Workshop Sessions

Explore solutions that ensure our energy future.

The conference is designed to be an immersive experience, with 15 workshops and presentations offering deep dives into virtually all the technologies affecting our businesses and our lives.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Rory M. Christian

Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Commission

On September 30, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul designated Commissioner Rory M. Christian as the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Commission (Commission). On June 10, 2021, Mr. Christian was appointed Commissioner, and his term runs through February 1, 2027.

Mr. Christian began his career in the energy industry with KeySpan Energy where he first served as a civil engineer before transitioning to a role engaging government agencies operating in Long Island and New York City. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating activities between KeySpan and government organizations, negotiating contracts, developing contingency plans and streamlining operations to satisfy both organizations’ operational needs. Mr. Christian then transitioned to Exelon Energy, where he developed new products targeting public sector clientele and helped facilitate the creation of multiple partnerships and alliances.

Mr. Christian then served as the Director of Energy Finance and Sustainability for the New York City Housing Authority, where he oversaw the Authority’s then $500M+ utility portfolio with the aim of reducing annual energy expenditures while achieving city, state and federally mandated greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements. More recently, he was the Director of New York Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund where he provided strategy management, programming, business development and stakeholder collaboration for the Clean Energy program in NY. He oversaw a multidisciplinary team (economists, lawyers, and engineers) to design, implement, and manage legislative and policy campaigns to lower the environmental impact of energy use.

He enjoys teaching and has taught energy efficiency courses at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. He is also volunteers time with workforce development organizations such as Green City Force and is a longtime supporter and former Chair of WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s (WE ACT) Board of Directors.

Mr. Christian graduated from the City College of New York’s, Grove School of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Finance from the Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business.

Since immigrating from Jamaica as child, Mr. Christian is a long-time resident of New York City and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with his family.