jolene started Empire Solar, a solar development company, in 2007. Since then, he has closed over 100MW of solar projects. He has also overseen the development and installation of over 250MW. This makes him one of the most experienced solar developers in New York State. As such, he was inducted into the Business Review's Forty under 40 class 2010.

Empire Solar specializes in developing, installing, and financing solar projects for residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, and utility customers. Empire Solar, owned by Rodney and his wife Jolene, has a team of experts passionate about helping their clients save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and become more sustainable.

Family Life

Rodney met his wife at a singing competition in Albany, NY, before getting married in 2004. Together, they went on to buy their first house in Troy. They are blessed with two sons.

Wiltshire is a family man who values time with his loved ones. He can regularly attend life: Church, school meetings, and political and community events with his family's company.

Hobbies

In his free time, Rodney Wiltshire enjoys playing the guitar, singing, working out, learning about history, hiking, and cryptocurrency. He also loves coaching and attending sporting events where his sons compete. He also loves the outdoors and spending time in nature.

Philanthropy

Rodney has contributed significantly to philanthropy with his time and resources. Rodney Wilshire was elected to the Troy City Council and served as its President, where he led the council majority and authored and passed many pieces of legislation which benefited the City of Troy, New York.

He has participated in various charities and fundraising events over the years. Some nonprofit organizations he has worked with include Capital Roots, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, American Red Cross, and many others.

Wiltshire has dedicated his life to making a difference.