Kate Ellis, Senior Policy Associate

Kate Ellis first joined Fresh Energy in 2008 to work on federal energy issues. In 2009, Kate moved to Fresh Energy’s Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency program as a senior policy associate to work on state and federal clean energy and energy efficiency issues.  Kate has worked in a variety of capacities for the Minnesota Farmer’s Union, Grassroots Solutions, Growth and Justice, Democratic GAIN, Paul Wellstone’s 2002 Senate Campaign, and the Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group. Her work is inspired by the interconnection of energy and the economy; specifically, using energy solutions to spur economic development, especially in rural areas. Kate comes from a beekeeping farm in western Minnesota and still enjoys helping out on the farm and making beeswax candles.  Kate double majored in Political Science and Women’s Studies at the University of Minnesota, Morris, and obtained a Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs with an emphasis on economic and community development.