As Governor he championed some of the nation’s most forward-looking renewable energy initiatives. He also previously served as president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable, advancing policies to strengthen the U.S. financial system.
“On behalf of the SEIA board, I am thrilled to welcome Tim Pawlenty as the next head of SEIA,” said SEIA board chair Scott Moskowitz of QCells. “Tim brings a proven track record of executive leadership, deep public policy expertise, and a clear understanding of the energy challenges facing our country. I am confident Tim will build strong coalitions to advance the growth of affordable, American-made solar and storage across the United States.”
SEIA is the national trade association for the U.S. solar and energy storage industry, representing companies across the value chain and driving policies that expand reliable, low-cost, American-made energy. The organization has played a central role in growing solar and storage into the fastest-growing energy sources in the country, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and billions of dollars in investments while strengthening American energy independence.
“I am honored to join SEIA at such a pivotal moment for our nation’s energy future,” said Pawlenty. “The sun is the safest, most natural, and largest nuclear reactor in the world, and it provides an abundant source of energy we should be using to its fullest potential. That’s why solar is one of the most effective tools we have to meet rising energy demand while lowering costs for families and businesses. At a time when affordability is front and center for Americans, expanding access to low-cost solar and storage can deliver real savings and strengthen our domestic energy supply. I look forward to working with SEIA’s members, policymakers, and partners to move that vision forward.”
Pawlenty will assume the role on June 15. Until then, Darren Van’t Hof will continue serving as interim president and CEO, providing steady leadership and ensuring a seamless transition for the organization and its members.
“On behalf of SEIA and myself, we are thrilled to welcome Tim to the organization,” said SEIA interim president and CEO Darren Van’t Hof. “I want to extend a special thanks to the search committee for their work throughout this process. We could not have found a better candidate for this role, and we’re excited to welcome Tim aboard.”
“Tim understands how to grow industries, build durable partnerships, and navigate periods of economic and political change. His leadership experience and ability to bring stakeholders together make him exceptionally well suited to lead SEIA and help position solar and storage for long-term success,” said Mike Arndt, CEO, Swift Current Energy.
“Tim’s background in government and leading large organizations with complex challenges stood out throughout the search process. He understands the importance of innovation, domestic manufacturing, and building a resilient energy economy, and I’m excited to see him lead SEIA into its next chapter," said Jessica Lawrence-Vaca, Chief Commercial Officer, Array Technologies.
