MILWAUKEE — Forward Together Wisconsin (FTW) today announced that its founder and president, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, has stepped away from his role, effective immediately. FTW Executive Director Peter Drummond will assume all leadership duties as the organization continues the important work of fighting for a cleaner, more just future for all Wisconsinites.
Since its inception in 2023 with a mission to turbo-charge and leverage the trillions in new federal clean energy investments, FTW has emerged as a liaison, convener, and trusted validator among partner organizations and communities around the state. This work supports outreach, education, organizing, and technical assistance efforts that help ensure public funds are invested equitably and impactfully in communities fighting the climate crisis.
“We thank former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes for his leadership and his tireless commitment to making the sustainable attainable,” said Forward Together Wisconsin Executive Director Peter Drummond. “Just since last year, Forward Together Wisconsin has supported partners in seeking more than $20 million for efficiency and renewable projects and helped low-income homeowners unlock nearly one million dollars in energy efficiency rebates. Our staff, board, and partners are eager to continue this vital work so we can help our neighbors reduce their energy costs, invest in good-paying jobs that grow our clean energy economy, and ensure a cleaner, healthier, more just future for all Wisconsinites.”
“I’m grateful that Mandela Barnes recognized the need for an organization like Forward Together WIsconsin and am proud that this important non-partisan, non-political work will continue the forward momentum, because that is what this moment demands,” said FTW Board member Deniene Powell. “We know there has never been a better time to help families, small businesses, schools, congregations, and communities take control of their energy costs, while also strengthening our local economy.”
Forward Together Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) organization operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes including, but not limited to, conducting research on federal investments in Wisconsin, educating the general public on accessing said investments, and assisting the general public with technical and financial needs to access the federal funds.
