News & events : Pientka Appointed

Press Release:

For Immediate Release
   Media Contact:
   Mark Treichel
   Hoffman York
   414.225.9554
   mtreichel@hyc.com

Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation Appoints Ken Pientka as Director of Midwest Energy Programs

MADISON, Wis. (July 1, 2009) - Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), a national leader in the design and implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, announced the appointment of Ken Pientka as director of Midwest Energy Programs, effective April 20, 2009.

"It is with great pleasure we announce the appointment of Ken Pientka as WECC's new director of Midwest Energy Programs," said Mary Woolsey Schlaefer, executive director for WECC. "Ken is an accomplished manager with a proven track record for developing successful strategy, fostering innovation, building effective working relationships and achieving results. He is well known and highly respected within both the Midwest and environmental communities, and a great choice to help lead WECC into future endeavors in the region."

In his new role, Pientka will be responsible for overall management and direction for WECC's residential and commercial energy efficiency efforts outside of Wisconsin, which includes over 60 energy efficiency contracts in 10 states.

He brings 33 years of experience in energy engineering, strategic and operational planning, human capital development and organizational effectiveness to WECC. Most recently, Pientka served as chief operating officer at Iconica where he oversaw the design and construction of commercial buildings such as offices, retail space, biotech, medical clinics and indoor water park resorts.

"I am excited to join WECC because its message and mission are so important and more critical every day," Pienkta said. "As an advocate of sound energy efficiency practices, I look forward to helping WECC promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources not only to help residents and businesses save energy and money, but also to preserve and protect our environment."

Prior to his tenure at Iconica, Pienkta served multiple roles at Commonwealth Edison. As director of marketing technical services, he formed and led a team of 30 energy engineers responsible for identifying and evaluating energy saving opportunities for large commercial and industrial energy users. Pienkta began his career with Commonwealth Edison in a variety of energy engineering, product management and sales positions.

Pientka also sat on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Green Building Association from 2003 through May 2009 and currently sits on the White Lake Property Owners Association board. Interests include district cooling systems and improving the efficiency of buildings' HVAC systems.

Pientka earned a BSME degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1976, a MBA from Roosevelt University in 1983 and is a registered Professional Engineer in Illinois and Wisconsin. He is a native of the Illinois and enjoys road bicycling, slalom water skiing and lake preservation/protection activities. Ken volunteers as the business administrator for St. Mary Pine Bluff and St. Ignatius parishes, is a member of the Knights of Divine Mercy and facilitates a marriage preparation program.

About the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Wis. Established in 1980, WECC is a national leader in designing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that partner with private businesses to deliver value to consumers. It champions innovative energy initiatives that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses and policy makers. For more information about WECC, call 800.969.9322 or visit weccusa.org.

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