Heinz Endowments president leaving to join drilling company

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports the outgoing president of the Heinz Endowments*, Robert Vagt, is leaving to become board chairman for western Pennsylvania-based Rice Energy Inc.
Vagt announced he was leaving Heinz in October and has been criticized for his close ties to the gas industry.
From the Tribune Review:

Vagt is declining interview requests about the move, Heinz Endowments spokeswoman Carmen Lee said. The foundation doesn’t have any problems with him taking this post, despite the past criticism, she said. His last day is Jan. 24.
“His plans for the future don’t conflict with what he’s doing now,” Lee said. “He’s entitled to do what he wants to do in the future. So, no, there’s no concern.”
Vagt announced his resignation from The Heinz Endowments, the region’s second-biggest foundation, in October and is the fourth key executive to leave in the past year.
The foundation had been in turmoil because of wrangling within the family of ketchup heirs and outside criticism of its attempt to foster collaboration between shale gas drillers and environmental groups.

Vagt played a key role in the development of the Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD)– a coalition of foundations, environmental groups, and energy companies aimed at setting standards for natural gas development.
The Buffalo, New York-based Public Accountability Initiative has documented how the CSSD and Vagt are connected to the gas industry.
*A note of disclosure: StateImpact Pennsylvania receives funding from the Heinz Endowments

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