Plextronics, Inc. announced that Kathleen McGinty, former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), has accepted an advisory position with the company. She will provide guidance to Plextronics’ senior management team on the general strategic direction of the company, as well as help build and maintain relationships with government officials and other key players in the energy industry.

“Katie has been a longtime advocate for clean energy companies in Pennsylvania, and we’re delighted that she’s agreed to serve as an advisor to Plextronics,” said Andy Hannah, CEO of Plextronics. “Her experience, personality and background make her a wonderful resource for our team and we look forward to working with her,” he added.

McGinty is currently a founding partner with Peregrine Technology Partners LLC, a firm focused on the commercialization of clean technologies. She is also an operating partner at Element LLC, a private equity firm investing in early and mid-stage clean technology companies. Additionally, McGinty serves as a director at NRG Energy, Inc., a leading wholesale power company; Energy East, a gas and electric utility in New York and New England; and Weston Solutions, Inc., an environmental remediation firm.

While serving as Secretary of the Pennsylvania DEP, McGinty helped lead the state’s successful effort to attract market-leading clean tech and renewable energy companies to headquarter and manufacture in Pennsylvania, brining more than $1 billion in new investment and creating some 3,000 jobs.

Prior to her service in Pennsylvania, McGinty was Bill Clinton’s chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and legislative assistant and environmental advisor to then-Senator Al Gore. She also was a senior visiting fellow for a year in New Delhi, India, at the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI). She holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from Saint Joseph’s University and J.D. from Columbia University School of Law, as well as three honorary doctorates in public service and humane letters.