George Coling Retires as NFFN Executive Director

George Coling, executive director of the National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN), has retired effective December 31. NFFN is a national organization whose member organizations administer, promote and financially support charitable energy assistance programs.

Coling had held the position since 1997. During his tenure, the NFFN's membership increased to more than 300 fuel funds, utilities and government agencies, the NFFN joined with the National Low Income Energy Consortium to present the nation's largest annual conference on low-income energy issues, and the NFFN became a leading advocate for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Kathy Walgren, a former executive director of THAW Fund in Michigan and a former member and chairperson of the NFFN board of directors, was selected to serve as interim executive director through June when a permanent executive director is expected to be named.

"George's day-to-day leadership, his desire to move our organization forward and his dedication to helping people has been unparalleled," said NFFN Board Chairperson Marsha Belcher. "The NFFN is better, more effective, and stronger because of the work George did over the years."

Source: NLIEC news, December 31, 2012