Will Manage Authority-Wide Operations, Optimize Outcomes by Promoting Operational Excellence, Efficiency and Effectiveness

October 29, 2025

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced Peter Costello was appointed Chief Operating Officer during its October Board meeting. In this role, Mr. Costello, who has served as the Authority’s General Counsel since 2019 and Secretary to the Authority since 2020, will continue to serve as part of NYSERDA’s executive leadership team, managing Authority-wide operations and optimizing outcomes by promoting operational excellence, efficiency and effectiveness.

Charles Bell, Acting Chair, NYSERDA Board said, “Over the years, Peter has served as an integral part of NYSERDA and NY Green Bank’s leadership and legal teams, as well as Secretary to the Authority, helping to formulate and implement strategy and policy to address some of the State's most critical energy challenges. Peter will carry his incredible experience with him into this new role to ensure seamless operations as we embark on the next 50 years of clean energy leadership and innovation.”

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “New York State is at a critical point as we plan for meeting future energy demands and challenges while prioritizing an energy system that is reliable, clean and affordable. We are thrilled to transition Peter’s undeniable skillset and experience into this new executive role. Peter will provide trusted direction and seasoned insight to help turn NYSERDA’s organizational strategy into day-to-day results, drive growth and stability and propel our mission forward while we accelerate our work across all sectors of the economy.”

As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Costello will oversee all Authority-wide operational functions including human resources, contract management, facilities, and information technology services. Under Mr. Costello’s leadership, the office of the COO will balance day-to-day operations alongside longer-term change initiatives to help position the Authority for continued success.

Peter Costello said, “It is truly an honor and a privilege to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer. Over the last 16 years, the various roles I have served in at NYSERDA and NY Green Bank inspire me to continue working alongside our exceptional, dedicated staff in this new capacity. I look forward to collaborating across every level of the organization, creating solutions that align our people, processes and strategic goals.

As General Counsel of NYSERDA, Mr. Costello has 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 a member of NYSERDA’s executive team, he also participates in formulating and implementing strategy and policy.

Mr. Costello will remain the Secretary to the Authority until a new General Counsel is appointed. NYSERDA’s Senior Deputy General Counsel, Janice Dean, will serve as Acting General Counsel in the interim.

Prior to his role as General Counsel, Mr. Costello served in progressively responsible roles at the Authority including as Managing Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at NY Green Bank, a division of NYSERDA, as well as Assistant Counsel, Senior Counsel and Associate Counsel for NYSERDA, where he offered comprehensive legal counsel to a variety of programs, and assisted with the development of NY Green Bank and NY-Best, and the operation of the state-owned 280-acre Saratoga Technology + Energy Park in Malta, NY.

Before his public service, Mr. Costello was Counsel at Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, LLP, where he represented clients in corporate and real estate matters, including acquisition and disposition, financing land use, taxation, leasing, entity formation, management and operation, merger, succession planning, technology transfer and software licensing.

He also was previously an attorney at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP and became a partner at its spin-off, Lowe, Fell, & Skogg, LLC, where he practiced corporate and real estate law, including acting as lead outside counsel for one of the U.S.’s big three manufacturer’s northeast regional real estate and dealer-related corporate operations and asset acquisitions.

Mr. Costello earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Law and Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from McGill University.

Mr. Costello’s headshot can be found on NYSERDA’s website.