Rise Bolsters Leadership Team with Proven NY Energy, Environmental Veterans to Advance Renewable Ravenswood
Industry Leaders Have Strong Experience Navigating Permitting Processes like Article VII and Successfully Delivering Transformative Projects in New York State
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (10/07/2024) (readMedia)-- Rise Light & Power announced today that it has bolstered its leadership team with a crop of New York energy, environmental, and economic development leaders who have advanced successful projects in the State to solidify the transformative Renewable Ravenswood vision.
Rise's recent hires include Director of Development Jennifer Garvey, Deputy General Counsel Devlyn Tedesco, Director of Technical Management Brook Knodel, Director of External Affairs Lydia Downing, Director of Project Management Ana Stachowiak, Manager of Environmental Permits and Compliance Noel Anderson, and Manager of Project Management Office Rachel Howley. New members of the Rise team have longstanding experience in New York State and have been significantly involved in advancing successful energy projects in a complicated regulatory environment. Several of these new team members were instrumental in realizing the South Fork Wind, New York's first utility-scale offshore wind project, where they previously worked closely with Rise President & CEO, Clint Plummer.
"Adding these proven industry veterans bolsters our talented team at Rise, and make the team second to none in terms of delivering successful transformative projects for New York State," said Clint Plummer, CEO of Rise Light & Power. "Renewable Ravenswood is a transformative vision for New York and beyond, and our team has a track record of collaboration with government and communities to deliver world-class projects."
About Rise's New Hires
Director of Development Jennifer Garvey previously worked as Head of New York Market Strategy for Ørsted and Development Manager for Deepwater Wind. In that role, she helped lead the team that successfully secured state and local approvals and real estate for the 132-megawatt South Fork Wind, the nation's first utility-scale offshore wind farm to complete construction, and Sunrise Wind, a 924-megawatt offshore wind farm which is presently under construction.
Deputy General Counsel Devlyn Tedesco supports the asset management and development teams on legal, transactional, and compliance matters. Devlyn served as a Counsel in Foley Hoag, LLP's Energy and Climate Practice, where she represented renewable energy and energy storage developers in complex energy regulatory, permitting, and transactional matters.During her time in private practice, Devlyn served as Article VII permitting counsel for two transmission projects, including the South Fork Wind Project, where she played a pivotal role in securing all required Public Service Commission approvals. Her work has included representing clients before the New York Public Service Commission, Office of Renewable Energy Siting, New York Independent System Operator, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Director of Technical Management Brook Knodel is responsible for technical project development and project management for the company's project portfolio. Brook was previously Ørsted's Head of US Engineering for Offshore Wind and has over 30 years' experience providing engineering leadership in the electrical transmission, distribution, and generation sectors. He has spent decades developing, maturing and executing projects including Block Island, South Fork, Revolution Wind, Ocean Wind, and Sunrise Wind.
Director of External Affairs Lydia Downing is an industry veteran with nearly 15 years serving the City of New York. Lydia was previously Executive Vice President for External Affairs & Senior Advisor to the CEO at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), where she managed the agency's press, marketing, and government & community relations departments. During her decade at NYCEDC, Lydia secured public approvals for several dozen infrastructure, real estate, and industry development projects, including transforming the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into an offshore wind asset and redeveloping City-owned properties into affordable homes, community centers, and arts facilities.
Director of Project Management Ana Stachowiak, PE, is responsible for managing and coordinating transmission development and execution. Ana was previously the Senior Program Director of Development at the New York Power Authority (NYPA) where she was responsible for transforming the transmission system under NYPA's operation by implementing significant upgrades. Her work included building over 300 miles of upgraded and new transmission lines in New York State. Ana led NYPA's largest transmission projects including Smart Path a 78-mile transmission rebuild project from 2017 to completion in 2023, the project was delivered on time and within its $484M budget. Ana also led projects that involved significant collaboration with private entities such as the Smart Path Connect Project with National Grid and Central East Energy Connect, delivered with LS Power. In addition to transmission projects, her work on the North Country Battery Storage project was the first of its kind for NYPA, creating a test bed for large-scale utility battery deployment and operation for NYPA.
Manager of Environmental Permits and Compliance Noel Anderson is responsible for leading remediation efforts and strategy at Ravenswood and supporting state and local permitting efforts for development projects. Noel previously worked for three years in power generation including experience in environmental compliance for an active power plant and New York City's pioneering wind industry. She also spent over six years working for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in the brownfield oversight office, reviewing and approving environmental remediation investigations and designs for new construction projects. Noel developed a land remediation scope at the former NRG Astoria Gas Power Turbine facility to prepare the land for the construction of Beacon Wind. She also assisted with permit compliance and preparing for construction at Empire Wind.
Manager of Project Management Office Rachel Howley supports technical project development and project management for the company's portfolio of projects. Rachel has over 15 years of operations, project management, and project controls experience including years of service in the energy industry. She is passionate about helping colleagues and organizations maximize efficiency through continuous improvement.
About Rise Light & Power
Rise Light & Power is a Queens, New York based energy asset manager and developer, and is actively transforming its core asset, Long Island City's Ravenswood Generating Station, into a new clean energy hub Renewable Ravenswood. By redeveloping New York City's largest power generating facility, Rise will permanently replace fossil fuel power with homegrown renewable energy, while providing a just transition for its existing union workforce and economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Renewable Ravenswood is at the forefront of the ambitious clean energy transition taking place in New York State and will continue to provide reliable and cost-effective electricity for New York City for decades to come. Rise Light & Power is a wholly owned affiliate of LS Power.