Press Release - 2011-08-01 - Clean Energy Accelerator NIREC Announced Walt Borland as CEO
Clean Energy Innovation Accelerator NIREC Announces Walt Borland as President and CEO
Borland Supports NIREC’s Vision for a Robust Clean Energy Economy in Nevada
August 8, 2011 (Incline Village, Nev.) – The Board of Trustees of the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization (NIREC) today announced that it has appointed Walt Borland President and CEO of the organization effective immediately. Borland replaces James A. Croce, who has served as NIREC’s President and CEO since June 2009 and led the organization to its nationally recognized role in accelerating emerging clean energy technologies to market and supporting industry growth in Nevada and the broader region. Croce, who stepped down for personal reasons, remains as an Executive-in-Residence with NIREC and will actively support the management transition over the coming months.
“Since its inception, NIREC has become a key contributor to Nevada’s economic diversification efforts through innovations in clean energy technology and project deployment,” said Croce. “While I am stepping down from the role of President and CEO, I look forward to continued contributions to NIREC’s success in my role as Executive-in-Residence.”
Borland, formerly the President and CEO of Windspire Energy, Inc., a vertical axis wind turbine company based in Reno, Nevada, has been working with NIREC as an Executive-in-Residence. Earlier this year, he and Croce co-authored The SILVER Spark for Nevada, a study commissioned by the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. The report provides a framework for growing the state’s economy by better engaging existing knowledge clusters. Borland is also founder of the Clean Energy Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on accelerating the development of Nevada’s clean energy resources.
With over 30 years of management experience in finance, marketing, operations and sales, Borland has served as the President and CEO of seven venture-backed emerging growth companies. His experience spans industries including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, consumer products and information technology. Early in his career, he traveled the world and lived in the Middle East while working in the oilfield equipment industry. Borland received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan and is endorsed, although non-practicing, as a Certified Public Accountant.
“Walt’s experience in emerging industries and his strong leadership and operational skills are well-suited to NIREC’s central mission to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies,” said NIREC Chairman Ian Rogoff. “His undying passion to transform Nevada’s economy through clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship is spot-on with NIREC’s ongoing vision for the state.”
Borland takes the helm at NIREC just as the organization announced an expanded presence in Southern Nevada, supported by a grant from NV Energy that includes Borland’s relocation to Las Vegas and the placement of an Entrepreneur-in-Residence there, as well.
“I am deeply committed to building a stronger Nevada by advancing clean energy technologies and initiatives,” said Borland. “As a consultant with NIREC, I’ve experienced firsthand the essential role that NIREC has in the successful development of a clean energy economy for this great state—and I am eager to continue contributing to the achievement of that goal.”
About NIREC
NIREC is a 501(c)3 independent nonprofit organization committed to increasing our nation's economic security through energy innovation, entrepreneurship and energy project implementation. NIREC provides strategic consulting and venture assistance to early stage technology innovators, energy project developers and economic development agencies to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy solutions. Visit www.nirec.org.
CONTACT
Jackie Phillips
Communications Manager
NIREC
jackie.phillips@nirec.org
(775) 881-7546
"NIREC’s ability to quickly reach out to a wide range of industry experts is extremely valuable.”
- Sean McEwen, Entrepreneur-in-Residence
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