Turn Forward, the independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing American offshore wind power, announced today the appointment of Hillary Bright as its new Executive Director. With 17 years of experience in energy, climate, economic development, and policy, Hillary brings unparalleled expertise that will steer Turn Forward into a new phase of growth and impact.
Hillary has a comprehensive understanding of the energy policy landscape gained from her tenure in Washington, DC, and her work with the Blue Green Alliance and Xodus Group — a leading consulting company that provides services across the energy industry. She has excelled in managing relationships, labor, strategic planning, and policy analysis and her extensive background in the offshore wind and renewable energy sectors makes her the perfect fit to lead Turn Forward’s ambitious mission.
Hillary’s appointment comes at a critical time for offshore wind energy in the United States. With historic momentum behind current and upcoming lease sales and project approvals, Turn Forward’s role in advocating for sustainable and equitable energy solutions is more important than ever. Offshore wind is driving economic growth, fostering long-term economic sustainability, providing reliable energy, and empowering workers through job training and good-paying union jobs.
Turn Forward is also excited to welcome two new key members to Turn Forward’s team: Erin McLean as Communications Director and Catherine Belman Goggins as Policy Director. Erin brings extensive experience in leading offshore wind communications at NOAA and managing large-scale social media communications for a large private sector company. Catherine’s experience in the U.S. House of Representatives — supporting the bipartisan Offshore Wind Caucus and helping secure clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act — adds significantly to Turn Forward’s policy advocacy efforts.
Under Hillary’s leadership, Turn Forward will continue to champion bipartisan collaboration to expand offshore wind energy while addressing today’s climate, economic, equity, and environmental challenges.
Stephanie McClellan, Founder and Strategic Advisor of Turn Forward, said of Turn Forward’s new leadership: “Hillary’s extensive public, private and NGO sector experience in energy policy — in offshore wind specifically — combined with her deep-rooted passion for the environment, makes her the ideal incoming leader for Turn Forward. With the additions of Erin and Catherine in the Communications and Policy lead roles, respectively, Turn Forward is adding the depth and breadth needed at this pivotal time for offshore wind. I am confident they will drive our mission forward with vigor and dedication.”
Hillary Bright shared her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Joining Turn Forward at such a pivotal time for offshore wind energy is a profound honor. I look forward to working with our dedicated team and the broader community to advance our shared vision of a sustainable and equitable energy future. Together, we will harness the full potential of offshore wind to create lasting positive impacts for our economy and environment.”
Mike Fishman, a member of Turn Forward’s Board of Directors and executive director and president of Climate Jobs National Resource Center, participated in Hillary’s appointment, saying, “Hillary Bright’s leadership marks an exciting chapter for Turn Forward. Her commitment to fostering collaboration between labor and industry will ensure that offshore wind projects not only help us tackle the climate crisis, but also create thousands of good-paying union jobs. This is a crucial step forward for both workers and the environment.”
Turn Forward is an independent, non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to advancing an ambitious vision for American offshore wind power that meets today’s climate, economic, equity and environmental challenges.
For media inquiries, please reach out to media@turnforward.org
