Press Release
May 21, 2007
Biomass Energy Resource Center Selects New Executive Director
Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), a national leader in sustainable wood heating and power generation, announced today that Christopher Recchia has been named the new executive director of the organization.
Christopher Recchia, BERC's new executive director
Recchia has more than 20 years of experience as an environmental leader, in the development of state and federal environmental policy, and the implementation of programs managing air, land, and water resources. Recchia leaves a four-year tenure as executive director of the Ozone Transport Commission in Washington, DC, where he directed a commission of 12 mid-Atlantic and northeastern states and the District of Columbia, coordinating air pollution reduction programs and policy. Prior to that, he served as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Recchia holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, a master’s in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School and a master’s in Natural Resource Policy and Management from Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
“There is no more critical issue today than energy, and I am honored to be named executive director of an organization leading the advancement of renewable energy options. Tim Maker has done an outstanding job in bringing this organization to fruition. Working with him and the other talented staff and board at BERC, I look forward to expanding our national leadership on the issue, and increasing projects that reduce reliance on fossil fuels through application of sustainable, community-scale biomass technology across the United States.”
Recchia comes on as BERC Founding Executive Director Timothy Maker assumes the role of Senior Program Director in the organization.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Chris come on board as BERC moves into a new era of development and growth,” said Maker. “He has the knowledge and skill to build on the momentum we have established through his extensive experience in organizational and program development.”
Scudder Parker, BERC founder and current board president, applauded the selection, saying “Chris will bring a unique set of skills, experience, and enthusiasm to BERC as he assumes responsibilities for directing the organization at a time when the nation needs to reduce pollution, lower costs, and create good jobs through the intelligent use of biomass energy. I am excited about the future of the organization with both Chris and Tim at the helm.”
Founded in 2001, Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC) is an independent, national nonprofit organization headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont. The organization’s mission is to achieve a healthier environment, strengthen local economies, and increase energy security across the United States by developing sustainable biomass energy systems at the community level. BERC partners with communities, schools and colleges, state and local governments, businesses, utilities, and others to make the most of local energy resources. . BERC has just published a retrospective on its first five years of operation, wherein it elaborates on the numerous projects it has completed thus far across the country. The report is available on BERC’s website