Michigan Conservative Energy Forum announces leadership change
Rivet to replace Ward as MCEF executive director in May
LANSING – The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MCEF) announced today that Larry Ward will be stepping down from his role as executive director in mid-May, and will be succeeded by longtime conservative political activist Ed Rivet.
Ward, who founded MCEF in 2013, has helped usher in conservative solutions to address the energy challenges facing our state, educating policymakers and the public on the economic, security, and conservation benefits of renewable energy. MCEF has worked to depoliticize energy policy and advance an “all of the above” diversified energy portfolio that is reliable, affordable, sustainable, and increasingly clean and efficient for Michigan ratepayers.
MCEF played a role in the passage of the 2016 historic bipartisan energy laws, and most recently has focused its attention on electric ratepayer protection, leveling the playing field and creating market access for innovative energy technologies, as well as addressing consumer choice and competition in Michigan’s energy markets.
Ward’s new role has yet-to-be-announced, but he will continue the work he started at MCEF to advance conservative solutions to clean energy issues at the regional level.
Rivet announced his departure from the Right to Life of Michigan earlier this week, where he served as legislative director for over 30 years. He will be joining the MCEF team on May 14. He has been a member of the MCEF Leadership Council since 2014.
“I am proud of what MCEF has accomplished in the last four years,” said Ward. “My team has been a trailblazer, leading the conservative clean energy movement that has spread throughout the country. We’ve demonstrated that energy is an issue that affects all Michiganders – no matter where on the political spectrum they fall. While we have made great progress in advancing homegrown energy solutions that protect ratepayers, secure our grid, conserve our natural resources, draw significant investment to the state, and create thousands of good-paying local jobs – there is still more work to do. There is no better person to lead MCEF into a new era than Ed Rivet. His policy acumen, relationships in Lansing, and his passion for energy issues will propel the organization for many years to come. I wish Ed the very best as he takes on this new challenge, and I look forward to working with him in a new capacity going forward.”
“I am ready and excited for this new challenge,” said Rivet. “I believe that energy issues are inextricably linked with the quality of life of Michiganders. But our state’s transition to clean, renewable energy not only improves the health of children, mothers, and seniors – it secures far more benefits in the form of stimulating our economy, creating local jobs that can’t be shipped overseas, giving consumers choices about how and when they use energy, and leveling the playing field so new technology has access to markets and customers. As someone who has installed geothermal and solar panels on my private property, I’ve seen firsthand the immense economic benefits of clean energy. Throughout the years, MCEF has demonstrated that renewable energy is not a partisan issue, and I look forward to advancing solutions that are smart, balanced, and position our state for further economic success in the national and global energy markets.”
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About MCEF: The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum is an organization comprised of conservatives who believe that Michigan should adopt a true “All of the Above” energy policy that includes an increase in our commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency. MCEF believes encouraging diverse and clean energy production and reduced energy waste will create jobs and stimulate Michigan’s economy, reduce our reliance on foreign energy, improve our national security, and protect our valuable natural resources. http://www.micef.org/