Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director

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

She was named as a member of Governor Spitzer’s Energy and Environment Transition Policy Advisory Committee and as a member and Committee Chair of Governor Paterson's Task Force on Renewable Energy. She also serves as a member of New York's RGGI Advisory Board, New York City’s Energy Policy Task Force and the Solar City Advisory Board.

She is a nationally recognized expert on energy issues and a frequent commentator in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Newsday, New York Daily News, New York Post, Reuters, Bloomberg News, and major energy publications. Networking magazine featured her work at ACE NY in their July 2008 cover story.
 
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 $11 billion competitive, wholesale electricity markets. Ms. Murphy worked with local, state and federal government 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. She 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.    

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, D.C.-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 October 1987 to January 1991 she was responsible for the association’s state lobbying efforts.    

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 the Regional Director for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.  
 
Carol Murphy holds a Masters of Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs, State University of New York at Albany and a Bachelor of Arts degree, 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 NY Independent System Operator, and the NY State Legislature and the Governor’s Office.

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 NY state 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 non-profit organizations, government and private industry. Prior to moving to New York, she worked for environmental consulting firms in Washington, DC and Madrid, Spain.

Valerie 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.

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