Seasoned Talent Brought on Board to ‘Flip the Switch’ on Development and Fundraising Efforts for New Energy Innovation Center
Press Release – San Antonio, TX, December 22, 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 Kimberly M. Britton as Chief Executive Officer and Jill H. Vassar as Director of Development and Partnerships.
This powerhouse team is leading the effort in transforming the historic, century-old Mission Road Power plant, which exemplifies the rich history of energy generation in San Antonio, into a world-class center that will serve as a cradle for invention and a catalyst for clean energy innovation.
Britton, in addition to heading the organization, has laid the groundwork for the brand-new nonprofit, and will oversee the construction of the EPIcenter facility. Vassar is establishing, leading and conducting EPIcenter’s development operations and fundraising programs.
“Jill and I are thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary, history-making project and are already hard at work ‘flipping the switch,’” said Britton. “EPIcenter will cement San Antonio’s worldwide role in the new energy economy and reflects the culmination of our collective experience.”
Britton’s career in executive leadership, community relations, and fundraising has spanned the energy, government, fine arts, and health care industries. Prior to EPIcenter, Britton most recently served as the Director of Development for the San Antonio Museum of Art where she headed its fund development and membership operations resulting in doubled membership and more than $31 million raised. As the Director of Community Relations for the Barnett division of Chesapeake Energy, Britton led the company’s outreach activities in North Texas. Prior to Chesapeake she headed a hospital foundation in Fort Worth that she co-founded.
Britton is a founder of the Leadership San Antonio Alumni Association, a graduate of LSA Class 39, a former board member of the Cliburn Foundation and the City of Fort Worth Employee Retirement Fund. Ms. Britton graduated from Texas Christian University.
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. 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. Ms. Vassar graduated cum laude with a B.A. in economics from Wellesley College and is an alumna of Leadership San Antonio Class 25.
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.
