The Center for Energy and Environment, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that promotes clean energy and conservation, said Thursday that it has hired a new president to replace its founder and longtime leader who is retiring.

The nonprofit's new leader will be Christopher Duffrin, currently executive director of Neighborhood Energy Connection, a St. Paul-based nonprofit focused on community energy efficiency, the center said in a statement.

He will begin on March 1, overlapping briefly with Sheldon Strom, who will retire later this spring, the statement said.

While leading the neighborhood energy group, Duffrin increased its budget, hired additional staff and expanded programs.

It offers energy audits, home loans, car-sharing and other services.

The Center for Energy and Environment has for 35 years offered a range of programs to help Minnesota homeowners, businesses, nonprofits and governments reduce energy waste and save money.