Alvarez previously had been serving as First Wind’s executive vice president (EVP) and COO operating officer, overseeing the company’s construction, engineering, operations, information technology, and facilities.
Alvarez joined First Wind in 2006 from Edison International, where he was the vice president of strategic planning. Prior to Edison, he served as EVP, chief financial officer and general counsel at Nexant Inc.
Before Nexant, Alvarez was at PSG International in London, where he managed the development of the $2.3 billion, 1,700-kilometer TransCaspian natural gas pipeline. Previously, he was a senior executive at Kenetech Energy Systems Inc., successfully managing the development of electric generation projects, as well as a global operating portfolio of wind, gas, biomass, and oil-fired projects. A Trustee of the California State Parks Foundation, Alvarez holds bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Virginia.
“Michael possesses both the breadth and depth of industry experience and the leadership abilities that are essential to First Wind’s future success and growth, and we are pleased to recognize his many contributions to our company with this promotion,” said Gaynor. “He will continue to take a lead role in the day-to-day management of the company, achievement of First Wind’s goals, and implementation of the processes we have established to drive our continued growth.”
“This is a challenging and exciting time in the wind energy industry, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues at First Wind as we work to meet the need for clean, renewable energy sources in North America,” said Alvarez.
