Dempsey brings a decade of experience leading public affairs, stakeholder engagement and community relations campaigns and programs. She most recently served as director at Brunswick Group, where she advised large data center and energy developers on strategic communications.

In May, Dempsey graduated from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies with a Master of International Public Policy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the College of Charleston.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Erin to the team. Her experience with diverse audiences and her passion for energy make her a great fit for MEA’s mission,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Kelly Speakes-Backman. “Erin’s addition compliments other strategic staffing changes within the agency to better serve the needs of all our stakeholders across policy and programs.”

Former senior adviser Ian Ullman has been promoted to deputy director of policy and government affairs, where he leads a team focused on legislative and regulatory strategies in line with MEA’s mission. Former chief of staff Jenn Aiosa has been promoted to deputy director and chief operating officer, leading a team focused on operational excellence across its programs, fiscal stewardship and strategic communications. Ms. Dempsey will report to Ms. Aiosa, beginning July 22.

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) promotes clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency, visit our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: Instagram | LinkedIn | X | Facebook.