Gavin J. Donohue Biography

Gavin J. Donohue is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY), a statewide trade association organized in 1986 as a not-for-profit corporation. IPPNY represents operators and developers of independent electric generating facilities, power marketers, and suppliers of goods and services to the industry. IPPNY performs legislative/regulatory advocacy and public relations services on behalf of its membership, who are engaged in the operation and development of hydropower, natural gas, oil, waste-to-energy, biomass, nuclear and wind generation projects.

Mr. Donohue joined IPPNY in 2001 as the Executive Director and was appointed President and CEO of the association in May of 2003. While at IPPNY, Mr. Donohue has been a vocal proponent of improving New York energy policy and increasing competition in the state’s energy markets. He has been active on a variety of issues before the New York Independent System Operator, the New York Public Service Commission and both state and federal legislatures.

In 2019, Mr. Donohue was named the first appointment to the New York State Climate Action Council, a 22-member body created in statute under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The Council is charged with developing a plan to reach New York State’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals by 2050.

Since 2011, Mr. Donohue has served as a representative on the Electric Power Supply Association Board of Directors. Throughout his tenure, he has also served on a variety of commissions and committees including Governor Andrew Cuomo's Energy & Environment & Recreation Transition Committee, the New York City Energy Policy Task Force during the Bloomberg administration, the Energy and Environment Committee formulated as part of New York governor-elect Eliot Spitzer's transition team, and was appointed to the Temporary Commission on the Future of New York State Power Programs for Economic Development by then Governor George E. Pataki.

Mr. Donohue brought a wealth of experience in energy and environmental policy issues as well as state and local government affairs to IPPNY. Before joining the association, he served as Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, where he managed daily operations of the 3,700-employee agency, as well as developed and coordinated the implementation of all major legislative and policy initiatives impacting the environment. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Secretary to Governor George E. Pataki and as Campaign Director for the successful 1996 $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.

Mr. Donohue is an alumnus of Siena College in Loudonville, New York, and attended the State University of New York Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Welcome! As President and CEO of IPPNY, I could not be happier that you visited our site today. Our members produce 75% of the power produced in New York State and as a result, we are a leading driver of New York’s economy.

If you’re a member of IPPNY-Thank you! Your leadership, innovation and advocacy have made a difference, not just for your fellow members, but also for hardworking men and women across the State of New York.

If you are considering joining - We need you! As New York moves forward with its transition to a clean energy economy, we stand alone as the one voice who support an ALL of the above approach. Whether you produce clean burning natural gas, solar, wind, hydrogen fuel cells or batteries-We are there for you leading the fight in Albany.

Our members and projects cover the length and breadth of our great state and for that reason, we are a trusted counselor to the Governor and members of the legislature on both sides of the aisle.

If you are just a visitor, we appreciate your stopping by. In our non-member section you will find information ranging from memos in opposition or support of important legislation, to press releases and reports and everything in between. Feel free to use us as a resource.

As we move toward our 40 th anniversary in 2026, IPPNY continues to grow, innovate and lead. That much will never change.

Sincerely,
Gavin J. Donohue
President and CEO
Independent Power Producers of New York