The Drill Down – Happy Fiscal New Years Eve (Almost)
Estimated read time: 6 minutes
 Leadership Note: Hi GTO Stakeholders,
As we enter fall 2023 and the start of a new fiscal year, the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) has its own seasonal changes to share!
You likely saw in the Drill Down Express message on September 7 that Sue Hamm is officially moving into a new role as director of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Integrated Strategies. Her impacts truly comprise a critical era of progress in the geothermal sector, so we want to thank Sue for her immense contributions and congratulate her on her exciting new role.
On the heels of Sue’s departure, EERE’s leadership has moved quickly to begin the search for the next permanent director for the Geothermal Technologies Office. The permanent position has been publicly posted here.
For the last year I have been serving as the interim acting director for GTO. As you may or may not be aware, federal policy limits the length of time any one person may serve in an acting role. In compliance with the policy, I stepped down as the acting office director on September 7. Effective this same day, Cullen Henderson, GTO operations supervisor, has been appointed by the EERE Leadership as the interim Acting Director. As the search for the permanent director takes place over the next several months, I will take on a new role in GTO as a senior advisor. For the sake of continuity within the office, Cullen will also maintain his role as operations supervisor.
This is an intensely exciting and busy time for our office and the broader geothermal community; I am looking forward to my new role in GTO and to engaging with our stakeholders in new, yet familiar, ways. Though change can be unsettling, Cullen is an experienced and thoughtful leader, and we are all excited to embark into a new fiscal year under his direction.
Much of the GTO office is preparing to gather in Reno, NV, for the 2023 Geothermal Rising Conference (GRC). If you will be attending as well, I hope you’ll stop by to say hello and meet with GTO colleagues at Booths 106 & 108. We can’t wait to learn and collaborate with you! Head to our GRC webpage to learn how to find and connect with the GTO team at GRC, and see the Looking Ahead section for conference details.
Enjoy this edition of The Drill Down.
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Sincerely,
Lauren Boyd
GTO Senior Advisor
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Trivia Question: Why is lithium a critical mineral?
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