Don Eckert to lead Silicon Valley Clean Energy through CEO transition starting September 2017
Sunnyvale, Calif. – Silicon Valley Clean Energy Director of Administration and Finance, Don Eckert, will step in as interim CEO following Tom Habashi’s July announcement that he will be departing from the agency on August 31 to begin a new role as CEO of Monterey Bay Community Power. After having successfully launched Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) in April 2017, and completing customer enrollment for the majority of Santa Clara County communities in July, Mr. Habashi will lead Monterey Bay Community Power during the agency’s startup period and expected launch in April 2018.
“I look forward to leading SVCE through a smooth transition as we interview and hire a new CEO. We are tremendously grateful for Tom’s exceptional leadership in launching SVCE, and look forward to cheering him on in Monterey,” says Eckert. “SVCE’s expert qualified staff, with many years of experience in energy and public agencies, will continue to build upon the agency’s strong foundation through this period of growth.”
Mr. Eckert oversees and supports the finance, information technology and human resources activities of SVCE, and brings 20 years of energy industry experience in various financial roles serving investor owned utilities, independent power producers and municipal owned utilities, with the last 10 years in a senior leadership role in the public sector. Mr. Eckert’s experience includes rate setting, risk management, budgeting and forecasting, contracts administration, debt management and financial oversight.
“We are thrilled to have Don’s expert guidance through SVCE’s CEO changeover,” said Rob Rennie, Town of Los Gatos Vice Mayor and SVCE Board Chair. “Don has provided extraordinary administrative direction as Director of Administration and Finance through SVCE’s initial launch and enrollment periods. We are privileged to have Don on board as interim CEO, and look forward to utilizing his counsel as we continue to build a clean energy future for our communities.”
The SVCE CEO subcommittee formed by the SVCE Board of Directors in July is continuing to manage the recruitment process. Applications are currently being accepted through September; the board expects to make a selection in November, with a start date in early January.
About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a community-owned agency serving the majority of Santa Clara County communities by acquiring clean, carbon-free electricity on behalf of residents and businesses. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates low and promote clean energy programs. Member jurisdictions include Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County. SVCE is guided by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of a representative from the governing body of each member community. For more information, please visit SVCleanEnergy.org.
Media Contact:
Pamela Leonard
SVCE Community Outreach Manager
Pamela.Leonard@svcleanenergy.org
(408)721-5301 x1004
