Governor taps new head of Md. energy office
Source: Brittany Patterson, E&E reporter • Posted: Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Hogan, a Republican, said Williams “has a unique combination of legal, business and government experience and brings a wealth of energy and utility-related knowledge to the MEA.”
“I am confident that under her leadership, the agency will continue promoting policies that work to provide affordable and reliable energy to Maryland citizens,” he added.
The MEA is tasked with overseeing the state’s renewable portfolio standard and reducing energy use by 15 percent through the EmPOWER Maryland program.
Most recently, Williams served as president and chief executive of Avania Group LLC, a strategic consulting and communications firm based in Maryland. She also worked as director of government relations for United Health Group, where she represented utility companies including Washington Gas and Pepco, and was an adjunct professor of law and policy at University of Maryland University College.
Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in public affairs and management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and a law degree from Indiana University School of Law.
At MEA, Williams is replacing Abigail Ross Hopper, who took over as the head of the Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in January (Greenwire, Dec. 18, 2014).
Williams will begin June 1, a spokeswoman for the governor’s office confirmed.