Jill Vassar will Spearhead Development and Fundraising Effortsfor New $74 Million Energy Innovation Center
San Antonio, TX, December 19, 2016 -- EPIcenter, the $74 million energy innovation center planned for just south of downtown, on the banks of the San Antonio River and along the Mission Reach, formally announces the appointment of Jill H. Vassar as Director of Development and Partnerships.
Vassar joins Kimberly Britton, CEO, to create the powerhouse team that will transform the historic, century-old Mission Road Power plant into a world-class center for clean energy innovation.
Vassar has almost 25 years’ experience in economic development, strategic planning, governance, marketing, and development. She served as a Vice President of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation and the first Director of Advancement at Good Samaritan Community Services.
In addition to her professional roles, she has served on many nonprofit boards such as the Witte Museum, the Charity Ball Association, and St. Luke’s Episcopal School and is President-elect of the National Charity League San Antonio Rose Chapter.
Vassar graduated cum laude with a B.A. in economics from Wellesley College and is an alumna of Leadership San Antonio Class 25.
“Jill comes to EPIcenter with a stellar fundraising and stakeholder relations background and I am thrilled to serve with her on this groundbreaking project,” Britton said. “EPIcenter will cement San Antonio’s worldwide role in the new energy economy and reflects the culmination of our collective experience.”
The capital campaign for EPIcenter is already underway and has an estimated $74 million goal. Britton says, “Support for the project will come from foundations, corporations, and individuals both within and outside of San Antonio.”
To date, EPIcenter has received $22 million in cash and in-kind donations, including the property, from founding sponsors CPS Energy, OCI Solar Power, Silver Spring Networks and Landis+Gyr.
Construction is slated to begin as soon as a critical mass of funding is secured. Officials project to complete the project in 2020-2021.
EPI stands for Energy - Partnerships - Innovation. EPIcenter is flipping the switch on an historic 1909 power plant by transforming it into a world-class center that will be the hub for clean energy technology innovation, education and community engagement, and entrepreneurial incubation and ideation. Learn more at epicenterus.org.
