The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has named Shaun McGrath as its new executive director beginning April 1. McGrath joins the organization with more than 25 years of public policy experience at all levels of government. Prior to joining ASES, he was the deputy director of intergovernmental affairs in the Obama White House. In this position, he was the principal liaison and point of contact to the United States’ governors. While in this position, he coordinated with states on the proposed energy bill, development and implementation of the Recovery Act and assisted the Gulf Coast states during the BP oil spill.

“Shaun McGrath brings to ASES a strong track record in bipartisan policy development at the national, state and local levels,” said ASES Board Chair Jeff Lyng. “He has been a powerful advocate of renewable energy in two branches of government and in the City of Boulder, which has been a national leader in sustainable development. We are delighted that Shaun will lead ASES into a new era and look forward to introducing him to the ASES community at SOLAR 2011 in Raleigh.”

McGrath is no stranger to alternative energy. Prior to his role as deputy director, he served as the mayor of Boulder, Colorado and was twice elected to the Boulder City Council. In these positions, he assisted in the passage of the city’s Climate Action Plan that included a carbon tax on energy. He was also instrumental in working with Xcel Energy to make Boulder a Smart Grid City and supported various multi-mode transportation projects.

“I am thrilled to be able to work with such an esteemed organization,” McGrath said. “ASES has been advocating for renewable resources for nearly 60 years. The reasons for investing in solar and other renewable energies are greater now than ever, and I look forward to working with the strong and active ASES membership to aggressively promote policies and programs that move consumers, local governments, states and this nation into the new energy economy.”