C.P. Smith is a 2023-2024 Veterans Advanced Energy fellow at the Atlantic Council and  the executive director of Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña. The nonprofit is the first electric energy cooperative in Puerto Rico. The organization’s purpose is to generate and distribute cost-effective and resilient energy from renewable sources for the communities and businesses from the Adjuntas, Jayuya, Lares, and Utuado municipalities. Smith began the organization following the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria.  

Smith served as a pilot with the US Navy and is now retired. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.