The Virginia Department of Energy’s (Virginia Energy) Director, John Warren, announced he will retire. Warren returned to the agency in 2015 upon appointment into the role. He had previously served Virginia Energy as Director of the State Energy Office 2000-2007.
An alumnus of Virginia Tech, Warren served three governors during his over seven years as Director. He oversaw the development of three Virginia Energy Plans. In 2020, he navigated the entire agency through COVID, approving and executing plans that kept employees safe and continued to provide exceptional service.
John oversaw a complete reorganization and rebranding of what used to be the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy in 2021 to the Virginia Department of Energy. In that reorganization, he saw the opportunities for a renewed and increased focus on economic development in southwest Virginia. Not long after, Virginia celebrated $1 billion in energy efficiency savings through the Energy Savings Performance Contracting Program under his leadership. That made Virginia the second state to reach that achievement.
During his time at Virginia Energy, John has been open to innovation, change, and has proven adaptable to whatever came his way, including a pandemic. He worked hard to remind each employee of the important role that the agency plays in the big picture of government and will leave a lasting legacy at Virginia Energy. We are grateful for his leadership.
There have been no announcements or nominations for a new Director.