Carlos E. Avila

Carlos E. Avila joined the Environmental League of Massachusetts in October 2025 as Community Engagement Director. He leads efforts to strengthen relationships among communities, industries, and policymakers to advance the Commonwealth’s clean energy and environmental goals. His work bridges economic development and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the transition to a sustainable future is equitable, locally grounded, and informed by shared experiences.

Carlos brings nearly 20 years of experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. His career has focused on connecting traditional maritime industries with emerging opportunities in offshore wind and the blue economy. Before joining ELM, he served as Business Development Manager for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, where he expanded industry partnerships, supported workforce initiatives, and fostered collaboration between offshore wind developers, commercial fishing interests, and educational institutions.

Earlier in his career, Carlos held leadership roles at Bristol Community College. He directed career and technical training initiatives, helped establish three state-designated Early College programs in Fall River and New Bedford, and contributed to the launch of the National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI). He also served at Massachusetts Maritime Academy as Assistant Director of Admissions, overseeing safety and leadership programs while building partnerships in major domestic port cities and internationally in Panama.

A proud resident of New Bedford with strong ties to the South Coast, Carlos’ perspective is shaped by his coastal roots and deep connection to Massachusetts after relocating from Puerto Rico. A graduate of Beverly High School and former Salem resident, he brings a statewide lens to his work and a commitment to inclusive engagement from the North Shore to the South Coast and across New England.

Carlos holds a Master of Science in Facilities Management from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Springfield College. He also earned an Offshore Wind Professional Certificate from UMass Amherst and serves as Board Chair of the SouthCoast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.