logo
PowerOptions Names Tina Bennett as Chief Executive Officer

PowerOptions Names Tina Bennett as Chief Executive Officer

Former Board Member Assumes Leadership Role Following Planned Transition
BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / PowerOptions, a leading energy procurement consortium for nonprofits and public entities in New England, today announced that Tina Bennett has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. The leadership transition concludes a carefully managed six-month process during which Bennett served as Chief Strategy Officer while working alongside outgoing CEO Heather Takle.
Bennett, a longtime PowerOptions Board Member and former Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, brings distinguished energy sector experience and a deep connection to PowerOptions' mission to her new leadership role.
'I am honoured to step into this role and continue the incredible work that has been built over the past five years under Heather's leadership,' said Tina Bennett, CEO of PowerOptions. 'PowerOptions' commitment to its Members-providing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions-will remain steadfast. As we build on this strong foundation, I look forward to expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits and public entities'
Bennett brings extensive leadership experience to her new role. As President and CEO of CMC Energy Services, she led the growth strategy that transitioned the company from regional to national operations. Previously, as President and COO of Conservation Services Group (acquired by CLEAResult), she oversaw tremendous advancement, building team capabilities to support innovation, growth, and improved service delivery. Her collaborative leadership style and ability to build strong stakeholder relationships have been key to her success throughout her career.
'Tina's deep understanding of PowerOptions and proven track record of scaling energy services organizations make her the ideal leader for PowerOptions next chapter,' said Janet Gail Besser, PowerOptions Board Chair. 'Her collaborative approach and commitment to our mission will ensure PowerOptions continues delivering exceptional value while expanding our impact.'
Under Bennett's leadership, PowerOptions will continue advancing its mission to reduce the cost, carbon, and complexity of energy for nonprofits and public entities. The organization's comprehensive services include electric and natural gas supply procurement, solar and battery storage procurement and project development, building decarbonization planning, project support, and compliance monitoring and reporting, fleet electrification, and advanced data analytics. PowerOptions has established itself as a leader in innovative programs, including its groundbreaking Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) program for wind and solar projects.
PowerOptions serves hundreds of Members throughout New England, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, municipalities and other public entities, religious organizations, and cultural institutions, helping them achieve significant energy cost savings while advancing sustainability goals.
About PowerOptions
PowerOptions is the leading energy procurement consortium for nonprofits and public entities, dedicated to reducing the cost, carbon, and complexity of energy for mission-driven organizations. As a certified woman-run nonprofit, PowerOptions helps Members achieve significant cost savings while advancing sustainability goals. For more information, visit poweroptions.org.
Contact InformationLiam Sullivan 617-755-1322
SOURCE: PowerOptions
press release
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jim Bennett tapped as interim R.I. commerce secretary
Jim Bennett tapped as interim R.I. commerce secretary

Boston Globe

timea day ago

  • Boston Globe

Jim Bennett tapped as interim R.I. commerce secretary

As Commerce secretary, Bennett is expected to work on deals to bring larger corporations and firms to Rhode Island, and is expected to focus on the continued redevelopment of the long-vacant 'Superman' building from office space to hundreds of apartments. (The developer is Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up While serving as president and CEO of Commerce, Bennett was credited for bringing Canton, Mass.-based Advertisement From 2011 to 2015, Bennett served as Providence's director of economic development. He also served on the board of directors of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority on and off from 1995 until he Advertisement Bennett has also worked in the private sector as the executive vice president of Bennett is the founder of Madison Components LLC, a New Hampshire-based distributor of electronic components and independent reseller of refurbished hardware that is now closed. He also founded Mitkem Corporation and Ceimic Corporation, both of which operate environmental testing labs; and investment banking firm Albert, Bennett & Co. The investment firm's registration with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority He was also candidate for state treasurer in 1998 and governor in 2002. He lost in the Bennett graduated from Brown University in 1979, where he played hockey. He was He is registered to vote in Narragansett, R.I., and owns property in Florida, according to a copy of his financial disclosure filed with the state, which was obtained by the Globe. Advertisement Bennett replaces Tanner focused on small businesses during her tenure, and was tasked with helping pull Rhode Island out of a post-pandemic slog, overseeing the development of the Prior to Tanner, focused on redeveloping Alexa Gagosz can be reached at

MIRA Reports Potent Inflammatory Pain Relief from Non-Psychoactive Marijuana Analog Mira-55 in Animal Model, Matching Morphine Without Opioid Risks
MIRA Reports Potent Inflammatory Pain Relief from Non-Psychoactive Marijuana Analog Mira-55 in Animal Model, Matching Morphine Without Opioid Risks

