WASHINGTON - Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) Chairman of the Board Daniel Ellis (ClimateMaster Inc.) has announced that Douglas A. Dougherty has accepted the position of GEO president.

GEO is a non-profit trade association providing education and advocacy for the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry.

Prior to accepting his new position with GEO, Doug was president of the Illinois Telecommunications Association (ITA), an inclusive group of more than 60 services providers operating in Illinois. He was responsible for articulating their points of view before the Illinois Commerce Commission, the legislative and executive branches of Illinois government, and to the public.

Before joining the ITA, Dougherty worked for Illinois’ lieutenant governor, first as executive director of the governor’s Rural Affairs Council and then as senior advisor for economic development. Prior to returning to state government in 1995, Dougherty spent nine years working for an electric power generator and transmission cooperative in a number of management positions, including assistant general manager for external affairs. Under Dougherty’s leadership, the cooperative created a for-profit statewide stocking distributorship of geothermal heat pumps in 1988.

During Dougherty’s tenure, the distributorship created an extensive network of geothermal heat pump dealers and provided them with training and technical support. The distributorship worked with the drilling industry and persuaded it to redirect resources to install geothermal loops and to understand the value to their industry in supporting the geothermal heat pump industry. Many believed the distributorship was the catalyst in creating a new market in Illinois for this emerging technology.

From 1976 through 1986, Dougherty worked for several state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs and the Illinois Commerce Commission, where he was assistant general manager.

“The GEO board of directors and staff are excited that Doug has decided to lead our organization,” said Ellis. “Doug’s credentials and experience at the highest levels of government will bring insight and new directions to our efforts and the success we have already achieved for the geothermal heating and cooling industry nationwide.”

“I am pleased to be back representing the geothermal heat pump industry,” said Dougherty in accepting the position. “GEO has tremendous potential to broaden the market, to create new jobs, and to preserve the environment. I look forward to working with the GEO membership and collectively advancing the industry.”

For information, visit www.geoexchange.org.

Publication date: 03/28/2011