Energy Trust of Oregon names new executive director
Michael Colgrove joins nonprofit from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
PORTLAND, Ore. — June 6, 2016 — Energy Trust of Oregon’s board of directors plans to appoint Michael Colgrove as the nonprofit organization’s new executive director at its June 8 meeting. Starting August 15, Colgrove will lead Energy Trust in continuing to deliver the cleanest, lowest-cost energy available for 1.5 million utility customers in Oregon and southwest Washington. Colgrove succeeds Margie Harris, who is retiring after leading the organization since its inception in 2001.
Colgrove joins Energy Trust after 15 years with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, NYSERDA, where he was both the director of the New York City office and director of multifamily programs. NYSERDA promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources to reduce customer energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, while accelerating economic growth.
“I’m excited to join Energy Trust and continue its record of success delivering nationally recognized programs with high return on investment for utility customers,” said Colgrove.
Colgrove comes to Energy Trust as public interest grows in the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy, including cost savings, air quality improvement, carbon reduction, water savings and more. Energy Trust plans to leverage these benefits to reach even more participants, help the region meet its power needs with low-cost energy efficiency and contribute to Oregon’s plans for a lower-carbon future.
“Michael’s leadership experience at NYSERDA makes him a great fit for Energy Trust,” said Ken Canon, Energy Trust board vice president and chair of the executive director transition committee. “He has worked effectively with a range of stakeholders — utilities, customers, business owners, developers, and community and government leaders — to accelerate broad market adoption of clean energy solutions.”
The appointment follows a rigorous five-month national search for candidates informed by stakeholders, including the Oregon Public Utility Commission, Energy Trust’s utility partners, Energy Trust Conservation and Renewable Energy Advisory Councils, and a number of customer groups. Colgrove was selected by the Energy Trust board transition committee from a strong and diverse candidate pool consisting of energy industry leaders and innovators.
“Input from a wide variety of stakeholders was the foundation for this carefully planned search process,” said Energy Trust Board President Debbie Kitchin. “This helped us identify a leader who embodies a unique combination of strategic thinking, communication skills, in-depth industry knowledge and commitment to mission.”
With Colgrove’s selection, Energy Trust board and staff will focus on transition activities in preparation for Harris’ planned retirement in early September. “Under Margie’s leadership, Energy Trust has made a tangible and lasting difference for Oregonians,” said Kitchin. “She leaves in place a strong leadership team, proven and effective programs designed with a focus on customer service, and an organizational culture that values operational efficiency and accountability.”
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save $2.3 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.