RUMFORD — First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company,  has promoted Rumford native Joe “EJ” Martin to vice president of operations.

Since joining First Wind in 2007, Martin has held various operational positions at several of the company’s projects, and most recently served as regional operations manager-east for all of the company’s operating projects in the Northeast.

In his newly expanded role, he will be responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of all of First Wind’s operating projects in the Northeast, the West and in Hawaii.

“We are pleased to promote EJ, who has been a key member of our operations team for over five years,” said Michael Alvarez, president and chief financial officer of First Wind. “Given his successful track record, EJ is the right person to ensure the successful operations of our current operational capacity of 735 megawatts, including projects in Maine, Vermont, New York, Utah and Hawaii.”

Before joining First Wind, Martin served as chief engineer for Lindblad Expeditions based in Seattle, Wash., which partnered with National Geographic to do small eco-tourism trips all over the world. He also served as relief chief engineer for Hornbeck Offshore Services of Covington, La.

Martin graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in Castine with a bachelor of science degree in marine engineering technology and a Coast Guard license as a third assistant engineer of ocean-going vessels of unlimited horsepower. He graduated from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford.