Whitten will lead SEIAs work highlighting the value solar energy brings to the American economy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced today that it has named long time journalist and communications professional Dan Whitten as its Vice President of Communications.

Whitten will lead SEIAs work highlighting the value solar energy brings to the American economy and he will be heavily involved in advancing the public discourse about critical policy issues, such as the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

"Dan is widely respected among energy experts in and out of Washington and we are thrilled to have someone with his depth of knowledge and experience join SEIAs team," said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch. "With his extensive work on comprehensive advocacy and communications campaigns, and his great passion to tell compelling stories about America's energy landscape, I know that Dan will advance SEIA's priorities in a very significant way."

Whitten comes to SEIA after more than 15 years as an energy and environmental journalist including as a Bloomberg News energy reporter in Washington, where he covered legislative, regulatory and financial aspects of U.S. climate and energy policy debates.

Most recently, Whitten served as a senior director of communications at Americas Natural Gas Alliance overseeing the groups earned media efforts and playing a significant leadership role in advertising and social media campaigns, as well as the groups core issue campaigns.

Whitten joins SEIA as the association seeks to raise awareness about solar energys essential role in the energy revolution taking place in the United States and around the world. Central to that work is extending the ITC, which not only has advanced clean, affordable, reliable energy in this country, but also triggered massive private investment - nearly $70 billion has been pumped into the U.S. economy since the ITC was passed in 2006.

"This is a truly exciting time to be crossing the bridge and advocating for solar energy," Whitten said. "Solar provides a clear solution for policy makers, businesses and individuals seeking job creation and economic growth as well as cost-effective, carbon-free electricity. Its a great and growing industry and I am thrilled to be jumping on board."

Prior to working at Bloomberg, Whitten was primary congressional correspondent for Platts. He also has won three awards from the American Society for Business Publication Editors and holds a Master's degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins University.