Perry, Nierengarten elected to Arkansas energy group leadership roles

Walmart executive Lisa Perry and Peter Nierengarten, city of Fayetteville environmental director, have been elected to leadership positions with the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association and the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, respectively.

Perry, Walmart director of utility partnerships-regulatory, was elected chair of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) during the board’s recent quarterly meeting.

“I’m honored to take this role so we can push energy policy that will move the state forward at both the legislative and regulatory level,” Perry said. “When you hear the amount of load that is coming, the system is not ready. To meet this need, we will have to work together creatively. We’ve got a challenging energy landscape in Arkansas and we need to make sure we’re using all the tools we have. We [AAEA] have a lot more bandwidth now, so this is an opportunity to push forward even more. That’s my hope over my two-year tenure.”

In her Walmart role, Perry is involved in helping Walmart meet its energy goals by testifying before state regulatory utility commissions on initiatives that prioritize affordability, reliability, and clean energy, according to the AAEA statement.

Perry received a bachelor’s degrees in psychology and a juris doctorate from the University of South Florida. Prior to joining Walmart, Perry represented Walmart as outside counsel in general rate cases and renewable energy dockets before utility Commissions in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

“Her legal expertise and firsthand experience navigating complex energy issues in other states will help Arkansas step up, think bigger, and build collaborative solutions,” said AAEA Executive Director Lauren Waldrip.

Other newly-elected AAEA executive committee board members include vice-chair Gary Moody, program officer, Clean Grid Initiative, a Project of Multiplier; secretary: Elisabeth Bates, head of strategy with Pedal Steel Solar; and treasurer David Stitt, vice president of The Stitt Group.

Nierengarten was elected chair of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF).

“As an Arkansas Advanced Energy Association member for over ten years, it’s very exciting to be elected as the Foundation Board Chair,” Nierengarten said. “I hope to continue growing the Foundation’s role in advancing cost-effective clean energy solutions and advanced energy job creation for Arkansas!”

Nierengarten has worked as Fayetteville’s environmental director since 2012, focusing on improving livability and reducing the energy and carbon footprint for the city. Prior to his Fayetteville job, he spent nine years working for the Portland, Orr., Water Bureau as an engineer, project manager, energy manager, green building consultant, and sustainability advocate. He earned a bachelor and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas.

Other members of the AAEF executive committee board are vice-chair Adam Fogleman, attorney, Pulaski County; secretary Wesley Prewett, program manager with Southern Bancorp; and treasurer Flint Richter, business development executive with Entegrity Energy Partners.

“Peter’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as our work with cities and counties continues to grow,” Waldrip said. “From workforce development to energy efficiency programs, we’re helping municipalities plan for the future—and Peter’s deep understanding of local government needs makes him the perfect partner to guide that mission forward.”