Silver Spring, MD – Andy Karsner, an experienced global energy developer, technology thought leader, conservationist and former Assistant Secretary of Energy for Efficiency and Renewable Energy, has been officially named as the newest member of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Board of Trustees.

“We are excited and very fortunate to add such a distinguished expert to our Board of Trustees. Without question, Andy’s invaluable experience and insight on global climate change and energy issues will add a powerful new dimension to the Foundation’s role in promoting ocean conservation and protecting our national marine sanctuaries,” said Bob Talbot, Chairman of the Board for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

Mr. Karsner served as the United States Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy during a period of unprecedented growth in clean energy technologies, investments and policy formulations. In that role Mr. Karsner managed the nation’s $1.72 billion applied science and research development portfolio for clean energy technology.

He is the Founder and Chairman and of Manifest Energy and the former CEO of the energy development firm Enercorp, and has worked throughout his career with the largest players in the global energy industry. Mr. Karsner is a principal contributor to recent international climate change deliberations toward achieving a post-2012 global energy framework, landmark energy legislation and multiple historic presidential initiatives. Additionally, he has contributed to numerous international accords on science, technology, trade, and energy development collaboration.

He received an MA from Hong Kong University and spent twelve years abroad, based in Hong Kong and London, with business responsibilities that spanned Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Mr. Karsner is multilingual and was a Rotary International Fellow.

“It is an honor to be named to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and to be associated with an organization that has both protected special underwater places across the country, and served as a unique, non-partisan voice for ocean conservation more broadly,” said Mr. Karsner.