Office of Governor of State of Oregon : Governor Brown Names Janine Benner Director of the Oregon Department of Energy

Salem, OR-Governor Kate Brown today announced the appointment of Janine Benner as Director of the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), which is responsible for leading Oregon to a safe, clean, and sustainable future, including addressing critical issues like climate change.

'Janine is an innovative leader with a wealth of experience in management, energy policy, and climate change,' Governor Brown said. 'Her background and expertise will well serve the agency and further our ongoing efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions in Oregon while keeping energy reliable and affordable.'

An Oregon native, Benner joined ODOE in February 2017 after more than 16 years in Washington, D.C. Before ODOE, Benner was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. Department of Energy, where she was the Associate Assistant Secretary at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for House Affairs. Prior to that, she served as an advisor to Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer for over a decade, most recently as his Deputy Chief of Staff. Benner earned her Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University.

Benner has served as Acting Director of ODOE since October 2017, following the departure of Michael Kaplan. Pending confirmation by the Senate, Benner's appointment is effective Jan. 2, 2018.

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