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Purdue alumnus tapped for energy and environment role in Department of Defense

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Brendan Owens, a Purdue alumnus and John Martinson Honors College Dean’s Advisory Council member, has been nominated by President Biden to serve as Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment, Department of Defense (DoD).

An industry leader with 25 years of experience in energy and sustainability, Owens’ expertise began on campus at Purdue University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1997.  Since then, he has enjoyed an impactful career, including 19 years with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), where he supported the technical development of USGBC’s LEED Green Building Rating System, as well as the creation of numerous other building sector standards and codes for green buildings, net zero energy buildings, and grid interactive buildings. Currently, he is principal of Black Vest Strategy, a consultancy focused on policy and technical strategy related to the interlocking issues of health, equity, and climate. He is also co-founder of Ecountabl, Inc., which helps people find and support companies that share their values, such as sustainability, gender equality and human rights.  Owens has also served as a member of the Honors College Advisory Board for six years.

“I am humbled and honored by President Biden’s nomination and by the confidence that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks have placed in me,” Owens said. “If confirmed, I will be continuing a long family history of public service and could not be prouder. I have appreciated the ability to serve the students and faculty in Purdue’s Honors College and, along the way, learn a number of things about community, leadership and empathy. I hope to be able to apply these lessons within DoD if I’m fortunate enough to be confirmed."

“During Brendan’s time on the advisory board, we have benefited greatly from his experience and insight, as well as his passion for innovative student success,” said Rhonda Phillips, dean of the John Martinson Honors College.  “His guidance in ensuring that our kHonors College 322,000 square foot complex built in 2016 earned Gold LEED ranking and by encouraging sustainability aspects in our programming have been invaluable. We’re proud to call a Boilermaker of such achievement a colleague and will watch his next giant leap with great anticipation.”

Owens was announced by President Biden among a list of key nominees for several positions.  His nomination has been sent to the United States Senate for confirmation. 

Writer: Logan Judy ljudy@purdue.edu