NHA's Church Ciocci Named One of International Hydro Industry's All-Time Most Influential People

Church Ciocci Only Woman on International Water Power & Dam Construction's List

Washington, D.C. (November 30, 2009) – National Hydropower Association Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci has been named to International Water Power & Dam Construction's recent list of the all-time most influential people in the international hydropower industry. A panel of industry experts selected the finalists from dozens of nominations sent to the magazine by readers around the world.

Church Ciocci is the only woman on this list. Other Americans on the list included recent Henwood Award winners W.B. "Bill" Smith, Ronald Corso, and David Youlen. Youlen is also a former NHA President.

International Water Power & Dam Construction singled out Church Ciocci's work with NHA to "double its membership, strengthen its financial position, and significantly increase its political stature and public voice in North America."

"There is no doubt that Linda is a major advocate for the North American hydro industry," said Carrieann Stocks, Editor of International Water Power & Dam Construction. "Not only has she helped double NHA's membership and strengthen its financial position, but has also made sure that the hydro industry’s voice is heard by government decision makers and the general public."

Stocks also noted that Church Ciocci has been a leader in building relationships with other renewable-energy organizations and NGOs around the world. "She has helped advance hydropower’s interest both in North America and worldwide," Stocks said. "By forging important partnerships with sister renewable organizations, Linda is also helping to keep hydro at the forefront of renewable developments."

Since becoming NHA's executive director in 1991, Church Ciocci has been a leading advocate for ensuring that Americans will continue to benefit from the energy, environmental, and economic benefits hydropower has offered for more than a century.

"The fact that she received a significant number of nominations from our readers is a testament to just how well-respected she is amongst the hydro community," Stocks said. "A very proactive member of the industry, Linda is a worthy addition to the list."

View International Water Power & Dam Construction's complete list of the 60 most influential people in the hydropower industry at http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/story.asp?sectionCode=46&storyCode=2054314.