Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Names White House Technology Advisor Ross Gillfillan Communications Lead

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) announced that Ross Gillfillan has joined the organization as vice president of communications. Gillfillan will oversee CRES’ public relations and communications efforts to promote clean energy and smart climate policy.

“With extensive experience in communications and public relations gained during his time in both the White House and private sector, Ross is a welcomed addition to the growing CRES team,” said CRES Executive Director Heather Reams. “Clean energy and innovation go hand-and-hand, and Ross’ background in communicating the vital importance of technology to the economy, jobs and national competitiveness is a tremendous asset to our organization. As CRES continues to advance commonsense energy policies that will help our nation’s economic recovery, Ross will play an essential role in expanding the reach this message.”

Gillfillan joined CRES after serving three years in the Trump Administration where his roles included director of strategic communications for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), senior tech policy advisor to the director of the Domestic Policy Council (DPC), and senior advisor for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Prior to joining the administration, Gillfillan spent nearly two decades in the private sector, helping solve complex communications challenges for some of the world’s most innovative scientific and technology-focused organizations. After September 11 he served as director of marketing and communications for Hinman Consulting Engineers, helping communicate the importance of integrating structural security into our public buildings without sacrificing design. Then, as a vice president for Ogilvy Public Relations, a top ten global strategic communications agency, Gillfillan managed consultant teams to assist clients around the world. After Ogilvy, he cofounded Torch Communications, a boutique public relations firm serving technology, advanced energy and life science clients. At Torch he led the startup portfolio, advising tech founders and venture investors in biotechnology, supercomputing, advanced materials, and energy storage and production, among other industries, on message development, public relations initiatives, campaign strategy, and crisis communications management. He served on the leadership team for Peter Thiel’s “20 Under 20” Thiel Fellowship, advising each class of Thiel Fellows on communication strategy for startups.

“Over the course of my career I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to effectively communicate truly transformative, breakthrough ideas to gain traction for the long haul,” said Gillfillan. “I’m very excited to join CRES, working with conservative leaders to communicate the value of smart energy policies that boost America’s economy and protect the environment for generations to come. With campaigns like Clean Energy Forward, CRES continues to lead the way in advancing robust, technology-driven climate solutions. At this critical moment, clean energy jobs are essential for moving our country forward and laying the foundation for economic recovery.”

In May, CRES launched Clean Energy Forward, a campaign to highlight the important role clean energy policies play in reviving the economy and getting Americans back to work. Last week, CRES and The Western Way (TWW) released a survey that found that two-thirds (67 percent) of Republican and Republican-leaning voters agree making investments in clean energy are important to our nation’s effort to rebuild the economy after the coronavirus shutdown. Additionally, three-quarters of respondents support federal action to accelerate the development and use of clean energy in the United States.

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Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) engages Republican policymakers and the public about responsible, conservative solutions to address our nation’s energy, economic, and environmental security while increasing America’s competitive edge

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