Washington, D.C. – Growth Energy today announced the addition of seven new professionals to its growing staff. The new personnel have backgrounds that include Capitol Hill, the Administration, television advertising, and industry advocacy.
“We are excited to add these exceptional men and women to our growing team,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “In just two years, Growth Energy’s influence and membership has grown. We are bringing on this talented group to help us maintain the high level of communication outreach, member development and advocacy that our supporters expect. With these new hires we will continue to demonstrate to policymakers, the press, and the public how the increased use of ethanol is an engine for job growth and a critical part of our renewable energy future.”
Hillary Price joins Growth Energy’s Public Affairs team as Public Affairs Associate. She was previously the Deputy Press Secretary for Congressman Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) where she handled his day to day press outreach and assisted with Pomeroy’s 2010 re-election campaign.
Ryan Welsh, now Account Manager with Growth Energy, spent 12 years at KSFY Television, in Sioux Falls, S.D., in advertising sales, ending as the General Sales Manager. He will assist with membership development and outreach.
Cynthia Witkin joins Growth Energy as Director of State Government Affairs. Previously she was the Director of Policy and Research with the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform where she led the state advocacy program. Prior to that, she spent more than 15 years representing the interests of several trade associations on Capitol Hill.
Nicole Schofer, now Research Coordinator for Growth Energy, was previously a senior researcher on Defense Secretary Gates’ speechwriting team. Prior to that she spent nine years as a researcher and graphics editor for U.S. News and World Report.
Chris Bliley will serve as Growth Energy’s Director of Regulatory Affairs. Prior, he was a Director at The Nussle Group and served as the Associate Administrator of the U.S. EPA from 2007-2009 running the agency’s office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations. Bliley was also Chief of Staff (2005-2007) and Legislative Director (2001-2005) for Rep. Jim Nussle.
John Fuher will be joining Growth Energy as Director of Government Relations. He previously served as Budget Analyst for Agriculture and Trade for the U.S. Senate Budget Committee and worked for Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) as his Legislative Assistant (2006-2008), Campaign Operations Director (2006) and Legislative Correspondent (2004-2006).
Rounding out the new hires is Carrie Emert who will serve as American Ethanol Sponsorship Manager for Growth Energy. She was previously the Partnership Manager for Richard Childress Racing and will assist in the newly formed American Ethanol partnership.
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.