Richmond, VA – Governor Northam announced appointments to the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority (VOWDA). Chris Gullickson, James McArthur, Jr. and Laura McKay will all serve on the authority created to facilitate, coordinate and support the development of the offshore wind energy industry, projects and the related supply chain opportunities.
Chris Gullickson is new to the authority. A resident of Chesapeake, he currently serves as Director of Economic Development for the Port of Virginia. Jim McArthur and Laura McKay are returning members. Jim McArthur is a retired Vice Admiral with the United States Navy and resides in Suffolk. Lauren McKay is Manager of the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program. She is from Richmond.
VOWDA was created in 2010 and provides an annual report with recommendations aimed to grow the offshore wind industry with the least amount of barriers to future companies. Those reports and more information on the work of VOWDA can be found on their website.