MachH2 CEO Accepts Synergy Award from Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST); Hydrogen Hub is Recognized for Advancing Women in STEM
Dr. Dorothy Davidson (center) receiving the Synergy Award alongside Elizabeth Kocs (left) and Holly Coghill (right).
Dr. Davidson and a cohort of women leaders of MachH2 are changing the landscape of clean hydrogen and the energy sector, creating opportunities for women in an historically male-dominated field.
CHICAGO (May 3, 2024) — The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) has been recognized by the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST) for promoting women in STEM and its leadership in changing the landscape of the energy sector, an historically male-dominated field. At a ceremony last night at C2ST’s annual Science in the City Gala, Dr. Dorothy Davidson, CEO of MachH2, accepted the esteemed Synergy Award, which celebrates individuals whose innovative contributions drive progress at the intersection of science, technology, and society. Davidson is an accomplished and innovative senior executive well known for her success in developing and implementing successful growth strategies in the U.S. nuclear energy industry.
In addition to Davidson serving as its chief executive officer, MachH2 is led by a strong cohort of women, including Colleen Wright, Chief Strategy Officer; Dr. Elizabeth Kocs, Equity Justice Officer; Jennifer Dunn, Chief Decarbonization Officer; and Holly Coghill, President and CEO of The Document Laboratory, a woman-owned small business subcontractor to MachH2. Four of the six members of the leadership team in MachH2 are women.
“We are honored to receive this award. There is no way this happens without collaboration, and we are working together with more than 75 institutions in the region, including many who are here tonight,” said Dr. Davidson. “We really are breaking new ground and we look forward to making the Midwest the leader in clean energy.”
“The MachH2 hub will produce tens of thousands of metric tons of hydrogen per year, with plans to grow over time as it develops a clean hydrogen economy,” said Jay Walsh, Board Chair of C2ST, who presented the award. “Its partners have a shared commitment to a positive climate impact and decarbonization, safety, training, and workforce development. This includes a specific focus on historically disadvantaged communities.”
In October, MachH2 was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) to develop an H2Hub and is currently in contract negotiations. Under Davidson’s guidance, the organization has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives to accelerate the production and adoption of clean hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel source. MachH2 will deliver significant regional benefits including high-quality jobs, improved air quality, public health improvements, and economic development.
C2ST honors outstanding organizations and individuals who have had a great impact in the Chicagoland STEM ecosystem. More information about its Science in the City gala can be viewed here and past awardees can be viewed here.
About MachH2: MachH2 is a multi-state coalition of public and private entities representing every phase in the hydrogen value chain. The alliance includes a cross section of carbon-free and low-carbon energy producers, clean energy developers, hydrogen technology providers, utilities, major manufacturers, and leading hydrogen technology development and deployment institutions. MachH2 was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) to develop a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (H2Hub) in October of 2023. Learn more at MachH2.com.
About The Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST): The Chicago Council on Science and Technology’s (C2ST) is a non-profit raising awareness about science & tech issues crucial to our community through free/low-cost events in Chicago. It aims to reignite an excitement and passion for science and technology by collaborating with national laboratories, leading academic institutions, and museums. C2ST advocates for the scientific community and provides opportunities for public learning and discussions in the Chicagoland area.