PHILADELPHIA, PA — January 20, 2026 — ConnectDER, the innovative leader in plug-and-play meter socket adapters for residential solar, battery storage, and EV charging installations, promoted Brian Saucier to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the start of 2026. Saucier, who previously served as Vice President of Engineering and PMO, will now oversee the company’s end-to-end operational strategy as it enters a period of aggressive market expansion through high-volume production and increased product development.
In his new role, Saucier is tasked with designing and implementing the scalable systems, processes, and culture necessary to support ConnectDER’s next stage of growth. He will continue to partner closely with CEO Ivo Steklac to translate the company’s vision into day-to-day execution, ensuring operational excellence across product development, engineering, PMO, and supply chain.
Saucier’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for ConnectDER. As the company rolls out its newest-generation IslandDER™ Meter Socket Adapter—enabling faster, easier home battery backup installations by bypassing costly electrical work—Saucier’s background in complex hardware engineering and manufacturing continues to be a critical asset.
His career is defined by a rare ability to bridge the gap between technical problem-solving and large-scale organizational management:
Deep Electrical Expertise: With over two decades of experience, including a tenure as Director of Hardware Engineering at Aclara and extensive leadership at Electronics for Imaging (EFI), Saucier has a proven track record of managing all phases of electrical, electronics, and firmware development. This technical depth is vital for ConnectDER’s mission to simplify the connection between the utility meter and the home’s distributed energy resource (DER) assets.
A Legacy of Efficiency: At EFI, Saucier established a world-class “idea-to-launch” system that significantly increased commercialization rates, moving from three product launches in 2011 to seven in 2012. He also restructured engineering budgets to save over $600,000 in a single quarter, demonstrating the fiscal discipline required of a modern COO.
Strategic Innovation: During his time at Hubbell Incorporated, a giant in electrical systems, Saucier served on the Senior Leadership Team where he managed the technology radar and resourcing efficiency for the entire segment. This experience in the broader electrical industry provides him with the insight needed to navigate the complex utility and regulatory landscapes ConnectDER operates in.
“Brian has been a cornerstone of our leadership team since he arrived,” said Ivo Steklac, CEO of ConnectDER. “His unique ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams through complex challenges while maintaining a laser focus on scalable and efficient operations is exactly what ConnectDER needs as we move toward nationwide availability. His leadership will ensure that our operations are as innovative as our technology.”
Beyond his technical accolades, Saucier is recognized for a leadership philosophy based on trust, empowerment, and mentorship. Whether leading a staff of 15+ engineers or serving as a AAA hockey coach for the New Hampshire Avalanche—producing numerous NCAA and pro hockey talents—Saucier has consistently demonstrated an ability to foster high-performance cultures.
“It’s been an incredible experience overseeing the engineering and manufacturing of ConnectDER’s meter socket adapters the last nearly three years, and I’m honored to step into the COO role at such a transformative time for our company and the residential clean energy industry,” said Brian Saucier. “We aren’t just building hardware; we’re leading the shift in how distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, battery storage, and EV chargers connect to homes and the grid. By removing the barriers of complex electrical work and high costs for both installers and homeowners, we’re making renewable energy solutions more accessible and affordable to millions of households. As COO, my focus will be on building an operational backbone that can meet the massive demand for our adapters, ensuring our product technology remains the most reliable, scalable, and elegant solution on the market.”
About ConnectDER
ConnectDER has been a pioneer in designing and developing meter socket adapters (MSAs) since 2011, simplifying the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging equipment. ConnectDER’s products help accelerate installations, avoid complex electrical work, and reduce costs for both installers and homeowners—making renewable energy solutions more accessible and affordable for all. ConnectDER’s MSAs are UL-listed and NEC-compliant, approved by utilities across the U.S., and used by top local, regional, and national solar installers. Installers can purchase ConnectDER’s MSAs through their preferred distributor. Email sales@connectder.com to talk to a ConnectDER sales representative. For more information, visit www.connectder.com.
Media Contact:
Dave Armenti
Sr. Marketing Director
darmenti@connectder.com