Welcome back and Happy New Year, Solar Warrior!
If you’re in the solar or energy storage industry, then today’s guest will be no stranger to you. I hope I do justice to making this useful and interesting, as she’s shared most of her thoughts and plans with us in a variety of forums.
Abigail Ross Hopper became the first female President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in January 2017 just as the Obama-era solar boom was being handed off to the Trump administration. Abby has been dubbed the most important woman in solar by the media, and it’s true she carries an immensely important role.
Before joining SEIA, Abby was the Director of the Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, where she led the agency that oversaw the leasing and development of all offshore energy, from oil and natural gas to offshore wind.
She served formerly as the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), serving as acting beginning in 2012, and then as Director starting in June 2013. She also served concurrently as Energy Advisor to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley since 2010. In those roles, she had significant engagement with the state’s electric distribution utilities on matters ranging from resiliency and reliability of the grid to multiple mergers of the state’s utilities.
Abby previously spent over two years as Deputy General Counsel with the Maryland Public Service Commission. Before embarking on a career in public service, Abby spent nine years in private practice.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the show, as that will ensure you won’t miss out on our twice-weekly content just like this. Of course, you can always check out the more than 330 additional founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
I’m super excited to announce that On January 20th we’re going to be hosting a not-to-miss event for the Clean Energy industry. Clean Energy for Biden (CE4B) is excited to invite you to the Clean Energy for America Inaugural Ball, a virtual celebration of our achievements in the 2020 election. This celebration is in gratitude for all of your hard work in electing President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris to fight for a clean energy future. Join us for this exciting first-ever event that will bring together industry leaders, clean-energy advocates, and exciting guests for an evening of celebration. Click HERE for more information.
Resources
Connect with Abby on LinkedIn and Twitter
Check out the work of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on LinkedIn, Twitter, and their website.
Solar Industry Outlines a Policy Agenda for the Biden Administration, 117th Congress
Department of Energy Announces Equity in Energy Ambassadors and Champions
Books mentioned
Love Warrior: A Memoire - Glennon Doyle
Around the Corner to Around the World: A Dozen Lessons I Learned Running Dunkin Donuts