By Kevin Rabinovitch
Dear RTC Community,
For those I haven’t met, I’m Kevin Rabinovitch, Global Vice President of Sustainability, Mars, and I’m writing today with two important organizational updates.
The RTC is Now a Standalone Nonprofit
The RTC is officially a non-profit corporation with an application for 501(c)(3) status pending before the Internal Revenue Service. This transition represents more than a legal milestone; it marks our evolution into an independent entity capable of driving even greater impact.
Our newly formed Board brings deep expertise and institutional knowledge to the RTC. Alongside me as Board President, we’re fortunate to have representatives from each of our founding organizations: Brad Townsend from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), David Gardiner from David Gardiner and Associates (DGA), and Marty Spitzer from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Trina Mallik, who has co-chaired the RTC Community Benefits Advisory Board for several years, rounds out our initial five-member Board. We will expand to nine seats in the coming months, ensuring diverse perspectives guide our strategic direction.
This moment holds special significance for me as a founding Member of the RTC. Serving as the RTC’s first Board President is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously.
Honoring a Legacy, Embracing New Leadership
With this transition comes a bittersweet announcement: Blaine Collison, our founding Executive Director, is retiring. Blaine’s vision and leadership have been nothing short of transformational. The success that enables us to stand as an independent organization today is a testament to his dedication and strategic guidance. We’re deeply grateful for everything Blaine has contributed to the RTC community and for helping build an organization strong enough to be ready for a leadership transition.
David Gardiner, President of DGA, will serve as interim Executive Director while we conduct a national search for our next permanent leader. Our talented team of staff across the three founding organizations is already stepping up to ensure seamless continuity in serving our growing community of Members and Solutions Providers during this transition.
Looking Ahead
The RTC is a vitally important organization, and its mission of connecting industrial sustainability leaders with innovative technology providers to solve our toughest thermal decarbonization challenges has never been more critical. We have strong momentum, a committed community, and a clear path forward.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we’re building a more sustainable future.
Kevin Rabinovitch
Board President, Renewable Thermal Collaborative
Global Vice President of Sustainability, Mars
