Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director

Carol E. Murphy has been a leader in New York’s energy policy and political arena for over three decades.  She is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc. (ACE NY), an Albany, NY-based nonprofit corporation formed in 2006 to promote clean and renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

Ms. Murphy was recently named as a member of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Energy and Environment Transition Committee.  She previously served on Governor Eliot Spitzer’s Energy and Environment Transition Policy Advisory Group and was a member and Committee Chair of Governor David Paterson’s Task Force on Renewable Energy.  Ms. Murphy is currently a member of New York’s RGGI Advisory Board, the NYS Climate Action Council Integration Advisory Panel, NYC’s Energy Policy Task Force and the NYC Solar America City Advisory Board.  She is a board member and past president of Women In Communications and Energy, a nonprofit organization providing networking and mentoring opportunities for women in the energy and communications industries.  

She is a nationally recognized expert on energy issues and a frequent commentator in the media.  Networking magazine featured her work at ACE NY as their July 2008 cover story.  She received the 2010 Environmental Equinox award from Citizens Campaign for the Environment for her outstanding environmental leadership and efforts to protect natural resources.  

Prior to founding Trailhead Energy Advisors in 2005, a consulting firm specializing in business development, government, and public affairs services to the energy industry, Ms. Murphy was Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications for the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) from 2001-2005.  

The NYISO is the not-for-profit corporation charged with operating New York State’s high voltage transmission system and administering its $13 billion competitive, wholesale electricity markets.  Ms. Murphy worked with local, state, and federal governments to provide a vital information link and advance the NYISO’s public policies.  She was responsible for all internal and external communications developed by the NYISO and served as chief spokesperson during the 2003 Northeast blackout.  

Formerly, Ms. Murphy was the Executive Director of the Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY), a statewide trade association representing independent generators.  During her ten-year tenure, Ms. Murphy successfully led the organization through the transition from PURPA contracts to competitive energy markets.  The percentage of New York State’s electric power produced by IPPNY members rose from 12 percent to over 70 percent at that time.     

In 1992, under her leadership, IPPNY was awarded Independent Energy magazine's national "Industry All Star" award for excellence in government affairs and public relations.  In addition, Ms. Murphy represented IPPNY on the national level as a board member of the Electric Power Supply Association (ESPA) and the National Independent Energy Producers (NIEP) – two Washington, DC-based trade associations.              

Prior to joining IPPNY in 1991, Ms. Murphy was Legislative Director of the Energy Association of New York State, the trade association representing the state’s investor-owned gas and electric utilities.  From 1987 to 1991 she was responsible for the association’s state lobbying efforts.      

Previously Ms. Murphy was a senior legislative analyst for energy and economic development issues with the New York State Senate Majority and the Assembly Minority.  She also served as a regional director for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.    

Ms. Murphy holds a Master of Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs, State University of New York at Albany, and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in History/Political Science from SUNY Albany.

Valerie Strauss, Deputy Director

Valerie Strauss is the Deputy Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc. (ACE NY), where she handles public policy activities to advance the adoption of clean energy options. Ms. Strauss works closely with a variety of organizations to promote clean energy, including environmental organizations, NYSERDA, the Public Service Commission, the New York Independent System Operator, and the State Legislature and Executive Chamber.

Prior to joining ACE NY she was a Senior Policy Analyst with the law firm of Young, Sommer, Ward, Ritzenberg, Baker and Moore in Albany, NY, where she managed the American Wind Energy Association’s WindPower NY Project and was a NYS lobbyist on behalf of AWEA, in addition to working on behalf of the law firm’s private sector clients.

Ms. Strauss has many years of experience in environmental policy in the United States and Europe. She has worked on agricultural, water quality and energy issues for nonprofit organizations, government and private industry. Prior to moving to New York, she worked for environmental consulting firms in Washington, DC and Madrid, Spain.

Ms. Strauss has degrees in geography and urban planning from the University of California at Berkeley and the University of California at Los Angeles.

Laura Lyman, Manager, Communications and Member Services

Laura Lyman is the Manager of Communications and Member Services for the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc. (ACE NY). In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the ACE NY office, Ms. Lyman serves as the staff liaison for ACE NY's members, Board of Directors, and the organization's Membership and Outreach committees.

Ms. Lyman manages member communications and regularly contributes to ACE NY's public relations and outreach activities, including website content and other online initiatives. She also assists with the coordination of ACE NY's events and administers the organization's membership database, annual membership dues collection, and other member-related activities.

Having worked previously with former New York State Senator James W. Wright, Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, she has first-hand experience with New York’s energy issues and the legislative landscape.

Ms. Lyman has a BA in Sociology & Anthropology from Colgate University.