2013 Conference Acknowledgements


LaVada

Don LaVada
NYSERDA

Don LaVada is Director of Consumer Services and Events Management for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).  NYSERDA is a public-benefit corporation with assets of more than $300 million. Don is responsible for coordinating and hosting all events, conferences, sponsorships, meetings, and senior level public speaking engagements, as well as managing the two toll free hotlines offered by NYSERDA. Don was formerly the Director of Marketing and Economic Development for NYSERDA where he was responsible for marketing, events and publications, and also managing the efforts of economic development staff members to work with businesses throughout New York to maximize their workforce and productivity through energy efficient and sustainable business practices.

NYSERDA's mission is to use innovation and technology to solve some of New York’s most pressing energy and environmental problems in ways that benefit the State’s economy. 

Prior to his present position, Don spent the last two years as Director of Marketing and Economic Development, as well as four years as Special Assistant to the President of NYSERDA where he was responsible for penning speeches and presentations that furthered NYSERDA’s mission before multiple public and private sector partners, in addition to providing policy advice and counsel to NYSERDA’s President and Vice President.

For the last 25 years Don has worked in various capacities in New York=s energy industry. His experience includes 10 years at the NYS Energy Office evaluating energy conservation programs, managing institutional energy conservation grants, and developing performance contracting initiatives; and nearly 15 years with NYSERDA. 

Don holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication, a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication/Journalism, and is a graduate of the New School of Contemporary Radio and Television.