(HARTFORD – Aug. 20, 2024) – Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday appointed Kristin Urbach, Executive Director of the Connecticut Wind Collaborative, to the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Port Authority.

In her role as the first leader of the Wind Collaborative, Urbach leads the charge in advancing the state’s offshore wind industry.

“Kristin’s nearly a decade of offshore wind experience is a testament to her unwavering dedication and expertise in driving the industry’s growth and innovation,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Her determination to accomplish the goals in this sector has already increased Connecticut’s role as a leader in the industry, and I look forward to her contributions to the mission of the Connecticut Port Authority.”

“Kristin already has deep experience in what is still a new American industry for many, and her leadership at the forefront of offshore wind will serve the Connecticut Port Authority well,” said Ulysses B. Hammond, the retiring interim Executive Director of the Authority. “Kristin will play a vital role on the Board, collaborating with others in the industry to strengthen Connecticut’s prominence as an offshore wind hub.”

“Since being hired as Executive Director of the Connecticut Wind Collaborative in April, Kristin has kept up a whirlwind pace, representing Connecticut at conferences as a thought leader in the industry,” said Paul Lavoie, Chairman of the Wind Collaborative and the state’s Chief Manufacturing Officer. “I’m proud that her early, outstanding contributions to Connecticut are being recognized by Governor Lamont.”

With a career spanning over two decades, Urbach has a proven track record in driving strategic growth, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and promoting innovative programs.

Before her role in Connecticut, she served as an executive for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in Washington, D.C. Following her work in Washington, she led the North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director and launched WindWinRI, an offshore wind career pathway training system for youth and adults that was recognized by Fast Company as a “World Changing Idea.”

Urbach is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the renewable energy sector. She has been featured at prominent national and international events, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s Annual Energy Leaders Conference, the Business Network for Offshore Wind International Partnering Forum and global leaders’ roundtables. In 2023, Urbach was one of 34 leaders selected nationwide and the first from Rhode Island to be named a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Business Leads Fellow.