Founders' Spotlight

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Both Alan, as AWWI’s Treasurer, and The Nature Conservancy are playing a key role in executing AWWI’s mission. In May, 2009, AWWI partnered with TNC scientists to develop a landscape-level planning tool to map wind potential across the country and characterize relative risk to sensitive wildlife areas on a state-by-state basis.

The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the United States. It was founded on May 28, 1892 in San Francisco, California by the well-known conservationist and preservationist John Muir, who became its first president. In 2005, the Sierra Club mandated that climate change would be one of its leading priorities. Along with Alex, Sierra Club’s Director of Western Renewable Energy Program, Carl Zichella, is active in furthering AWWI’s mission.

The world’s largest developer of renewable energy, Iberdrola, knows the value of smart wind development. As its wind permitting director, Andy is determined to establish systematic solutions to persistent wind-wildlife issues. Consequently, he has taken a huge leadership role at AWWI, as a Board Member and as chairman of the Mapping Committee, which guides the work of The Nature Conservancy’s scientists as they develop AWWI’s mapping tool.

As one of the leading arbiters of wind-wildlife issues, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies provides a critical voice in all of AWWI’s endeavors. Along with Deb, AFWA staff that is active with AWWI includes Dr. Jeffrey Vonk, Executive Director of South Dakota Fish & Game, who is an AWWI Board Member.

Spurred on by former Audubon executive director Carol Browner, Audubon has integrated the fight against climate change into its mandate to protect birds and their habitat. With the benefit of a previous local wind-wildlife initiative in her home state of North Dakota, Genevieve provides experienced leadership as Chair of AWWI’s Board of Directors.

Since its founding 27 years ago, NRG Systems has committed itself to a vision of wind energy as an agent of positive social development. Determined to see the industry develop best practices that will ensure its growth for years to come, Jan brings that NRG dedication to her leadership of the AWWI Board.

One of the most established wind energy developers in the world, RES Americas has been committed to environmentally responsible wind farm siting since its founding in 1982. Joe works actively to advance our mission, serving on the AWWI Fundraising Committee.

After litigating against renewable energy projects and other human impacts on public lands for many years, the climate crisis prompted Johanna and NRDC to join AWWI in its mission to foster environmentally responsible wind energy development. Johanna, as an AWWI Board Member, has already demonstrated her exceptional ability to educate the public about AWWI’s mission with her authoritative, experienced voice for fighting climate change.

The Union of Concerned Scientists harbors no doubt as to the urgency of fighting climate change, and AWWI is fortunate to have enlisted UCS’ support, both as an organization and in the person of Peter, who is an AWWI Board Member. Peter is also playing a key role in the development of AWWI’s Science Advisory Council.

Since he began working as a consultant to enXco in 2004, Tom has been instrumental in building bridges between the wind industry and environmental organizations, using his 20 years of environmental and political organizing experience. He brought the same passion to the development of AWWI, on which he worked with AWWI Board Member Jim Walker, Vice Chairman of enXco Inc., and Wayne Walker.

Wayne not only joined Jim Walker and Tom Weis in developing AWWI while he served as vice chairman of the American Wind Energy Association Siting Committee, he became AWWI’s incorporating Founder and served as its first Executive Director, throughout 2008. Wayne’s ability to clearly articulate the benefits AWWI brings to the wind industry continues in his role as Founder Emeritus.