CaFCP’s Catherine Dunwoody Moving into New Role at ARB

After 15 years as the California Fuel Cell Partnership’s executive director, Catherine Dunwoody is stepping into a new role at the California Air Resources Board.

In 1999, CaFCP started as a collaboration between auto, energy and fuel cell companies and the State of California. Catherine, a member of ARB’s staff, was selected to provide day-to-day leadership and management for the organization. She oversaw the building of CaFCP’s iconic headquarters and first hydrogen station, the growth from eight members to more than 30 and the expansion of California’s hydrogen station network. CaFCP has grown into an internationally recognized organization leading the transition of fuel cell electric vehicles into the commercial market.

“On behalf of CaFCP’s members, we congratulate Catherine on her new position and applaud the State selecting Catherine for this new role,” said Robert Bienenfeld, CaFCP’s Executive Board Chair and Assistant Vice President, Environment and Energy Strategy at American Honda. “Along with AB8 that establishes funding for hydrogen stations and the appointment of the ZEV Infrastructure Project Manager in the Governor’s office, this further demonstrates the State’s continuing commitment to fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen. CaFCP members are similarly committed to the organization’s mission and activities.”

Recognizing CaFCP’s significant achievements under Catherine’s leadership, ARB is eager to have her move into a new position to escalate the State’s role in preparing for FCEV commercialization. Catherine will be responsible for ARB’s external coordination among sister agencies at the local, state and federal levels, along with industry participants launching products into the early market. Her primary goal will be to support a successful launch and market growth for FCEVs. She will begin her new role effective August 1, 2014.

“Catherine has made a huge contribution to the CaFCP over the past 15 years, and so much more. Indeed, she has been key to building the momentum toward FCVs in California,” said Prof. Dan Sperling, Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis, an ARB Board Member and past CaFCP chair.” Catherine will continue to be involved with CaFCP through ARB’s membership in the group.