Coordinators Barry Carr, Kelly Gilbert, and Steve Russell are the latest inductees into the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Hall of Fame, which recognizes outstanding contributions to their coalition and the program’s mission of reducing petroleum use in U.S. transportation. Clean Cities Director Dennis Smith and Co-Director Linda Bluestein inducted the three coordinators into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame on August 24, 2017 while in Golden, Colo., where representatives from nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions from across the country gathered for the 2017 Clean Cities Coordinator Workshop. The coordinators lead the Clean Communities of Central New York, Kansas City Regional Clean Cities, and Massachusetts Clean Cities coalitions, respectively.
Under the leadership of this year’s inductees, their coalitions averted more than 65,000 tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions collectively through use of alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and fuel efficiency measures. The GHG savings equate to removing more than 14,628 passenger cars from the road. The same year, the coalition’s combined efforts also saved more than 21.9 million gallons of petroleum. These accomplishments have contributed to the success of their coalition and Clean Cities program’s ability to save more than 8.5 billion gallons of petroleum since its inception in 1993.
“These three coordinators exemplify the leadership and dedication that helps the program thrive,” Smith said. “We’re proud to have them on our team.”
Carr was recognized for his longstanding commitment and successful career as a coordinator. From 1995 to 2006 he worked with the New York State Clean Fueled Vehicle Council, helping state agencies grow their compressed natural gas fleet to more than 3,000 vehicles and expand CNG infrastructure to 60 locations in the state. Carr made presentations, provided safety and refueling training, and secured funding for many additional efforts. He is strongly supported by stakeholders and through his many relationships with fleet managers throughout the Northeast, which were built over almost three decades of steadfast determination working in the industry. In Clean Cities he is known as a knowledgeable peer who is willing to share his experience and expertise. Carr also served on the Coordinator Council and actively participates in the Coordinator to Coordinator program.
Gilbert was acknowledged for significantly growing alternative fuel use in the Midwest. The successful working relationship and strong network she has built with stakeholders and fellow coordinators are the hallmarks of her success. Gilbert has a unique ability to bring together groups to collaborate on projects and secure funding. During her time as coordinator she has secured and managed four U.S. Department of Energy project awards, overseen a four state team that successfully completed the Mid America Collaborative for Alternative Fuels Implementation project, and assembled partners for a new training initiative supporting compressed natural gas and propane safety, in addition to many other projects. Her significant achievements have helped stakeholders build the local alternative fuel market and provide essential training.
Russell was honored for his diligence in ensuring that public funding in Massachusetts has been spent to grow the use of alternative fuel vehicles and fueling infrastructure. He has spent countless hours educating and guiding fleets to reduce their petroleum use. Russell is a pioneer in the alternative fuel industry. Russell spent 12 years as a fleet manager in the City of Keene, New Hampshire, where he introduced biodiesel to the city’s diesel fleet. This was a standout move for a fleet in the extreme cold of New England. His commitment to alternative fuels extends to the proliferation of electric, propane, and natural gas vehicles in the Northeast. Russell is a key player in Alt Wheels, an annual alternative fuel vehicle event that has been running for more than 10 years. Russell collaborates with his peers to construct an impactful agenda of events that benefits all of the northeast. To read more about the winners’ accomplishments and see past award winners, visit the Clean Cities Hall of Fame.