The Solar Foundation Welcomes Two Renowned Solar Champions as Directors

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The Solar Foundation (TSF), the leading national nonprofit research and education organization, today announced the addition of two accomplished leaders in the clean energy sector to its Board of Directors: Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power and Heather Zichal, former Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.

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"It's an honor to welcome Heather and Mary to The Solar Foundation," said Tom Kimbis, Chair of the TSF Board of Directors. "Their leadership and knowledge in energy markets and policy dynamics are the perfect complement to our research and education efforts."

"These incredible women bring unique and valuable perspectives, further deepening our capabilities as the nation's leading solar nonprofit," said Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director of The Solar Foundation.

"I'm proud to join The Solar Foundation's board and look forward to furthering their great work to expand solar energy innovation nationwide," said Mary Powell. "Solar is a critical component to Green Mountain Power's commitment to becoming Vermont's Energy Company of the Future, and I'm glad to be part of TSF's mission of increasing understanding of the importance of solar as part of a vibrant energy future." 

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join TSF's board and look forward to working with this distinguished organization to help further their important mission of increased deployment of solar power in our communities and across our country," said Heather Zichal.

Since 2008, Ms. Powell has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Vermont's Green Mountain Power. During her tenure, she initiated and has overseen a strategic structural and cultural transformation of the company, dramatically improving the quality of its customer service and cementing its mission of becoming an energy company of the future, using innovation and clean energy to deliver value to customers. Ms. Zichal serves as an independent energy consultant, providing strategic advice to national and international clients, and is a Distinguished Fellow with the Atlantic Council. Most recently she served as the Deputy Assistant to President Obama for Energy and Climate Change. As the administration's chief architect on energy policy, Ms. Zichal helped to shape and execute many of the President's top energy and climate priorities, from the establishment of new fuel economy standards to supporting clean energy adoption throughout the country.  Prior to joining the Administration, Ms. Zichal served as a Legislative Director to then-Senator John Kerry and assisted in crafting President Obama's energy platform during the 2008 campaign.

About The Solar Foundation:

The Solar Foundation® (TSF) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to increase understanding of solar energy through strategic research that educates the public and transforms markets. Since 2010, TSF has published its annual National Solar Jobs Census, which established the first credible solar jobs base line for the U.S. The Solar Foundation is considered the nation's authority on the solar workforce and advises many organizations on the topic. TSF is the leading nonprofit technical assistance provider for local governments through its work with the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition, TSF chairs the National Solar Schools Consortium, a group of stakeholders seeking to make solar a larger part of the national K-12 system. Learn more about us at www.TheSolarFoundation.org

Media Contact: Andrea Luecke, The Solar Foundation, 202-469-3732, [email protected]

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SOURCE The Solar Foundation