For more than three decades, Fresh Energy has created and advanced state-based laws, policies, and regulations that prioritize clean energy and climate solutions. As a mission-driven organization committed to taking on one of society’s biggest challenges, we have deep respect and appreciation for others who are also striving to make the world a better place.
It’s with that same respect and appreciation that we are wishing Fresh Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Brenda Cassellius well in her decision to resign from her role at Fresh Energy to pursue her calling to the education sector. Brenda’s last day with Fresh Energy will be January 31, 2025.
As Chief Executive Officer, Brenda played an important role in helping guide Fresh Energy through a period of transition after the retirement of founding Executive Director Michael Noble in 2023.
“Brenda’s leadership ensured the organization maintained and grew its strong financial position, recruited diverse new board members, and established a model of distributed leadership with the Executive Leadership Team,” said Fresh Energy Board Chair Ellen Palmer. “Most crucially, Brenda shepherded the organization through the creation and launch of its five-year strategic plan, ‘Vision 2030: Fresh Energy’s Strategic Framework,’ which creates a clear roadmap for the organization over the next five years.”
While Brenda’s choice to leave Fresh Energy is difficult, she leaves the organization in a strong, secure, and future-focused position with the Executive Leadership Team consisting of Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Justin Fay, Allen Gleckner, Mat Larson Krisetya, Julia Olmstead, and Jo Olson — individuals who have and will continue to lead Fresh Energy’s programmatic and organizational progress.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to lead this remarkable organization for nearly two years and to guide its successful transition,” said Dr. Brenda Cassellius. “I am immensely proud of our talented, dedicated staff and confident that the strong foundation we’ve built together — with our team, supporters, and Board — will launch Fresh Energy into an exciting new chapter guided by the five-year strategic plan. This experience has deepened my understanding of climate protection, and I look forward to applying that knowledge to champion solutions in our nation’s schools as I return to serving children and families.”
Fresh Energy has contracted with Sarah Clark of Clark Squared LLC to act as Interim Chief Executive Officer over the coming months. A Fresh Energy staff leader from 2013-2022, including in the role of Deputy Executive Director, Sarah also served as the organization’s strategic planning consultant in 2024. Sarah’s long history with Fresh Energy, close relationships with staff, and commitment to our mission will ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.
Fresh Energy’s Board of Directors will begin a search for a new Chief Executive Officer swiftly and in consultation with Fresh Energy staff and stakeholders. The board’s goal is to have a permanent CEO in place this Spring — an exciting time for the future of Fresh Energy as we launch Vision 2030 and keep up our unwavering work decarbonizing our economy.
Policy change is woven into Fresh Energy’s organizational DNA, and we will continue creating and advancing the state-based energy and climate laws, policies, and regulations you’ve come to expect from us in our 30-year history. Fresh Energy’s smart, talented, and committed team may change year to year, but the legacy of excellence lives on in each Fresh Energy team member past and present.