Director takes helm at new Office of the Energy Transformation

On May 1, Melissa Lavinson will begin her role as executive director of the new Office of the Energy Transformation.

The office was created to support and implement the ongoing clean energy transition. Its responsibilities include:
• Ensuring that the Commonwealth’s electrical infrastructure, regulations, and supply chain are prepared for increased electric demand
• Working with electric and gas utilities to create a coordinated approach to the transition, with a focus on reliability, safety and affordability for all parties
• Developing a roadmap to prepare and empower the businesses and thousands of workers who will be impacted by the transition away from fossil fuels

Lavinson will also convene an Energy Transformation Task Force, bringing together stakeholders including municipalities, utilities, businesses, labor, and supply chain partners to assist in the acceleration of this work and to identify roadblocks to progress.

“Melissa Lavinson joins our team with close working relationships with the utilities and unions and will be able to build quick consensus as we make the transition away from fossil fuels,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a prepared statement announcing the appointment in March. “She’ll be able to translate our policy goals into real-world actions.”

The Office of the Energy Transformation will be housed within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Lavinson’s new role is the first position of its kind in the nation. She previously worked at National Grid, New England, where she served as head of corporate affairs.