First Wind, an independent North American wind power company, has promoted Michael Alvarez to president and chief operating officer (COO).
Alvarez was formally First Wind's executive vice president and COO, overseeing the company's construction, engineering, operations, information technology and facilities. In his expanded role, Alvarez – who assumes the title of president from First Wind Chief Executive Officer Paul Gaynor – will be responsible for First Wind's operations across all its territory, adding oversight of the finance, development, external affairs and human resource functions.
‘Michael possesses both the breadth and depth of industry experience and the leadership abilities that are essential to First Wind's future success and growth, and we are pleased to recognize his many contributions to our company with this promotion,’ says Gaynor. ‘He will continue to take a lead role in the day-to-day management of the company, achievement of First Wind's goals and implementation of the processes we have established to drive our continued growth.’
Before joining First Wind in 2006, Alvarez was vice president of strategic planning for Edison International, and prior to that role, he served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and general counsel at Nexant Inc. Alvarez holds a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Virginia.
SOURCE: First Wind
