Join us for an engaging luncheon to discuss Connecticut's Offshore Wind Industry Perspectives.
Panelists:
Nicole M. Verdi, Esq., New England Head of Government Affairs and Policy, Ørsted
Nicole Verdi is Ørsted’s New England Head of Government Affairs and Policy, leading efforts to advance green energy initiatives and support project development. Previously, she served as Chief Legal Counsel to Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Gina M. Raimondo, focusing on climate change, infrastructure, and public safety. With a legal background including roles at Adler Pollock & Sheehan and a clerkship with Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg, Nicole also contributes to various boards including the Chamber of Commerce for Eastern Connecticut, NEWIEE, New England Council, and RENEW Northeast.
Paul S. Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for Connecticut
Paul S. Lavoie was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont as the Chief Manufacturing Officer for Connecticut in February 2022. When appointing him, Governor Lamont noted that “manufacturing is a key sector of our economy and having this position of chief manufacturing officer in my administration is important to letting these companies know that they have a seat at the table in my administration.”
As the leader of the Office of Manufacturing, Lavoie is committed to helping manufacturers take advantage of market opportunities to grow their businesses and solidify Connecticut’s reputation as the Silicon Valley of advanced manufacturing. He and his team meet with manufacturers, strengthen collaboration across state agencies, and provide strategic direction for the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, which supports a wide range of programs to help Connecticut manufacturers innovate and strengthen their workforce.
Lavoie serves as the Board Chair of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, Board Member for the Connecticut Technical Education & Career System, and an Advisory Board Member for UConn’s School of Engineering, in addition to serving on Senator Chris Murphy’s Aerospace and Advance Manufacturing Advisory Council. Paul is also Chairman of the Manufacturing Innovation Fund Advisory Board, established to support the continued advancement of Connecticut’s manufacturing sector. In 2022, Paul was named one of Greater Hartford’s Top 50 Power Players by Hartford Business Journal.
Richard Jude Hine, President, Offshore Energy, ThayerMahan
Rich is responsible for leading the company's efforts to develop and deploy safe, sustainable, and innovative offshore energy solutions.
After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1982, Rich served with ThayerMahan co-founder Mike Connor aboard the nuclear submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN720). Rich also served aboard USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN705) and qualified submarines and nuclear engineer before leaving the Navy in 1987.
In the private sector, Rich has had an extensive business career across a number of industries including real estate development, commercial and residential construction, and retail sales. He has supervised start-up business ventures and has extensive experience in capital formation, finance and budgeting. He also served as a School Board trustee and President for nine years, managing a $50M budget for 3,000 students over 300 faculty and staff. Rich earned his masters degree at Yale University..
Tony Appleton, Offshore Wind Director, Burns & McDonnell
With over 25 years of experience in mechanical engineering within the energy sector, Tony Appleton is the Offshore Wind Director at Burns & McDonnell. Leading a seasoned team, he oversees the firm's expanding offshore wind initiatives. Tony has directed organizations in offshore renewables and global interconnection markets for 15 years, contributing to over 35 offshore wind projects worldwide. His expertise spans conventional thermal power, gas, and nuclear generation, focusing on managerial, commercial, and business development aspects. Tony holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Newcastle University and is a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Speaker:
Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD Chief Workforce Officer, CT Office of Workforce Strategy, Vice Chair Governor’s Workforce Council
Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD is Vice Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Council and the Chief Workforce Officer of the Office of Workforce Strategy. The Office of Workforce Strategy leads the implementation of the first State of CT Strategic Workforce Development Plan. The business led plan requires the coordination, collaboration, and cooperation of multiple stakeholders, including workforce development boards, state agencies, education, and economic and community-based organizations to build the systems, teams, and approaches that will make Connecticut a talent environment that attracts and motivates students, career builders, and companies alike.
Dr. Vallieres earned her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut in 2007. She is an owner of two manufacturing companies, where she served as President and CEO for 14 years before stepping down to take on her role with the State of Connecticut. Kelli combines her roles in industry and education to carry out the mission of Governor’s Workforce Council Strategic Plan.
Moderated by:
Richard Baldwin, Senior Scientist, McAllister Marine Engineering
Mr. Baldwin is a Senior Scientist at McAllister Marine Engineering, specializing in offshore wind (OSW) industry support and addressing coastal impacts of climate change. He holds licenses as a Professional Geologist in New York and Pennsylvania and is certified by the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Additionally, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Stony Brook. With 36 years of experience, he provides expertise in ports/harbors infrastructure, OSW development, storm recovery, resiliency, and environmental investigations. Mr. Baldwin has contributed to OSW strategic plans in multiple states and is involved in various volunteer roles including serving as an Emergency Medical Technician and Board Member of the Peconic Land Trust.
Remarks provided by:
Katie S. Dykes, Commissioner, CT DEEP
Katie Dykes is the Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). She has served since 2019, when she was first nominated by Governor Ned Lamont, and was re-confirmed in February 2023 to serve in Governor Lamont’s second term. Katie previously served as Chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) from 2015-2018, and as Deputy Commissioner for Energy at Connecticut DEEP from 2012-2015. Katie also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. (RGGI). Katie joined CT DEEP in March 2012 after prior service in the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Energy. She is a graduate of Yale College and the Yale Law School.
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Reach an audience of regional business and community leaders with a variety of marketing benefits while supporting the Chamber's work. To learn more or become a sponsor, contact Memberships@ChamberECT.com today!
Presenting Sponsorships: $2,000
- Company representative to be seated at Head Table, with opportunity for opening remarks during event
- Priority reserved table of 8 guests
- Company logo on marketing materials, including registration website, program book, and Powerpoint
- Full page, full color advertisement in program book (5"w x 8"H)
- Opportunity to distribute literature/promotional items to each attendee via place settings and/or display table
- Company banner on display
Supporting Sponsorships: $1,000
- Priority reserved seating for 4 guests
- Company logo on marketing materials, including registration website, program book, and Powerpoint
- Half-page, full color advertisement in program book (5"W x 3.75"H)
- Display table to distribute literature/promotional items to attendees
- Company banner on display
Table Display Sponsorship: $300 (Chamber Members only, $200 Non Profit rate)
- Table to display your information and greet guests
- Company name on webpage and in event program
- Includes two event reservations
Program Advertising (Chamber Members only)
- Full page (5"W x 8"H), full color: $125
- Half page (5"W x 3.75"H), full color: $75
