"Jim has extensive experience commercializing technologies and building successful public-private partnerships in the renewable energy industry," said Ian Rogoff, chairman of NIREC's board of trustees. "I am confident that Jim's effective leadership combined with NIREC's highly collaborative business model will significantly expand NIREC's ability to support promising technologies and the creation of spin-out companies."

NIREC integrates researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, business executives and financial capital to identify, fund and accelerate the commercialization of renewable energy technologies. Croce joins many of Nevada's top sustainable energy experts who serve on NIREC's boards.

"Nevada is rich in sustainable energy resources and has the potential to be a preeminent leader in renewable energy research, development, production and deployment," said Croce. "A vibrant ecosystem consisting of effective public-private partnerships is critical to advancing innovation and creating jobs nationally, and I look forward to building on the foundation that NIREC has established."

Croce served as President and CEO of NextEnergy from 2003 to 2008, developing the nonprofit into one of the nation's leading organizations fostering entrepreneurial development in alternative energy and securing business commitments that generated new investments and jobs.

Prior to accepting NIREC's position, Croce was President and COO of the Lipten Company, a renewable energy project development firm located in Michigan. Prior to his leadership role at NextEnergy and Lipten, he held positions at DTE Energy Technologies, MCN Corporation, 3M and ANR Pipeline Company.

Croce was appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to three-year terms on the state's Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board in 2005 and the Renewable Fuels Commission in 2006.

Croce is a Wayne State University graduate and serves on the school's Engineering College Board of Visitors and Electrical Engineering Industrial Advisory Council. Croce was named TechTown Developer of the Year in 2005, and 2007 Grant Thornton Leader and Innovator. He is co-founder and board member of the Michigan Sustainable Energy Coalition, and board member of Forgotten Harvest.

ABOUT NIREC

NIREC is a nonprofit public-private partnership that integrates researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, business executives, and financial capital to identify, fund and accelerate the development of renewable energy technologies. NIREC generates jobs through the commercialization and widespread deployment of renewable energy solutions.

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