Miami Herald

timea day ago

  • Miami Herald

MIRA Reports Potent Inflammatory Pain Relief from Non-Psychoactive Marijuana Analog Mira-55 in Animal Model, Matching Morphine Without Opioid Risks

With Mira-55 and Ketamir-2, MIRA is advancing complementary non-opioid therapies for two of the largest pain markets MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / July 3, 2025 / MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRA) ("MIRA" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for neurologic, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders, today announced positive preclinical data demonstrating that Mira-55, the Company's proprietary non-psychotropic marijuana analog, delivered morphine-comparable pain relief in a validated model of inflammatory pain-without causing local inflammation. Mira-55 is a next-generation analog of marijuana, engineered to selectively activate CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are associated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Unlike THC, Mira-55 minimizes activation of CB1 receptors, reducing the risk of euphoria, sedation, and pro-inflammatory side effects. "These results reinforce the value of Mira-55 as a differentiated cannabinoid-based therapy with real clinical potential," said Erez Aminov, Chairman and CEO of MIRA. "We believe the drug's ability to match morphine's pain relief-without the baggage of addiction, sedation, or THC-like effects-makes Mira-55 an ideal candidate for large, underserved inflammatory pain markets. It's another step in building a non-opioid pain franchise that addresses both inflammatory and neuropathic pain." Study Overview and Key Findings Mira-55 was tested using the formalin model, a gold-standard preclinical method for studying inflammatory pain. In this model, formalin is injected into the rat's paw, producing a pain response that mimics human inflammatory pain. Pain sensitivity was assessed using Von Frey Filament testing, which measures tactile pain thresholds, and inflammation was measured by paw edema volume. Key findings: Mira-55 reduced pain sensitivity by approximately threefold, restoring thresholds to near-baseline analgesic effect was equivalent to morphine, the standard opioid comparator in the sedation or inflammatory swelling was observed with Mira-55 treatment. Importantly, following a scientific review, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determined that Mira-55 is not classified as a controlled substance. This designation supports the compound's long-term clinical and commercial viability and removes key barriers typically associated with cannabinoid-based drug development. These results build on prior data from a separate inflammatory pain model conducted by a leading U.S. academic research center, where Mira-55 blocked both thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia without increasing inflammation. In contrast, low-dose THC in that model exacerbated inflammation-further validating Mira-55's selective pharmacological profile. "Mira-55 offers the pain-relieving potential of cannabinoids without the liabilities traditionally seen in THC-based drugs," said Dr. Itzchak Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor at MIRA. "Its novel structure and unique profile with CB2 selectivity and non-scheduled DEA status make it a compelling candidate for treating inflammation-driven pain conditions that are poorly managed by today's standards." Strategic Fit Within MIRA's Pain Portfolio Mira-55 complements Ketamir-2, MIRA's clinical-stage NMDA receptor antagonist, which is advancing through Phase 1 development for neuropathic pain. While Ketamir-2 addresses nerve-related pain through central mechanisms, Mira-55 targets inflammatory pain through the endocannabinoid system. Together, they represent two mechanistically distinct, non-opioid approaches to treating chronic pain. "With Mira-55 and Ketamir-2, we now have two highly differentiated drug candidates with the potential to transform how inflammatory and neuropathic conditions are treated," added Aminov. "We're advancing each asset methodically, and we're energized by the momentum we've built across the pipeline." Corporate Update on SKNY Merger MIRA also announced continued progress on its previously disclosed acquisition of SKNY Pharmaceuticals, the developer of SKNY-1, a novel investigational therapy targeting both obesity and nicotine addiction. In recent studies, SKNY-1 demonstrated a 30% reduction in body weight without muscle loss, along with a reversal of nicotine cravings-highlighting its potential as a differentiated treatment in two major markets. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has completed its review of the merger proxy with no comments, allowing MIRA to proceed with shareholder approval and the final steps toward completing the transaction. "We are pleased to report that the SEC had no comments on our merger filing, which reflects the quality of our regulatory and business preparation," said Aminov. "This milestone allows us to advance toward shareholder approval with clarity and confidence as we prepare for the next phase of growth." Next Steps MIRA Pharmaceuticals is advancing Mira-55 toward an Investigational New Drug (IND) submission, with ongoing activities supporting future clinical development in inflammatory pain. The Company remains focused on progressing both lead programs-Mira-55 and Ketamir-2-toward their next regulatory and clinical milestones. About MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRA) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for neurologic, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders. The Company's pipeline includes oral drug candidates designed to address significant unmet medical needs in areas such as neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, obesity, addiction, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release and the statements of MIRA's management related thereto contain "forward-looking statements," which are statements other than historical facts made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be identified by words such as "aims," "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goal," "intends," "may," "plans," "possible," "potential," "seeks," "will," and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed forward-looking. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on MIRA's current expectations, estimates, and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond MIRA's control) that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including related to MIRA's potential merger with SKNY Pharmaceuticals, Inc. These and other risks concerning MIRA's programs and operations are described in additional detail in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Form 14A filed by MIRA on June 18, 2025, and other SEC filings, which are on file with the SEC at and on MIRA's website at MIRA explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law. Contact:Helga Moyainfo@ 432-9792 SOURCE: MIRA Pharmaceuticals

