United Way of Long Island recently elected Merrick resident Richard M. Kessel to its Board of Directors. Kessel currently serves as President of East Coast Progressive Energy Solutions. Prior to that, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, from October 2008 to September 2011.
“I have dedicated my life to economic development, and energy initiatives, two areas that United Way of Long Island has immense expertise in as they work to better the lives of Long Islanders in need,” said Kessel. “It is an honor to have a voice on their Board of Directors, allowing me to use my professional experience to give back to the local community in a meaningful way.”
“Richard Kessel has been an advocate, supporter, as well as a past member of our Board,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “As we expand our work through our Housing Development Corporation, with a keen focus on energy efficiency and a healthy homes strategy, his insight as part of our organization will be invaluable.”
In addition to serving on the Board of United Way of Long Island, Kessel is Chairman of the Education and Assistance Corporation, and a Board Member for Vision Long Island, Nassau Community College Foundation, and Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center.
Kessel attended Colgate University, received a bachelor’s degree from New York University and his master’s degree from Columbia University. He lives in Merrick with his wife Diane and his son Eli.