The Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization (NIREC), a nonprofit public-private partnership that works to accelerate the development of renewable energy, has appointed James A. Croce president and CEO.
NIREC integrates researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, business executives and financial capital to identify, fund and accelerate the commercialization of renewable energy technologies. Croce joins many of Nevada's top sustainable energy experts who serve on NIREC's boards.
‘Nevada is rich in sustainable energy resources and has the potential to be a preeminent leader in renewable energy research, development, production and deployment,’ says Croce. ‘A vibrant ecosystem consisting of effective public-private partnerships is critical to advancing innovation and creating jobs nationally, and I look forward to building on the foundation that NIREC has established.’
Croce served as president and CEO of NextEnergy from 2003 to 2008, developing the nonprofit into one of the nation's top organizations fostering entrepreneurial development in alternative energy and securing business commitments that generated new investments and jobs.
Prior to accepting the position at NIREC, Croce was president and chief operating officer of the Lipten Co., a renewable energy project development firm located in Michigan. Prior to his leadership role at NextEnergy and Lipten, he held positions at DTE Energy Technologies, MCN Corp., 3M and ANR Pipeline Co.
Croce is a Wayne State University graduate and serves on the school's Engineering College Board of Visitors and Electrical Engineering Industrial Advisory Council.
SOURCE: The Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization
