Climate Prosperity, Inc. Selects Andre Pettigrew, Denver Economic Development Executive, as Executive Director

ST. LOUIS, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Andre N. Pettigrew, a Denver economic development executive, has been chosen as the first Executive Director of Climate Prosperity, Inc., Richard C.D. Fleming, President of the Board of Trustees, announced today.

Climate Prosperity, Inc. (www.climateprosperityproject.org) is a national, non-profit 501-c-3 public-purpose organization that seeks to advance community efforts to address the challenges of climate change from the perspective of economic development opportunities. The one-year old organization has received startup and ongoing funding support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the California-based Marisala Foundation

Fleming, President and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), commented, "Andre brings broad-gauged economic development and public policy experience to his new position. We are delighted to have recruited a professional of his stature."

Since 2007, Pettigrew has served as cabinet head of Economic Development and International Trade in the administration of Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. Previously, he served as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer of the Denver Public School system, as well as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Personnel and General Services in the cabinet of then- Colorado Gov. Roy Romer.

Pettigrew also previously served as Vice President for Economic Development, and Director of the Boulder, Colo. Development Commission at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.

Reflecting on his new position, Pettigrew observed, "The Climate Prosperity Project is committed to the creation of a low-carbon and prosperous American economy by utilizing regional economic development strategies and resources as a path to sustainability. More than ever, communities recognize that successful 'climate action' can be measured in terms of business expansion and growth, innovation, capital formation and job creation, as well as by environmental enhancement. We will emphasize these economic measures in addition to the environmental measures that are typically associated with climate change."

Mayor Hickenlooper said, "Andre and his management team reset the Office of Economic Development priorities in light of our tough economy by focusing on jobs and supporting Denver businesses. Clearly, a number of innovative programs initiated under Andre's direction ― and in direct response to our challenging economy ― have laid a good foundation for economic development in our City."

Climate Prosperity, Inc. is seeking to demonstrate the viability of its regional economic development strategy by increasing "Green Savings, Green Opportunity, and Green Talent." The organization's initial focus has been to establish a national organization and to fund and partner with four Pilot Communities. These communities ― Silicon Valley, CA; St. Louis, MO; Portland, OR; and Denver, CO ― are already well along in their regional strategies.

Rockefeller Brothers Fund Program Director for Sustainable Development Michael Northrop commented, "The Rockefeller Brothers Fund is pleased be an active funding and substantive partner in the continuing evolution of Climate Prosperity, Inc. as a national platform for demonstrating that responding to climate change and economic development can go hand-in-hand. The recruitment of Andre Pettigrew as Executive Director brings a unique blend of relevant experience, knowledge and skills to the Climate Prosperity effort."

Pettigrew will be charged with executing Climate Prosperity, Inc.'s business and organizational plans, including managing relationships with the four existing pilot communities and other organizational partners; representing Climate Prosperity, Inc. at state and national forums; and developing and managing fundraising strategies and proposals. He will be based at the organization's national headquarters at 1429 21st Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

SOURCE St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association