Rory M. Christian

Member of the NYSERDA Board
Appointed June 2021

Work History

In October 2021, after serving as Commissioner, Rory M. Christian was appointed Chair and CEO of the New York State Public Service Commission. Rory began his career in the energy industry with KeySpan Energy as a civil engineer before transitioning to a role engaging government agencies operating in Long Island and New York City. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating activities between KeySpan and government organizations, negotiating contracts, developing contingency plans, and streamlining operations to satisfy the operational needs of both organizations. Rory then transitioned to Exelon Energy, where he developed new products targeting public-sector clientele and helped facilitate the creation of multiple partnerships and alliances.

He then served as the Director of Energy Finance and Sustainability for the New York City Housing Authority, where he oversaw the Authority’s $500 million utility portfolio with the aim of reducing annual energy expenditures while achieving city, state, and federally mandated greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements. More recently, Rory was director of New York Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund where he provided strategy management, programming, business development, and stakeholder collaboration for the clean energy program. He oversaw a multidisciplinary team consisting of economists, lawyers, and engineers to design, implement, and manage legislative and policy campaigns to lower the environmental impact of electricity production.

Rory currently teaches energy efficiency courses at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies.

Boards

Rory volunteers time with workforce development organizations and is a longtime supporter and former chair of WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Board of Directors.

Education

Rory graduated from the City College of New York’s Grove School of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business.