David Whipple is a Senior Director of Industry Development at Empire State Development, the economic development arm of the New York State government. David leads Empire State Development’s efforts in creating jobs and attracting investment in the renewable energy and clean tech sectors. He works closely with partners including NY-BEST, NYSERDA, NYPA, NY Green Bank, NYSTAR, the U.S. Department of Energy, elected officials, industrial property owners, local IDAs, and local utilities. Together with these partners, David helps renewable energy businesses establish manufacturing operations in New York State. David has been very involved with initiatives relating growing this industry in New York, including the Climate Leadership Community Protection Act (CLCPA), offshore wind supply chain development, the energy storage roadmap, the hydrogen hub, and others.
David is keenly aware that attracting manufacturers requires an inventory of shovel ready sites, a talented workforce, and incentives. Following Governor Hochul’s commitment to shovel readiness, David led the team that developed and implemented the FAST NY Shovel Ready Grant Program to ensure that sites in New York can match the speed to market required by industry.
David is on the board of Directors for New York Battery Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST). He has an MBA from Clarkson University and a BS in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport.
