RSVP

Anthony LaRusso

Tony is responsible for Renewable Gas project delivery within National Grid's core operating business. His duties include specific project management, building business processes to incorporate new projects & sources of renewable gas, and project development. Additionally, he is responsible for programs involving gas quality, integrating sources of supply, system monitoring and training programs within National Grid.

Prior to this work in Operations Codes & Compliance, Tony held positions within National Grid's LNG operations as a plant supervisor, compliance & training manager & ultimately manager of National Grid's RI LNG Operations. His early career in the gas industry included roles as a project engineer designing capital gas facility projects.

Tony began his engineering career as a Coast Guard Naval Engineering Officer supervising and operating the ship's engineering plants and later managing maintenance and engineering programs in fleet support.

As Ocean State Clean Cities Coordinator, Wendy Lucht has been promoting the use of alternative fuels, hybrids, idle reduction technologies and fuel economy measures. She has facilitated networking among public and private fleet managers, fuel providers, and state energy officials. Prior to becoming Clean Cities Coordinator, Wendy was a Budget Analyst at the URI Budget Office, and a Manager at The Bay Institute of San Francisco. Wendy has a Master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Policy from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She also has a Bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY.

Representative Naughton is a native Rhode Islander, first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives on November 3, 1992. She serves as a member of House Finance and House Rules Committees, and also Chairs the Legislative Aquaculture Commission, the Bay Trust Commission, and the Special Commission to Develop and Promote a Comprehensive Plan for Visually Impaired and Blind Children.

Outside of her direct legislative committee assignments, she serves on the Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management Council, the Agriculture and Land Preservation Commission, the Rivers Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the RI Economic Policy Council. Her community service includes the Board of Directors for: Warwick Chamber of Commerce, the Warwick Historical Society, the Warwick Arts Foundation, the Gaspee Days Committee, the Conimicut Village Association, the Ocean State Lyric Opera, TechACCESS, and the Ocean State Business Development Corporation. She also works with the Council of State Governments on a variety of leadership issues for the nation. Her focus in government and public service has been centered about a 4’E theme: Education; Environment; Economy; and Engagement.

Tom Verry

For the past twelve years Tom has worked as the Director of Field Services for the Missouri Soybean Association. Tom was responsible for developing soybased industrial products and turning them into value-added opportunities for Missouri soybean producers. Tom has worked on biodiesel for twelve years in Missouri helping to develop state biodiesel policies, regulations and markets. Tom is a 1987 graduate of University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics.

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Coastal Institute

University of Rhode Island

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