EXECUTIVE ADVISORY
Adrian Collins
Adrian Collins is the founder and principal of Collinnova, a Houston based advisory firm serving CEOs, boards, and senior executives on the decisions that do not fit a standard playbook. His work centers on business development, government affairs, site selection, infrastructure, and the execution of major projects across Texas and nationally.
Adrian built Collinnova on a simple premise: the most consequential decisions require someone who has been in the room before. Over more than two decades at the intersection of government, industry, and major project development, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, public institutions, and senior leaders on transactions and initiatives where speed, access, and certainty matter more than analysis.
His career began in service. Adrian enlisted in the United States Army and served as an Electronic Warfare Intercept Tactical Specialist with the Military Intelligence Corps, holding Top Secret clearance with SCI access.
He spent more than fifteen years in Texas and federal politics, holding senior staff roles for Texas State Representative Scott Hochberg and Senator Rodney Ellis, then serving nine years across the Obama Administration. His federal roles included Director of Operations at the U.S. Department of Energy, Deputy Director of Advance at the EPA, and Lead Advance Associate at the White House.
Returning to Houston, Adrian led operations for NRG Park before serving as Senior VP of Corporate Development at Natura PCR, managing a one billion dollar expansion.
Today, through Collinnova, he advises clients across infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, alongside confidential engagements with C-suite leaders and family offices. He is a Certified Venue Professional and a graduate of the Apple Impact Accelerator. Collinnova is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Professional Trajectory
2022 – Present | President & CEO
Collinnova Advisory Firm
Providing board-level strategic access and project execution for Fortune 1000 executives. Specialized in site selection, government relations, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes for large-scale industrial and technology capital projects.
2019 – 2022 | SR. VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Natura PCR (Waste Management/Avangard Innovative)
Spearheaded the development of one of the world's largest post-consumer resin recycling facilities. Managed cross-functional infrastructure growth, stakeholder alignment, and executive-level project execution resulting in global market leadership in film-grade recyclables.
2009 – 2017 | SENIOR PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERSHIP
The White House, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy
EARLY CAREER & SERVICE
TX Legislature & U.S. Army Military Intelligence
Foundation in intelligence analysis and state-level policy execution. Developed the disciplined approach to complex systems and legislative navigation that defines the firm's strategic methodology today.
Education & Professional Credentials
Academic Pedigree
Prairie View A&M University, Political Science
Strategic Policy
Yale School of Management, Executive Program
Military Intelligence
U.S. Army, Specialized Intelligence Training
Institutional Leadership
The Wharton School, Executive Credentials
Impact & Innovation
Apple Impact Accelerator, Graduate Credentials
Operational Excellence
Vanderbilt University, Executive Credentials
APPROACH & PHILOSOPHY
Strategic Introspection, Executed with Absolute Discretion.
Adrian’s methodology is rooted in the belief that the most complex challenges require a return to first principles. Boards are not just looking for reports; they are looking for a roadmap that accounts for the political, social, and economic friction inherent in national-scale infrastructure. His work ethic is defined by a deep-seated commitment to 'board-level' clarity—stripping away jargon to reveal the core levers of project success.
BOARD TESTIMONIALS
“Adrian’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes while keeping the board’s strategic vision front and center is unparalleled. He is the first person we call for Texas executions.”
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER · GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FIRM
“In the high-stakes world of advanced manufacturing, access is everything. Collinnova provides the discreet, high-level entry required to move the needle on national-scale projects.”
VP OF STRATEGIC OPERATIONS · FORTUNE 500 TECHNOLOGY PARTNER
“Discretion is the foundation of our partnership. With Adrian, we have a trusted advisor who understands both the public sector and the boardroom with equal facility.”
BOARD CHAIR · ENERGY SOLUTIONS REGULATORY GROUP