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Andrew Lavigne is leaving his job at the Connecticut Port Authority to coordinate the state’s efforts to develop a green economy and a renewable energy industry.
Lavigne had joined the port authority in 2018 where he became manager of business development and special projects, and remained at the job during a period of significant turnover and controversy at the troubled quasi-public.
Paul Lavoie, chief manufacturing officer at the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, said Lavigne was chosen from more than 40 applicants.
“Andrew clearly was the best qualified candidate for the position with his work with the port authority, what he understands about offshore wind and the opportunity for the state for offshore wind. And just his knowledge, background and experience are a perfect fit for the job,” Lavoie said.
Lavoie said that Connecticut has a tremendous opportunity to become a leader in the clean energy space and that Lavigne will be DECD’s first full-time team member dedicated to the field.
“We’re excited to be able to have someone of his quality and his caliber for our first hire, and we’re looking forward to what the future can bring in having Connecticut continue to play a leadership role in the nation as it relates to clean energy,” he said.
Lavigne told CT Examiner that in the short term his job will involve organizing the state’s resources around offshore wind and preparing the state for supply chain and workforce development opportunities within the industry.
“Connecticut has established itself as a first-mover in advancing clean energy, particularly in emerging markets like the new U.S. offshore wind industry. I am excited to coordinate DECD’s development of a vibrant and resilient green economy and renewable energy industry to spur further investment, job creation and economic growth across the state,” Lavigne told CT Examiner on Friday
Lavigne said the state has been looking for a way to organize its efforts around the green economy supply chain and workforce development, and port assets. He said in his new position he’ll work to centralize those efforts, with a focus on offshore wind, and capitalize on the investments made and the opportunities that exist for Connecticut.
Alexandra Daum, commissioner of DECD, said she and her team were “thrilled to have Andrew join DECD and excited about the deep wind expertise that he brings.”