Two key manufacturing executives have taken leadership positions on Consumer Energy Alliance’s (CEA) board of directors, the organization’s president David Holt announced today.
Wayne Zemke, a marketing executive with Caterpillar, Inc. and member of CEA’s Board of Directors since 2010, will serve as the new chair of its Board of Directors. Brett Vassey, president and CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) and a member of CEA’s board since 2013, was named vice chairperson. Zemke‘s term follows two successful years for CEA under the leadership of Jennifer Diggins, director of public affairs for Nucor Corporation.
Zemke brings a wealth of marketing and communications expertise to CEA, as well as experience working within the manufacturing industry. For the past 20 years, he has worked for Caterpillar, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.
“CEA has long benefited from Wayne’s support and counsel,” said David Holt. “He understands how a balanced energy policy that includes all energy from wind and solar to oil, natural gas and coal, helps American consumers and generates numerous benefits for the economy. Wayne’s experience working with Caterpillar brings a critical perspective to the CEA board, and we look forward to utilizing his expertise to advance the interests of energy consumers.”
“Since the U.S. shale energy revolution, we’ve seen firsthand the critical relationship between energy and manufacturing and how both have helped to bolster America’s strong global economic position,” saidZemke. “I am pleased to lead this tremendous organization and look forward to helping CEA advance sound energy policies that will boost new investment and economic activity for all American consumers.”
CEA’s new vice chairperson, Brett Vassey, represents Virginia’s estimated 6,000 manufacturing facilities employing over 230,000 Virginians as the VMA’s president & CEO.
“It is an honor to help lead an organization that has long valued the contributions that domestic energy production has had for our nation’s consumers,” said Vassey. “Since sustainable economic growth in manufacturing is contingent upon reliable and affordable energy, I look forward to helping CEA to advocate for expanded access to responsible energy production – including areas off the coast of the Atlantic – as a means to grow our economy, lower energy prices and improve energy security and reliability.”
In addition to Zemke and Vassey, CEA also named Brain Welch, managing director at Wortham Insurance & Risk Management in Houston, as treasurer of CEA. CEA’s board members also includeJohn Heimlich, vice president and chief economist for Airlines for America; Mark Pulliam, solution partner with Sabre Airline Solutions; John Eichberger, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS); and immediate past chair, Jennifer Diggins, Director of Public Affairs at Nucor.
CEA, formed in 2006 to tell the story of the energy consumer, is made up of over 260 member companies and over 400,000 citizens who support boosting an “all-of-the-above” energy policy.
About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together consumers, producers and manufacturers to engage in a meaningful dialogue about America’s energy future. Our mission is to help ensure stable prices for consumers and energy security. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all consumers to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop and diversify our energy resources and about energy’s importance to the economy. CEA promotes a thoughtful dialogue to help produce our abundant energy supply and to balance our energy needs with our nation’s environmental and conservation goals.
Contact:
Shawn Martini
P: 303-895-5070
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