Photo of an offshore wind turbine around Block Island by Tim Briggs
In January 2022, New Hampshire Sea Grant (NHSG) together with the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS) welcomed Katy Bland as an Engagement and Research Associate focused on offshore renewable energy development in the Gulf of Maine and Northeast Region. Over the past two years, Katy has been instrumental in enhancing engagement with the offshore energy development process. She has worked closely with the National Sea Grant Offshore Wind Energy Liaison and Sea Grant's American Lobster Initiative, as well as with state offices and federal partners, such as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
We are pleased to announce that Katy will be continuing her work at NHSG and NERACOOS, while adding additional capacity in the region as the new part-time Program Manager for the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium through a new shared role with Maine Sea Grant.
Since December 2023, Maine Sea Grant has been collaborating with the State of Maine Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to provide additional program management capacity and research expertise to the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium. Katy brings program management and research experience with a focus in offshore wind. Katy's work with the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium will help the group coordinate with other complementary organizations in the region. While GEO continues to commit significant staff time to the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium, Katy will bring additional support to better understand the local and regional impacts of floating offshore wind power projects in the Gulf of Maine.
Congratulations, Katy, on your expanded role and thank you for your work in this important and rapidly evolving area!
Read the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium's announcement
