News

City Selects Energy and Sustainability Manager

April 28, 2010

Contact:
Kim McMillan (704) 336-2643
Catherine Bonfiglio (704) 336-4936

(Charlotte, NC) Robert J. Phocas has been selected as the city of Charlotte's Energy and Sustainability Manager. He is currently an Assistant City Attorney for Environmental Law and Policy.

The Energy and Sustainability Manager is a new position created with funding secured under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, created as part of the 2009 federal stimulus package. The manager will oversee and implement the city's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, which includes 17 projects designed to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce energy consumption, create new green jobs, and increase the use of renewable technologies.

In addition to managing grant activities, Phocas will serve as a lead staff resource and advocate for environmental initiatives and policies within the Environment Focus Area Plan, one of City Council's five focus areas. He will promote best environmental practices throughout the city to maximize investment of block grants and city funds.

Phocas has served in the City Attorney's office since 2006, where he addressed environmental law and policy questions for the city's key business units, including Aviation, CATS, and Engineering and Property Management. He is also counsel to the city council's environment committee on the development and implementation of the City's environmental policies and ordinances.

Prior to joining the City of Charlotte, Phocas practiced environmental law for two years as an associate attorney for Womble Carlyle Sandridge& Rice, PLLC. He also served as Enforcement Counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region One, where he was responsible for the enforcement of federal environmental regulatory laws throughout New England. His past professional experience also includes work as an associate attorney in law firms in both Boston and Washington D.C.

Phocas is a graduate of Duke University School of Law, and the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University where he also received a master's degree in Environmental Economics and Policy. He attended Vassar College, earning a B.A. in history.

In addition to his work for the city, Phocas is a member of the Environmental Sustainability Working Group for the Town of Davidson, and an advisory board member of the Sustainability Program at Central Piedmont Community College. He is also a coach for the North Mecklenburg Youth Soccer Association.

########

The City of Charlotte is pursuing Federal Stimulus Program funding for 21 programs in five categories: Public Safety, Community Development and Job Training, Environment, Energy and Transportation. The City has received $61 million in recovery funds. Detailed information and guidelines for each program is available at http://newsroom.charmeck.org