Peter Costello

Peter Costello was named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in October 2025.

In this position, Mr. Costello oversees all Authority-wide operational functions including human resources, facilities, contract management, and information technology services. Under Mr. Costello’s leadership, the office of the COO seeks to optimize outcomes by promoting operational excellence, efficiency and effectiveness and balances day to day operations alongside longer-term initiatives to help position the Authority for continued success.

Work History

Mr. Costello joined NYSERDA in February 2009, serving in progressively responsible roles in the Authority’s Counsel’s Office as well as leading NY Green Bank’s Legal & Regulatory Department. Immediately prior to his current role as COO, he served for over six years as the Authority’s General Counsel and Secretary to the Authority. As General Counsel, Mr. Costello served as the Chief Legal Officer for the Authority, responsible for the overall direction and supervision of NYSERDA’s legal department and all legal matters concerning the Authority, including advice and counsel on laws, rules, and regulations governing clean energy development and operations. As Secretary to the Authority, he coordinated and managed all matters related to meetings of the Authority’s Board of Directors and communications with Board Members related to such matters. From January of 2015 to October of 2019, Mr. Costello served as Managing Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for NY Green Bank where his responsibilities included providing legal advice and counsel with respect to strategic initiatives, operations, transactions, regulatory issues, and general corporate affairs.

Prior to joining NYSERDA, Mr. Costello worked in a transactional capacity at private law firms, including LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP and its spin-off Lowe, Fell & Skogg, LLC, where he became a partner. In private practice, Mr. Costello focused on various corporate and real estate matters, including merger, acquisition, and disposition; financing; land use and development; leasing; entity formation, management, and operation; and technology transfer and software licensing. He also served as outside counsel for one of the U.S.’s Big Three auto manufacturer’s regional real estate and dealership development operations.

Education

Mr. Costello has a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law.