The board of directors that Richard Ober leads is pronounced “easy,” but his work on that body is anything but. For his leadership role on the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EESE) board as well as other associated efforts to help the Granite State become more energy efficient, Ober was recently named the winner of the inaugural “Greenerpalooza Award.”

Ober was presented with the award last week at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford as part of Greenerpalooza II, a celebration of New Hampshire’s “green” technologies and initiatives. Sponsored by Ocean Bank and Public Service of New Hampshire, in coordination with the New Hampshire Business Resource Center, WXRV 92.5 “The River” and Meadowbrook, the evening’s festivities included a special “eco village” on the Meadowbrook midway where New Hampshire businesses and members of the general public learned how to “go greener” amidst the backdrop of a Jackson Browne/Shawn Colvin concert.

Ober was recognized for his 25 years of non-profit leadership, public policy expertise and dedication to sustainable energy. As the NH Charitable Foundation’s Vice President of Civic Leadership and Communications, he works to unite public and private partners to address the state’s most significant challenges including energy policy, affordable housing, transportation, state park management, substance abuse, and deliberative democracy.

Before coming to the Charitable Foundation in January 2008, he was Executive Director of the Monadnock Conservancy (2001–2007) and a senior staff member of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (1985–2001). He has served as a member or chair of more than a dozen non-profit and public boards including the EESE where he diligently strives to promote and coordinate energy efficiency, demand response and sustainable energy programs in the state.

“Richard Ober’s impact on bringing energy efficiency to the forefront of public policy is nothing short of incredible,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “I can think of no more fitting recipient of this inaugural award that celebrates those dedicated to ensuring New Hampshire’s sustainable energy future.”

For more on energy efficiency programs and resources for New Hampshire businesses, call the New Hampshire Business Resource Center at 603-271-2341 or visit www.NHEconomy.com.

-Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director