2005 Unsung Heroes: Barrett, Duncan, Gerardi

From right: Lowell Ungar, Alliance; Jennifer Barrett, Rep, Mark Udall's office; Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colo.); Rick Gerardi, NYSERDA; Kateri Callahan, Alliance; Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Tex.); Kara Rinaldi, Alliance; Jeff Duncan, Rep. Ed Markey's office; Re. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). The Alliance to Save Energy has honored two congressional staffers and a state energy manager with its Unsung Heroes award and induction into its Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame, established in 2004 to recognize the often unheralded government employees who champion energy efficiency on a daily basis. Awardees are Jeff Duncan, legislative director for Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.); Jennifer Barrett, deputy legislative director for Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colo.); and Rick Gerardi, director for residential programs for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). “Our nation is currently facing multiple energy challenges,” noted Alliance President Kateri Callahan, “so it is an honor to present these awards to three equally distinguished individuals who have worked diligently outside the limelight – and often under the radar screen altogether – to advance the cause of energy efficiency.”

Rep. Mark Udall and Jennifer Barrett Barrett serves as coordinator for the 211-member Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, of which Udall is co-chair. “We all know that on Capitol Hill, we members take credit for all the hard work of our staff,” Udall said. “So it’s with great pleasure that I recognize one of my long-time staffers, Jennifer Barrett, who has been the driving force behind the U.S. House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. Her knowledge, passion, and commitment cannot be understated.”

Jeff Duncan and Rep. Ed Markey “As my energy staffer, no one has spent more time more effectively on behalf of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and alternatives to the fossil future than Jeff Duncan,” Markey said. “While the rest of the energy world is being swept downstream by conventional wisdom, Jeff is meeting the challenge head-on.” Duncan has worked for Rep. Markey on energy and environmental policy for the last 20 years.

Rep. Ralph Hall and Rick Gerardi As founder and director of NYSERDA’s Residential Energy Affordability Programs, Gerardi administers $57 million per year in residential and consumer energy-efficiency programs. The Alliance has worked with Gerardi on seven public service advertising and summer electricity reliability campaigns to raise consumer awareness of Energy Star products, which have a 90 percent recognition rate in the state of New York. “Since his first career in building solar and energy-efficient homes, Rick’s vision, passion for, and leadership in energy efficiency have never dwindled,” said Alliance Vice-Chair Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Texas) in presenting the award.