Kathy Magruder, who has led the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) since its early days, has announced plans to retire after 17 years as executive
director.
Magruder has been involved with MCEC since its inception, first supporting foundational work to establish the statewide green bank while serving at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, now the Maryland Department of Commerce. She briefly served on MCEC’s original Board of Directors before becoming executive director in 2009.
During her tenure, MCEC expanded its work in clean energy financing, technology commercialization, project development, and technical assistance. The organization also developed financing initiatives, including the Clean Energy Advantage Loan Program and the Maryland Clean Energy Capital program, and launched the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator to support early-stage clean energy companies. MCEC reports that an independent economic analysis from Salisbury University’s BEACON found its green bank model generated $621.5 million in statewide economic output and supported approximately 3,000 jobs. Magruder’s tenure also included securing major state and federal funding commitments for clean energy initiatives and infrastructure.
From the press release:
“I am grateful to have had this experience and to have held this position in facilitating the transition to a clean energy economy,” Magruder said in announcing her retirement. She also credited public officials, board members, industry partners, advocates, and MCEC staff with supporting the organization’s work.
Magruder has also overseen MCEC’s role as a statewide convener, including the annual Maryland Clean Energy Summit, while working with public agencies and private-sector partners on clean energy financing, technology, infrastructure, and workforce initiatives.
The MCEC Board of Directors has begun a search for the organization’s next executive director. Magruder plans to remain with MCEC during the leadership transition.
