Conservative Energy Network Continues to Expand National Team

The Conservative Energy Network (CEN), a coalition of 21 state-based conservative clean energy and energy efficiency organizations, today announced two new hires: Tom McLaughlin, director of communications and digital strategy, and Joanna Lewis, Midwest communications manager. While these positions are new to the organization, McLaughlin and Lewis are both familiar faces in the nationwide policy and clean energy movements.

McLaughlin comes to CEN most recently from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). There, he coordinated the advocacy organization’s digital outreach efforts to engage with more than 1,400 state and local policymakers and business members across the nation.

“We first had the pleasure of working with Tom while he was at ALEC, and we now look forward to bringing his expertise in strategic and digital communications to CEN,” said Brittany Zwierzchowski Tisler, chief operating officer of CEN. “Tom will support our state teams’ communication needs, while leading the Network’s digital efforts to advance the conservative clean energy movement.”

CEN’s second addition is no stranger to the organization. For the past three years, Lewis served as program director for CEN member, Michigan Conservative Energy Forum. She brings expertise in communications, policy research and a strong understanding of the intricacies of the legislative process to the regional level. Lewis will also lead field communications for CEN’s Land and Liberty Coalition, which is comprised of local field teams in five states advocating for property rights and rural clean energy development.

“Transitioning Joanna to our national team was a natural progression, and we know she will serve all our Midwest teams well,” added Zwierzchowski Tisler. “We were fortunate to have her on the frontlines advancing conservative clean energy solutions with our Michigan team, and we are confident she’ll be a vital resource and asset to neighboring state teams in her new Midwest role.”

“Both Tom and Joanna will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our efforts to advance free-market clean energy policies that promote competition and job creation,” said Mark Pischea, CEO and president of CEN. “We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the growth and thought leadership they will bring to CEN.”

“The hiring of Tom McLaughlin and Joanna Lewis comes on the heels of CEN’s recent announcement of Landon Stevens as the organization’s first director of policy and advocacy. These three new positions reflect CEN’s continued expansion and will increase our capacity to serve our state teams in their work to impact energy policy across America,” concluded Pischea.