August 7, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Download copy here)
Contact: K.C. McGurren, Executive Director
Telephone: 804-225-9843
kc.mcgurren@earthcraftvirginia.org
www.earthcraftvirginia.org
EarthCraft Virginia Hires Director of External Affairs
EarthCraft Virginia Welcomes Stuart Raper from Solar Electric Power Association in DC
Richmond, VA – August 7, 2012 – EarthCraft Virginia, a local non-profit organization that facilitates the EarthCraft House green building program, today announced the hiring of Stuart Raper as Director of External Affairs. EarthCraft helps member builders construct healthy, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment. Raper will work to strengthen the organization’s marketing strategies, build external relationships with sponsor companies and other external stakeholders, and drive heightened brand awareness in Virginia.
“An important next step for EarthCraft Virginia is to focus on the development of the organization’s brand and message, but we simply have not had adequate time or resources until now,” explained executive director K.C. McGurren. “We are excited to bring Stuart on board to lead these efforts and build recognition for the important work EarthCraft Virginia is doing to advance sustainable, affordable, resource and energy efficient construction through education and technical support,” she said.
Raper brings both non-profit and marketing/communications experience to the organization. In her role at the Solar Electric Power Association for the past three years, she helped coordinate and manage stakeholder relations, support communication strategies, and develop and deliver educational content. Before SEPA, Raper worked in clean technology PR with Brodeur Partners and in water quality and testing at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science.
About EarthCraft Virginia
EarthCraft Virginia, a 501c3 non-profit, was established in 2006 in partnership with the Home Builders Association of Virginia and Southface Energy Institute with assistance from the Virginia Community Development Corporation. The EarthCraft House program, originally founded in 1999 by non-profit Southface and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, serves as a blueprint for energy and resource efficient homes build in the Southeast. Throughout the Southeast the program has certified over 7,000 homes and 13,000 multifamily dwelling units. For more information on EarthCraft or EarthCraft Virginia, please visit www.earthcrafthouse.com and www.earthcraftvirginia.org.
EarthCraft Virginia’s partners include Southface Energy Institute, the Home Builders Association of Virginia, Habitat for Humanity of Virginia, and Virginia Housing Development Authority.
# # #