WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue announced that Washington executive and former energy association CEO Marty Durbin will join the nation’s largest business advocacy organization as President of the Global Energy Institute (GEI).
“A seasoned and thoughtful executive, Marty has the highest respect among business CEOs, senior government officials, and members of Congress,” said Donohue. “He brings decades of excellent judgement and leadership on energy and environmental issues at a critical time for our nation, and he will join our executive team to help advocate for public policies that are good for the health of our environment, our economy, our nation and our members.
“Marty will lead GEI’s efforts to bring consensus amongst the business community, policymakers, regulators and the public on strategies that make America cleaner and stronger, and building on the Institute’s EnergyInnovates Initiative, which showcases American innovators, projects and technologies that have shaped today’s energy landscape—and are laying the groundwork for the future. We are also excited to leverage Marty’s intellect and experience across a myriad of public policy issues as a key member of our leadership team.”
“Over the past decade plus, GEI has established itself as one of the go-to voices in Washington for common-sense energy solutions. I am thrilled at the opportunity to build on this success, highlighting the critical role of energy throughout the economy, and the role the energy sector plays in meeting our energy needs for the future,” said Durbin. “Energy issues are intertwined with the public's environmental and sustainability expectations, and GEI will focus on how American businesses are innovating to meet those expectations.”
Durbin joins the Chamber following nearly a decade at the American Petroleum Institute where he served in several leadership roles including Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Executive Director of Market Development. Prior to API, Durbin was President and CEO of America’s Natural Gas Alliance. Before ANGA, he served as Vice President of Federal Relations at the American Chemistry Council, and in a variety of government affairs positions at the American Plastics Council.
Durbin also is Chairman of the Board for A Wider Circle organization, a nonprofit dedicated to ending poverty. He received a BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland College Park and lives in Maryland with his wife and three children.
Durbin was selected following a comprehensive national search conducted by the Chamber and Korn Ferry and will begin his new leadership role on September 4th. He fills the GEI leadership role vacated by longtime president and CEO Karen Alderman Harbert, who was named president and CEO of the American Gas Association in February. During the search for the new president, Christopher Guith led the division as Acting President, and his hard work and stewardship helped GEI continue to strengthen its mission of meaningful energy engagement at all levels of government.
“I want to thank Christopher for his efforts to continue GEI’s success during this period of transition,” said Donohue “Christopher advanced the Chamber’s message with Congress and the Administration, and successfully executed a major summit with some of the top energy leaders in government and industry. His judgment, character and guidance during this time were critical in bolstering GEI as a leading voice on energy issues. I know that he will continue to make significant contributions to the organization and will be an important partner to Marty.”
On July 31, GEI hosted its “EnergyInnovates: All In Summit”, which outlined the numerous ways the energy industry is developing technology to address global challenges like climate change. Among the speakers were Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Cory Gardner, Exelon President and CEO Chris Crane, BP America Chairman and President Susan Dio, and many others.