AMES, Iowa -- Kevin Nordmeyer, an architect who is currently a partner at RDG Planning and Design in Des Moines, will be the new director of the Iowa Energy Center.
Nordmeyer's appointment is effective March 1.
Nordmeyer is a state leader in sustainable design. He serves on the Iowa Commission on Energy Efficiency Standards and Practices. He was founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council's Iowa Chapter. He also designed two Iowa State University projects -- the Morrill Hall restoration and the new King Pavilion at the College of Design -- to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.
"Kevin Nordmeyer will be a tremendous leader for the Iowa Energy Center," said Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy. "His design work has already helped Iowa State move toward a sustainable future. I'm confident his experience and vision will advance the center's statewide work for efficient, renewable and clean energy."
Nordmeyer said his new position offers him a chance to combine three facets of his career: his work in sustainable design, his service on boards devoted to sustainability and his teaching about energy conservation and sustainability.
"Directing the Iowa Energy Center is a unique opportunity for me given my broad background in sustainable design," Nordmeyer said. "I'm looking forward to leading the center into the future and to establishing a strong plan for helping Iowa make advances in energy efficiency and renewable energy."
Nordmeyer said his first priorities include learning the energy center's history and mission, working with leaders across the state to develop a vision for a more sustainable Iowa and targeting the energy center's work to advance that statewide vision.
Nordmeyer earned two Iowa State architecture degrees: a bachelor's degree with distinction in 1987 and a master's degree in 1990. He has been a lecturer in sustainable design for Iowa State's department of architecture.
Nordmeyer has won numerous academic and design awards, including the 2008 Design Achievement Award from Iowa State's College of Design and the Iowa State University Alumni Association.
Nordmeyer succeeds Thomas J. Barton, an Iowa State University Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences and former director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory, who has been interim director of the energy center since April. Barton took the interim role when the center's former director, Floyd Barwig, became director of energy efficiency and the environment for the New York State Public Service Commission in Albany.
The Iowa Energy Center's mission is to increase Iowa's energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, model state efforts to decrease dependence on imported fuels, and sponsor energy-related research, education and demonstration projects. The center also administers the Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program for the state.
The Iowa Energy Center was created by the Iowa General Assembly and signed into law by former Gov. Terry Branstad in 1990. The energy center is administered by Iowa State University.
