OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State University Energy Program announced the appointment of Georgine Yorgey as new director Monday, Sept. 30. Yorgey will lead the organization forward into a new era of service.
A researcher with deep experience contributing to the development of new technologies that address complex societal problems, Yorgey relieves the interim director, Jim Colombo. Her prior work with WSU’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources also explored energy solutions.
“For the past 15 years I’ve been focused on the food, energy, and water nexus,” said Yorgey, who will officially take on her new role Oct. 15. “My work in bioenergy, specifically anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis, have provided me with insights into cutting-edge energy solutions.”
The WSU Energy Program began in the 1970s in response to the energy crises of that decade. The organization is entirely self-funded and self-sustaining through contracts and grants and offers information and expertise to businesses, utilities, local governments, tribes, schools, and consumers.
“The program has a strong record of success supporting a range of external partners throughout the state to meet energy needs in an efficient and environmentally friendly way,” Yorgey said. “I’m excited to build on that success to ensure that we continue to meet evolving needs and grow our capacity.”
Associate Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences and Extension Director Vicki McCracken said that she is grateful for Colombo’s work in the interim and is excited for the future of the program.
“With new leadership in place, we are looking forward to the next chapter of success for the WSU Energy Program,” McCracken said.
While most of the energy program’s focus is on improving residential energy efficiencies, contracts bring their expertise regularly to the tri-state region of the Pacific Northwest as well as Alaska and Montana. Additional contracts have led to energy-saving initiatives for manufacturing plants in Vietnam and China, among other international locales.
Most recently, the Energy Program has been supporting the electrification of public fleets in Washington and Northwest Tribes in their green transportation initiatives as well as developing and testing new carbon dioxide-based heat pumps in multiple environments around the state.
“Key partnerships with state departments and utilities will continue to support us in our mission,” Yorgey said. “Bridging the university to our external partners throughout the region to bring science to bear will be critical in the years ahead.”
Interim Director Jim Colombo has led the energy program for the past two years and said that he has confidence in Yorgey’s leadership.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Georgine Yorgey as the new director,” he said. “She brings with her the necessary experience and knowledge that will effectively bridge WSU to key stakeholders,” Colombo said.
For Yorgey, the WSU Energy Program represents a unique strength of WSU.
“Ensuring that communities can access the clean and affordable energy that powers the economy and people’s lives, it’s impactful work,” she said.
Media contact
Georgine Yorgey, WSU Energy Program Director, email: yorgey@wsu.edu; phone: 206-235-7154