The Alliance to Save Energy (Alliance) Board of Directors has unanimously elected six new individuals who will help support the Alliance’s mission of achieving a more energy-efficient future. The newly elected Directors, who represent top business, utility and industry entities, include:

• James Madej, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Customer Energy Solutions, National Grid
• Greg Merritt, Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs, Cree, Inc.
• John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
• Curt Rich, President and CEO, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA)
• William Sisson, Director of Sustainability, United Technologies Corporation
• Cathy Snyder, Vice President of Energy and Environment Government Relations, Lockheed Martin

Alliance President Kateri Callahan is looking forward to the contributions of these six individuals, saying, “The Alliance Board has long been recognized for the wide scope of perspectives offered by its Directors, and the new group is a testament to this diversity. I look forward to the fresh ideas they will bring to the table in support of the Alliance’s mission to advance energy efficiency.”

As Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at National Grid, Jim Madej supports the utility’s energy efficiency programs, emerging technologies, new products and more. “In working for one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world, I am well aware of the importance of energy efficiency and demand side management programs in shaping customer engagement and behaviors. I look forward to working with the Alliance and its strong cadre of business leadership in support of efficiency’s role as an important aspect of the utility business model and the changing energy landscape,” said Madej.

Greg Merritt, vice president of marketing and public affairs at Cree, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of energy-efficient LEDs and LED lighting products, stated, “Through my work at Cree to promote the widespread adoption of LED lighting, I have seen first-hand the economic and social value of saving energy. I look forward to working with other industries on the Alliance Board to help all businesses and individuals reap the benefits of efficiency.”

John B. Rhodes, president and chief executive officer of NYSERDA, will bring the valued perspective of state government to the Board. Rhodes said, “I am proud to continue to foster the strong relationship between the Alliance and NYSERDA through my position on the Board of Directors.  The knowledge and experience that the Board members bring will be a great asset in our common goal of advancing energy efficiency throughout the year.”

With over 20 years of energy policy experience, Curt Rich has developed a strategic vision for NAIMA in his role as president and chief executive officer. Of his Board Director position, Rich said, “NAIMA is proud to act as the voice of the insulation industry and offer resources for energy efficiency and sustainable performance. I look forward to working towards a more efficient built environment and learning from fellow advocates on the Alliance Board.”

With a background in building energy efficiency and technical and business leadership, William Sisson currently serves as the director of sustainability at United Technologies Research Center. “I anticipate a great year of progress ahead for energy efficiency policy and I am honored to have the opportunity to support this action as Board Director for the Alliance,” said Sisson.  

Cathy Snyder, vice president of energy and environment government relations at Lockheed Martin, brings a strong background in government affairs that will help inform the Alliance’s federal policy work, particularly as Shaheen-Portman is expected to return to the floor in early 2015. “I’ve worked with the Alliance to advocate for the doubling of U.S. energy productivity through the Energy 2030 On the Road campaign, and I look forward to supporting the organization in an extended capacity at the local and national level by serving on the Board,” said Snyder.