Carol E. Murphy has been a leader in New York's energy policy and political arena for over three decades. She is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc. (ACE NY), a New York non-profit corporation formed in 2006 to promote clean and renewable energy and energy efficiency.
She was named as a member of Governor Cuomo's Energy and Environment Transition Committee and served on Governor Spitzer's Energy and Environment Transition Policy Advisory Committee. She was a member and Committee Chair of Governor Paterson's Task Force on Renewable Energy. She also serves as a member of New York's RGGI Advisory Board, Climate Action Council Advisory Panel, New York City's Energy Policy Task Force and the Solar City Advisory Board. She is a board member and past president of Women in Communications and Energy, a non-profit organization providing networking and mentoring opportunities for women in the energy and communications industries.
She is a nationally recognized expert on energy issues and a frequent commentator in the media. Networking magazine featured her work at ACE NY as their July 2008 cover story. She received the 2010 Environmental Equinox award from Citizens Campaign for the Environment for her outstanding environmental leadership and protection of our natural resources.
Prior to founding Trailhead Energy Advisors in 2005, a consulting firm specializing in business development, government and public affairs services to the energy industry, Ms. Murphy was Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications for the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) from 2001-2005.
The NYISO is the not-for-profit corporation charged with operating New York State's high voltage transmission system and administering its $13 billion competitive, wholesale electricity markets. Ms. Murphy worked with local, state and federal government to provide a vital information link and advance the NYISO's public policies. She was responsible for all internal and external communications developed by the NYISO. She served as chief spokesperson during the 2003 Northeast blackout.
Formerly, Ms. Murphy was the Executive Director of the Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY), a statewide trade association representing independent generators. During her ten-year tenure, Ms. Murphy successfully led the organization through the transition from PURPA contracts to competitive energy markets. The percentage of New York State's electric power produced by IPPNY members rose from 12 percent to over 70 percent.
In 1992, under her leadership, IPPNY was awarded Independent Energy magazine's national "Industry All Star" award for excellence in government affairs and public relations. In addition, Ms. Murphy represented IPPNY on the national level as a board member of the Electric Power Supply Association (ESPA) and the National Independent Energy Producers (NIEP) - two Washington, D.C.-based trade associations.
Prior to joining IPPNY in 1991, Ms. Murphy was Legislative Director of the Energy Association of New York State, the trade association representing the state's investor-owned gas and electric utilities. From October 1987 to January 1991 she was responsible for the association's state lobbying efforts.
Ms. Murphy was a senior legislative analyst for energy and economic development issues with the New York State Senate Majority and the Assembly Minority. She also served as the Regional Director for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
Carol Murphy holds a Masters of Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs, State University of New York at Albany and a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in History/Political Science from SUNY Albany. About Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY)