Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine Announces Hiring of Chief Workforce Development Officer

The Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine is pleased to welcome Tim Thomas as the Engine’s chief workforce development officer, effective December 1. This appointment reflects a new collaboration between Griffiss Institute and Binghamton University, which administers the Energy Storage Engine. Thomas will integrate this role into his portfolio, complementing other key initiatives he leads for the Griffiss Institute. 

Workforce development is one of the three pillars of the Engine, with Syracuse University, a core partner institution, taking the lead. The charge for the pillar is to catalyze innovative, industry-driven education and training programs and to foster regional, national, and global collaborations to build an inclusive talent pipeline for the growing battery industry. These efforts will strengthen national security by ensuring that the workforce engaged in key defense-related energy technologies is U.S.-based and trained to the highest standards. 

“We are delighted to have Tim join the Engine as a key member of its leadership team,” said Meera Sampath, CEO of the Engine. “Tim brings a wealth of experience from the many leadership roles he held at Mohawk Valley Community College and now at Griffiss Institute. Tim’s strategic thinking, community engagement, and business development skills are a great asset to the Engine and will drive forward our mission to grow talent and support the region’s workforce needs in the energy storage sector.” . . . .

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