On May 1, 2008, Lola Schoenrich will be joining the Great Plains Institute to lead the implementation the 2007 Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord on behalf of the Midwestern Governors Association. This position is a perfect fit for Lola’s in-depth understanding and expertise in accelerating the transition to a renewable and low-carbon energy system, as well as her strong record of facilitation and coalition building.

Lola’s long list of achievements during her twenty year tenure at Minnesota Project is impressive as well as a testament to her abilities and deep knowledge of the energy issues affecting Minnesotans. To highlight a few, she has been the Statewide Coordinator for the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Project, the Coordinator for the Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, and was one of the leaders to launch of the Clean Energy Minnesota campaign. Over the years, she has worked on a number of other areas of concern to rural communities, including waste management, recycling, household hazardous waste management, and waste reduction.

Lola worked on many great projects and started many essential initiatives to improve Minnesota’s environment and communities during her time with the Minnesota Project. She also mentored countless environmental leaders and provided an example of leadership for all to aspire to during their careers. Lola has been and will continue to be a pillar of leadership, coalition building, skilled facilitation and strong relationship building. Her strong skills have greatly benefited the Minnesota Project, and we are confident they will have a positive impact on her work at Great Plains.

We at the Minnesota Project wish her only the best in her new position and every possible success as she works toward the halt and reduction of global warming.