Source: Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
Connecticut Innovations (CI), the state’s quasi-public authority responsible for technology investing and innovation development and administrator of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), today announced that it has appointed Bryan Garcia president of CCEF, effective May 31, 2011, an appointment recommended to CI’s Finance Committee by the CCEF Board. Garcia, who was a member of CCEF’s staff for six and half years from 2000 to 2007, returns to CCEF after serving for four years as program director of the Yale Center for Business and the Environment.
“Bryan is passionate about clean energy and the environment and brings a keen understanding of industry trends, gaps and opportunities to this post,” said CCEF Chair Norma Glover. “His strategic approach will be invaluable in propelling CCEF to the next level, and we are delighted that he is returning to lead the fund’s extraordinary team.”
At Yale, Garcia directed the Center for Business and the Environment, a joint initiative of the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and School of Management. The Center is a focal point for research, education, and outreach to advance business solutions to global environmental problems.
Since I know Bryan from the Neighbor to Neighbor Lighting Program with my book Green Living as the introduction. Also, it was great because I am the Green Living Guy! I called Bryan and over the weekend we got to speak. He is extremely grounded and excited. It’s good. He said to me:
“I am looking forward to returning to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. We are in exciting times in Connecticut because we have leaders who see clean energy and energy efficiency as strategically important for the state’s energy future.”
Now I am really hearing about this person. First time I ever heard of him was when I was in California for my book tour at Barnes and Nobles and while working with my sponsors A Lot To Say, Inc. While in my hotel after a day of working away, I got this email from Bryan asking for my introduction to his lighting event. I was honored and recognized the importance of Green Lighting.
The night of our event, President Obama announced a program federally that tied into Garcia’s event. It was great. Honored to be part of the State of Connecticut’s economic, environmental and energy efficient future.
At CCEF, Garcia held a number of positions including director of energy market initiatives. Garcia designed the award-winning Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program, which was financed by a renewable energy credit trading program he devised. While at CCEF, Garcia also served as coordinator of the Governor’s Steering Committee on Climate Change, through which he supported cross-agency and cross-sector collaboration. This committee developed Connecticut’s climate change action plan, the first in the nation to emphasize the importance of economic development and climate protection. The plan was honored with an EPA Climate Protection Award. Additionally, Garcia served as co-founder and chairman of the Connecticut Green Building Council, co-founder and treasurer of SmartPower, and an advisory committee member of the Clean Energy States Alliance, The Climate Group and the Connecticut Hedge Fund Association.
“As the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) transitions to the new Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), we will be working closely with Bryan and CCEF to advance a new energy agenda for our state,” said DEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty. “That agenda will focus on Governor Malloy’s vision of making Connecticut a national leader when it comes to energy efficiency and the use of clean and affordable energy in our homes, businesses and communities. Through the CCEF’s innovative programs and initiatives, we expect to address our energy challenges, create new jobs, and protect the environment.”
Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political economy of natural resources from the University of California, Berkeley, master’s degrees in public administration and business administration from New York University, and a Master of Environmental Management degree from Yale University. He is married and resides in Cromwell, Connecticut.
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