Staff

I. Katherine Magruder, Executive Director

As Executive Director of the Maryland Clean Energy Center, Ms. Magruder is working to advance the adoption of clean energy products, services and technologies in the state. In this capacity she engages in business and workforce development initiatives, advocates for supportive public policy and financing programs.

Ms. Magruder most recently held the position of Chief of Staff at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, known for performing cutting edge research and transfer of technology discoveries to commercial application.

During her appointment to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development as Director of Resource Based Industries, she built a program focused on sustaining agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries and maritime industry sectors. Working with multiple agencies and in direct collaboration with the Maryland Energy Administration, she was a leader in efforts to develop a statewide approach to advancing alternative energy initiatives and business creation.

In the course of her work with various municipalities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, particularly on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Kathy led regional agribusiness and ecotourism initiatives recognizing the significant balance of environment, economy, and cultural character in effective sustainable development. She has written and collaborated on editorial content for several related plan publications, and holds a professional Certificate in Destination Marketing & Management from George Washington University School of Business & Public Management. She is recognized as a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council. Kathy earned her BFA in Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art in 1982.

Deborah Parrish, Administrator

 Before joining MCEC, Ms. Parrish worked at Standard Solar, Inc. in Gaithersburg, holding several positions as she helped grow the start-up company from 10 employees to more than 50. Prior to her work there and in the corporate sector in Maryland and Massachusetts, Deborah had a private psychotherapy practice in Tampa, FL. Her lifetime passion for health and wellness is currently focused on the health and sustainability of Maryland's environment and clean energy economy. She is a proud owner of a 3.6 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, which has generated nearly 7 megawatts of electricity after 16 months.