About Operation Fuel

Operation Fuel is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that low- and moderate- income Connecticut households have access to energy and water assistance, particularly during times of financial hardship or crisis. Operation Fuel works to reduce energy burden, promote energy efficiency, and ensure that all Connecticut residents can affordably meet their basic energy needs.

Operation Fuel was founded in 1977 during a period of unprecedented energy prices and economic challenges in Connecticut. It emerged as a grassroots response to the energy crisis, with concerned citizens and community organizations coming together to address the urgent need for energy assistance and efficiency among low-income households. The organization was established with the aim of providing emergency energy assistance to those facing financial difficulties, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families could affordably heat their homes during difficult times.

In 1983, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 83-505 mandating gas and electric companies serving more than 75,000 customers to provide an opportunity for their customers to add one dollar to their monthly bill payment, with the contributions directed to Operation Fuel. These funds were, and are, to be used solely for direct assistance to Connecticut households. During the 1989 legislative session, Public Act 83-505 was amended to delete reference to the Christian Conference of Connecticut (which had been the operator of the Operation Fuel program prior to its attainment of independent 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status) and to designate Operation Fuel, Inc. as the recipient and administrator of Add-a-Dollar funds. Advocating for Operation Fuel clients continued in 2020 when the Take Back the Grid Act established that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) direct fines levied on utility companies to Operation Fuel to disburse as energy assistance to clients. For more information, please visit https://operationfuel.org/.

‍

The Opportunity

Operation Fuel seeks its next CEO to serve as the face of Operation Fuel and is expected to bring a compelling vision, implement strategic direction, and foster strong coalitions with a variety of partners and allies. The CEO is expected to ensure continued success and positive organizational progress and evolution. The CEO is also expected to be an effective communicator who is comfortable and capable of securing sustainable financial support from new and existing funders. The CEO will be a strong leader who is understanding of the communities Operation Fuel serves and will work with the Board of Directors, key stakeholders, and government leaders to anticipate emerging trends and opportunities, which will ensure Operation Fuel is leading the way in the energy assistance and energy efficiency sectors. This position offers a tremendous opportunity to ensure equitable access to energy for all by providing energy and water assistance, promoting energy independence, and advocating for affordable energy.

‍

Contact

Liz Lombard and Angie Sessoms of Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, have been exclusively retained for this engagement. To express interest in this role, please fill out our https://talent-profile.diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/v2/20895?_gl=1*h7512m*_ga*MjExMjg1MTg2My4xNzEyNTkwMzM0*_ga_R1M9LYHJ5R*MTcxNTI4NzUwNS4yOS4xLjE3MTUyODc1ODEuNDkuMC4w or email Angie directly at asessoms@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.

‍

About Koya Partners

Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world. Learn more on the https://diversifiedsearchgroup.com/koya-partners/.