Vote Solar Announces the Appointment of Three Clean Energy Leaders to its Board of Directors
Stephanie Speirs, Tarak Shah, and Curtis Seymour join Vote Solar’s Board of Directors at the National Solar Advocacy Nonprofit
OAKLAND, CA (July 7, 2023) – Vote Solar, a leading solar and energy justice advocacy nonprofit in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Steph Speirs, Tarak Shah and Curtis Seymour to its Board of Directors. Together, the new board members reflect over five decades of clean energy and climate expertise, and bring different backgrounds, knowledge and experiences that uniquely align with how Vote Solar works towards a 100% clean energy future.
“The next decade will be absolutely crucial for climate justice and equitable clean energy deployment, and Vote Solar will have a crucial role to play,” said Vote Solar Board Chair Zaid Ashai. “With the addition of Tarak, Steph and Curtis, the organization is well-positioned to drive meaningful change. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in this next phase of growth.”
Steph Speirs is the co-founder and CEO at Solstice, an enterprise dedicated to radically expanding the number of American households that can take advantage of clean energy using community-shared solar farms. Solstice’s mission of bringing affordable clean energy within reach for every American is consistent with Vote Solar’s focus on centering access and equity in the clean energy transition.
“Vote Solar’s ability to build enduring clean energy solutions with people at its core aligns strongly with my values and experience of witnessing the transformative power of solar energy in communities across the country,” said Speirs. “I look forward to working with Vote Solar to advocate for just and equitable clean energy policies that will benefit all Americans.”
Tarak Shah, is the former Chief of Staff for the Department of Energy (DOE), where he designed and implemented policies that have accelerated clean energy solutions and formed core portions of U.S. global climate commitments. In addition, Shah is the first person of color, first Indian-American, and first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the position. Shah’s deep expertise in the design and implementation of federal clean energy policy will be vital to Vote Solar, as the organization works across the country to help states effectively implement unprecedented federal funding from the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
“The IRA is an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the equitable deployment of solar and other distributed energy resources, yet how effective all this spending will be in actually decarbonizing our economy is largely up to the states” said Shah. “This makes Vote Solar’s state level work and expertise both more necessary and more powerful. I look forward to supporting the organization’s critical efforts to unlock the benefits of this historic legislation for all.”
Curtis Seymour currently serves as co-founder and partner at AC strategies, a strategic advisory firm that helps foundation, nonprofit, and start-up clients implement clean energy and climate policy strategies across the U.S. An expert in navigating and breaking down policy and regulatory barriers to accelerating clean energy markets, Seymour’s comprehensive understanding of energy regulation and market drivers will build on Vote Solar’s leading-edge technical expertise.
“Vote Solar occupies a unique and vital space in the clean energy ecosystem,” said Seymour. “Their proven ability to provide data-driven advocacy and testimony to support solar as a key element of our clean energy future is an excellent fit for my own areas of expertise. I am excited to work with Vote Solar’s exceptional team as they continue to build enduring legislative and regulatory solutions to our biggest collective challenges.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Steph, Tarak and Curtis to our Board,” said Sachu Constantine, Executive Director of Vote Solar. “Each brings a unique set of skills and an impressive track record of advancing clean energy solutions that will be invaluable to Vote Solar as we continue to expand access to solar and clean energy across the country. I’m excited to work together towards our mission of realizing a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people first approach.”
Vote Solar’s Board of Directors plays a critical role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and expanding its impact. The Board is committed to the long-term sustainability of Vote Solar’s well-being and success. By charter, the Vote Solar Board is charged with hiring and overseeing the Executive Director, and performing a fiduciary oversight role to ensure the organization is effectively pursuing its mission and vision, is fiscally healthy, and in compliance with relevant legal requirements.
###
About Vote Solar
Founded in 2001, Vote Solar’s mission is to realize a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people-first approach. A 501(c)3 nonprofit with more than 94,000 members nationwide, Vote Solar advances just and equitable clean energy policy at the state level. By identifying and accelerating solar solutions in legislatures and public utility commissions in over 20 states, Vote Solar works to combat the climate crisis, lower energy costs for ratepayers, reduce harmful pollution, and build a brighter, cleaner, more equitable future.
Learn more at www.votesolar.org.
Media Contact:
Ayesha Herian
ayesha@votesolar.org