WASHINGTON, D.C. - Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) chairman of the board, Daniel Ellis of ClimateMaster Inc. recently announced that Douglas A. Dougherty has accepted the position of GEO president.

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

“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.”

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. Before accepting his position with ITA, Doug worked for Illinois’ lieutenant governor. Prior to returning to state government in 1995, Doug spent nine years working for an electric power generator and transmission cooperative in a number of management positions. Under Doug’s leadership, the cooperative created a for-profit statewide stocking distributorship of GHPs in 1988.

During Doug’s tenure, the distributorship created an extensive network of GHP 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 GHP industry. Many believed the distributorship was the catalyst in creating a new market in Illinois for this emerging technology.

“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 about geothermal heat pumps and GEO membership, visit www.geoexchange.org.

Publication date: 04/11/2011