Gail Markels Named Executive Director of New York Solar Energy Industries Association

Online, February 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - ALBANY, NY, Feb. 17 - Gail Markels has been named Executive Director of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA), the only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated to advancing solar energy use in New York State.

Markels of Chappaqua, NY most recently was general counsel and senior vice president for the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and has a strong background in advocacy, regulatory issues and consumer affairs.

"We are delighted that Ms. Markels will bring her experience, reputation and record of success to the helm of NYSEIA," said NYSEIA President Ron Kamen, Senior Vice President of EarthKind Solar. "The entire NYSEIA Board is thrilled to be working closely with Ms. Markels to enable the solar industry to continue to grow and create green jobs, taxes and economic growth in the state, while helping achieve energy independence from fossil fuels."

In her new role, Markels will spearhead several initiatives designed to promote the growth and expansion of the solar energy industry in New York State, including establishing programs to reach 5,000 MWs of solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) by 2025 and 2,000 MWs of solar thermal energy by 2020.

Markels will work closely with NYSEIA members, government representatives and regulators to advance the solar energy industry. A key part of her role will be overseeing NYSEIA's regulatory efforts.

"I am excited to be part of such a vital organization that is playing an important role in promoting energy independence and helping to achieve the state's goal of meeting 45 percent of the state's electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy by the year 2015," said Markels.

Vans Stevenson, Senior Vice President, MPA, said, "Gail Markels is a great choice. She is a dedicated and consummate professional who is respected by her colleagues and legislative leaders."

She succeeds John Siciliani, who has left the association to pursue other opportunities.

Strong Advocacy, Regulatory Issues and Consumer Affairs Background

Prior to joining NYSEIA, Markels helped to structure and develop both the ESA and Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), and represented the industry before state and local legislative bodies nationwide.

She was instrumental in First Amendment litigation and in gaining national acceptance for the ESRB as the oversight entity for video game content. Markels has been a champion of one of the few successful self-regulatory bodies to gain acceptance with industry, legislative authorities and the general public.

Prior to that, Markels was vice president and legislative counsel for the Motion Picture Association (MPA). In this role, she worked directly with Jack Valenti, the legendary president of MPAA, and the originator of the movie rating system. Markels' strong relationships with State Attorneys General as well as state and local government officials has enabled the motion picture and video game industries to flourish.

Markels began her career as an Assistant District Attorney, Office of the District Attorney of Kings County, Brooklyn, NY, where she had a 100 percent trial conviction rate.

Markels holds the J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York and a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. She is a board member of the National Coalition Against Censorship.

Markels will continue to represent select clients with First Amendment and regulatory issues through her firm, Markel Strategies, and will continue to serve as the Executive Director of the American Legal Finance Association (ALFA), a trade association formed by leading legal finance companies in 2004 to define industry standards and best practices.

Jon Brunning, Nebraska Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General, characterized Markels as a, "trusted voice who I have consistently relied on. I have worked with Gail to develop positive programs that have benefitted the citizens of Nebraska. She is a tireless advocate, is respected by those who have worked with her, and will be a tremendous asset to NYSEIA."

Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler added, "Gail Markels is a well respected professional who I have come to rely on for her knowledge and integrity."

About NYSEIA
The New York Solar Energy Industries Association, founded in 1994, is the only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated solely to advancing solar energy use in New York State. For information, visit http://www.nyseia.org

Editor's Note: Interviews and photo available

Media Contacts:
Ron Kamen (917) 453-5740 [email protected]
Sandy Frinton (845) 454-3895 [email protected]