National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium Announces Kevin Knobloch as Acting Executive Director

Will Lead Public-Private Partnership Focused on Advancing Offshore Wind Technology in the United States

May 26, 2022

The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium (Consortium) today announced Kevin Knobloch as Acting Executive Director while a national search is conducted for a permanent Executive Director. The Consortium is a national resource for offshore wind development and technology funding, helping to grow the industry and combat the effects of climate change.

Mr. Knobloch, who is President of Knobloch Energy, an independent consulting and advisory firm dedicated to accelerating the deployment of clean energy, will succeed Carrie Cullen Hitt as Acting Executive Director of the Consortium. Mr. Knobloch will start as Acting Executive Director on June 15.

Ms. Hitt served as the first Executive Director since 2019 and has left to pursue other opportunities. Under her tenure, Carrie successfully built the foundation that has led to the Consortium’s success with funding numerous offshore wind research and development projects and expanding the Consortium’s membership.

Robert Catell, Consortium Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) said, "Having worked with Kevin in the past, I have seen firsthand his passion for clean energy, and I look forward to working with him once again to advance the offshore wind industry. The Board of Directors extends a warm welcome to Kevin in his new role, I know the Consortium will benefit greatly from Kevin’s extensive experience. I also want to thank Carrie for her years of hard work in helping to grow the Consortium as a crucial resource for responsible offshore wind development, and I wish her the best of luck in her next venture.”

A former member of the Consortium’s Board of Directors, Mr. Knobloch brings a wealth of experience in the energy industry. Prior to leading Knobloch Energy, he was President of New York OceanGrid LLC for Anbaric Development Partners from 2018 to 2021. Mr. Knobloch also served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Energy from 2013 to 2017, serving as the senior manager for Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and helping to oversee the federal agency’s $30 billion budget and 115,000-person workforce. Prior to his time with the Department of Energy, he was the President of the Union of Concerned Scientists for ten years, previously holding roles in the organization as Executive Director and Director of Arms Control and National Security.

Jim Ahlgrimm, the Acting Director of the Wind Energy Technologies Office of the Department of Energy said, “Kevin has a depth of experience that will serve the Consortium extremely well and we look forward to working with him to continue advancing innovations in the offshore wind industry. His background with both public and private entities uniquely positions him to build on the excellent foundation created by Carrie and continue the Consortium’s critical work across the country.”

Kevin Knobloch, Acting Executive Director, National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium said, “I am delighted to join the Consortium during this transitional moment to work with the passionate Board, talented staff and grant recipients to advance technological innovation in the offshore wind industry and to build on the exceptional foundation and achievement that Carrie has led during her tenure. Maintaining the Consortium’s forward momentum is critical to sustaining the growth of this rapidly emerging source of clean energy for the U.S.”

Doreen M. Harris, President, and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Kevin’s leadership will help to maintain the Consortium’s important work of fostering the needed public-private partnerships that ensure the long-term success of the growing offshore wind industry. We know that offshore wind has the potential to be a transformative resource in establishing our green economy and decarbonizing our grid, and we look forward to supporting Kevin’s efforts to realize this industry’s full potential in New York and beyond.”

The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium, established in 2018, is a not-for-profit public-private partnership focused on advancing offshore wind technology in the United States through high impact research projects and cost-effective and responsible development to maximize economic benefits. Funding for the Consortium comes from the U.S. Department of Energy  (DOE) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), with each providing $20.5 million, as well as contributions from the Commonwealths of Virginia and Massachusetts and the States of Maryland, Maine and New Jersey, bringing total investment to approximately $47 million. For more information, please visit nationaloffshorewind.org .