Marty Grohman takes reins as E2Tech’s new executive director
Courtesy / E2Tech
Former state Rep. Marty Grohman of Biddeford is the new executive director of E2Tech.
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The Environmental and Energy Technology Council of Maine has hired entrepreneur and former state Rep. Marty Grohman of Biddeford as its executive director.
He replaces Melissa Winne, a policy and legislative specialist who stepped up to become executive director in May 2018 after serving as interim director since the departure of longtime director Jeff Marks on Dec. 31, 2017. Winne had been working at E2Tech for three years prior to her promotion doing policy work and working and legislation that directly relates to the E2Tech community, cultivating connections and content management.
Grohman, who chose not to seek reelection after serving two terms in the Legislature, ran as an independent in an unsuccessful 2018 challenge of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine District 1, coming in third behind Pingree, the winner, and her Republican challenger, Mark Holbrook. During his time at the State House, his committee assignments included a stint on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
E2Tech is known for its nonpartisan forums on current environmental and energy issues, bringing together a variety of voices on issues critical to the future of Maine, and is the preeminent organization of its type in the region.
In a telephone interview with Mainebiz this morning, his first day on the job, Grohman said he was “really excited and honored” to join E2Tech in a leadership role.
“I’ve been a longtime member and supporter,” he said. “The organization plays a critical role in Maine’s economy and continues to grow strongly. I think it’s a really exciting time to be working in clean energy and technology fields. There’s a lot of national buzz right now in this space … It’s very hot right now.”
In addition to his political experience in the Maine Legislature, Grohman said he brings to his new assignment at E2Tech a mix of formal training as a chemical engineer and experience running a Maine composites and recycling company that includes serving as director of sustainability for a multinational manufacturer. “I have long seen the connection between smart energy and environmental policy and the future of Maine,” he said.
Noting that E2Tech does not take positions, but rather serves as a conduit for information and networking on environmental, energy, clean technology and economic development issues, Grohman said he’s eager to build on the organization’s strengths.
“We get great turnouts at our forums and events,” he said. “People depend on us and believe in this organization. My intent is to ramp that up, grow the organization and make it even more essential for our members and partners.”
Grohman credited Winne with helping him during the transition to him assuming the reins as E2Tech’s executive director. “Melissa has been amazing and incredibly supportive throughout the transition,” he said, noting she plans to pursue her interests in the policy-making field.
Tom Eschner, senior project manager at TRC Companies Inc. and chairman of the E2Tech board, said the organization was pleased to have Grohman as the organization’s executive director.
“I am looking forward to seeing Marty, with his industry and public policy skills and experience, build on the excellent work of prior Executive Director Melissa Winne, who has been steering the organization through an important time of transition over the past year,” he said. “With Marty’s leadership and E2Tech’s strong board of directors, the organization will be well-positioned to take on issues of environment and energy in Maine today and into the future.”
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