The clean energy community will gather virtually this Wednesday evening, November 19, to honor a man whose leadership has helped reshape New York’s building sector from the ground up. Donovan Gordon, longtime Director of Clean Heating and Cooling at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), officially retired in October — but his impact on the geothermal and broader electrification movement is anything but past tense.

Hosted by NY-GEO and open to the public, the retirement webinar will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, featuring speakers from across the industry who have worked with or been inspired by Gordon throughout his career. Among them will be colleagues, advocates, and industry leaders who credit Gordon with helping elevate technologies that were once sidelined — particularly geothermal heat pumps and thermal energy networks.

"When Donovan started at NYSERDA, geothermal wasn’t considered a serious contender," one organizer noted. “Now, it’s at the center of New York’s decarbonization plans. That shift didn’t happen by accident — it happened because of his vision, persistence, and the way he brought others into the fold.”

Gordon joined NYSERDA during a time when electrification was still an emerging conversation. Over the past decade, he has become one of its most effective and vocal champions — not only helping to build internal capacity at the state level but also fostering a broader cultural shift in how the industry approaches heating and cooling. Under his leadership, NYSERDA expanded programs that prioritized neighborhood-scale solutions, including thermal energy networks, non-pipe alternatives, and equity-driven initiatives designed to ensure clean heating reached underserved communities.

In recent years, Gordon has also played a key role in shaping policy discussions around building decarbonization, supporting workforce development, and raising awareness of the long-term benefits of ground-source heat pump systems. His holistic approach — combining advocacy, technical knowledge, and strategic partnerships — has made him a respected and trusted figure across both public and private sectors.

As he steps away from his official duties, Wednesday’s event offers a chance for the industry to express its gratitude — and to celebrate the kind of quiet, steady leadership that so often goes unsung in the rush of innovation.

To RSVP and join the celebration, attendees can use this link or visit NY-GEO’s website and social media channels for more details. Be sure to follow along on social media, where NY-GEO will be sharing photos, reflections, and live updates during the event.

This is more than a farewell - it’s a well-earned standing ovation.