Nyack mayor gets gig with Champlain Hudson Power Express

Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI) announced yesterday that Jennifer Laird-White will become the new director of Community Relations for the company’s Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission project.

The Champlain Hudson Power Express Project is a completely buried, 333-mile HVDC transmission line that will be installed underwater and underground predominantly along existing rights-of-way, originating at the U.S.-Canada border and running the length of Lake Champlain and through parts of the Hudson River to New York City. The project, which has been in development since 2008, will bring 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy to the NY-Metro area.

TDI says it will also diversify the state’s energy portfolio and increase the electric grid’s safety and security by creating new, hardened infrastructure that is less susceptible to damage from natural disasters.

“We are delighted to have Jen join our development team.  Her years of experience as mayor, and her prior experience as a journalist, make her an ideal conduit to communities throughout New York State,” said TDI CEO Donald Jessome. “Jen understands that clean energy infrastructure development requires a thoughtful approach aimed at building community consensus.”

White is concluding her third – and final – term as mayor of the Village of Nyack. She told the Rockland County Times that because the Power Express does not impact Nyack, the new position does not conflict with her role as mayor and she will complete her term. She also promised that improvements have been made to the project following concerns raised by Stony Point residents regarding the route of the line, which as originally proposed would have disturbed many sensitive areas.

“I look forward to serving TDI, my neighbors and stakeholders throughout New York State with the skills I developed as a champion for Rockland County communities,” said Laird-White. “As an advocate and mayor, I worked to improve our community by listening intently and translating residents’ goals into positive proactive actions. I am excited to apply these skills in the private sector with TDI.”

Laird-White is also the founder of the not-for-profit Nyack Park Conservancy and served on the board of the Edward Hopper House. She has served as a Nyack Park Commissioner and was an appointee to Governor Cuomo’s Mass Transit Task Force.

Prior to her time as mayor, she worked as a correspondent and producer with CBS News.  Before her time with CBS News, she worked in documentary filmmaking and commercial production.

For more information about TDI or the project, visit www.transmissiondevelopers.com.

  champlain hudson power express, nyack mayor, TDI, Transmission Developers Inc.