Mass Clean Energy Center Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch and Greenfield Community College President Dr. Michelle Schutt bring labor and higher education expertise to MassCEC's board

BOSTON - Mass Clean Energy Center today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and Dr. Michelle Schutt, President of Greenfield Community College. Together, they bring expertise and leadership experience in workforce development, labor, and higher education to the state's clean energy and climatetech economic development agency.

"Labor partnerships have been critical to the progress we've already made growing Massachusetts' clean energy economy, including major projects like Vineyard Wind. At the same time, our colleges and universities play an important role in preparing the next generation of workers with the skills needed to succeed in this industry," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who serves as Chair of the Board. "Chrissy and Michelle bring invaluable perspectives that will help us continue building a strong, skilled workforce needed to lower costs, expand economic opportunity, and make Massachusetts more energy independent."

"It's important that leaders from labor and community colleges have a seat at the table as we grow the state's clean energy workforce and accelerate innovation that improves lives," said Mass Clean Energy Center CEO Ben Downing. "I'm thrilled to welcome Chrissy Lynch and Dr. Michelle Schutt to Mass Clean Energy Center's Board-their unique experience and shared commitment to Massachusetts will make us a stronger, more effective agency."

Chrissy Lynch has served as President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO since October 2023. She previously served as the organization's Secretary-Treasurer, Chief of Staff, and oversaw its political and legislative departments. Prior to AFL-CIO, Lynch spent time as Director of Operations for the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, where she helped lead programs that advanced equity, inclusion, and community standards in the construction industry. She is a current member of LiUNA Local 22 and former member and steward of OPEIU Local 6.

"I'm honored to join the MassCEC Board at such an important time for Massachusetts. Building a clean energy economy goes hand in hand with creating good union jobs and investing in workforce development because unions have the training, infrastructure, and workforce necessary to tackle complex projects," said Chrissy Lynch. "I look forward to working with the Board and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to grow an innovative and equitable clean energy future that benefits workers, communities, and our entire Commonwealth."

Dr. Michelle Schutt has served as President of Greenfield Community College since 2022. She has more than two decades of experience supporting students, staff, and faculty through her work in higher education leadership. Prior to leading Greenfield Community College, Schutt served as the Vice President of Learner and Community Services at the College of Southern Idaho, the state's first Hispanic-Serving Institution.

"It is an honor to be appointed to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Board," said Dr. Michelle Schutt. "Clean energy is creating tremendous opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and workforce development across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to help advance a sustainable future while expanding educational and career opportunities for Massachusetts residents."

About the Mass Clean Energy Center

The Mass Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, increase affordability, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded $990 million in programs and investments and attracted $3 billion in private and public funds.

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