KEYNOTE SPEAKER

RORY M. CHRISTIAN

On September 30, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul designated Commissioner Rory M. Christian as the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Commission. On June 10, 2021, Mr. Christian was appointed Commissioner, and his term runs through February 1, 2027.

Mr. Christian began his career in the energy industry with KeySpan Energy where he coordinated activities between KeySpan and government organizations, negotiated contracts, developed contingency plans and streamlined operations. Mr. Christian then transitioned to Exelon Energy, where he developed new products targeting public sector clientele and helped facilitate the creation of multiple partnerships and alliances.

Mr. Christian then served as the Director of Energy Finance and Sustainability for the New York City Housing Authority, where he oversaw the Authority’s then $500M+ utility portfolio with the aim of reducing annual energy expenditures while achieving city, state and federally mandated greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements. More recently, he was the Director of New York Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund where he oversaw a multidisciplinary team (economists, lawyers, and engineers) to design, implement, and manage legislative and policy campaigns to lower the environmental impact of energy use.

He has taught energy efficiency courses at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. He also volunteers time with workforce development organizations such as Green City Force and is a longtime supporter and former Chair of WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s (WE ACT) Board of Directors.

Mr. Christian graduated from the City College of New York’s, Grove School of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Finance from the Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business.