NYSERDA Board of Directors Appoints Doreen M. Harris President and CEO

April 7, 2021

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced Doreen M. Harris was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer at its board meeting today. Ms. Harris was appointed Acting President and CEO of NYSERDA in June 2020 succeeding Alicia Barton, now CEO of FirstLight Power.

“We have witnessed Doreen’s unparalleled leadership and passion for clean energy for more than 10 years at NYSERDA through her strategic approach to developing and executing on some of the largest clean energy initiatives in the nation,” said Richard Kauffman, Chair, NYSERDA Board. “Doreen brings to NYSERDA a wealth of experience and accomplishments having served in both the private and public sectors which is needed now more than ever as we advance Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading energy goals in tackling global climate change.”

“I am honored and thrilled to lead NYSERDA at this pivotal time as we advance our industry-leading actions to rebuild our economy with renewable energy and green jobs while fighting for healthier communities and a more sustainable future for all New Yorkers,” said Ms. Harris. “Under Governor Cuomo, NYSERDA’s assertive, globally significant actions demonstrate important momentum on the achievement of its climate action targets and sends a clear market signal that will help to further drive economic development, deliver savings for consumers, and significantly reduce emissions across the state.”

Ms. Harris has more than 20 years of experience in public and private sector leadership roles. Prior to being named acting president and CEO at NYSERDA, she served in executive, technical, and policy positions, most recently as the vice president of Large-Scale Renewables. Ms. Harris has been responsible for overseeing the state’s significant development of land based renewable resources, including spearheading the new siting legislation for large-scale renewable energy projects, and developing New York’s offshore wind initiative, which is the largest in the U.S. Additionally, she led the implementation of the state’s expanded Clean Energy Standard setting forth Governor Cuomo’s ambitious climate goals. Ms. Harris serves as the Co-chair of the New York State Climate Action Council which is responsible for the development of a scoping plan to achieve New York’s greenhouse gas reduction goals under the Climate Act.

Prior to NYSERDA, Ms. Harris served as Project Director for Global Water Technologies, Inc., where she developed and commercialized energy saving water treatment technologies. Before joining Global Water Technologies, she worked as an engineer at Alcoa Advanced Technologies and Optimation Technologies.

Ms. Harris serves on the boards of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC), Alliance to Save Energy, Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium, NY CREATES, NY BEST and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Leadership Council.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester and a Master of Business Administration from the University at Albany.

Ms. Harris’ headshot can be found here.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.