Porto and Lee Romero join the only American-led offshore wind project in the New York Bight
New York, NY (December 19, 2022) – Today, Leading Light Wind announced the addition of two team members to its core project team: Michael Porto who serves as External Engagement Director, and Jeff Lee Romero who serves as Local Content Director. Porto leads Leading Light Wind’s stakeholder engagement strategy for local communities, fisheries, tribal communities, elected and government officials, and NGOs; Lee Romero leads Leading Light Wind’s local content strategy, with a focus on procurement, workforce development, and supply chain partnerships.
“Michael and Jeff are already building strong external relationships that are key drivers for Leading Light Wind’s success. The breadth of their experiences working at the intersection of sustainable infrastructure and New York communities will be invaluable to our project,” said Wes Jacobs, Project Director for Leading Light Wind.
Before joining Leading Light Wind, Porto served as Manager of City Government Affairs with Con Edison for nearly seven years. While there, he led the company’s New York City government relations efforts, including the revamp of Con Edison’s Clean Energy Commitment. Previous to that position, he was Director of Outreach and Planning at the Waterfront Alliance, where he initiated WEDG, or Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines.
“I was born, raised, and educated in New York. As a member of the community, I’m passionate about giving back to the state that has provided me so much,” said Michael Porto, Leading Light Wind External Engagement Director. “New York understands the role offshore wind has in accelerating a just energy transition, and we’re building a diverse coalition to help the state deliver on its climate change commitments.”
Lee Romero worked as a Principal at Karp Strategies and oversaw a number of projects in the Northeast United States that grew local offshore wind supply chains before joining Leading Light Wind. In prior leadership roles, he managed NYCEDC’s Strategic Investments Group – including the oversight of New York City’s signature program that encourages industrial businesses to grow. He also spearheaded Capalino’s economic development consulting practice and facilitated over $1 billion of industrial and commercial real estate development throughout New York State.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved in offshore wind, especially in my home state of New York,” said Jeff Lee Romero, Leading Light Wind Local Content Director. “The opportunity for local businesses to support a burgeoning offshore wind industry is substantial. I look forward to helping New York business owners and workers capitalize on this once in a generation opportunity in the very region that has shaped my career and my life.”
About Leading Light Wind
Leading Light Wind is an American-led, offshore wind project that will bring locally sourced, renewable energy to the East Coast. Developed by Invenergy and New York-based energyRe, we believe in empowering the communities where we live and work. Leading Light Wind will build on our track record of impactful community engagement and innovation in sustainable American infrastructure to advance public health, create good-paying jobs, and support our local supply chain. Learn more at leadinglightwind.com.
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Rachel Roseneck
