The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium (Consortium)  announced that Carrie Cullen Hitt was named its first Executive Director. Additionally, General Electric Renewable Energy (GE) has joined the Board of Directors as a Private Sponsor member.Today's announcement further solidifies the Consortium's position as a key national resource for offshore wind development and technology funding, helping to combat the global effects of climate change by accelerating the growth and enhancing the viability of the U.S. offshore wind industry.

Robert Catell, Consortium Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) said, "The Consortium is very fortunate to have Carrie Cullen Hitt accept the position as Executive Director. This leadership position will benefit from her extensive experience, background, and passion for renewable energy and, in particular, offshore wind. The Consortium Board of Directors is looking forward to working with her. The Consortium welcomes General Electric as its newest member. They bring a tremendous wealth of experience in the offshore wind field and further reinforce the Consortium's role as the "go to" place in the U.S. offshore wind industry."

Carrie Cullen Hitt, Executive Director, National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium said, "I am excited to work with Consortium members and the broader community to realize the potential of offshore wind. The Consortium is a great platform from which we can build knowledge of an industry for everyone's benefit."

Prior to the Consortium, Carrie Cullen Hitt served as President of New Hampshire Transmission and Senior Director for NextEra Energy Resources, where she managed transmission assets in New York with gross revenue of $15 million per year and oversaw the development of new business, partnerships, and building relationships with policymakers and leaders in the United States. Prior to joining NextEra Energy Resources, Carrie was the Senior Vice President of Solar Energy Industries Association where she was responsible for all state regulatory, legislative and policy measures with issues covering net metering, renewable portfolio standards, and incentive and tax policies. Before Solar Energy, she was the President for Solar Alliance and also served as Vice President of Sustainability and Renewables, as well as Vice President of National Government and Regulatory Affairs, for Constellation Energy from 2004 to 2008. Carrie holds a bachelor's degree from Clark University and a Master of Arts from the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University. Her start date is September 3, 2019.

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