WASHINGTON (October 1, 2018) —The World Resources Institute is pleased to announce Lori Bird as U.S. Director, Energy and the second Polsky Chair for Renewable Energy. Over her career, Bird has built a strong track record of strategic energy analysis and a deep understanding of clean energy markets, policy and economics.

“Lori’s tremendous experience will be a huge asset for us in our work with utilities and energy buyers,” said Jennifer Layke, Global Energy Director. “We’re also thrilled to have her technical expertise as we expand our work in U.S. cities and electricity markets. Her experience will be vital as we build pathways to a decarbonized future.”

Bird most recently served as a Principal Analyst in the Markets and Policy Group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where she spent nearly 20 years working on a range of topics including state and federal renewable energy policy, solar and wind energy markets, utility renewable energy program design, grid modernization, and grid integration of renewables. At NREL, she led extensive work on green power markets and recently helped launch the Solar Energy Innovation Network, a large, multi-year project designed to find cutting-edge solutions for a more reliable and resilient grid.

“I’m excited to join the WRI team and contribute to their growing portfolio of domestic energy work focused on cities and corporate renewable energy buyers, transportation electrification, and increasing grid flexibility through markets and demand-side measures,” said Bird. “With its long history of working with key industry stakeholders, WRI is well-positioned to advance solutions to critical issues facing the rapidly changing electric sector.”

Bird will work closely with WRI program directors and staff on U.S. priorities, including on the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance, the Special Clean Power Council for Buyers and Utilities, WRI’s emerging work on electricity markets, and more.

“We’re at a critical moment in the U.S. – we have stronger renewables development than ever before, but we need to keep pushing to solve the future of the U.S. electricity sector,” said Michael Polsky, CEO, Invenergy and WRI Director. “I’m so pleased that Lori is taking on the Polsky Chair, especially as our work with renewable energy deployment continues expanding into working with cities.”

Bird holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and environmental studies from Indiana University and a master’s in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

For more information visit: https://www.wri.org/our-work/topics/energy