Transmission Developers Inc. Names Jennifer Laird-White Director of Community Relations for the Champlain Hudson Power Express

Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI) announced today the appointment of Jennifer Laird-White to the new position of Director of Community Relations for the company’s Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission project. In this role, she will support TDI’s transmission development that will enable the state to meet its ambitious clean energy goals.

“We are delighted to have Jen join our development team. Her years of experience as Mayor, and her prior experience as a journalist, make her an ideal conduit to communities throughout New York State,” said TDI CEO Donald Jessome. “Jen understands that clean energy infrastructure development requires a thoughtful approach aimed at building community consensus.”

The highly-respected community advocate is concluding her third, and final term, as Mayor of the Village of Nyack, NY. During her time as Mayor, the village recovered from a major funding deficit, saw renewed economic development, undertook several beautification projects and became a leader in the areas of Sustainability and Accessibility.

In the Village of Nyack, the office of Mayor is a part-time position. While TDI is not requesting permits or approvals from the village, Ms. Laird-White will recuse herself from any TDI- or energy-related issues that may arise before the end of the year.

“I look forward to serving TDI, my neighbors and stakeholders throughout New York State with the skills I developed as a champion for Rockland County communities,” said Laird-White. “As an advocate and Mayor, I worked to improve our community by listening intently and translating residents’ goals into positive proactive actions. I am excited to apply these skills in the private sector with TDI.”

Laird-White, her freelance cameraman husband and their children have been residents of Rockland County, NY for twenty years. Prior to her time as Mayor, she worked as a correspondent and producer with CBS News. Before her time with CBS News, she worked in documentary filmmaking and commercial production.

Laird-White’s volunteer and public service experience extends well beyond her role as Mayor. She is the founder of the not-for-profit Nyack Park Conservancy and served on the Board of the Edward Hopper House. Furthermore, she has served as a Nyack Park Commissioner and was an appointee to Governor Cuomo’s Mass Transit Task Force.

About the Champlain Hudson Power Express
The Champlain Hudson Power Express Project is a completely buried, 333-mile HVDC transmission line that will be installed underground and underwater, originating at the U.S.-Canada border and running the length of Lake Champlain and through parts of the Hudson River to New York City.

In development since 2008, the project will bring 1,000 megawatts of clean, reliable energy to meet growing needs and is at the forefront of America’s emerging “smart grid” revolution. The project is projected to reduce energy costs for consumers and businesses by $650 million a year once complete. These savings are estimated to create 2,400 new jobs across a wide spectrum of the economy and will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 2.2 million metric tons per year.

The project will also diversify the state’s energy portfolio and increase the electric grid’s safety and security by creating new, hardened infrastructure that is less susceptible to damage from natural disasters.

About TDI
TDI is a Blackstone portfolio company with offices in New York City and Albany, N.Y. that develops unique energy transmission projects in an environmentally responsible manner. The company is currently developing the Champlain Hudson Power Express (www.chpexpress.com). More information on the company is available at www.transmissiondevelopers.com.