ITIF Announces Edward Rightor as Incoming Director of the Center for Clean Energy Innovation

WASHINGTON—The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, today announced that Edward (Ed) Rightor will take over as director of ITIF’s Center for Clean Energy Innovation starting on October 24. Rightor, who has extensive experience leading both industry and non-profit programs to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and waste impacts in the manufacturing sector, will take over the position from David Hart, who will continue contributing policy research for the program as a senior fellow.

“We are thrilled to have Ed joining ITIF to lead the Center for Clean Energy Innovation into its next phase of work advocating for public policies that accelerate the pace of innovation to spur the transition to a zero-carbon economy,” said ITIF President and Founder Robert D. Atkinson. “Under David Hart’s leadership over the last five years, the Center has succeeded in drawing policymakers’ attention to the critical role that innovation must play in achieving energy and climate goals. With Ed coming onboard and David continuing to contribute policy research, I’m confident the program will have even greater impact in the years ahead.”

Rightor joins ITIF after serving as the director of the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), where he developed the strategic vision for industrial decarbonization and led research to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient, low-carbon technologies. He co-led the U.S. Department of Energy’s industrial decarbonization roadmap—requested by Congress—identifying research, development and demonstration needs. This project highlighted reduction options to achieve net zero GHGs and slash emissions by 400 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2 a year.

Prior to ACEEE, Rightor worked for the Dow Chemical Company (Dow) for over 31 years in a variety of roles, with his final position as the director of strategic projects at Dow’s Environmental Technology Center.

“I am eager to start my work alongside this team as they strive to accelerate clean energy innovation and policy,” said Rightor. “Now is the time for innovative, new climate and energy strategies to lead the charge—and ITIF is the place to do it.”