For Immediate Release:  January 24, 2007                                                            Print Version (word)

GOVERNOR GIBBONS APPOINTS ENERGY ADVISOR

Carson City, NV – Noting the importance of pro-growth energy policy throughout the state, Governor Jim Gibbons appointed Hatice Gecol (hah-TEE-chay GET-chull) as Director of the Nevada State Office of Energy and Energy/Science Advisor to the Governor. Gecol will serve on the Governor’s executive staff and will advise the Governor on all aspects of energy policy and development. She will also work closely with the Nevada Department of Energy to address the needs of our growing state and promote greater energy independence. “Alternative energy development and energy independence has been a priority of mine since entering public service and I intend to continue fostering pro-growth polices as Governor,” said Governor Gibbons. “I am confident that Hatice Gecol’s extensive experience will provide an invaluable resource to our state’s ongoing efforts to increase our alternative energy capabilities.” "I am honored by the appointment and looking forward to serving the people of this great State. Nevada is at a crossroads when it comes to energy. We have an opportunity to develop and implement clean energy technologies such as Coal to Clean Fuel, Geothermal, Wind, Solar, and Biofuels. I look forward to helping Governor Gibbons and the people of Nevada to take steps towards energy independence," said Gecol. Prior to her appointment, Gecol served as Associate Professor in the Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. She also served as Assistant Professor to that department from August 2000-July 2006. A recipient of 10 research grants, Gecol has extensive knowledge in alternative energy development. In Nevada, a predominant number of the grants she received focused on developing and implementing a novel biodiesel production technology and biodiesel feedstocks, studies for NOx emission reduction and the conversion of the campus fleet at the University of Nevada, Reno from Petroleum Diesel to B20 Biodiesel. Additionally, Gecol was the primary or co-author of over 24 publications in scholarly journals, conference proceedings, and a book as well as 39 invited and conference presentations. Gecol’s extensive educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Istanbul Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey; Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO and a Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, Norman , OK.

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Brent Boynton, Communications Director (775) 684-5668 - Melissa Subbotin, Press Secretary (775) 684-5667  
Office of the Governor . 101 North Carson Street . Carson City, NV 89701 .  Fax: (775) 684-7198
Grant Sawyer State Office Bldg . 555 East Washington, Suite 5100 . Las Vegas, NV 89101 . Fax: (702) 486-2505