Seeks to build on 2011 success to create economic development statewide

The Georgia Solar Energy Association has elected its 2012 Board of Directors, who will join Executive Director Debbie Day in leading the organization through what promises to be the best year yet for solar development in Georgia.

After a year that included creation of a two-year, annual $5 million in tax credits for solar installation, sold-out Solar Summit sessions, a statewide Solar Tour and a significant increase in utility-scale development, GSEA is poised to reach even greater accomplishments in 2012. With solar development nationwide expected to continue at almost 10 times the rate of national economic growth, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that Georgia benefits from the jobs, wages and investment that solar energy can bring to our sunny state.

Anthony Coker, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for Suniva, was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board in 2012. Coker served as Vice Chair of the 2011 board. Jessica Moore, Managing Partner of Jexin, Inc., will serve as Vice Chair and Marketing Chair as well as Co-Chair of the Solar Summit.

Day said she expects to see growing public support for solar development as its expansion continues. She will coordinate the new board’s efforts as it builds on the momentum for solar established in 2011.

“With an academic study ranking Georgia third in the nation for solar development potential, and the cost of solar panels becoming increasingly more affordable, solar is sure to become a popular option for energy consumers and a necessary component of energy security for Georgia,” Day said.

In addition to Coker and Moore, the GSEA board includes:

• Julie Hairston, Senior Account Executive, A. Brown-Olmstead Associates – Board Secretary and Communications Chair
• Anita Anand, JD, Senior Associate, Reznick Group PC – Board Treasurer
• Mark Bell, President, Empower Energy Technology – Development Chair
• Matthew G. Patterson, Advanced Manufacturing Director, Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce – Solar Tour Co-Chair
• Bob Grigsby, Senior Managing Director, Newmark Knight Frank – Solar Tour Co-Chair
• Sylvia Minton, Senior Vice President, Corporate, Institutional and Government Affairs, MAGE Solar – Public Policy Chair
• Allen Bradley, Attorney, Stites & Harbison-Public Policy Vice Chair
• Sharon Lee, Marketing Director, CantSink Manufacturing – Solar Summit Chair
• Ben Hill, Senior Business Advisor, Advance Technology Development Center, Georgia Tech – Membership and Programs Co-Chair
• Mark Gould, Partner, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP – Internal Procedures Chair
• Brion Fitzpatrick, Senior Sales Executive, Inman Solar – Membership and Programs Co-Chair
• Steven Bradley, Director of Engineering, Alternate Energy and Business Continuity, Cox Enterprises - Education Chair.

Day, who joined the association in 2011, oversees GSEA’s programs, initiatives, communications and activities.