Chair’s Corner – November 2019

By Rosa Rodriguez Orenstein

 

Fall has finally arrived in Texas, and I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather.

TXSES is pleased to report that the executive search committee successfully completed its biggest challenge of the year. No doubt you read the press release late last month announcing the selection and hiring of Patrice “Pete” Parsons as our new executive director effective January 1, 2020. Pete is already hard at work and taking advantage of the transition time she has with Lucy Stolzenburg as Lucy wraps up her twelve-year TXSES career.

We are very grateful to the exceptionally talented applicants seeking the position and wish all of them bright, sunny futures.

Pete comes to us with a deep understanding of and involvement in the Texas clean energy field. Among other attributes, she brings extensive management experience assisting local governments with their development of climate action and sustainability plans. She previously served as spokesperson and representative on climate change and renewable energy for the commissioner of the Texas General Land Office. Pete also led the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.

Of great importance is Pete’s contagious enthusiasm, which inspires those of us who interact with her. The new ideas she brings forward will make TXSES even better than it is today. To say that TXSES is elated to have Pete at its helm next year is truly an understatement. I encourage all TXSES members to meet Pete, perhaps at our annual meeting on February 1. You owe it to yourself to get to know our passionate new executive director.

Please join me in giving Pete the warmest of Texas welcomes, and I look forward to seeing all of you at the annual meeting.

Until then, let the sun shine!