The Alliance to Save Energy announced Friday that president Kateri Callahan is stepping down after 14 years. The organization has launched a national search for her replacement.

Callahan will leave the organization March 31 for a yet-to-be-announced, private-sector position in the efficiency field.

“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to lead the Alliance for more than a decade of its storied, 40-year history,” said Callahan. “The Alliance’s compelling mission of advancing energy efficiency has allowed me the opportunity to work with the world’s leading policy, business and civil society ‘thinkers and doers’ to create a sustainable energy future for not just our country, but also the world. And, working together, we have amassed a track record of success of which I am very proud. While I am leaving to take advantage of a new professional opportunity, I also believe the time is right for new leadership and ‘fresh ideas’ as the Alliance begins the next chapter in its history.”

Callahan has been recognized by The Hill newspaper for five consecutive years as one of Washington D.C.’s “Top Lobbyists.” Her accomplishments include helping to win major energy-efficiency provisions in the last two comprehensive energy bills as well as securing significant federal investment in energy efficiency in the economic stimulus bill of 2009; the creation of a regional energy efficiency organization, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) and the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE); and establishment of an international conference, EE Global.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the Alliance’s honorary board chair, thanked Callahan for her leadership.

“If you know Kateri, you know she is an incredibly effective, energetic and passionate champion for energy efficiency,” Shaheen said. “Since my arrival in the Senate, she and I have worked shoulder-to-shoulder to drive energy efficiency policies that can help the people of New Hampshire along with Americans across the country. Importantly, the commitment of the Board and the legacy she leaves make it certain that her successor and the organization are poised for success going into the new year and the new decade.”

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), a member and former chair of the Alliance’s honorary board, also praised Callahan.

“Kateri has been a tireless champion for energy efficiency efforts not only in the U.S., but around the world,” Warner said. “While I am sorry to see her leave the Alliance, I am truly grateful for her 15 years of service and wish her all the best moving forward.”

Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is a nonprofit, bipartisan alliance of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders working to expand the economy while using less energy.