Clean Cities Coalition Network Honors Louisiana Leader with Benjamin Watson Leadership Award

Louisiana Clean Fuels Coordinator Ann Vail Receives Benjamin Watson Leadership Award

August 12, 2020 - In the world of alternative fuels and vehicles, Ann Vail, Coordinator and Executive Director of Louisiana Clean Fuels, is known for her energy and passion that animate her work in advancing affordable, domestic transportation fuels and technologies in the state of Louisiana., 

On Tuesday, August 11, Vail’s admirable character was recognized by peers in the Clean Cities Coalition Network. During the network’s annual Training Workshop, the Coordinator Council presented Vail with the Benjamin Watson Inspirational Award, given once a year in honor of a long-time coordinator who enriched the Clean Cities community with his/her spirit and engaging personality.

“Ann is very deserving of this peer award,” said Stephen Russell, formerly of Massachusetts Clean Cities who won the award himself in 2019. “The energy she puts forth in her work with Clean Cities is remarkable.”

By sharing opportunities for growth and collaboration outside her own coalition, Vail—who also holds a place in the Clean Cities Hall of Fame—excels at elevating the entire Clean Cities network, comprised of nearly 100 local coalitions that work in their communities to help fleets and drivers transition to economic, environmental transportation options.

“Ann is the kind of person who is ready to help at a moment’s notice,” wrote one colleague who nominated Vail. “She is always ready with a warm smile and a genuine willingness to help.”

To spread the word on learning opportunities to her peers in 2020, for example, Vail took the initiative to coordinate webinars among coalitions that keep stakeholders across the country informed and engaged. The effort has since been enthusiastically embraced by coalitions from around the nation, taking shape as what Vail calls a “master calendar” of Clean Cities webinars, a one-stop-shop to help fellow coordinators promote events covering topics ranging from electric vehicle charging infrastructure to propane school buses.

It’s one example among many where Vail steps in to support others in their work, whether by offering a list of webinars or sharing insight with her peers during Coordinator 101, a training workshop for people new to Clean Cities.

“I was so inspired by her energy, passion, and ability to achieve her goals despite any obstacles,” reflected another anonymous nominator on learning from Vail during Coordinator 101. “Ann is not only focused on building up her own coalition but also supports other coalitions by reaching out to share opportunities for growth and collaboration.”

"This award means a lot to me as it is from my peers in Clean Cities. I’ve never worked with a more passionate, fun and knowledgeable group of people, and I am truly honored."

Contact: Ann Vail | Executive Director, Louisiana Clean Fuels | ann@louisianacleanfuels.org | 225-342-7972

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About Clean Cities: As part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), Clean Cities coalitions foster the nation's economic, environmental, and energy security by working locally to advance affordable, domestic transportation fuels, energy efficient mobility systems, and other fuel-saving technologies and practices. Since beginning in 1993, Clean Cities coalitions have achieved a cumulative impact in energy use equal to nearly 8 billion gasoline gallon equivalents through the implementation of diverse transportation projects. More information is available at www.cleancities.energy.gov.

About Louisiana Clean Fuels:   Louisiana Clean Fuels is a US Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalition, supported by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and member organizations. The mission of LCF is to advance the nation’s environmental, economic, and energy security by supporting local actions to diversify transportation fuel options. Learn more at www.louisianacleanfuels.org. In 2018, Executive Director Ann Vail was inducted into the hall of fame. More information is available at www.louisianacleanfuels.org.

View the complete announcement here: https://louisianacleanfuels.org/announcements.php?id=125