Experienced public affairs professional with sustainability experience to help organization advance algae industry
SEATTLE – July 8, 2009 – The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) today announced the appointment of Mary Rosenthal as the organization’s first Executive Director. Rosenthal’s main focus will be to help the organization accelerate the development of the algal industry through increasing awareness of the benefits of algae among commercial industry, the general public and policymakers.
Rosenthal has more than 20 years experience in marketing and communications – both with large multinational corporations and entrepreneurial public relations agencies. Most recently, she was the director of Communications and Public Affairs for NatureWorks LLC (NatureWorks), a multi-million dollar business unit and joint venture between Cargill and Teijin of Japan. NatureWorks is the world’s largest manufacturer of bioplastics – the Ingeo™ family of polymers used for packaging, fibers, and non-woven applications.
“I’ve spent the past four years immersed in the world of sustainable plastics, so I am well aware of the huge potential for algae to serve many different needs, including fuel, food and chemicals,” said Rosenthal. “I’m also aware of the challenges involved in bringing new technology to market, and will apply that knowledge and experience to my role with ABO.”
Prior to joining the NatureWorks, Rosenthal served as a vice president of Fleishman-Hillard, part of Omincom, one of the ten largest PR firms in the world. She has also held executive positions with food industry companies including Sartori Foods and Grace Cocoa (now ADM Cocoa).
“This is a pivotal time for the algae industry, and ABO members will benefit from focused and centralized leadership,” said Billy Glover, managing director of Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes “The ABO, with has representatives from a cross section of the industry, is increasingly turned to as a source for information, guidance and action. Mary’s experience is a perfect fit and we’re looking forward to supporting her in taking the organization to the next level.”
Founded one year ago, the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and advocate for the development of commercially-viable transportation and power generation fuels as well as other non-energy applications for algal biomass. During the past 12 months, members of the organization’s board as well as several member companies have been called upon by members of Congress and other policymakers for information on technical issues and economic and environmental benefits of a thriving algae industry.
The ABO will present the third annual Algae Biomass Summit October 7-9, 2009 at the Marriot San Diego Hotel & Marina in San Diego, California. During the course of the event, leaders and attendees will discuss issues of critical importance to the emerging algal industry, including the commercial viability of algal production, current government and private initiatives, evolving technologies, processing concepts, life cycle analysis and venture/project finance. The ABO is still accepting proposals for papers and presentations – information is available via the website.
About the ABO
The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and advocate for the development of commercially-viable transportation and power generation fuels as well as other non-energy applications for algae biomass. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website.
Contact:
John Williams, Scoville PR for ABO
206-625-0075, jwilliams@scovillepr.com