CMG Financial's Courtney Thompson and Susan Walker Named 2025 HousingWire Women of Influence
CMG Financial's Courtney Thompson and Susan Walker Named 2025 HousingWire Women of Influence

Miami Herald

timea day ago

  • Miami Herald

CMG Financial's Courtney Thompson and Susan Walker Named 2025 HousingWire Women of Influence

SAN RAMON, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / CMG Financial, one of the nation's top mortgage lenders, is proud to announce that two of its Executive Vice Presidents, Courtney Thompson and Susan Walker, have been named to HousingWire's 2025 Women of Influence list. This prestigious award honors women in housing who are making notable contributions to both their organizations and the industry at large. With their innovative thinking, leadership, and vision for the future, Courtney and Susan exemplify what it means to lead with impact. "This year's honorees include mentors, innovators, and community leaders," wrote Lesley Collins, HousingWire Editor's Choice Awards Program Manager. "Many are paving the way for future generations through mentorship, volunteer initiatives, and by serving on boards that influence key industry practices. Collectively, their efforts are shaping not only their companies but also the communities they serve and the future of housing itself." Courtney Thompson, EVP of Servicing at CMG, has spent the past year tackling one of the biggest challenges in mortgage servicing: building a modern, borrower-first platform from the ground up. Tasked with developing a fully in-house servicing solution, she's led a bold effort to move beyond outdated legacy systems and create something built for today's consumer. Under her leadership, the platform has taken shape as a fully connected ecosystem-one that keeps loan officers involved post-close, gives borrowers access to personalized tools and insights, and reshapes how homeowners interact with their loans. It's not just a tech project-it's a reinvention of the servicing experience, and it's already drawing attention across the industry. Susan Walker, EVP of Corporate Efficiency at CMG, has spent the past year acting as the voice of the loan officer, translating feedback from top performers into meaningful enhancements to CMG's core platforms, CLEAR and Byte. By embedding herself directly with Product and Technology teams, she helped identify workflow inefficiencies and delivered rapid-fire improvements that drove adoption, boosted morale, and aided in bolstering these systems into competitive strengths. Her impact earned her a seat on the Executive Management Team, where she now oversees Post Closing, Vendor Management, and Product. In this new role, she continues to lead with the same hands-on, cross-functional approach, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and identifying upstream efficiency and alignment opportunities. Her results speak volumes: a West Division that topped $3B in volume, over 100 strategic hires, and a culture that now embraces technology more than ever before. Susan's work isn't just about optimizing systems, it's about building a smarter, more resilient CMG. "Courtney and Susan are both exceptional leaders and trusted partners who bring passion, clarity, and a deep sense of responsibility to everything they do," said Paul Akinmade, Chief Strategy Officer at CMG Financial. "They care deeply about their work, their teams, and the future of this company. What stands out is how they bring people together to drive meaningful change, from the first moments of origination all the way through to servicing." CMG congratulates both honorees and thanks HousingWire for recognizing the leadership, excellence, and trailblazing impact of women across housing finance. To read their full Women of Influence profiles, click here. About CMG CMG Mortgage, Inc. NMLS ID# 1820 ( ) is a well-capitalized mortgage lender founded in 1993. Founder and CEO, Christopher M. George, was Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2019. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels including retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG currently operates in all states, including the District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. CMG is widely known throughout the mortgage banking and housing markets for responsible lending practices, industry and consumer advocacy, product innovation, and operational efficiency. About HousingWire HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets, boasting a readership that spans lending, servicing, investments, and real estate market participants, as well as financial market professionals. With over 10 million annual unique visitors, HousingWire is the community for mortgage and housing professionals to engage and connect. Industry decision-makers rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Media Contact Annaugh MadsenPhone: (667) 260-6360Email: amadsen@ SOURCE: CMG Financial press release

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store