Clean Power Industry Celebrates Diversity Equity and Inclusion with Inaugural Awards at CLEANPOWER 2022

Initiative to expand opportunities for workers in disadvantaged communities and spur local economic development across the growing renewable energy sector

Photo (from left to right): Kathy Presperin (Blattner Company), Kim Hughes (American Electric Power), Rebecca Glazer (AES), Heather Zichal (ACP)

WASHINGTON DC, May 26, 2022 – On behalf of its over 700 member companies, the American Clean Power Association (ACP) was pleased to announce the winners of ACP’s new awards that recognize achievements in diversity, equity and inclusion during CLEANPOWER 2022.

The awards were announced as part of ACP’s Energy Transition for All initiative, an industry-wide program to ensure that workers, communities, and those historically left behind stand to benefit from the rapid growth of the clean power sector in the United States.

The awards recognize companies and individuals that have committed to and have seen success in creating programs and cultures that support diversity and inclusion for all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disability status and veteran status.

The new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award and Breakout Woman+ of the Year Award winners include:

• Breakout Woman+ of the Year – Rebecca Glazer, Senior Director of Growth Initiatives, AES Clean Energy
  Rebecca (Becca) Glazer was honored for her accomplishments and impact on both AES and the clean power industry. Among her successes in the past year, Becca brought year-round renewable energy projects online for Google, a leading AES customer. Those projects deliver greener, smarter energy, supplied by a fleet of renewables, including solar, wind, hydropower, and energy storage assets. Based on the success of this project, Becca now leads the evaluation of AES Clean Energy investments, supporting AES’ industry-changing clean energy solutions.

• Breakout Woman+ of the Year – Kathy Presperin, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Blattner Company
  Kathy is recognized for her leadership in supply chain planning, procurement, and strategy where it benefits not only the organization but also its customers, community, and suppliers. Kathy and her team have created a foundation that allowed Blattner to continue to build projects, even while the world experiences an unprecedented supply chain crisis. Kathy led through crisis with a positive energy that elevated her as a role model for others.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award – American Electric Power (AEP)
  AEP is recognized for their commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that supports development and advancement for all. AEP has set goals and targets in these areas through the development of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Roadmap to 2025 and other innovative programs.

“Coming together to celebrate these industry leaders who are the face of the energy transition was one of the highlights of CLEANPOWER 2022,” said Heather Zichal, ACP CEO. “Our Energy Transition for All initiative is more than just words in a report. These award winners demonstrate the commitment of the current leadership and of our industry toward the mission of creating an equitable transition for all.”

Today, utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage represent roughly 13% of electricity generation in the U.S. By 2030, the clean energy industry could account for as much as 50% of the electricity produced in the U.S. – creating 500,000 jobs, attracting $700 billion in new investment, and completely reimagining how power is generated and delivered across the United States.

American Clean Power’s Energy Transition for All initiative is a multi-year program designed to expand opportunities for workers and to help spur local economic development by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion across the clean power sector.